700 miles of coastline, rare cloud forests, a smoking volcano and a friendly citizenry ensure that Cuba is always a much loved travel destination. More so because right at the heart of its tourism initiatives, is its philosophy ‘Pura Vida’ (pure life).
Must Dos
- Drink up. The Mojito was invented here.
- Follow the music. Cuba is home to salsa, son, trova, conga, cabaret & reggaeton. Bars & nightclubs in Havana & Santiago de Cuba throb to its rhythms.
- Grab a drink at the Art Deco Bacardi building in the historic quarter of Havana Vieja and get an eyeful of the Catedral de San Cristobal.
- Roam the Fusterlandia neighbourhood in Havana; Jose Fuster, Cuba’s very own Picasso has transformed this area into a ceramic tribute to Gaudi.
- Opt to stay at a Casa Particulares (homestay), for the real deal on Cuban life.
- Hit any one of over 300 beaches blessed by year-long sunshine. Playa Ancon, near Trinidad, Guardalavaca in the South and the Northern Cays including the Cayo Santa Maria are the top picks.
- Go diving at Maria La Gorda or Isle de la Juventud.
- Take a cigar factory tour to see this slow, tactile and artisanal process unfold. Cubans make the entire cigar themselves, with the women doing the rolling.
- Take a road trip. The countryside is exotic with Mogotes (limestone outcrops) dotting the landscape.
- Visit the isolated region of Baracoa, for dewy rainforests, green carpeted hills and exotic species.
- Stay at Las Terrazas - a creation of Castro’s people to people program, this scenic spot is a sustainable, green and tranquil resort community.