Description of the cube. Cuba from A to Z: holidays in Cuba, maps, visas, tours, resorts, hotels and reviews Cuba language

Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the West Indies and one of the largest islands in the world. Resembling the shape of a crocodile, the long, narrow island is located in the western Caribbean Sea on the border of the Gulf of Mexico. The Cuban archipelago lies in the western Caribbean Sea. Due to its history, culture, language and customs, Cuba is part of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Geography of Cuba
Area – 110992 sq. km.
The highest point is Turkino Peak 1974 m.
The longest river is Cauto 370 km.

The length of the island is 1200 km, the width at its widest point is 210 km. The Cuban archipelago covers an area of ​​110,992 km2 and has more than 300 natural beaches covered with white sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters. The most famous beach in Cuba - Varadero. The landscapes of Cuba are very diverse. There are valleys, mountains, and hills. The country's main mountain ranges are the Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, the Escambray in the center and the Sierra Maestra in the east. The highest mountain in the country, Peak Turquino (1974 m above sea level), is also located in the Sierra Maestra mountains. The rest of the island is fertile plain.

On the island you can admire many caves. Most of the rivers in Cuba are small, but have a very fast flow. Rivers flow down from the mountains, forming beautiful waterfalls. Particularly interesting are the Agabama and Salto del Carbuni waterfalls. The longest river in Cuba is the Cauto (approximately 370 km), flowing in the eastern part of the island. There are many reservoirs and lakes in Cuba. Amateur ornithologists come here, since Cuba is a migration site for resettled birds.

National symbols of Cuba
Mariposa "snow-white butterfly", a variety of white ginger with a very delicate aroma. The national bird is the Tocororo, a Cuban trogan, a native bird whose plumage combines the colors of the Cuban flag. The national tree is the Royal Palm. These palms grow everywhere on the island.

Economy of Cuba
It is a centralized system, relying primarily on sugar production and tourism. The tourism industry is developing at a rapid pace. Canadian, Spanish, and European corporations are investing huge amounts of money in Cuba. In addition to sugar, Cuba produces tobacco, coffee, rum, honey, cocoa, and also grows citrus fruits. Cuba is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Important sectors of the Cuban economy are the production of building materials, fishing, nickel mining (the country has the largest open reserves of nickel in the world), copper, magnesium and chromium. Another important source of income for the country is money sent by Cuban emigrants, most of them living in Florida, to relatives remaining in Cuba.

Flora and fauna of Cuba
It is distinguished by its richness and variety. There are more than 300 nature reserves, which occupy approximately 22% of the country's territory. UNESCO has declared six areas of Cuba as biosphere reserves: the Guanacabibes Peninsula, the Sierra del Rosario, the Ciénaga de Zapata national parks in the west, El Caguanes in the central part and the Baconao and Cuchillas del Toa parks in the east of the island. Four percent of the entire flora of our planet grows in Cuba. The most interesting types of Cuban vegetation are orchids, cacti and palm trees. Among the fauna there are endemic species, especially among reptiles and amphibians. The most characteristic of Cuba are crocodiles, which are bred on special farms. More than 400 species of birds are found in Cuba, including extremely rare ones, such as the smallest bird in the world, the sunsuncito, or fly bird. The world’s smallest toad, a tiny “butterfly” bat and a scorpion, whose length does not exceed 14 mm, also live here.

Economy of Cuba
It is a centralized system, relying primarily on sugar production and tourism. The tourism industry is developing at a rapid pace. Canadian, Spanish, and European corporations are investing huge amounts of money in Cuba. In addition to sugar, Cuba produces tobacco, coffee, rum, honey, cocoa, and also grows citrus fruits. Cuba is a world leader in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Important sectors of the Cuban economy are the production of building materials, fishing, nickel mining (the country has the largest open reserves of nickel in the world), copper, magnesium and chromium. Another important source of income for the country is money sent by Cuban emigrants, most of them living in Florida, to relatives remaining in Cuba.

History of Cuba
The written history of Cuba begins on October 28, 1492, when Christopher Columbus's caravels approached the island. Before this, Cuba was inhabited by three Indian tribes. The Guanatabeans were cave-dwelling gatherers, while the Siboneans were hunters and fishermen. The Indians of the tribe secretly engaged in agriculture. They moved to Cuba from the territory of modern Venezuela and were the most developed and largest group on the island.

Population of Cuba
It is more than 11.1 million people. The population density is 101 inhabitants per km 2. 75% of the island's population lives in cities, 25% in rural areas. Cuban cities are a mixture of architectural styles. The most populated provinces are Havana, where 2.2 million people live, Santiago de Cuba And Holguin with a population of half a million people each. An amazing community of people has emerged in Cuba. White Europeans (mostly Spaniards), black descendants of African slaves and Asians from the Chinese community have long lived here. Today, half of Cubans are mulatto. Cubans are very sociable, talkative and cheerful.

Cuban lifestyle
This is one of the pleasures awaiting tourists. Cubans love nightlife. At night you can dance and listen to dream music. Music plays a very important role in the life of Cubans. You'll encounter a huge variety of musical styles, from traditional salsa to charanga and African rhythms. rumbas.

Religion of Cuba
The official widespread religion on the island is Catholicism. However, Afro-Cuban beliefs, called Santeria, in which the foundations of Catholicism and the cults of the Yoruba people living in Nigeria and Benin are intricately mixed, have a greater influence on Cuban culture. Religious rituals are performed directly in homes. Cubans set up altars at home and decorate them with the attributes of the god they prefer to worship.

Official language of Cuba
The official language is Spanish. In resort areas, English, German, and Italian are widely used. Cubans are a proud people. They really want to make a good impression on foreigners and try to speak English: but if you say even a few words in broken Spanish, they will really love you. Cubans speak Spanish relatively quickly compared to other Latin Americans.

Time
It lags behind Kyiv by 7 hours, and by 8 hours from Moscow.

