TravelpediaonlineRough Guide Cuba: Cuba Ultimate Travel Adventure Guides
This rough guides Cuba brief will take you through all the most essential guides needed for you to take when preparing for your Cuba travel adventure. With so many adventure packages to choose from which are full of several outdoor activities such as rafting, kayaking, and many more, as well as a lot of bucket list experiences, you’re sure going to find an unforgettable travel adventure that suits you.
Why not go outside your comfort zone in an adrenaline-filled ultimate travel adventure to Cuba?
Looking for the best Cuba travel insider tips?
Let’s find out together…!
The Island of Cuba with its varied landscapes, vibrant rhythms, and rich heritage of dance & culture wins over so many travellers who return here frequently.
When you get to Cuba, you’ll be captivated by lots of vintage radio, elegant lamps, and other amazing views.
You’ll also find an ancient pharmacy, traditional barbers, and related American cars everywhere.
Modernization on the island is making a very rapid change, new swish hotels are spreading all over and first-class hotels, as well as family boutiques are growing on the high rise while homemade restaurants are putting the Cuba menu slowly on the culinary list.
The beauty of Cuba is just indescribable!
Cuba is an island of white-sand beaches, exuberant people, rich farmland, and rugged peaks, situated in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico meet.
Cuba has always been the top bucket-list country for a lot of travellers.
We know all of that sounds fascinating.
General Facts About Cuba: Rough Guides Cuba
Capital: Havana
Official Language: Spanish
Time Zone: GMT – 5
Country Code: CU
Country Number/Prefix: +53
National Day: 10th October (Independence Day)
National Song: “La Bayamesa”
Currency: Cuba Pesos (CUP) and Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC)
Total Population: 11,221,060
Land Area: 109,884 km2 (42,426 square miles)
Highest Mountain: Pico Turquino (1,974 metres)
Largest Lake: Laguna de Leche
25 Amazing Facts About Cuba
- Cuba is the biggest island in the Caribbean, having about 11 million people.
- Cuba has two currencies, the CUP (Cuban pesos) and CUC (Cuban convertible pesos).
- Cuba has very few hotels which makes it one of the most amazing fact travellers needs to know.
- Supermarkets are few in Cuba
- Wi-Fi is very rare in Cuba until recently
- Cuba adores itself with old cars
- The first public Wi-Fi hotspots opened in 2015
- Most restaurants in Cuba are owned by the government
- Medical care and education are free for Cuban citizen
- Cuban citizens were not allowed to use cell phones until 2008
- South Korean soap operas are very popular in Cuba
- Until 2011, there was an import ban on cars in Cuba
- Officially, Coca Cola isn’t sold in Cuba
- Cuba has about 70,000 qualified doctors.
- Cuba is home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- The average Cuban earns roughly $ 20 USD per month in salary
- Evert Cuban household has a ration book
- public transportation in Cuba is only for the locals.
- The government owns and controls all broadcast media in Cuba, including TV and Radio stations
- Cuban cigars are known as the finest cigars in the world
- Cuba consists of more than 400 Islands and cays
- The smallest bird in the world (the bee hummingbird) lives in Cuba
- There are people named “Usnavi” after the US Navy in Cuba
- Cuba is the most populated country in the Caribbean
- Ballerinas are very popular in Cuba and can potentially earn more than doctors
What to Know Before Visiting Cuba
Are you going on an adventure to Cuba for the very first time?
Continue reading to find out everything you need to be aware of before you visit Cuba:
- Cuba isn’t the easiest place to travel
- Cuba is a very safe country to travel
- It’s likely the internet may not work in Cuba
- Cash is king in Cuba
- Understanding the cuc vs cup
- Ensure you pack as light as possible
- Get a visa card for Cuba
- Health insurance is required
- Warning to woman; expect catcalling
- Cuba is not that cheap
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The Biggest Cities in Cuba
Here are the top 10 list of the biggest cities in Cuba that is ranked after population:
- Havana
- Cienfuegos
- Varadero
- Trinidad
- Baracoa
- Santiago de Cuba
- Santa Clara
- Camaguey
- Vinales
- Holguin
Best Time to Visit Cuba
So many travellers will always want to know the best time to travel to Cuba – the best time to travel to Cuba is usually around April to December.
During this period, you can expect sunny weather since the Island is much closer to the equator. Expect the rainy season around May and October when you can experience waterlogged holidays.
