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Cuba; more than rum, cigars and salsa
Posted on April 22, 2023
Cuba is a country known for its cigars, rum and music. Located in the Caribbean, it is a country with a rich history and culture and, in our opinion, therefore has more to offer than you might initially think. In this blog we give you tips for Havana, Trinidad and Varadero. You will discover that Cuba; is more than rum, cigars and salsa!
Travel & Accommodation
In 2018, Reinier & Iris traveled to Cuba. From Amsterdam they flew with TUI via Cancun to Varadero! We stayed at Hotel BE Live Experience Varadero . In Cuba you can clearly choose from two types of accommodation: all-inclusive hotels or casa particulars. This first option is different from the all-inclusive hotels you are probably used to. They are run by the state and are much less luxurious than you think. If you choose to stay in a casa particular, you will sleep at the Cubans' home. Due to Reinier's nut allergy and because we spoke Spanish at the time, we opted for the safe option and stayed at the hotel, where the buffet also had English translations of the meals.
Do you have more freedom? Then definitely choose a casa particular and experience authentic Cuba! Before you travel, do not forget to apply for a visa for your stay in Cuba.
Varadero
Varadero is a typical seaside resort and consists of hotels, resorts, etc. Besides the accommodations, there is not much to do in Varadero. Relax on one of the white sandy beaches and enjoy the peace and quiet on your beach bed. Would you like to take a ride in a vintage car? There are also plenty of them driving around in Varadero. Use the vintage car as a taxi and to take a tour of the various resorts and admire the coast.
Havana
We made a day trip to Havana from Varadero! We were picked up from our hotel by bus and after a two and a half hour drive we arrived in Havana. The old city center is on the World Heritage List and we could easily understand why, what a beautiful maze of colonial buildings, squares and streets! We definitely recommend that you take a walk through the streets and don't miss highlights such as Plaza de Armas, the oldest square in the city, El Morro Fort, Capitol, the Malecón boulevard and the famous Muso de la Revolución.
Trinidad
During our visit we were most impressed by Trinidad. We felt we got to taste the authentic Cuban atmosphere a little more here through the cozy Plaza Mayor with its colorful buildings, restaurants and bars. There was also music on every street corner. As far as we are concerned, it is a real must-visit.
Cuba has many more beautiful things to offer! Consider, for example, a place like Vinales, where large fields of tobacco growing can be found. Unfortunately, we only had limited time and the roads in Cuba are not so accessible that you can quickly get from one side of the island to the other.