Currency unit
The currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), equal to 100 centavos. There are banknotes of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 pesos, as well as coins of 1 and 3 pesos. There are coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 20 cents.

Tourists should only pay in currencies, mainly Euros or US dollars, so it is advisable to carry more small bills with you.

When you change, you may be given the so-called Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). This type of peso is equal to the dollar: 1:1. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing in common with the “wooden” Cuban peso. These banknotes are accepted everywhere and are exchanged on the same basis as US dollars. Most ATMs only dispense convertible pesos, while the bank will give you both dollars and convertible pesos. To avoid getting into trouble, the convertible peso must have “convertible” written on it. As a rule, they are given in small bills of 1, 5, 10 pesos. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the dollar is approximately 1:25. The convertible Cuban metal coin circulates on par with American cents. They often give change to both. Convertible pesos are not exchangeable outside of Cuba, so try to spend or exchange them before departure. Currency can be exchanged both at the hotel and at exchange offices that operate 24 hours a day.

Avoid travelers checks and American Express cards. The main international cards accepted in Cuba are VISA, MASTER, DINNER`s CLUB. Credit cards issued by any US bank are not accepted.

Tourist taxes
When leaving the country, an airport tax of 25 USD is paid. e

Car rental
It is very difficult for a foreigner to live without a car while in Cuba. In order to rent a car in Cuba, you will need a driver's license from your country or an international driver's license. You must be over 21 years old, and the rental company will require your passport.

There are several companies in Cuba that provide car rentals. The main rental companies in Cuba are “Transautos” and “Havanautos”. When you rent a car, make sure the tank is full so you don't have to rush around looking for gas on the first day. In general, renting a car is quite expensive (from $60). There are no particular problems with gasoline, although gas stations are much less common than we are used to. Outside of Havana, you can easily find gasoline for $0.50 per liter, but here you have to be careful not to spill donkey urine. In addition, before picking up the car, you need to carefully inspect it for defects, which should be noted in the contract. If the trip route involves traveling on roads with poor surfaces (trips along the coast, going to the beach), then you only need to take a jeep.

License plates on cars in Cuba have different colors, indicating their ownership: yellow - private, black - diplomatic, brown - rent-a-car. There are also red, blue... There are a lot of police in Havana, but they don’t touch cars with black and brown (tourist) license plates. If you clearly break the rules in the presence of a policeman, he has to turn away or lower his eyes - “I didn’t see anything, that’s why I didn’t whistle.” In addition, cars with such license plates enjoy certain benefits, such as travel through tunnels that connect parts of Havana that are closed for repairs, parking in unauthorized places, etc.

Bike
Many people travel around the city by bicycle. You can rent a bike from the Capri and Riviera hotels ($1 per hour) or from a local for $1 per day. You cannot leave your bike on the street. It’s better to do this at the bike rack for 1-2 pesos. For all problems with your bike (flat tire, puncture, unadjusted seat, etc.), contact the small Pocheria workshops.

Phones
Cuban telephone company - ETESCA. Telephone cards can be purchased from hotels, shops and ETESCA call centres.

If you are calling Cuba, dial the international dialing code (i.e. 10), then the country code (for Cuba 53), and then the local code and telephone number. The number of digits in local telephone numbers may vary depending on the size of the city.

Personal telephone calls in Cuba must be made through an operator and with prepayment.

Calls from abroad to Cuba: 10 – 53 - local code - local phone.

Calls from Cuba: 119 – country code – telephone number. For direct dialing: 0 – area code – telephone number

Gastronomy
The staples of Cuban cuisine are pork and chicken, cooked in various ways, rice and black beans. You can enjoy good seafood such as shrimp, lobsters, caguama (turtle meat), octopus in garlic sauce (we recommend private restaurants that cook to a high standard and at reasonable prices). And, of course, exotic tropical fruits.

The shops
Some souvenirs from Cuba include black coral and jewelry made from it, products made from tortoise shell (especially bracelets and hairpins), coffee and handicrafts. Jewelry made from black coral in gold or silver frames, as well as items made from tortoiseshell. Don't forget to buy one or two bottles of unique Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars. When purchasing products made from crocodile skin, ask the seller for an export license, otherwise this souvenir will be confiscated during customs control. A good gift from Cuba would also be a tumbadora or bongo - percussion musical instruments used in African melodies. Another gift is the guayabera, a shirt worn by officials in the tropics.

And, of course, you cannot ignore cigars and rum (a bottle of rum costs from 5 USD). To buy good cigars or get acquainted with their production, you can contact Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas (c.Industria, 524). The shop on the ground floor of the factory sells all types of Cuban cigars. The most expensive are Cohiba Lanceros ($230 for 5 pieces).

It is better to purchase food in stores or supermarkets. In INTUR tiendas stores you can buy food, clothing, medicine, electronics and souvenirs for foreign currency. You will probably have to use currency shops, since pesos can only buy books and medicine.

Cuban cigars
It is difficult to give a definite answer to the question of what motivates cigar fans when choosing a particular cigar. But many experts are of the opinion that Cuban-made cigars are superior to all other cigars in quality and taste. There is something elusive about Cuban cigars that gives them that famous range of qualities so valued by connoisseurs. The bright Cuban sun, special air humidity, rich fertile soil, experienced hands of craftsmen? Probably, all this and much more made Cuban cigars the most famous, a symbol of quality and style.

It is prohibited to import: fresh products, plants, drugs and pornographic materials, medicines without indicating the manufacturer's brand, cars, motorcycles and spare parts for them. The export of: song and exotic birds, bark and wood of valuable species, leather and feathers of exotic animals and birds, cultural property is prohibited. To export works of art from Cuba, you will need an official stamp authorizing the export. Such a document will be issued to you in most specialized stores. When leaving the country, a customs fee is charged.

Mode of stay and movement
There are no restrictions on movement around the country for Ukrainian and Russian citizens.

Lost things

To report the loss or theft of personal documents or items, contact the nearest police station or police officer. You may have to wait a long time for your application to be accepted. Remember to photocopy the main pages of your passport in case the original is lost.

