Cuba Travel Guide
Christopher Columbus discovered Cuba on his way back to Spain after his second voyage to the New World in 1492 and was the first European to remark on its beauty. Cuba is so large that it allegedly confused Columbus, who thought he had discovered a continent and not an island. It sits at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico; the main island is 746 miles (1,200km) long with an irregular coastline that offers hundreds of lovely bays and beaches.
Today, Cuba is starting to really exploit its glorious attractions, welcoming droves of travellers keen to explore this once mysterious island. The years of political isolation post-revolution have largely protected Cuba from mass tourism; the main towns and villages retain a crumbling colonial charm and are generally devoid of the large resorts that blight some of its neighbouring islands.
With its turbulent history and great offering of natural attractions, Cuba ticks all the boxes for an adventurous Caribbean getaway. Most visitors agree that Cuba is a country so individual and extraordinary that to be truly understood and appreciated it has to be experienced in person.
Playas del Este
Address: Ave Las Terrazas e/11 y 12, La Habana del Este Havana
Twenty-five minutes east of Havana are the Playas del Este, a
chain of sandy beaches stretching for six miles (10km) between
Bacuranao and Guanabo. On the weekends, they are generally packed
with Cubans escaping the city.
There are a few tourist hotels lining the coast, but other than
that facilities are limited. For those who need an escape from the
city the beaches make a good day trip; however, those expecting
pristine tropical island beaches might be disappointed. The ocean
is still unbelievably inviting, with clear, warm turquoise water,
but the beaches themselves tend to suffer from all the rubbish left
by the crowds.
During the week the beaches are much quieter and cleaner so that
is the time to go if you want a solitary, peaceful experience.
There are a number of pristine 'tourist' beaches in Cuba but the
Playas del Este are fun because they offer a more genuine
experience of the festive Cuban beach lifestyle; if you want to mix
with locals and enjoy people watching then this is the perfect
place to park your towel. There are usually lots of vendors selling
food and beer at reasonable prices on these beaches and people are
generally very friendly.
Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City)
Address: Calle Tacón, Plaza de Armas, Habana Vieja Havana
Built in 1791, the stately Baroque residence of Cuba's colonial
governors and former Presidential Palace, the Palace of the
Captains General, stands as an impressive sight on the Plaza de
Armas and is now the repository for the city's primary museum
collections. The building itself is truly wonderful, with a central
courtyard containing a white marble statue of Christopher Columbus.
It has been beautifully restored and by itself justifies the
entrance fee.
The museum's displays and exhibits tell the tale of Havana, from
its founding to the present day, including rooms devoted to the
Cuban wars for national independence. The colourful Hall of Flags
contains the original Cuban flag, as well as a number of others
used by the Spanish colonial government. There are also exhibits
relating to archaeology, folklore and weaponry, and an art
collection that includes porcelain, paintings and furniture of
historic value and great beauty.
The treasures are varied and interesting but a guided tour does
help supplement the labels which are not comprehensive. Visitors
should note that there have been reports of the museum attendants
trying to hustle tourists out of money by offering to take photos
for them, so be aware that they may approach you.
Cigar Factories
Address: Partagas Factory: Calle Industria 520, Centro Habana Havana
Even non-smokers have to agree that a visit to Cuba would not be
complete without investigating the island's most famous export:
cigars. The art of cigar-making in Cuba is old and a source of
national pride. The three main factories in Havana offer tours for
visitors to see how the cigars are still rolled by hand.
In the oldest factory, Partagas, founded in 1827, a reader is
traditionally employed to keep workers entertained while they
fashion the famous cigars; apparently this is the reason some of
the famous cigars are named after literary characters. Tours run
every 20-30 minutes, depending on what language you want to be
guided in. A tour lasts about 45 minutes.
Havana's other cigar factories are La Corona and the
lesser-visited Romeo y Julieta. There are shops attached to the
factories where cigars can be purchased. Visitors are advised not
to buy cigars from people off the street, as these are usually
rolled banana leaves fashioned into cigar look-alikes and the
sellers are persistent hustlers. Los Cohiba Esplendidos are
supposed to be the best cigars in Cuba, formerly only available to
Fidel Castro.
