Cuba: a country of freedom, cheerful people and sunny resorts. Cuba - everything a tourist needs to know about Liberty Island

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.

• Hot tours to Cuba
• Tours for May Worldwide

Perhaps some still remember how they deciphered the name of this country 15 years ago: "Communism off the coast of America." Joking 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-ever-living follower, an external ideological enemy in the face 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 hostile leadership, despite the embargo of the Island of Freedom.

Time difference with Moscow

− 7 hours in winter −8 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

Climate

Visa and customs

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

To enter Cuba at the border, you need to fill out a migration card (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 is fine). 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. Also, one photo and video camera is imported duty-free (plus 5 cassettes for each). It is forbidden 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 in Cuba upon arrival).

Fans of Cuban cigars should not forget the following point: although they can be taken out of the island as many as they like with a receipt, in Russia, according to our customs rules, you can import no more than 50 pieces.

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 a package with a hologram, bought in a special store that issues receipts and an export permit, you can export as much as you like), goods in the amount of not more than 1000 CUP (jewelry is exported only if there is a license issued by the store).

There is no tax free system in socialist Cuba.

The export of animals, cultural values, sea shells, antiques, precious metals is prohibited. When buying jewelry or goods made of crocodile skin, you must require an export license from the seller, otherwise the goods will be confiscated during customs control. These licenses are issued, as a rule, only in stores. In markets where crocodile skin products cost 3-5 times less, but export licenses are not given, such goods should not be purchased.

How to get to Cuba

The easiest and fastest way to get to Cuba is direct direct regular Aeroflot flights Moscow - Havana (about 12 hours of flight, departure from Sheremetyevo). Other options: transit through 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.

The flight from the CIS countries is carried out either through Moscow, or with a connection 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, as well as book a hotel in advance. It is more convenient to stay in the center of Amsterdam: the time of the railway crossing from the airport to the station in the city center is only 20 minutes.

Find flights to Cuba

Transport

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

Public transport

Buses are considered the main city transport, but they can only be recommended to extreme sportsmen: the stops are not marked in any way, it is almost impossible to find them, the buses are crowded, and they do not have a clear schedule and 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 are a tourist and take much more. Prices on the page are for September 2018.

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

Intercity communication

Locals often hitchhike around the country. Cuba even has 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 where intercity buses depart. Unlike urban 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. Fares 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 box 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
• How to call in Havana from a Russian number to a local landline

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Cuban beaches

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

Most of the hotels on the coast are assigned separate protected areas of the beach, where you can hardly meet the local population. Sunbeds and umbrellas - free of charge.

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

The longest beach in Cuba is Varadero: almost 22 km of white sand with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach cafes and other tourist infrastructure. Almost all the beaches here are attached to hotels, so it is always clean there 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 very 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 families with children, the Santa Lucia beach is suitable (about 110 km northeast of the city of Camaguey). There is a comfortable gently sloping sandy bottom, there are no waves, and since you cannot get to this beach by regular buses, there are not many people even in the high season. It is very calm and Beautiful places, but for fans of extreme sports 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 cooked in various ways. One of the most popular national dishes is "Creole ajiaco" - pork with vegetables and lots of spices. It is also worth trying lobsters with lemon, dishes from crocodile or turtle meat, turtle eggs. In Cuba, they cook a lot from fruits and serve them with almost every dish. The coffee 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. Credit cards are usually accepted there, but failures are not uncommon, so it's best to go with cash (convertible pesos). The average bill in a good restaurant is about 30-40 CUP per person without drinks, in a more budgetary one you can meet 10-15 CUP. There are also many pizzerias and eateries with hamburgers in Cuba. You can eat there cheaply (2-5 CUP) and often around the clock, but only for cash. A separate story - Cuban bars. Most of them are very colorful and with a history, they don’t serve food there (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, much was destroyed by the Spanish colonizers back in the 16th century. The main wealth of the island is natural beauty. Picturesque landscapes, national parks and an amazing underwater world - this is what attracts thousands of tourists to Cuba every year.

Historical sights are concentrated in cities, most of all, of course, in the capital - Havana. The most interesting area in terms of tourism is Old Havana, listed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List of mankind. You should definitely see the Cathedral of St. Christopher, the Havana Capitol - larger than Washington. Also of interest are the squares of the city: the Armory (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral (Plaza de la Catedral) and the Old (Plaza Vieja), around which there are ancient buildings and structures, as well as the Revolution Square of Jose Marti 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 of particular interest to fans of ecological and adventure tourism, as there are many quiet secluded beaches. The Escaleras de Jaruco area has many caves and sheer 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 to them. Che Guevara and his remains are kept. In the small town of Remedios, the city's Carnival Museum, the Alejandro Garcia Caturla Music Museum and the main parish church of St. John the Baptist, which is considered one of the most curious in Cuba, are worth seeing.

