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There are a thousand things to do, from visiting cities that bear the marks of the colonial era of the Revolution or to relax on the sandy beaches. Athletes will also be addressed. You can go diving, to discover the beauty of the seabed in the Caribbean Sea, and hiking, among mountains and forests.
Cuba is also a city of clichés. Cigars, music, American cars, beaches, Castro and the embargo is what might characterize Cuba. The island is full of fantastic sites not always known to tourists.
Do not miss the old city of Havana and Trinidad, declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, which reflect the colonial history of Cuba.
The old buildings have been renovated sixteenth, downtowns are restored gradually, many museums open their doors. Cuba boasts proudly as a country of culture and history.
Biodiversity is valued: orchids, ferns and other native plants. You will not be safe to come across iguanas or other wild crocodiles.
Natural wonders such as the Valle de Vinales or near Pinar del Rio will certainly surprise you.
Cuba is also a clash of generations. Among a population that has experienced the revolution, and the lack of repression and a youth who thinks only go into exile to seek a better future.
Cuba is also its contradictions; a socialist country where the dollar is leading the economy. A country that looks to the future, but that cultivates the worship of the ancient heroes of the revolution.
Only way: tourism. Heavenly resorts popping up every year.
Although poverty is pervasive, quality home Cuban is exemplary.
You do not go to Cuba without a heavy heart. This enchanting island mark the spirits with good local atmosphere and pride in the people that comeback.
Cinema in Cuba
In the eyes of moviegoers, Cuba remains the scene of Soy Cuba, or the documentary Buena Vista Social Club.
Weather / When to go
What is the best time to travel to Cuba? What is it there now? All weather and climate information.
"Weather in Cuba
Passport / Visa / Formalities
Make sure you have when entering the territory of your passport (including the limit of validity must exceed 6 months) and a tourist card ($ 15 CU). The latter is issued by the Cuban consulate in Paris, for a travel agency or licensed tour operators.
Attention to leave Cuban territory, a fee of $ 25 CU cash to be paid.
The maximum length of stay in Cuba is 30 days but may be extended to four weeks if you so request. Otherwise, the immigration authorities have the right to detain you. Better to be prepared!
transport
Unless you are a billionaire and docking in Cuba with his private yacht, the most practical means of transportation is of course the plane. From France, it takes 10 hours by plane to travel 7600 km between Paris and Cuba.
Expect to pay about 600 euros for a round trip flight with Cubana de Aviacion directly linking Paris to Havana.
Air France also offers five weekly direct flights to 1,000 euros round trip. Other companies, Iberia and Air Europe are more competitive level prices but the flight includes calls.
11 international airports in the island. The most important are the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Juan Gualberto Gomez airport in Varadero or Airport Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba.
Come by boat to Cuba is more complex. Because of the American embargo which prohibits any vessel calling at the island to come to the United States six months before, few cruises that now pass through Cuba.
Circulate in Cuba
The plane
Nearly 1,000 km separate Havana from Santiago de Cuba. The plane, thus saving time and energy. The airline Cubana Airlines provides domestic routes between 13 cities of the territory. You can buy air tickets in hotels or many travel agencies on site.
the ferry
Havana, Cienfuegos, Gibara, and Santiago de Cuba offer a ferry service that works very well. It allows to go explore the island of la Juventud.
the train
Much more random, the train is still ideal for traveling the country on condition of not being pressed. Foreigners must buy a ticket in cash. Average cost: $ 3 CU 100 km.
the bus
If you wish to use means of cheaper transportation, the bus is very reliable. The company is equipped with air conditioning Viazul and the lines are very well developed in all the tourist areas of the country.
The company Astro, cheaper, you can go to meet people but times are less reliable and longer trips.
the car
Do not hesitate to rent a car (driving license from the country of residence is sufficient and a deposit). Avoid still driving at night, signaling is defective ??
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is a way to immerse themselves in the culture. The low crime Cuba and friendliness of the local promote this means of transport. The return paths between 5 and 20 pesos depending on the distance. Fluency in Spanish required.
the taxi
There are different kinds of taxis: the bici-taxis are reserved for natives.
Yellow coco-taxis are convenient to move within a city (fixed rate) and can accommodate up to 3 people.
Airports
Jose Marti International Airport
The Jose Marti international airport serves international and domestic flights.
The airport is 25 km from the capital of Havana. To get to the city, approximately 11 euros by taxi
General
transport
There are many means of transport in Cuba. Taxi car, taxi, bicycle or motorized taxi (sort of rickshaw), bus, truck, bicycle, rental car, etc.
The taxi is a mode of travel cost if you take a number. To avoid trouble, prefer official taxis to those illegals.
To get from one end to the other of the island, the plane is a good way that proves inexpensive.
Some prices:
Rickshaws: 4.60 euros intend to cross the city of Havana, for example.
The taxi-bicycle: between 1 euro and 3.40 euro race.
Car rental
You can rent a car in Cuba. Minimum is 35 euros per day for a small car. Add about 10 euros per day plus insurance.