Plaza de la Revolución
Address: Havana
The Plaza de la Revolucion is a famous landmark in Havana. The
gigantic square, which is dominated by the imposing José Martí
Memorial, has provided the setting for numerous political rallies,
and the podium in front of the memorial is where important
political figures, like Fidel Castro, have addressed more than a
million Cubans on important occasions, such as 1 May and 26 July
each year.
At the foot of the memorial is a museum dedicated to José Martí,
a national hero who would most likely have become Cuba's first
president had he survived the Second War of Independence in 1895.
It is possible to take the elevator to the top of the 138-foot
(42m) memorial, the highest structure in the city, to see some
great views of Havana and get some photographs. Located behind the
memorial are the closely guarded offices of Castro.
Opposite the memorial, on the far side of the square, is the
much-photographed Che Guevara image with the slogan
(Forever Onwards Towards Victory),
that identifies the Ministry of the Interior building. The square
is worth a visit if for no other reason than the important role it
has played in Cuban history.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Address: Corner of Calle Trocadero (between Calles Zulueta and Monserrate) and Calle San Rafael (between Calles Zulueta and Monserrate) Havana
The Bellas Artes Museum was founded in 1913 and is now split
into two buildings, both architecturally interesting and
impressive, housing International and Cuban art respectively. Both
fine art collections are worthy of detailed exploration and should
delight any visitor interested in art.
The Colección de Arte Universal covers everything from ancient
Greek artefacts and Latin American pieces to art by French, Dutch
and Italian painters, and includes work by masters such as
Gainsborough, Goya and Rubens. The Colección de Arte Cubano is also
outstanding and covers works from the 16th to the 20th centuries by
prominent Cuban artists.
The Cuban galleries have rooms dedicated to religion, landscape,
portraits and scenes from Cuban life. Of course, the hyperrealism
of the revolution and post-revolution years is also prominent and
this has probably become the style of art most associated with
modern Cuba. Famous paintings in the contemporary section include
Gitana Tropical by Victor Manuel Garcia (the 'Cuban Mona Lisa') and
El Rapto de las Mulatas by Carlos Enriquez.
Museo de la Revolución
Address: Calle Refugio, between Calle Agramonte and Av de las Misiones, Centro Habana Havana
Formerly the Presidential Palace and headquarters of the Cuban
government, this impressive building now houses documents,
photographs and artefacts pertaining to the Cuban Revolution. The
museum provides an excellent introduction to Cuba's historical
struggle for independence - there are even blood-stained and
bullet-riddled uniforms on display!
Prepare to spend a few hours wandering from room to room as the
story unfolds, from Spanish colonial times to the present day. In
front of the museum entrance stands a watchtower that was part of
the old city walls, as well as a tank used by Fidel Castro during
the battle of the Bay of Pigs in 1961. Behind the museum is the
glass-encased yacht, the 'Granma', which brought 82
revolutionaries, including Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, from
Mexico to set the 1956 Revolution in motion.
The anti-imperialist tone of the museum will delight some and
possibly upset others but for history buffs and those interested in
the revolution this museum is a treasure trove. Make sure to get
the correct change at the museum counter as there have been reports
of minor money scams.
Montemar Natural Park
Address: Havana
Cuba is developing its eco-tourism potential and one of the
prime spots for getting back to nature is the Montemar Natural Park
on the Zapata Peninsula in the province of Matanzas (about 75
miles/120km from Havana). The hour long drive from Havana is well
worth the effort as the park can occupy the whole family for at
least a day.
The peninsula is home to one of the largest swamps in the
Caribbean, and its vast area also includes forests, crystal-clear
lagoons and canals. Its exuberant flora, including more than 900
species of plants (115 of them endemic to Cuba) is complemented by
its rich fauna, consisting of 160 bird species and 12 types of
animal, including crocodiles.
One of the park's many interesting features is the Laguna del
Tesoro (Treasure Lagoon), a fresh water reservoir inhabited by
golden trout. In the midst of the lagoon is a reproduction Taino
village with its houses built on pillars. There are also nature
trails, a bird watching centre, and the largest flooded cave in
Cuba. There is also a scuba centre, crocodile farm and several
restaurants. Kids will love the chance to be outdoors and expend
some energy, and things like the crocodile farm and the flooded
cave are delightful attractions for children and adults alike.