Holidays and non-working days
Holidays Throughout the year, Cuba hosts many festivals, celebrations and fiestas.

January- January 1 (national holiday) – Liberation Day, 1959
February– International Book Exhibition
March- International Festival of Puppet Theaters
April– Celebration of Spanish-Cuban culture
May- May 1st International Workers' Day; May parades and celebrations; National Folk Dance Festival
June– Outdoor concerts; Havana Carnival; Festival of Cuban Rural Culture - (national holidays)
July- July 26 - Day of the National Uprising, 1953), Celebration of the Culture of the Caribbean Peoples; Carnival in Santiago de Cuba.
August- International Festival of Cuban Music.
September– Pilgrimage to the image of Our Lady of Cobre; Theater festival
October- October 10 (national holiday) Day of the beginning of the war for the independence of Cuba from Spain, 1868); Festival of Contemporary Music; Festival of Spanish Culture; International Ballet Festival.
November- Salon of contemporary Cuban art; Celebration of the founding of Havana; International festival of choral singing.
December- December 25 - (national holiday) Christmas; International Latin American Film Festival; Folk art festival.

See also:

Liberty Island Cuba is loved by tourists for its luxurious nature, excellent beaches and a lot of colonial and revolutionary attractions. The white-stone beauty of Havana, the resorts of Varadero and Holguin, rum, cigars and Fidel - all about Cuba: tours, holidays, prices and maps.

• Tours for the New Year Worldwide
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Perhaps some still remember how they deciphered the name of this country 15 years ago: “Communism off the coast of America.” Jokes aside, Cuba really remains one of the few strongholds of a bright socialist ideology with such familiar attributes: the legendary Comandante Che and his lively follower, an external ideological enemy in the person of the States and the unprecedented patriotism of local residents. There are, however, radical differences from the USSR - a steady influx of tourists all year round, hotels with a high level of service and rich entertainment opportunities: diving, snorkeling, yachting and the list goes on. Plus, of course, let's not forget about the famous rum and cigars. The latter, by the way, secretly smoked (and smokes) the same ideologically enemy leadership, despite the embargo on Liberty Island.

Time difference from Moscow

− 7 hours in winter −8 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

Maps of Cuba

Visa and customs

For a tourist trip of up to 30 days, citizens of Russia and Belarus do not require a visa to Cuba. For your own peace of mind, you should take out travel medical insurance in advance for the entire duration of your trip.

To enter Cuba at the border, you need to fill out a migration card (in two copies - the second one is presented upon departure), a return ticket and proof of financial solvency at the rate of 50 USD per day per person (a simple credit card statement will do). Hotel reservations are not required, but be prepared to answer the question of where you plan to stay.

Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco is allowed; 3 bottles of alcoholic drinks; perfumes, medicines and household items - within the limits of personal needs. One photo and video camera (plus 5 cassettes for each) are also imported duty-free. It is prohibited to import drugs, pornography and firearms (with the exception of sport hunting rifles belonging to tourists who come to the country for this purpose and have the appropriate permit issued by Cuba upon arrival).

Fans of Cuban cigars should not forget about the following point: although you can export as many of them as you like from the island with a receipt, according to our customs rules, you can import no more than 50 pieces into Russia.

You can export up to 1000 CUP and up to 5000 USD without a declaration, no more than 23 cigars per person (if the cigars are sealed in packaging with a hologram, purchased in a special store that issues receipts and export permits, you can export as much as you like), goods worth not more than 1000 CUP (jewelry is exported only with a license issued by the store).

There is no Tax free system in socialist Cuba.

The export of animals, cultural property, sea shells, antiques, and precious metals is prohibited. When purchasing jewelry or goods made of crocodile skin, you must request an export license from the seller, otherwise the goods will be seized during customs control. These licenses are usually issued only in stores. In markets where crocodile leather products cost 3-5 times less, but export licenses are not issued, such goods should not be purchased.

How to get to Cuba

The easiest and fastest way to get to Cuba is direct non-stop regular Aeroflot flights Moscow - Havana (about 12 hours of flight, departure from Sheremetyevo). Other options: transit via Paris with Air France to Havana, via Amsterdam with KLM, via Madrid with Iberia, via Frankfurt with Condor to Havana and Varadero and other European carriers. The journey will take from 16 to 20 hours.

Flights from CIS countries are carried out either through Moscow or with connections in European cities.

If tourists fly with KLM, due to inconvenient flight connections, they will have to spend the night in Amsterdam. To do this, you need to apply for a transit visa and also book a hotel in advance. It is more convenient to stay in the center of Amsterdam: the train journey from the airport to the station in the city center is only 20 minutes.

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Transport

Public transport in the country is underdeveloped; the most convenient way is to rent a car. Cubans themselves often use hitchhiking to get around within cities or around the country.

Public transport

Buses are considered the main urban transport, but they can only be recommended for extreme sports enthusiasts: the stops are not marked in any way, it is almost impossible to find them, the buses are jam-packed, and they do not have a clear schedule or routes. Buses - in Havana they are called camallos (due to their resemblance to camels) - stop every 4 blocks. The fare costs 3-5 CUC, it is not recommended to check with the driver - he will suspect you of being a tourist and will charge much more. Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

There are special “tourist” taxis for tourists - these are always modern and serviceable cars. They can be ordered from any hotel or simply by phone; Travel is paid only in dollars. The cost of the trip is from 0.5 to 1 USD for each km of the route. Regular taxis that accept pesos are quite old cars and there are not many of them. Finally, there are also private “bombers” in Cuba. Their prices are slightly lower than those of state taxi drivers, but there are no guarantees of quality.

Intercity communication

Local residents often hitchhike around the country. In Cuba, there is even a law that government vehicles are required to take hitchhikers on board if there are empty seats in the car. The implementation of this rule is closely monitored by special people, like our traffic cops.

