Cuba is a unique country with vacation destinations like no other. The island’s political situation for the last fifty years has made it one of the most peaceful places in the world. It is a place that can delight and confound in equal measure, making it well worth your visit. Better still, thanks to the tons of information available online, Cuba vacations are very easy to plan.
The people and culture
Being the largest country in the Caribbean, Cuba is considered as the melting pot for different cultures and races. Most Cubans can trace their roots to either Spanish settlers or African slaves, thus making Cuban culture a rough mix of two cultures. Generally, Cuban people are complex and dynamic, and they are renowned world over for their love for music and cigar. Most Cubans can play at least one instrument with an amazing proficiency, making music an part of their identity and heritage.
The foods and drinks
Cuba is very rich in marine life; however, seafood and fish rarely top the traditional Cuban menu. The traditional Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish and Afro-Caribbean dishes. This cuisine heavily relies on beans, rice, chicken and pork. Fresh vegetables come with seasons, with hotter months having a limited supply of the vegetables. In addition, you need to know that Cubans have a very poor appetite for spicy foods. Here are some of the specialties that make up the typical Cuban cuisine.
• Chicken and black beans’ soup
• Congris (black beans and rice)
• Fried plantains
• Pork or chicken with rice or French fries
• Fish in coconut milk, especially if you are in the Baracoa area
Regional drinks
1. Mojito
This is a national cocktail made from soda water, rum, crushed mint, chopped ice and lime juice.
2. Daiquiri
This is a blended cocktail made from ice, sugar, rum, lime juice and a dash of maraschino.
Alcohol drinking age
Though there is no formally implemented minimum age for drinking alcohol; one must be at least 16 years old to buy it.
Visiting the Island
There are two ways to visit this Caribbean island. You can choose to stay at an all-inclusive resort or visit as an independent traveler. Most of the resorts are clustered along the island’s north coast to the east of the capital Havana. The beaches are certainly exotic and the water, crystal clear making them excellent for beach style vacations.
Visiting Cuba independently is quite easy and interesting. You can choose to stay at one of the lovely hotels or interact with the natives by living in a family house called a casa. In addition, there are private restaurants called paladares from where you can get amazing Cuban cuisines.
Things to do and see while in Cuba
1. Strolling the famous Malecon
Built in the early 1900’s, most tourists enjoy strolling along Havana’s Malecon. This waterfront walkway features up to six lanes of crucial city roadway that serves as one of the city’s main arteries. It is also a popular parade route for most of the Island’s festivals.
2. Touring the old Havana
Known to natives as La Habana Vieja, Old Havana is tourists’ paradise. The district’s colonial-era structures have undergone several renovations in recent times. The old churches and mansions are some of the top attractions that you should visit while at Old Havana. In addition, the Old Havana is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, making one of the most must visit sites while touring the Island.
3. Take to the beaches
The Island of Cuba has more than 3000 miles of pristine coastline with many islands and cays that offer exceptional attractions. Some of the destinations that you can visit for amazing water sports include Varadero, Cayo Largo and Cayo Coco.
4. Explore the caves
Since their discovery in the 1800’s, the Bellamar Caves have become some of the most attractive tourist spots in Cuba. These caves are located about 60 miles from Havana and 25 miles from Varadero. Locally referred to as the Cuevas de Bellamar, these caves will certainly blow your mind. While at these caves, you will find ornate crystal sculptures, subterranean ponds and rivers and indigenous pictographs.
5. Scuba diving
Whether you have dived for years or planning to give it your first try, scuba diving is one of the most fulfilling activities you can do while visiting Cuba. There are several scuba diving centers with trained instructors who can help you through this adventure. You can choose to explore the pristine corals reefs or visit sunken ships from the Spanish-American war.
Cuba is famous for its pristine beaches, musical lifestyle, cigar and cuisine. The Island’s tourism industry has grown significantly over the years and it will certainly be a worthwhile venture.
Author: This is a guest post by Janice Miller who works at itravel2000, a travel agency that offers popular Cuba vacation packages. You can contact her at jmiller@itravel2000.com for more information.