Capitolio Nacional
Address: Paseo de Marti, Centro Habana Havana
One of Havana's grandest pieces of architecture, the Capitolio
is an important landmark and one of Centro Habana's major touristic
sights. It was designed to resemble the US Capitol in Washington
DC, and the similarity is obvious. A monumental stone stairway
leads to the vast domed hall, from where tours will take visitors
beyond the doors to elaborately decorated chambers that once housed
the seat of Cuban Congress.
Today, it is home to the National Library and Academy of
Sciences, and many of its rooms are still used for state events. It
also houses a planetarium and a museum. Directly beneath the dome
lies an imitation 24-carat diamond set into the marble floor, from
where all highway distances between Havana and all sites in Cuba
are measured.
The building is today a bit rundown and the inside is often
closed for renovations. Even so the outside makes a great photo
spot. The area is a hot spot for vendors, artists and beggars which
can make it interesting but be sure to watch your belongings
carefully.
Baconao Park
Address: Poblado de Siboney Santiago de Cuba
The large park region, which is a World Heritage Biosphere
Reserve, is filled with attractions, including wildlife refuges and
coffee plantations. It is possible to climb 459 stone steps to the
summit of the huge rock, La Gran Piedra, and stand 4,049ft (1,234m)
above sea level for a beautiful view. It is said that on a dark
night, one can see the lights of Jamaica in the distance.
The park boasts extremely varied attractions and their relation
to a general theme is not always obvious but there is an attempt to
move chronologically through history beginning with the prehistoric
and ending with the Cuban revolution. In the Valle de la
Prehistoria visitors are awed by dozens of life-size model
dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures lurking in lush
vegetation.
There is also a magnificent 45-hectare (111-acre) garden, the
Jardin Ave de Paraiso, dating from 1860, that was laid out on a
former coffee plantation and features a series of colour-coded
gardens with unique scents and displays in each. An artistic
community consisting of 10 families have formed a fieldstone
hamlet, offering artwork of a high standard at Comunidad Artistas
Oasis.
There is also an Auto Museum, an aquarium, and multiple museums
dedicated to Cuban history and the revolution. This is the area
from which Castro planned the July 26th movement and it is of huge
national importance to the Cubans. At Baconao Park there really is
something for everyone.
Castillo de San Pedro del Morro (Morro Castle)
Address: Six miles (10 km) southwest of the city centre, near the bay Santiago de Cuba
Santiago's most impressive structure is poised ominously atop
the cliffs at the narrow entrance to Santiago Bay, about nine miles
(14km) south of Santiago. This enormous piece of military
architecture, a maze of stairways and dungeons, was begun in 1640
and was originally built to defend the bay from pirates and naval
attack.
The Morro was rebuilt in 1664 after the English pirate, Henry
Morgan, reduced it to rubble. At one stage in its long history the
castle was also used as a prison before being converted once again
into a military fortress. The castle now houses the Museum of
Piracy, featuring excellent displays on piracy, colonialism and
slavery. There are old blunderbusses, muskets, cutlasses and Toldeo
blades in glass cases.
The Morro is one of the best-preserved 17th-century Spanish
fortresses in the world and it has been declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. There are amazing views from all over the fortress
and many enviable photo opportunities. There is also a restaurant
on the terrace. The Morro is a fascinating place to explore and
visitors to Santiago are encouraged not to pass this attraction
up.
Emilio Bacardi Moreau Museum
Address: Calle Pio Rosado No. 552 e/Aguilera y Heredia Santiago de Cuba
Bacardi, the world's largest family-owned spirits company,
started producing rum in Santiago way back in 1862. The family was
forced to flee Cuba after the revolution in 1959, and Bacardi
drinks are not found in Cuba today, but the brand still strongly
associates itself with the country.
Interestingly, it was the fruit bats that nested in the rafters
of the original rum factory that gave Bacardi rum its world-famous
bat logo. The company's current production sales exceed 240 million
bottles a year, in about 170 countries.
Emilio Bacardi's private art and antique collection is still in
Santiago, as is the original family rum distillery, and it is this
collection that you can view in the Emilio Bacardi Moreau Museum.
It is not a rum museum or a distillery tour but an eccentric
collection of the famous family's historical artefacts and art.
A fun and educational outing, the Emilio Bacardi Moreau Museum
is well worth a visit when in Santiago. Budget at least an hour to
take in all the sights the museum has to offer. Those who want to
take photographs in the museum must ask permission and pay an
additional fee.