All major cities in Cuba have bus stations from which intercity buses depart. Unlike city transport, they run more or less on schedule. The most budget option is Astro Bus. The bus fleet leaves much to be desired, but a trip from Havana to Varadero will cost only 8-10 CUC. Viazul Bus is a more modern fleet and the buses even have air conditioning. Travel prices are higher: from Havana to Varadero a ticket will cost 8-15 USD. The company has its own website (translated into English) where you can buy tickets online. In other cases, travel cards are purchased at the ticket office at the station, and this must be done in advance.

Rent a Car

Cuba Hotels

Consulate General in Havana: 5-a Avenida esq. a 66, no. 318, Miramar, La Habana,; tel.: 204-10-74, 204-10-85.

Police: 116 and 820-116, ambulance: 242-811, fire brigade: 811-115, airport information: 45-31-33.

• Is Cuba suitable for a girl for an individual trip?
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Beaches of Cuba

The beaches in Cuba are some of the best on the planet: sandy, with convenient access to the sea, many are marked with the Blue Flag, in addition, they are all municipal and free.

Most hotels on the coast are assigned separate protected areas of the beach, where you practically won’t meet the local population. Sun beds and umbrellas are free.

You can safely go to any resort and be satisfied. But if you choose the ideal from the best, then you should pay attention to the following beaches:

The longest beach in Cuba is Varadero: almost 22 km of snow-white sand with sun loungers, umbrellas, beach cafes and other tourist infrastructure. Almost all the beaches here are at hotels, so they are always clean and there are no suspicious strangers. Varadero is perhaps the most fun and noisy resort in Cuba; there are many discos here, so young and not so party-goers should go here. Varadero is also suitable for tourists who prefer an all-inclusive holiday - most of these hotels are concentrated here.

For a family holiday with children, Santa Lucia Beach (about 110 km northeast of the city of Camagüey) is suitable. There is a comfortable flat sandy bottom, there are no waves, and since this beach cannot be reached by regular buses, there are not many people even in high season. These are very calm and beautiful places, but for extreme sports enthusiasts there is also entertainment: diving with sharks.

Cuisine and restaurants of Cuba

Creole cuisine is widespread on the island, the main ingredients of which are pork and chicken, prepared in various ways. One of the most popular national dishes is “Creole ajiaco” - pork with vegetables and a lot of spices. It’s also worth trying lobsters with lemon, crocodile or turtle meat dishes, and turtle eggs. In Cuba, they cook a lot from fruits and serve them with almost every dish. The coffee they brew here is very strong and sweet.

National drinks are Cuban rum and numerous cocktails based on it: mojito, Cuba Libre, daiquiri and many others.

There are few restaurants in the classical sense of the word in Cuba, and they are all located in tourist areas and resorts. They usually accept credit cards, but glitches are common, so it's best to go with cash (convertible pesos). The average bill in a good restaurant is approximately 30-40 CUP per person without drinks; in a more budget restaurant you can spend 10-15 CUP. There are also many pizzerias and hamburger joints in Cuba. You can have a meal there cheaply (2-5 CUP) and often around the clock, but only for cash. Cuban bars are a different story. Most of them are very colorful and have a history; they don’t serve food (maximum nuts and chips), but you should definitely try all the daiquiris.

Guides in Cuba

Entertainment and attractions

There are not as many cultural attractions in Cuba as in other countries; many were destroyed by Spanish colonialists back in the 16th century. The main wealth of the island is its natural beauty. Picturesque landscapes, national parks and the amazing underwater world - this is what attracts thousands of tourists to Cuba every year.

Historical attractions are concentrated in cities, most of them, of course, in the capital - Havana. The most interesting area from a tourism point of view is Old Havana, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You should definitely see the Cathedral of St. Christopher, the Havana Capitol - larger in size than Washington. Also interesting are the city squares: the Armory (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral (Plaza de la Catedral) and the Old (Plaza Vieja), around which ancient buildings and structures are located, as well as the Jose Marti Revolution Square with a memorial and an obelisk . At the top of the latter is the highest observation deck in the city.

The province of Havana will be especially interesting for fans of environmental and adventure tourism; there are many quiet, secluded beaches. The Escaleras de Jaruco area has many caves and steep cliffs: it is good for speleologists. In San Antonio de los Baños you can visit the Museum of Humor, while the coastal village of Santa Cruz del Norte is famous for producing the famous Havana Club rum.

In the city of Santa Clara (province of Villa Clara) there is a Memorial named after. Che Guevara and his remains are kept. In the small town of Remedios, noteworthy are the city's Carnival Museum, the Alejandro García Caturla Music Museum and the main parish church of St. John the Baptist, which is considered one of the most interesting in Cuba.

The city of Pinar del Rio in the province of the same name is interesting for its Museum of Natural Sciences, the Guasch Palace, the Milanes Theater and the Francisco Donatien cigar factory.

Juventud Island is the second largest island in the Cuban archipelago. Here is the famous Los Indios San Felipe nature reserve with unique flora and fauna, the Presidio Modelo prison, a copy of the American Joliet prison in Illinois (Fidel Castro served his prison sentence there), and the Punta National Marine Park -Frances" and the international dive center "El Colony".

In the province of Matanzas, in addition to caves with rock paintings, it is worth visiting the provincial capital of the same name. Must-sees: Vigia Square (the founding site of the city), Liberty Square, Montserrat Chapel (built in the image of a temple in Catalonia), San Severino Castle (due to its size, considered one of the main Spanish fortresses in America) and the ruins of the Triumvirato. - there, in the 19th century, the largest uprising of African slaves in the history of Cuba took place. The main attractions of the Zapata Peninsula: the Taino Indian village in Guama, the crocodile nursery in La Boca, the Santo Tomas and La Salina fauna reserves, as well as the Historical Museum in Playa Giron.

You should also definitely take a trip to the amazingly beautiful national parks of Cuba.

New Year (January 1), on the contrary, is celebrated noisily and cheerfully. On this night, beach discos are open, concerts and parties are held, and they approach things on a special scale in big cities.