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

Juventud Island is the second largest in the Cuban archipelago. Here is the famous natural reserve "Los Indios San Felipe" with unique flora and fauna, the prison "Presidio Modelo", a copy of the American prison "Joliet" in Illinois (where Fidel Castro served his prison sentence), the national marine park "Punta -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. Mandatory to visit: Piazza Vigia (foundation of the city), Liberty Square, Montserrat Chapel (built in the image of a temple in Catalonia), San Severino Castle (because of its size it is considered one of the main Spanish fortresses in America) and the ruins of "Triumvirato" - there in the 19th century there was the largest uprising in the history of Cuba African slaves. 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 Historical Museum to Playa Giron.

New Year (January 1), on the contrary, is celebrated noisily and cheerfully. On this night, beach discos are open, concerts and parties are held, with a special scope for business in big cities.

January 2 is the most important day in the country - the Day of Liberation and the Victory of the Cuban Revolution. This is an official holiday throughout the country, solemn processions are held in the cities, the president makes a pathos speech, Cubans congratulate everyone on the street, and everything ends with festivities until dawn.

The country is very fond of holidays, inherited from the communist era. Here, May Day is still celebrated in the way it was customary in the Soviet Union - with demonstrations, flowers, peppy patriotic songs and festivities around the city. On July 26 they celebrate the Day of the National Uprising, also with parades and demonstrations, and on October 10 - 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) on the square in Havana, to to whom flowers are laid. On this day, no one works 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 surely outshine all the 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 about the same time: you can visit both carnivals on one trip.

In the first week of December, Cuba hosts one of the most important cultural events for the entire Hispanic population of the planet - the New Latin American Film Festival. In terms of prestige, this film award is equal to the "Oscar" - for directors, actors and other cinematographers - 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, at which time there are excursions to factories and tobacco plantations, auctions and competitions, as well as concerts, presentations and festive receptions, where you can try a variety of cigars with a glass of wine or rum.

Cuba is called the Island of Liberty, others call it the "Pearl of the Caribbean". And they are all right, because the smell of freedom is just in the air, it is clearly felt. And the sea, sun, comfortable hotels, beaches in Cuba are simply fantastic. The excursions offered in Cuba are exciting and interesting, because they are not only in historical, but also in colonial places.

The ancestors of the Cubans are immigrants from Europe. Their descendants are the Spanish conquering knights, as well as the Negroes brought from Africa and other neighboring states.

Cubans are proud of their ancestors and painstakingly study pre-colonial culture and their Indian past. The Cuban language contains many Indian words because their ancestors are Indians. Many are of Indian origin. geographic features, so they sound in the language of the Indians.

So what is the language in Cuba? Modern inhabitants are the descendants of the Spanish conquistadors and sailors who once landed on this island. That is why Spanish is spoken in Cuba. Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the locals were Indians who spoke their own language. The Spaniards destroyed these Indians to the root, so the Cubans do not remember that language.

It seems that English should be spoken in Cuba, as it is surrounded by countries such as the USA, Canada. It is surprising that Cubans speak Spanish, more precisely, the Cuban-Spanish dialect. Therefore, a purebred Spaniard will not quite understand a Cuban.

Slaves from Africa, immigrants from France and Italy made an important contribution to Cuban Spanish (Espanol cubano). This language has quite significant differences from Spanish, for example, there is no plural in the second person pronoun.

What is the official language in Cuba? Spanish is the official language in Cuba. But in restaurants, hotels, museums and parks, they speak English, Spanish, French, and maybe even Russian.

What language is in Cuba - the tourist has nothing to worry about, if he does not speak the language, then he will be provided with a Russian-speaking guide. But if a tourist learns a few phrases in Spanish, then the respect of the locals for him will increase many times over.

What can be found in Cuba

If before the trip to Cuba the tourist knew only the immortals - Che Guevara and Fidel Castro, now he will know about the divine climate of the island, about the wonderful weather and about the fantastic beaches of Cuba.

Cuba is a green island with the taste of rum and the smell of expensive cigars. The motley, shabby cities of Cuba dream of the remnants of colonial grandeur. And snow-white beaches and heavenly palm trees remember Hemingway himself.