Santa Ifigenia Cemetery
Address: Av Crombet Santiago de Cuba
Santa Ifigenia Cemetery was officially founded in 1868 -
although some of its graves are older - and declared a National
Monument in 1937. It now shelters a number of important historical
and cultural figures including war heroes and famous politicians
and artists.
The gateway to this cemetery is dominated by a memorial to Cuban
soldiers who died fighting in Angola. From here, the visitor is led
to the impressive tomb of Cuban national hero, revolutionary and
writer Jose Marti. The tomb is in the form of a crenulated
hexagonal tower with each side representing one of Cuba's six
original provinces. The round mausoleum is designed so that the sun
will always shine on Marti's casket, which is draped with the Cuban
flag.
The cemetery also contains a shrine to the Virgin of Charity,
Cuba's patron saint, in the form of the Basilica del Cobre. This
little church is said to be the scene of miracles performed by the
saint. It is a very attractive cemetery with a number of impressive
and quite original tombs and strolling around it is intriguing; a
lot can be learned about a culture from the way they commemorate
their dead.
Habana Vieja (Old Havana)
Address: Havana
Old Havana (Habana Vieja) is a very special area in Cuba which
delights travellers and locals alike. This historic section of
Cuba's capital was founded in 1519 and for centuries was an
important naval port of colonial Spain. Being in such a strategic
position, the city was targeted by pirates and fought over on
numerous occasions, and the ruins of the defensive walls that
surrounded the city can still be seen.
During the years of Prohibition in the United States, Habana
Vieja turned into a playground for Americans who flocked here for
the cheap liquor, gambling, prostitution and hedonistic lifestyle.
One of the district's most famous bars is La Bodeguita Del Medio,
which was the favoured haunt of legendary US writer, Ernest
Hemingway.
The Old City now also contains museums, hotels, restaurants and
shops lining the original cobble-stoned streets. Surrounding the
picturesque squares (plazas) are beautiful restored colonial
buildings with grand facades, and striking churches that form a
magnificent setting for the late afternoon chess and domino games
and salsa music. The Plaza de Armas was the seat of power in Cuba
for 400 years, being the base of operations for the Spanish
Captain's General, US military governors and the Cuban president,
and today is home to an interesting book market, among other
things.
Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás
Address: El Moncada, 11 miles (17km) west of Vinales village Vinales Valley
Cuba's largest cave system, with more than 29 miles (46km) of
underground galleries spanning eight different levels, the Santo
Tomás caves are situated about 10 miles (16km) west of Vinales.
Very informative, 90-minute guided tours take visitors 138 feet
(42m) above the valley floor into the sixth gallery, where
fantastic limestone formations, glittering stalactites and
stalagmites, underground lakes and vast caverns are revealed by the
light of headlamps. You may be taken to level seven as well but
unless you are an advanced caver you will most likely be limited to
these two levels; the entrances to levels six and seven are
semi-hidden on a forested slope overlooking the valley and they
provide wonderful vantage points for views and photographs.
The cave system includes a tiny museum and visitor centre but
for the most part the caves have been kept in their natural state,
avoiding the tourist traps of electrical lighting and souvenir
stands. In accordance with this lack of commercialisation, the
place is refreshingly devoid of large crowds and tour groups which
allows for a more mysterious and authentic tour than is usually
possible in famous cave systems.
Museo Romántico
Address: Calle Echerri 52 Trinidad
Trinidad has a number of museums housed in colonial mansions,
but one of the best is the beautifully renovated Museo Romántico
overlooking the main square, Plaza Mayor. The Plaza Mayor is the
historic centre of Trinidad and has been declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. The mansions, or palaces, that surround the square
date back to the 18th and 19th centuries when trade in sugar and
slaves brought great wealth to the area.
The Museo Romántico, or Brunet Palace, was built in 1812 by the
wealthy Borrell family but it takes its name from the Brunet
son-in-law who took over the house. The museum displays mostly the
belongings and personal collections of these two grand families and
boasts an excellent exhibition of paintings, decorative furniture
and porcelain from the 1830s.