January 2 marks the most important day in the country - the Day of Liberation and Victory of the Cuban Revolution. This is an official day off throughout the country, solemn processions take place in cities, the president gives a pathetic speech, Cubans congratulate everyone on the street, and it all ends with folk festivities until dawn.

The country is very fond of holidays, a legacy of the communist era. Here, May Day is still celebrated the way it was customary in the Soviet Union - with demonstrations, flowers, cheerful patriotic songs and festivities around the city. On July 26, the National Uprising Day is celebrated, also with parades and demonstrations, and October 10 is Independence Day: the main venue is the monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes (“Father of the Motherland”, one of the leaders of Cuba’s Ten Years’ War against the Spanish colonialists) in the square in Havana, to to whom flowers are laid. No one works on this day either.

In July and August in Cuba you can visit two carnivals at once - in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.

On weekends from July 15 to August 15, Cuba hosts perhaps the most colorful and fun event of the year: the Havana Carnival. These days, freaks from all over the country gather in the capital, dress up in costumes, dance, drink daiquiris and have fun literally around the clock. Many perform in teams and prepare for the carnival in advance in order to be sure to outshine all other participants in the dance. Another carnival takes place at the end of July in the city of Santiago de Cuba. The scenario is the same: dress up, drink and dance. It is very convenient that both holidays fall at approximately the same time: you can visit both carnivals on one trip.

In the first week of December, one of the most important cultural events for the entire Spanish-speaking population of the planet takes place in Cuba - the Festival of New Latin American Cinema. In terms of prestige, this film award is equal to the Oscar - for directors, actors and other film workers it is a great honor to be awarded this award.

And at the end of February, smokers from all over the world come to Havana, as the International Cuban Cigar Festival takes place here. It lasts 5 days, during which time excursions to factories and tobacco plantations, auctions and competitions are held, as well as concerts, presentations and festive receptions, where you can try a variety of cigars over a glass of wine or rum.

Until that significant moment when Columbus’s sailors landed in Baracoa Bay, Indian tribes lived peacefully on Liberty Island. Colonization brought the complete extermination of the indigenous population and Spanish became the official language of Cuba. Its Cuban variety is called Espanol Cubano. The formation of the language of modern Cubans was influenced by the dialects and dialects of slaves from Africa, imported to work on sugar cane plantations, immigrants from Mexico, Haiti and Louisiana.

Some statistics and facts

• The population of Liberty Island is 11.5 million people.
• The Cuban language, despite its many peculiarities, is quite understandable for a person who knows Spanish. There are nuances in the number of second-person pronouns and in some phonetic features of pronunciation.
• There are a huge number of people who speak Russian in Cuba. This is the generation that studied in higher educational institutions during the USSR. They still remember the Russian language and, if necessary, willingly help tourists.
• English is still not held in high esteem on Liberty Island and is spoken mainly by staff of large hotels in the resort areas of Varadero, Trinidad and Holguin.

Experienced travelers advise taking a Russian-Spanish phrasebook on your trip to Cuba, especially when it comes to an independent tour.

The language of great discoveries

Spanish is widespread in the world much more widely than other Romance languages ​​and the number of speakers is second only to speakers of Chinese. More than 548 million people on our planet speak Spanish.
It is Spanish that is called the language of great discoveries, because it was spoken by the majority of navigators who discovered new continents and islands in the 16th-17th centuries.
The spoken and even written state language of Cuba contains a large number of words characteristic only of the local dialect. They are called "Cubanisms". Residents of the island prefer to say “you” even to strangers and older people, but this is not considered a sign of disrespect.

Lost in translation

Keeping in mind that English is not very popular, it is worth studying the names of dishes in the official language of Cuba in order to know what to choose on a restaurant menu. It’s good if the tourist remembers how to pronounce numbers in Spanish. This way you will be able to avoid misunderstandings when communicating with taxi drivers and sellers at the market.

Cuba is a unique country. No matter how sophisticated a tourist is, this island will always remain a dream. The amazing history of this country, its location, fauna, culture - everything here is fascinating, everything is exciting.

People come here with children; adventure lovers are looking for extreme sports here; people stop here in couples and one at a time with the goal of seclusion, living away from civilization, in harmony with nature.

But, of course, today’s youth are most attracted to Cuba. Free, noisy, cheerful, it is simply created for those who cannot imagine their life without wild parties, dancing, and all kinds of entertainment.

Moreover, the myth that living costs in Cuba are higher than in other countries is slowly dissipating Caribbean. By having dinner at an inexpensive restaurant and renting a not-so-expensive room, you can easily get by 50 $ per day. But you will have enough impressions to last a lifetime.

Climate and weather

The tropical, trade wind climate of the island of Cuba provides fairly high temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature here is approximately +25.5 °C. The coldest month is January (+22.5 °C), the hottest - August (27.8 °C). The water off the coast remains warm almost all year round: from +22 °C – in winter and from +28 °C - in summer. The average annual precipitation is also quite high - about 1500 mm. Mostly it's rain. However, very dry years are not so rare in Cuba.

In general, the climatic seasons on the island are quite clearly defined: May-September is the rainy season, October-April is dry. The autumn-summer period is characterized by heavy rainfall, often with strong winds.

Humidity is very high all year round.

Nature

Cuba is rich in man-made attractions, which millions of people from around the world dream of touching. However, natural ensembles that amaze with their beauty are no less valuable: heavenly beaches tens of kilometers long, fabulous uninhabited islands with palm groves and mangroves, karst caves and low picturesque mountains.

The relief of Cuba is flat, but the bizarre shapes of the highest Sierra Maestra mountain range, stretching along the southeastern coast for hundreds of kilometers, impresses even seasoned travelers.

Cuba has a rich fauna and flora. Some plant species you will not find anywhere else in the world. And the variety of exotic species of butterflies and birds is simply amazing!

Attractions

Some of the cities and regions that you need to visit when traveling around Cuba include:

• Havana;
• Santiago de Cuba;
• Holguin.

