Fill up on useful information before your trip to Cuba
His name is in all the brochures of travel agencies and on all the lips of backpackers. And since the historic visit of the President of the United States in March 2016, Cuba has continued to attract the envy of tourism professionals. Corsair will spread its wings to the island in 2017, the Starwood group plans to open two new hotels there while Celestyal Cruises has decided to charter a ship all year round on the island ... If Cuba is listed on your tablets for next vacation, here are some points to consider before purchasing your ticket.
1. Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?
Cuba's openness to the world has not yet led it to abolish entry formalities on its territory. Travelers have need to have a “tourist card”, valid for a maximum stay of thirty days, renewable on site. The embassy immediately issues the document, but travel agencies can also take care of it.
Count 22 euros per person.
If these procedures can be carried out by post, the embassy requires in this case a supplement of 25 euros, to be paid by check certified by the bank. Note that to obtain the tourist card, you must already be in possession of your return ticket. Another precaution to take before leaving is to have an insurance certificate in the event of illness or repatriation.
2. When is the best time to visit Cuba?
The high (dry) season runs from november to may. If the sky is blue and the temperatures are very pleasant, the high prices of this ideal period can be a disadvantage. The end of the year holiday season tends to push prices up a bit more.
The other solution is to choose July / August. However, Cubans are on vacation… and you will probably not be the only ones to favor this period.
3. Are “casas particulares” a reliable accommodation solution?
Cubans receive tourists in this equivalent of “Bed and Breakfast” or “homestay” very popular in Asia. Economical, this formula allows live as close as possible to the Cuban population. You can spot the casas particulares thanks to the signs on the houses. These usually have two or three bedrooms available and often offer an inexpensive meal.
The casas particulares thus have all the qualities, including the price more attractive than those of hotels. However, keep in mind that hot water is not guaranteed and that toilets can be located outside.
Authenticity in Trinidad
4. How to live an experience aboard the famous old American cars type 50s?
We must act quickly before modernity takes precedence over this Cuban symbol, whose export is prohibited. The easiest solution is to hail a taxi unofficial with whom you will have to fix the price of the race, for a short or long distance. Be careful, not all American-Cuban cars are convertibles and, in the 50s, shock absorbers are often non-existent (beware of the buttocks or the head against the ceiling). The trip will therefore not be easy.
These old Chevrolets and Cadillacs also lend themselves to the game of circuits dedicated to tourists. Agencies take care of offering you packages.
5. Where can I buy real Cuban cigars?
Cigars are the other symbol of Cuba and are a great gift idea. Better to refrain from succumbing to the supposedly attractive prices charged by street vendors. The safest - but not the most affordable - way to buy real Cuban cigars is to to go to a factory.
Jibacoa beach
6. Which beaches to choose in Cuba?
Ideally located in the north of the Antilles, Cuba offers the idyllic Caribbean landscape. For a relaxing stay, or a beach-to-beach itinerary, the north coast will largely fulfill its contract:
- Varadero Beach, a 1 hour drive from Havana, is a famous destination.
- Further away, Playa Pilar is a still unspoiled site where you can enjoy wildlife.
- Still on the road to the east, Playa Los Pinos can be a good base thanks to its hotel offer.
On the south coast : Trinidad is also recommended. And for snorkeling enthusiasts and divers, several spots are prescribed such as Maria la Gorda, Isla de la Juventud, Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco or even at the end of the island, to the east, Santiago de Cuba.
Guardalavaca beach