The mansion itself is the main attraction, however, with the
original marble floors still on display and splendid frescoes and
neoclassical architecture and decoration. The Plaza Mayor is an
un-missable attraction in Trinidad and visitors will do themselves
an injustice if they don't explore some of these magnificent old
houses, which provide so much insight into a certain period of
Cuban history.
Museo Histórico Municipal
Address: 423 Simón Bolívar Trinidad
This neo-classical mansion belonged to one of the richest
families in Cuba, the Borrell family, between 1827 and 1830 but it
was bought by German sugarcane plantation owner Justo Cantero, a
controversial figure in local gossip. The mansion, now a museum, is
still called Casa Cantero.
The grandiose house, just off Plaza Mayor, is in itself the main
attraction, with beautiful wall murals depicting classical scenes
and splendid decor in the rooms. Apart from the cool, stylish
rooms, the museum also displays some exhibits relating to the sugar
industry and history of Trinidad, including collections of
weaponry, furniture, art and important documents.
One of Casa Cantero's most popular attractions is the superb
view that can be seen from the mansion's tower - from here you can
see wonderful vistas of Trinidad and the Escambray Mountains. This
view alone will more than justify the entrance fee for
photographers. The museum starts getting crowded after 11am, when
the tour buses arrive, so it is best to visit early in the morning
to enjoy the charm of the place.
Ancón Beach
Address: Seven miles (12km) south of Trinidad Trinidad
The soft sand and still, warm waters backed by palm trees make
the beach at Playa Ancón a popular excursion from Trinidad.
Situated at the end of the peninsula, seven miles (12km) south of
Trinidad, Playa Ancón offers watersports and some good offshore
snorkelling and diving sites. The colourful coral, rock tunnels and
other exciting features of the seabed make this beach a scuba
divers playground.
Visitors can take a yacht out into the ocean for a swim, or hire
boats to explore the coast or go fishing. The beach is famous among
locals and travellers alike and the crowds there are a great mix of
the two: it can be pleasant to go during the week when it is
quieter; but, although it can get crowded during the weekend, it is
quite fun watching the locals cavort and it is a good opportunity
to mingle and meet people.
Make sure to bring snacks or a picnic because food stalls at the
beach are limited and the hotels along the beach front generally
only cater for their guests. A lovely way to see the countryside is
to cycle from Trinidad to this beautiful beach - passing through a
picturesque little village on the way - which is not strenuous.
Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills)
Address: Carretera de Sancti Spiritus (8km from Trinidad) Trinidad
This picturesque emerald valley was once the centre of the sugar
trade industry in Cuba, and home to the plantations that brought
wealth and prosperity to Trinidad in the 18th and 19th centuries.
At the peak of the sugar trade there were over 70 sugar cane mills
in the valley area and about 30,000 slaves working on the
plantations.
Today, the ruins of estates, sugar mills and other remnants are
visited by tourists who are attracted by the beauty of the valley
and the historical significance of the slave trade that operated
during the valley's boom years. The main site is the Manaca Iznaga,
a striking 144ft (44m) high tower that was used by a plantation
owner, one of the wealthiest men in Cuba, Pedro Iznaga, to keep
watch over his slaves working in the fields. The bells in this
tower would toll to signal the end of the working day. Visitors can
climb the tower for impressive views over the countryside.
Along with Trinidad, the Valle de los Ingenios has been declared
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Horse riding tours to the valley,
departing from Trinidad, are a popular way to see the sights and
take in the beautiful surroundings.
Santa Clara
Address: Trinidad
Located 55 miles (88km) north of Trinidad, the city of Santa
Clara is best known for its Che Memorial at the Plaza de la
Revolución, and monuments relating to the Cuban Revolution. The
armoured train monument (Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado)
marks the spot where Che attacked the train, sending Batista's
troops to Santiago de Cuba, a battle which was a decisive factor in
the victory of the revolutionaries.
The Ernesto Che Guevara Monument was built to pay homage to the
memory of Che and his comrades who fought with him in Bolivia, and
the enormous monument incorporates a huge statue of Che with his
famous phrase
(Forever Onwards Towards Victory),
as well as representations of many aspects of his revolutionary
life.
To one side of the statue, a huge stone block has been inscribed
in full with his farewell letter to Fidel Castro. The monument also
includes a mausoleum where the remains of Che and his comrades have
been interred, and a museum with displays about his life and
involvement in the revolution.