I will not compete with him in describing tropical beauties, I will just tell you about the important things for an independent trip to Liberty Island.

Visa and border crossing

You don't need a visa to visit Cuba. A Russian tourist can stay on the territory of the Cuban Republic for up to 30 days. This rule also applies to Belarusians.

Upon entry, you must pay a consular fee of 25 USD and fill out a migration card. Fill out two copies at once: present the second upon departure.

In addition to the migration card, present a return ticket and hotel reservation or an invitation. If there is no reservation, they may ask for a card statement. A simple printout will do, but the amount must be equivalent to $50 for each day of stay.

However, if you arrive late at night, the Cubans do not particularly find fault.

Import

Import to Cuba is prohibited:

• animals and plants without appropriate sanitary documents;
• the number of medicines visually exceeding the personal needs of the tourist;
• sausages, cheeses, meat and fish not in cans;
• large electrical appliances (microwave ovens, food processors, televisions);
• pornography and firearms (if it is a hunting weapon, you must not only have a permit with you, but also certify it with the Cuban authorities upon arrival in the country).

Export

It is not allowed to export from Cuba:

• sums of money in a foreign currency for Cuba, in terms of more than $ 5,000;
• amounts over 1000 CUC (Cuban convertible pesos) per person, this is the equivalent of $1000; more about the local currency in the "Money" section;
• historical cultural values(paintings, antiques);
• jewelry and crocodile skin products without an export permit, which is issued only to buyers in stores;
• animals, plants (without relevant sanitary documents);
• more than 23 cigars without packaging and a receipt (if you buy in special stores and do not open the box, you can fill at least the entire suitcase with them);
• more than 3 bottles of alcohol (it is assumed that liter, the strength of the drink does not matter);
• there is still a limit on sea shells and corals, but I brought a huge shell that I found on the ocean; if you really want to, take a chance too, just wrap your “find” or purchase with several T-shirts.

How to get there

From Moscow and major cities of the Russian Federation, Cuba can only be reached by plane. You will also have to fly to countries neighboring Cuba, but it will take longer and more expensive. I highly recommend not planning a trip to Cuba from. It would seem that the countries are very close, and a pleasant cruise ship will easily take you from sunny Florida to no less sunny Havana. But relations between the countries are still so strained that even Americans go to Cuba through Canada.

So get ready for a long and relatively expensive flight. I advise you to take on the road movies, music, books that have not reached the hands, or a couple of friends.

Tourist regions

Cuba can be roughly divided into several tourist regions according to the basic needs of travelers, as shown in the map below.

Let me tell you briefly about them:

You can see which package tours are offered in different regions of Liberty Island by. It is convenient to select hotels on, while you can compare prices from different sites in the TravelAsk section, and get acquainted with the options for renting private apartments -.

Top cities

Top attractions

Weather

Cuba is located in the zone of tropical trade wind climate. It's hot and humid here. Breathing will be somewhat difficult at first, but acclimatization usually does not take more than one day. And if you plan to spend a vacation on the beach, you won’t need it at all. Here the winds blow from the ocean and the climate is drier.

There are two seasons in Cuba and the adjacent islands:

1. dry, it is also tourist (October-May);
2. rainy (June-September).

Although windsurfers and surfers prefer the rainy season because of the rising waves.

The best time to travel to Cuba is from November to April. The temperature during the day is about +30 °C during the day, at night it does not fall below +25 °C.

Do not fly to Cuba in October and May. At the end of October, you can get into the hurricane season, and in May it rains for half a month.

Money

There is an interesting story with money in Cuba. There are two currencies in the country:

• in tourist areas - convertible Cuban peso CUC,
• in the rest of the territory - non-convertible Cuban peso CUP.

Moreover, the native Cubans, not associated with tourism, could not see CUC in their eyes. You can distinguish currencies by the inscription convertible on the tourist peso.

The course is 1 CUC = $ 1 (64.63 RUB and approximately 1.1 €). It is more profitable to come to Cuba with euros and then change them to convertible pesos, since when exchanging dollars, you will be charged a tax of 15-20% of the amount. By the way, banks here work from 8.30 to noon, then they close for a siesta for almost 2 hours. After lunch they are open until 15.00. Saturday mornings only from 8:30 to 10:30. Sunday is a day off.

Currency exchange takes place in one window of any bank in 2 steps:

1. Exchange USD or EUR for CUC.
2. Exchange of CUC (possibly partially) for CUP, which are officially called "moneda national".

Cards are accepted in the main tourist places: in resorts, in large cities. VISA payments are faster than MasterCard, which is due to the American origin of the latter.

