Cuba More than just a Revolution

Che Guevarra, cigars, white-sand beaches, rum, rolling mountains and Spanish colonial architecture, this
is only some of the things that best describes the island nation of Cuba. But aside from that, Cuba has a
lot to offer to its guests, who would know that this nation under communist rule can be an ideal place to
travel. Find out why below:

Cuba Features
Havana. Forever being refurbished, the Cuban capital is one of the worlds urban marvels. The Malecn
(seawall) is mythically beautiful, the old center is an architectural fantasia a buzz with new bars and
galleries, and the residential districts of Vedado and Miramar are home to cutting-edge cultural spaces.
Cienfuegos. A statue of musical legend Benny Mor in the main thoroughfare reminds visitors that the
sounds of son montuno and bolero matter more to locals here than socialism. With its elegant historic
quarter and adjoining peninsula, this UNESCO-listed city has a laid-back atmosphere and prerevolutionary good looks.
Trinidad. One of Cubas prettiest old towns, Trinidad (also UNESCO-listed) was founded in the 16th century
but got rich much later on the sugarcane plantations of the nearby Valle de los Ingenios. Its sloping
cobbled streets, lined with pastel-painted houses and mansions, make it ideal for walkers. A 20km taxi or
bike ride south is the sweeping beach resort of Playa Ancn.
Santa Marta. Santa Marta is worth a stopover for the Che Guevara mausoleum. It is bombastic on the
exterior but subdued and serene once you enter the small cave-like space where the Argentine guerrilla
and his fellow combatants are interred.

Getting There
Virgin Atlantic ies London Gatwick-Havana non-stop. Economy returns start from 855; ight time from
9.5hours.
Getting Around
Viazul operates buses connecting Havana to the main cities. Havana-Cienfuegos takes around ve hours;
fares US$20 one-way. A slow, in frequent, in expensive rail service connects Havana, Cienfuegos, Santa
Clara and Sancti Spritus. Car hire is possible. Prices start from around CUC40 (26) a day. Global rms do
not operate in Cuba; visit cuba-junky.com for a list of local rms. If you want to hire a driver, too, triple
the rate.
Cost of Travel
Cuba is quite expensive, with the tourist currency designed to keep visitors away from local markets.
Meals in small restaurants or paladares (private houses) cost 8-15. Hotels are expensive but home stays
start from 10 a night, usually including a simple breakfast. Tips are expected.
Food and Drink
No one goes to Cuba for its gastronomy. Cuban staples include moros y cristianos (rice and beans), grilled
sh, ropavieja (shredded beef), basic salads and fresh fruitall tasty and nutritious. In smarter places, try
the lobster and other shellsh.
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