In the capital alone there are about 1000 buildings of architectural value! Among the most famous are the cathedral square and Cathedral of St. Christopher(XVII century), building of the former governor's palace Cubes, fortresses La Cabaña and La Fuerza(XVI century). Is extremely popular among tourists Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and Ernest Hemingway House Museum. Of course, Cuba's nightlife is also concentrated here in the capital.

Getting into Santiago de Cuba- the second largest city in Cuba - tourists usually head to the picturesque city Cespedes Park. This is perhaps one of the main attractions of the city. Besides, Santiago de Cuba, Once the capital, it can be considered the center of the cultural life of the island: numerous museums, theaters, and cathedrals attract those who want not only to enjoy the beauty of Cuba, but also to learn more about its history.

The most popular resort on the island is Varadero(province of Matanzas). The local beaches are among the top three in the world, and their surroundings are an ideal place for tourists with a wide variety of tastes and hobbies. There is also a dolphinarium here - an integral attribute of any resort - where anyone can not only admire the local inhabitants, but also swim with them.

The second most important resort region is Holguin. This is where the most beautiful in Cuba is located Playa Esmeralda beach. The riches of the region also include six waterfalls and a rich fauna. In addition, Holguin is often called the city of public gardens. Walking here is not only pleasant, but also interesting: the city is very diverse in terms of architecture.

Nutrition

The gastronomic preferences of Cubans are quite diverse. The cuisine of this country mixes the traditions of Spain, Africa, and the Caribbean islands. Here they treat meat with respect and cannot do without vegetables and fruits. A separate culinary topic - bananas. Cubans have dozens of options for preparing it and hundreds of options for dishes that include banana. They are fried, baked, used as an ingredient in sauce, and served as dessert.

By the way, desserts in Cuba are distinguished by their sweetness. Popular here mousses, puddings, ice cream. Many amazing dishes are made from tropical fruits and sugar cane. syrups.

Coffee is held in special esteem by local residents. It is drunk very strong and sweet throughout the day. Among the alcoholic drinks, the favorite among Cubans is rum. It is customary to serve table wine with lunch and dinner.

The best food in Cuba is in restaurants located in private homes. They're called paladares. Lunch at such a restaurant will cost you approximately 7 $ , which is two times less than in a state restaurant. You can also get a bite to eat in the city by buying pizza or a sandwich from street vendors.

In Cuban restaurants, it is customary to tip based on 10% from the order cost. It is better to give the money personally to the waiter.

Accommodation

Most hotels located in Cuban resorts have five-star status. The beaches adjacent to such hotels are, as a rule, very well equipped with everything necessary for relaxation. Meals are most often organized according to the buffet principle, less often - according to the menu. The cost of an all-inclusive room in such a hotel will be close to 100 $ . For comparison: the same room in a middle-class state hotel will cost approximately 35 $ , and in private - in 15-25 $ .

Almost all hotels in Cuba have a car rental department.

Entertainment and relaxation

Of course, when it comes to entertainment in Cuba, the first thing you want to talk about is the island’s nightlife. In terms of the number of clubs, bars, and discos, Liberty Island ranks first in Caribbean. Music and dance lovers come here simply to immerse themselves in this environment. Particularly rich nightlife in the capital. Havana is ready to satisfy any request. Cabarets, jazz clubs, Latin American shows - the nightlife of the Cuban capital is varied in rhythm. By the way, anyone can learn Afro-Cuban dances: dance lessons are organized right at the hotels.

Clubs and restaurants are not the only way of leisure for Cubans and guests of the island. Diving, fishing and hunting are extremely popular here. There is also something for speleology lovers to do here: the huge karst caves captivate both professionals and simply curious tourists.

Throughout the year, Cuba hosts many holiday events and festivals. The Fire Festival and Carnival in Santiago de Cuba (take place in the summer) are particularly spectacular. In August, the island hosts a Cuban music festival.

Purchases

It is better to buy food in Cuba in supermarkets or stores. In shops INTUR tiendas you can buy clothes, food, medicines, souvenirs for foreign currency. By the way, about souvenirs. You'll probably want to buy a bottle or two Cuban rum and cigars. You can also choose rum in the store (a bottle costs from 5 $ ), but to buy good cigars, it’s better to contact Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas. On the ground floor of the factory there is a store that sells all types of cigars.

Surely in the first days of your stay in Cuba you will want to buy a T-shirt with the image of the symbol of all revolutions - Che Guevara. Although it would be better if you follow the example of the locals and buy Guyabera shirt, in which you can easily endure any heat.

Not only rum and cigars, but also other exclusively “ Cuban» accessories: straw hats, wicker shoes, hammock. Audio CDs purchased in Havana with recordings of spirited local music will help prolong the festive mood (there is no other way in Cuba!).

When going shopping, do not forget that Cubans sacredly honor traditions: a four-hour rest in the afternoon is a must. However, it’s not just a matter of tradition: the scorching sun simply does not allow full-fledged work.

And one more important note. Icon $ on the price tag means nothing more than the word “ price" But the real cost of the goods is most often indicated in pesos.

When buying products made from crocodile skin, ask the seller for an export license, otherwise the souvenir may be seized at customs.

Transport

The main airport in Cuba is International Airport Jose Marti, located 18 km from Havana. As for municipal transport, then, alas, its condition is deplorable. There are very few city buses, and they often break down. There is no schedule as such at all. If you plan to move around the city, rent a bicycle: this type of transport is common here.

Communication between cities is also poorly established. Buses and minibuses are almost always crowded and run poorly. Tickets for these must be purchased in advance.

In general, a tourist in Cuba cannot do without a car. And, fortunately, there are no particular problems with this. All that is required to rent a car is a driver’s license and at least a year of driving experience. True, this service is quite expensive - 60 $ per day. But believe me, there is simply no better way to see Cuba.

As for the quality of roads, then, as you may have guessed, there are problems. The traffic rules are standard, but there are practically no signs and markings. Service stations are also, in general, rare. Therefore, when renting a car, do not be lazy to check if everything is in order with the car. Including check whether the tank is full.