For small purchases, it is easier to pay in cash. Euros and dollars are accepted only in special tourist taxis, for other expenses, stock up on local CUC.

Moving around the country

Cubans move around the country by hitchhiking. But I do not recommend this method to tourists in order to avoid difficulties. You should not take fellow travelers when traveling by car.

It is most convenient for foreigners to travel around Cuba by taxi or rented car.

Taxi

Tourist taxis are quite high-quality cars with checkers and air conditioning.

The fare here is paid in dollars. For 1 km you will be charged from 50 cents to $1.

rental car

You can rent a car in major cities:, Santiago de Cuba or immediately upon arrival at the airport. Here you can get acquainted with the offers of rental offices and the price level for different cars. For rent you need:

• International driving license.
• Passport, which indicates that the driver is 21 years old.
• Pledge. The average size is about $200 (200 CUC). Depending on the brand of the car, it can be more expensive or cheaper. If you pay the deposit in cash, no credit card is required.

In Cuba, right-hand traffic, the roads are empty compared to Moscow. The central highways are well-groomed, smooth. And in small towns, you can look for signs and markings for a long time. Traffic rules are standard, Cuban traffic cops are loyal to tourists.

Intercity buses

In major cities of Cuba there are central bus stations, from where intercity buses run. Tickets are also purchased here. Intercity buses follow timetables and have relatively clear fares.

A ticket for the Astra Bus from Havana to Varadero will cost about $9 (9 CUC) (this is the cheapest option). Traveling on this route in a more comfortable Viazul Bus will cost $12–13 (12–13 CUC). The latter even have a website where you can buy a ticket online.

city ​​buses

But I do not advise you to travel by city buses. There is no timetable, no clear tariff either. Where there is a stop, and where it is necessary to beg the driver to let you out of the stuffy cabin - I still have not figured it out.

If you really want it, try it. But take a closer look at how much they pay out of the ticket. Usually around $3 (3 CUC). So much and you stretch. Don't ask the driver for a fare unless you want to pay $6 (6 CUC).

Connection

Communication in Cuba is not very fun. There is only one mobile operator (it is also an Internet provider) - ETESCA.

You can buy a SIM card directly at Havana Airport: the ETESCA office is located in Terminal 3.

Communication is expensive. For a minute of conversation with Russia, you will be charged $1.40 (1.40 CUC), for calls to Cuban numbers - $0.35 (0.35 CUC). But it's cheaper than calling from a Russian sim card. In both cases, I had no complaints about the quality of communication.

The Internet works mainly in hotels, and for a fee and at an extremely low speed. Enough to find some important information in the search engines and check the mail. Viewing photos and even more so video is out of the question. It's worth trying your luck at the internet cafe. But even there, cosmic speeds are not waiting for you.

Language and communication

Since the time of Spanish domination, Spanish has been entrenched in Cuba. English is spoken in popular resorts and major tourist cities. Cubans are very talkative and will talk to you even on the fingers if they want to chat.

Russian Cubans are more than friendly. Many of them studied in the USSR. They proudly call themselves engineers and speak Russian with almost no accent. And if you, like me, at least understand Spanish, an independent trip around the island of freedom will not be difficult for you.

The most popular word in Havana and beyond is amigo (friend). Even the ubiquitous OK is inferior to him. With amigo on their lips, Cubans receive tourists and steal wallets from onlookers.

10 more phrases in transcription that are useful to learn before coming to Cuba:

• Good afternoon - Buenos dias! - Buenos dias!
• Thank you - Gracias - Gracias.
• Please - Por favor - Pro favor.
• Yes / No - Si / No - Si / No.
• I don't understand - But comprendo - No comprendo.
• Where is the exchange office/toilet located? - Donde esta la officeina de cambio / el bagno? - Donde esta la oficina de cambio / el bano?
• Where can you get a taxi? - Donde puedo coher un coche? Donde puedo cojer un coche?
• Stop here, please - Pare aqui, por favor.
• What is the price? - Quanto cuesta? - Quanto questa?
• Can I try this on? - Puedo probarmelo? - Puedo probarmelo?
• Very expensive! - Mui caro! - Muy caro!

To the point last phrase: bargaining is accepted in the standard way. Insist on your price or discount, if you do not agree - turn around and walk away with a proud look. Most likely, you will be called “Amigo!” or "Señor/Señora!" This means that the seller has matured to your conditions and you can return.