Sancti Spiritus
Address: Trinidad
The beautiful colonial city of Sancti Spiritus, with its
gracious people, delightful architecture and maze of narrow,
winding cobblestone streets, remains almost completely detached
from the main tourist trail in Cuba. Located in the centre of the
country, 43 miles (70km) east of Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus lies on
the banks of the Yayabo River, exuding charm, affability and
authenticity.
The old town dates back to 1514 and has been declared a National
Monument. It is filled with picturesque, colourful little houses
with uneven red-tiled roofs and weathered colonial homes. It also
boasts the much-photographed green-towered church which dates back
to the early 16th century, making it the oldest church in Cuba.
Streets are crammed with horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, scooters
and pedestrians licking at ice-creams flavoured with a fruit which
grows along the banks of the river. Spanning the river is the
Puente Yayabo, an arched brick bridge built by the Spanish in 1815,
and the city's most famous sight.
The population of Sancti Spiritus is only about 100,000 and its
rundown charm and friendly, laid-back people are part of its
appeal. It is also renowned to be the home of many famous Cuban
singers and musicians so it is worth seeking out some music when
you visit.
Moncada Barracks
Address: Avenida Moncada Santiago de Cuba
If you are interested in the history of the revolution then
visiting Moncada Barracks is something you must do in Cuba. The
bullet-ridden Moncada Barracks and adjacent Parque Historico Abel
Santamaria were the setting for very important events in Cuba's
history.
In 1953, a group led by Fidel Castro attacked the barracks in an
attempt to steal weapons and launch the revolution, but the plan
failed and 61 of them were killed. The rest were captured and many
tortured to death by Batista's army. Castro himself was later tried
in the Escuela de Enfermeras for leading the attack, and this is
when he wrote his famous 'History Will Absolve Me' speech.
This failed attack is widely considered to mark the beginning of
the Cuban revolution and the date of the attack, 26 July, was
adopted by Castro as the name for his revolutionary movement
(Movimiento 26 Julio) which succeeded in overthrowing Batista's
dictatorship in 1959. The barracks was converted into a school
after the revolution and in 1978 the perimeter walls were rebuilt
and half of the building became a museum.
Cueva del Indio
Address: Vinales Valley
Located in the Viñales Valley, the Cueva del Indio is a magical
place for kids to visit. In addition to the caves, the area
provides some great family activities such as hiking and climbing,
as well as some gorgeous rock pools for swimming in the stunningly
bright green water.
The caves are named for the local Indians who once inhabited
them, the Guanajatabey Amerindians, who carved shelters into the
limestone rock and hid in the caves from Spanish colonialists. Some
of their bones were unearthed in the cave system and their art is
still visible on the walls. The caves were rediscovered in 1920
and, with a gallery spanning 27 miles (45km), the Cueva del Indio
cave system is very impressive.
Travellers with kids in Cuba will find this a wonderful family
activity; children will love the boat ride across the underground
lake in the cave, and discovering the stalactites, stalagmites and
petroglyphs on the walls of the cave. There is a museum and a
cafeteria within the cave system. It doesn't take long to take the
tour through the caves but it is quite a magical experience and
worth a quick detour.
Acuario Nacional
Address: Third Ave and 62 St. Miramar, Playa Havana
This aquarium, located in Habana Vieja, is a scientific research
centre which aims to educate the public and conserve marine life.
The aquarium features about eight big tanks displaying some truly
beautiful freshwater and saltwater fish, along with coral and other
tropical species.
The first marine mammal the aquarium collected was a seal called
Silvia and seals remain a popular attraction at the Acuario
Nacional: The Seal Stage has capacity for 1,000 spectators. The
dolphins are also popular and have won awards for their
performances. The Dolphinarium can hold 1,200 spectators and up to
eight dolphins perform simultaneously.
Two exhibits which particularly please kids are the reproduction
of a mangrove forest and the marine grotto. Children will love the
aquarium and will delight in watching the dolphins, sea lions and
seals, while parents can enjoy lunch in the aquarium's underwater
restaurant.
The aquarium has consistently been voted one of Havana's top
tourist attractions for kids and those travelling with children in
Cuba shouldn't miss it.
Camera Obscura
Address: Corner Mercaderes and Brasil, Habana Vieja Havana
A Camera Obscura is a dark room in which a lens and a series of
mirrors reflect images of exterior surroundings onto a concave
surface. Leonardo da Vinci first described such a camera in 1490.