The only plus is that “tourist” cars (they have special colored license plates) enjoy benefits, and the police simply do not pay attention to minor violations.

Connection

Today Cuba is served by a single telecom operator - the company ETECSA. The current standard is GSM 900, in some areas - GSM 850. You can buy a phone card at any hotel or store.

Calling from a pay phone abroad is cheaper than calling from a hotel room (approximately 5 $ per minute of conversation with Moscow). And not every hotel has a telephone with international access.

Today there are 2 Internet providers on the island.

Safety

As for the safety of your stay on the island, various types of threats can await you everywhere, despite the fact that Cuba is a fairly safe country. First tip: don't walk around Old Havana after 10 pm. If only because at this time the city lights are turned off. It is better to store documents in your room, in a special safe (if there is one, of course).

Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited. It is not recommended to give alms to the poor: this is punishable by law.

Beware of the Cuban sun: you can get burned even in cloudy weather. Use protective equipment and be sure to cover your head. Be careful when swimming: in the sea you can easily get hurt by a sea urchin or sharp coral. Jellyfish can be extremely dangerous.

Business climate

The country's two main sources of income are sugar production and tourism. The tourism industry is developing rapidly, attracting more and more foreign investors. In addition, Cuba is a global leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

At the moment, Cuba is in the spotlight of the world business community. Liberty Island amazes with its prospects, but at the same time, it is one of the most closed countries in the world. A huge advantage is the absence of taxes for foreign entrepreneurs. Among the disadvantages are poor infrastructure and the possibility of opening a business exclusively in partnership with a state-owned enterprise. It is not yet possible to register your company in Cuba.

Real estate

One of the most pressing problems in Cuba is housing. Most of the housing stock has long been in need of reconstruction and overhaul. As for buying a home on the island, such an operation is generally impossible for an ordinary foreigner. Even if you have millions of dollars in your pocket, you will not be able to buy housing here. Of course, there is an unofficial real estate market, but, of course, such a purchase has no guarantees. Although the prices are quite reasonable: an apartment in an old panel house can cost from 15 000 $ . And in the provinces it is several times less.

• Cubans are generally very cheerful, talkative, sociable and hospitable. But they are very proud. They will, of course, try to speak to you in English, but if you say at least a few phrases in bad Spanish, the Cuban will definitely love you.
• You should also know some of the Cuban traditions if you are planning to visit Liberty Island. In order not to offend a good-natured Cuban, you should never refuse an offer for a drink or dinner. It is advisable to accompany requests with special appeals: "mi amor", "mi corazon"- when talking to a woman, "amigo", "viejo"- when talking to a man.
• Photographing industrial buildings and military equipment is prohibited in Cuba, but the Cubans themselves, as a rule, willingly pose for the camera. Of course, before you capture the colorful appearance of an island resident, you need to ask permission.

Visa information

Tourists from Russia do not require a visa to Cuba if the period of visiting the country does not exceed 30 days. In order to cross the state border, you need to present a passport valid for the duration of your stay in Cuba, 2 copies of a migration card (one of which must be kept until departure from the country), as well as return tickets. You must have funds at the rate of $50 per day per person. This does not apply to tourists who used the services of travel agencies.

However, you can take care of a visa in advance by contacting the consular department of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Moscow. Among the documents submitted to the visa department must be a foreign passport (its validity must not expire earlier than 6 months from the date of arrival in the country), copies of round-trip tickets, confirmation of a hotel room reservation (a travel agency voucher or an invitation from a specific person), as well as a photo in size 3x4 cm. The consular fee will be $30, and the visa will be valid for one month.

For more specific information on obtaining a visa to the Republic of Cuba, please contact: 119017, Moscow, st. Bolshaya Ordynka, 66.

"Liberty Island" was discovered by Christopher Columbus on October 27, 1492. After this, the Spaniards tried for four centuries to colonize it and turn it into their overseas province. The British and Americans also wanted to succeed in this. However, none of them managed to establish their own rules there. That’s why they still say about Cuba that it is the “Island of Freedom.” Cuba is famous throughout the world for its carnivals, dances, songs, boxing, volleyball, Cuban cigars and Cuban rum, the beautiful sea and magnificent beaches.

Geography of Cuba

The island nation of Cuba is located in the Caribbean Sea. It consists of the islands of Cuba, Juventud and several other archipelagos. The United States is located 180 kilometers north of Cuba, and to the south and southeast are Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The total area of ​​the country is 110,860 square meters. km.

The island of Cuba is the largest island in the entire Caribbean. Most of its territory is plains. Only in the west, center and southeast can you find mountain systems. The highest peak is Peak Turquino in the Sierra Maestra mountain range, whose height reaches 1,974 meters.

The coast of the island of Cuba is indented with picturesque bays and coves, and near the coast there are beautiful coral reefs. In general, there are about 4,000 thousand islands and reefs near Cuba.

Capital

Havana is the capital of the state of Cuba. More than 2.3 million people now live in this city. Havana was founded by the Spaniards in 1515 on the site of an ancient Indian settlement.

Official language of Cuba

The official language is Spanish.

Religion

More than 60% of the population consider themselves Catholics, but only about 5% of them regularly attend church.

State structure

According to the 1992 Constitution, Cuba is a socialist republic in which the Communist Party is the “leading force of society and state.” The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba also serves as the President of this state.

The local parliament is called the National Assembly, it consists of 609 deputies elected for a 5-year term. Executive power belongs to the State Council and the Council of Ministers, consisting of 31 ministers.

Administratively, the country is divided into 15 provinces, which in turn are divided into 168 municipalities, and one special municipality (Juventud).

Climate and weather

The climate is subtropical, the average annual air temperature is about +27C. Hurricane season lasts from July to mid-November. Hurricanes and tropical storms most often occur in September and October.

You can vacation in Cuba almost all year round, but the best time is the winter months, when there is no rain.