The festive period in Cuba is around July 25th to July 27th where different people display their traditional ways, while they also celebrate the success of Cuba’s transformation.
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Cuba Top Highlights
1. Rooftop dining in Havana
You’ll be able to see different places and all the other things Cuba has to offer.
You spending a day eating and drinking at one of the rooftops in Cuba is something that shouldn’t be missed.
The iconic El Floridita bar is certainly the best place to visit.
2. Tobacco hills of Vinales:
You can take a stroll around Vinales which is a central place for tobacco growing in Cuba. You can visit the farms yourself and get the newly rolled Cuban cigar directly plucked from its plant.
3. Taking photography
This is a compulsory thing to do while In Cuba.
We know you wouldn’t want to miss it.
The classic fashionable cars cruising around the road and the picturesque ancient building makes Cuba different from other cities.
Make sure you have a good camera, so you’ll be able to capture the uniqueness and beauty of the city.
4. Wildlife in Peninsula de Zapata National park
Spending a few hours here will be a wonderful moment and an unforgettable experience.
Seeing yourself around these beautiful creatures will excite you.
5. Baracoa
Here in Baracoa, you’ll be able to chill out on its enchanting beaches and take a hiking activity.
Baracoa also showcases a very remarkable cuisine.
6. La Redaccion
La Redaccion is located in the town of Havana, you’ll get to see great restaurants and bars in an ancient colonial house most especially for those who love good foods in a good environment.
The restaurant also has a good vegetarian food menu.
7. Cayo Levisa
This is a very quiet island that is worth visiting whether you’re staying for long or just for a day.
The fine white sand close to the bright blue Caribbean will make your holiday here a perfect one.
8. Playa Jabacoa
In your visit to Cuba, Playa Jabacoa should be on your bucket list as it has one of the best beaches which most travellers didn’t know about.
There are no places in Cuba that you can have the best beach compared to the one in Playa Jabacoa.
9. Sierra Maestra
Sierra Maestra is a nice place to check out while you’re at the southern side of Cuba and not all tourists get to see this.
It has a special place in Cuban history and it also has the country’s higher range of mountains.
For those who love nature and outdoor activities like hiking, this is the best place for you to visit.
10. Cayo Caco
It’s one of Cuba’s beautiful beaches and the most isolated. This Island has fine white sand with clear waters making it one of the best places for diving and snorkelling.
11. Old Havana
It is the true sense of Cuba that makes it the centre of economic and cultural heritage. Havana is also the largest city and where port-based. There are historical centres and many other things to see here in Havana.
During your visit to Havana, we’ll recommend you take a stroll around the streets which drags you to a good part of life and colourful houses.
Best Restaurants to Visit in Cuba
1. El café
El café is located in Havana and it’s one of Havana’s best breakfast shops.
They offer different homemade delicacies like a good plate of eggs, bread, cheese, and sourdough.
2. La Redaccion
La Redaccion is located in Trinidad which gives the best menu while changing the course of meals from time to time.
Travellers will also have the opportunity to meet new people and form friendships due to the large table shared.
3. El Romero
This town can be found in Las Terrazas and it’s a vegetarian restaurant with various organic ingredients.
With great valley views combined with the veggie-laden plates, most of their dishes come in 3 sizes to match your appetite.
4. Resturante villa Lagarto
Located in Cienfuegos, Resturante villa Lagarto is a guest house that has a restaurant attached where a healthy portion of pork is being served.
It also has a very nice waterfront view setting and an outdoor table close to the water edge. The meat dishes prepared are served in a simple way, while the vegetables and fruits come from the farmers directly.
5. Paladar La Cuenca
Located in Vinales, Paladar La Cuenca is a restaurant set at a street corner. You’ll have the chance to merry in a well-designed interior decoration with an open kitchen view.
They offer almost everything from the Spanish menu, most especially seafood.
Responsible Travel
Travelpediaonline is committed to travelling in a way that’s respectful of local people, local economies, their culture, and the environment.
It’s very crucial to remember that what may be acceptable in your own country (dress, behaviour, and language) may not be appropriate in another.
Please keep this in mind while travelling.
Learn more about how you can travel responsibly here
And that’s all about rough guides Cuba.
Have you already visited Cuba?
If yes, share some of your experience in the comment section below.
We’d love to hear from you.
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