The Camara Obscura in Havana is in the old city, on the corner of
Plaza Vieja, and it offers spectacular 360-degree views over the
city of Havana from a telescopic lens located atop a 115-foot (35m)
tall tower.
Guides give ten-minute tours of the old city and the bay, using
the camera to point out special places, architectural highlights
and Old Havana's attractions. Some of the guides also use the
camera to spy discreetly on people in the area in a very
entertaining way; it is a great opportunity for people watching!
The guides have various language skills and it is not difficult to
find one that speaks English.
If you are travelling with kids in Cuba then the Camera Obscura
is a great activity; children love the camera and the feeling of
being a spy with access to a whole city. Apart from the camera tour
you also gain access to a roof garden which is a nice spot from
which to take photographs.
Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt
Address: Santiago de Cuba
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the Cuban
provinces of Holguín and Guantánamo, and features an impressive
selection of flora and fauna, such as parrots, lizards and
hummingbirds, which are unique to the area. The amount of endemic
species in the park has made it one of the most valuable areas in
the world for research and conservation.
The area is said to be the most humid place in Cuba and this, in
addition to the incredibly varied topography, may well be a factor
in encouraging the diversity of species. The region has seen very
little habitation by humankind and it remains a remarkably
unspoiled wilderness area. In fact, it is widely hailed as the most
important nature reserve in the Caribbean.
The well-visited park is a firm favourite among young travellers
to Cuba, and regularly features on lists of the best things to do
with kids while in the country. It should appeal to all ages: who
can resist pristine waterfalls and stunning natural rock pools to
swim in? A guide is compulsory when touring the reserve. Although
it is a few hours from Santiago de Cuba by bus or car to this
incredible park it is a worthwhile excursion and makes for a
wonderful weekend getaway.
Ernest Hemingway Museum
Address: Finca Vigía, Havana Havana
Ernest Hemingway may be an American by birth, but Cubans have
adopted this rambunctious writer/adventurer as their own -
especially in Havana, where you'll find memorials to his
apartments, regular haunts, and even favourite drinks. Hemingway
was a keen fisherman (and a keen drinker) and the bars and harbour
in Cuba are full of references to him and his escapades.
Finca Vigia, his home just outside Havana, has been restored and
now functions as a museum to the famous author. The residence is
kept as it was when he lived there, and visitors can see his
typewriter and library of over 8,000 books. It was in this house
that Hemingway wrote two of his most famous books, For Whom the
Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea (for which he was awarded
the Nobel Prize for Literature).
Walking around the house feels very personal and informal which
makes it a special experience for fans of Hemingway. The museum has
been known to close often for renovations so try to ensure that it
is open for visitors before setting off. Although, a walk around
the house and area may prove sufficiently exciting for many.
El Malécon
Address: Between the harbour and Vedado, Havana Havana
A five-mile (8km) esplanade, roadway and seawall, running
between the harbour in Old Havana and the historically Russian area
of Vedado, a stroll along El Malécon is the perfect way to start
any Havana adventure.
The two-hour walk, described by many as a cross-section of
Cuba's history, begins in Habana Vieja, where the buildings have
had their famous pastel colours faded by the sun and the salty
sea-wind, and goes past various monuments to significant figures in
Cuba's struggle history (including Máximo Gomez and Calixto
García), before ending up in the area of Verdado, a funky downtown
district with great sights and vibrant nightlife.
Walking El Malecon one bears witness to the strange disparity in
Cuba between the wealthy tourist hotels and the rundown local
joints. Construction of the walkway began in 1901 and its main
purpose was to protect the city from the sea but today it is a very
popular social haunt.
It is very different to do the walk during the day and at night;
perhaps the best way is to begin in the afternoon sun so that you
can see the colours of the city, and finish in the evening when the
lights come on.
Bay of Pigs Museum
Address: Playa Gíron Havana
In April 1961, the United States (under the auspices of the CIA)
launched an attack on Fidel Castro's government, attempting to
overthrow it by securing the beach-head at Playa Gíron. The 'Bay of
Pigs' invasion, as it has come to be known, was a humiliating
failure for the US, only serving to strengthen the Cuban people's
support of Castro.