Average air temperature in Cuba:

1. January - +26C
2. February - +27C
3. March - +28С
4. April - +29C
5. May - +31C
6. June - +30C
7. July - +30C
8. August - +32C
9. September - +31C
10. October - +29C
11. November - +27C
12. December - +26C

Sea in Cuba

The island of Cuba is surrounded on all sides by the Caribbean Sea. There are beautiful coral reefs off the coast.

Average temperature of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cuba:

1. January - +25C
2. February - +24C
3. March - +24C
4. April - +26C
5. May - +27C
6. June - +27C
7. July - +28C
8. August - +28C
9. September - +28C
10. October - +28C
11. November - +27C
12. December - +27C

Rivers and lakes

Several rivers flow through Cuba. The largest of them is the Cauto River, which begins in the Sierra Maestra mountains in the province of Santiago (its length is 370 km). The Almendares River flows through Havana, providing the capital with drinking water. In general, there are several hundred rivers and small streams on this island.

History of Cuba

On October 27, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba, and from then on the modern history of this island, and then the state, began. At the beginning of the 17th century, Diego Velazquez founded the first seven settlement cities on the island - Baracoa, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Camagüey and Havana. During the process of colonization, the Spaniards almost completely destroyed the indigenous population. During the 4 centuries of Spanish rule, tens of thousands of slaves from Africa were brought to Cuba.

The Spanish occupation of Cuba ended only at the end of the 19th century, but the country became politically dependent on the United States.

On January 1, 1959, the Revolution won in Cuba, and the country took the path of building socialism. One of the leaders of the Revolution, along with Camilo Cienfuegos and Ernesto Che Guevara, was Fidel Castro.

In April 1961, the Americans attempted to overthrow the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro, but their mercenaries were defeated at the Bay of Pigs.

Some capitalist countries, including the United States, have still not lifted economic sanctions against Cuba, which hinders the development of this amazing country.

Culture

Cuba's culture has been shaped by Spanish, African, French and Asian influences and is therefore known for its diversity. This country has become the birthplace of many musical styles and dances, among them the most popular are mambo and cha-cha-cha.

However, Cuba is famous in the world not only for music and dancing, but also for its sporting achievements in boxing and volleyball. Sports can also be considered a reflection of cultural traditions.

Cuba cannot be imagined without festivals. For example, every summer in Havana the famous “Carnival of Chariots” is held, during which special stages with music and dance groups ride through the streets of the Cuban capital for three days, and street processions of musicians are also held. In general, Carnival in Havana lasts, as a rule, 12 days, and the legendary Tropicana cabaret, founded in 1939, participates in it.

Havana also regularly hosts crafts fairs in the summer, in which various music, dance and theater groups participate.

Every September, Santiago de Cuba hosts the Festival del Son, a traditional Cuban music festival. This holiday lasts four days.

Cuban cuisine

Cuban cuisine has been strongly influenced by Spanish culinary traditions. Many Cuban dishes are very similar to those served in Andalusia (southern Spain). However, Cuban cuisine has also been influenced by African, Portuguese, French, Arabic and even Chinese culinary traditions.

The main foods are potatoes, malanga, yucca, wheat, fish and seafood (especially lobster), meat (chicken and pork), rice, bananas, vegetables, beans. Hot spices are rarely used.

We recommend that tourists try “Moros y Cristianos” (black beans with rice), “Arroz con Pollo” (yellow rice with chicken), “Ropa Vieja” (pieces of beef fillet), “Ajiaco” (vegetable stew with meat and garlic), “ Fufú (mashed boiled green bananas, often served with meat), Piccadillo (spicy beef with tomatoes and onions). Popular desserts are “Helado” (ice cream) and “Galletas” (sweet cookies).

The traditional non-alcoholic drink is coffee. The best Cuban coffee grows in the Sierra Maestra mountains.

Traditional alcoholic drinks are rum and cocktails with rum. Every self-respecting Cuban bartender should know at least 100 recipes for cocktails with rum or other alcoholic drinks.

Sights of Cuba

Most of the monuments of Cuban culture date back to the colonial era. Several monuments are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

1. Havana Vieja Historic Center and Fort (Havana)
2. Old Town of Trinidad (Sancti Spiritus)
3. Sugar mills around Trinidad (Sancti Spiritus)
4. Fortifications of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro (Santiago de Cuba)
5. Ruins of the French coffee plantation La Gran Piedra (Santiago de Cuba)
6. Desembarco del Granma National Park

The Alexander Humboldt, Almendares and Sierra Maestra national parks, the Los Indios Nature Reserve and the Punta Frances Marine Park are of great interest to tourists.

Cities and resorts

The largest cities are Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Santa Clara, Holguin, Bayamo, Cienfuegos, Guantanamo, Holguin, and, of course, Havana.

Cuba is world famous for its beach resorts, where residents of Europe and North America come to relax. The most popular of them are Varadero, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo and Holguin. Every year, for example, more than 1 million tourists vacation in Varadero (about 45% of them are foreigners).

Most local resorts offer tourists a well-developed recreation infrastructure, with restaurants, discos, nightclubs and entertainment shows in hotels. All resorts offer excellent beach holiday opportunities, including diving, boat excursions and yacht trips.

Souvenirs/shopping

The most popular souvenirs from Cuba are any items with the image of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, folk art, ceramics, Cuban coffee, coffee cups, Cuban cigars and rum.

Office hours

Banks:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-15:00

The shops:
Mon-Fri: 09:00-17:00
Sat: 10:00-14:00

Museums:
Tue-Sat: 09:00-17:00
Sun: 08:00-13:00

Visa

Ukrainians need a visa to visit Cuba.

Currency

There are two currencies in circulation in Cuba: the Cuban peso (CUP) and the convertible peso (CUC). Tourists must exchange dollars for convertible pesos. $100 = 87 CUC. In turn, 1 dollar = approximately 24 Cuban pesos. Credit cards are not widely used.

Customs restrictions