Today, the fascinating Bay of Pigs Museum (Muséo Playa Gíron)
stands as a simple record of the Cuban force's victory. Visitors
can view maps and displays detailing the course of events as they
transpired, as well as actual planes flown by the Cuban army during
the siege, fragments of shot-down enemy planes, tanks, mortars and
machine guns used in the battle, plus much more. There is also a
touching exhibition of photographs and biographies of the 156 Cuban
soldiers that were killed during the invasion.
Anyone with even a passing interest in modern history - or how
US foreign policy has shaped the world in which we live - will find
the Bay of Pigs Museum utterly enthralling. Budget at least two
hours to take it all in.
Cayo Largo Del Sur
Address: Havana
One hundred and ten miles (177km) southeast of Havana is the
popular diving and snorkelling paradise of Cayo Largo. The island
offers about 16 miles (26km) of white sand and crystal sea, where
it is possible to swim and dive among grottos and sandy valleys
full of crustaceans, sponges, coral and fish of every hue, shape
and size.
There are other numerous smaller cays accessible from the beach,
each with their own natural treasures such as Cayo Iguanas, an
isolated spot inhabited by iguanas. The living coral reef is also a
big draw for visitors. It is possible to rent motorcycles,
bicycles, horses and watersports equipment to make the most of a
visit to Cayo Largo, which can be reached by yacht, or by daily air
connection from Havana.
Cayo Del Sur is the second biggest island in Cuba's Canarreos
Archipelago and it has many special beaches to choose from. Nudity
is permitted on the island and some of the beaches are frequented
by nudists. The island is said to have been used as a base by
pirates but now it is a tourist haven; there are a number of
all-inclusive resort hotels on the island which has no permanent
inhabitants unless you count hotel staff.
Varadero
Address: Havana
With 22 miles (36km) of sandy, white, palm-fringed beach,
Varadero Beach has often been referred to as one of the world's
most beautiful. The incredibly clear water makes for amazing
diving, fishing and snorkelling opportunities, and children
splashing around will even be able to spot some fantastic fish with
the naked eye. Glass-bottomed boat companies abound here too.
Varadero Beach is a wonderful place to spend the day and an
absolute must-visit while in Cuba.
Varadero is situated on a spit of land that reaches out into the
Atlantic, a two-hour drive to the east of Havana. There are 23
world-renowned dive spots along this stretch of beach and dive
centres providing lessons and equipment. There is also deep sea
fishing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking and sailing to be
enjoyed. Outside of the water there are also numerous restaurants,
cabaret spots, nightclubs, land sport opportunities, a skydiving
centre, golf courses, and much more.
The hotels in Varadero, Cuba's most popular beach resort, are
some of the best in the Caribbean. Al Capone used to make this his
holiday hideaway when taking a break from racketeering in Chicago.
There are a number of big shopping complexes and artisan markets
that sell a wide variety of souvenirs. There are also many bars and
restaurants in Varadero, and it isn't hard to find live music.
Whether you are visiting for a day on the beach, or staying at
the resort for a holiday, Varadero is unmatched in Cuba for its
natural beauty and its touristic facilities.
Vinales Botanical Garden
Address: Vinales Valley
Almost all of the Vinales Valley attractions revolve around
natural splendour and the Vinales Botanical Garden, the Jardin de
las Hermanas Caridad y Carmen Miranda, is a special addition to
this panoply of natural bounty. This small botanical garden ranks
very highly among things to see and do in Vinales, partly because
it is so refreshingly intimate and un-touristy.
The garden was cultivated by a local family, who still live on
the property, in order to preserve samples of indigenous tropical
plants. It feels like a Cuban version of the Secret Garden; a riot
of colour and controlled jungle which delights travellers of all
ages. This is an ideal place to familiarise yourself with the flora
of the region. Usually there is a family member available to show
you around and teach you about all the different species of plants
which makes for a lovely, personal experience. Roosters and
chickens roam freely in the rambling garden and there are lots of
lizards and birds. There are also some quirky decorations (dolls
heads adorn some of the fence posts).
You can simply stroll into this garden from the main road of the
village, and it is a wonderful place to wander alone, but be aware
that although entrance is free small donations are expected,
particularly if one of the family members gives you a tour. If you
are lucky enough to be invited be sure to have a peek inside the
house as it is also very charming.