Features of the mentality

I will not compare Cubans with Russians, and the dissertation is not far from the similarity and difference of opposites. Cubans are original and funny, and here are their traits for you:

• Cubans love to chat.
  Here, don’t feed rice directly - they will stand on the street with a neighbor, with a friend, with the first person they meet and will talk about business, money, relatives, coffee, women passing by. If you know Spanish and don't have time to chat, it's better not to ask a Cuban a question.
  On the other hand, if you have an extra hour and want to find an interesting route or buy the most delicious (and cheapest) coffee in Havana, feel free to contact a Cuban. A fascinating conversation for half an hour, and maybe evening gatherings with the company of your new friend in the bar are provided to you. Little advice: it's better to ask dark-skinned obese men middle-aged - they are the most talkative, harmless and good-natured.

• Cubans live for one day - today.
  The Cubans have gone through many difficult times and, perhaps, have lost the habit of thinking ahead. Or they never could, like most of the islanders. They like to dream about the future when they will be big and rich.
  Well, better not try to specify what time Señor Sanchez will open his fruit shop tomorrow. He doesn't know himself. And if he calls some time at random, then the shop will open half an hour later (this is at least). I advise you to get used to and put up with the lateness of the Cubans. Happy hours are not observed!

• Cubans are very emotional.
  As I wrote above, the locals live slowly and only now. For this reason, they do not get depressed. They don't even know the word. To quarrel, swear right on Prado Boulevard or pour water out of the window on the head of an unpleased neighbor - that's okay. Then hugging with the same neighbor and scolding their husbands for idleness (behind the eyes, of course) is also a frequent case. But for all the colors to fade and I didn’t want to live - I didn’t hear anything like that in Cuba.

• Cubans dance in the streets.
  It happens spontaneously. One Cuban strummed a guitar, two sat and clapped their knees to the rhythm. A woman passing by clattered her heels.
  Immediately a dancing couple formed, then another, and another. You look - the whole street danced. The mood passes, and everyone calmly disperses to their own business. You stand and do not believe that they really danced here 5 minutes ago.

• Cubans admire women.
  The European type is considered especially attractive. Apparently, because of the exoticism. Light skin, golden hair and blue eyes are a curiosity here. If a girl has most of the named features, she cannot avoid whistling and compliments in the wake. This national trait and I advise you to deal with it. Not shouting after a girl that she is beautiful is akin to admitting that she is not a man. How can a Cuban let this happen? If you do not plan to make an acquaintance - do not turn around. Usually, things don’t go beyond shouting and whistling. If a Cuban has already followed you and continues to sing praises, politely say that you do not understand and hurry up. Better in english. He's not honored here.

• Cubans live according to the canons.
  Every Cuban recognizes himself as a Catholic and will tell you if you ask what is good and what is bad. The rules will apply to everything - work, food, wife, children, neighbors, favorite dance and bath time. It has little to do with religion. For example, you should drink only coffee with rice, and you definitely need rum with meat. Another Cuban will firmly believe otherwise. And both will not be able to explain to you where this belief came from.

• Cubans are patriots.
  They are very proud of their past: Che Guevara, Fidel Castro and all the idols of the revolution. Fresh graffiti painted by teenagers on the walls are living proof of this. Nevertheless, every Cuban is aware of the insignificance of his salary compared to the money that tourists are willing to spend on vacation. And everyone wants to go far away and get rich there.
  But, since they do not believe in tomorrow and do not like to make plans, dreams remain dreams, Che Guevara is an idol, and Cuba is their beloved homeland.

Food and drink

Cuban cuisine, like its culture, is a mix of Spanish, Creole and African cuisine. Cubans are unlikely to understand how the French can conjure over a dish for 2 hours, and as a result, on a plate, a piece of fish, whimsically poured with drops of sauce and decorated with blades of grass. Local principles: a lot, tasty, satisfying and a bottle of rum. By the way, in addition to pure rum, cocktails based on it, non-alcoholic lemonade with lime and cane sugar, and coffee are in honor.

Favorite side dish - rice. It is usually served with beans. From meat dishes, Cubans respect fried pork and tender chicken. Or even stew them along with the addition of spices and fruits. I have an opinion that the Cubans do not have such a clear division into vegetables and fruits, as Russian housewives do. Apparently, from the abundance of both.

Therefore, in addition to the usual carrots and potatoes, bananas, pineapple and even mango can go to meat roast.

Seafood is popular: lobsters, shrimps. They are served boiled or grilled. When frying, use coconut or peanut oil. Although I did not feel any bright aftertaste of coconut or nuts.

In the direction from Havana to the dishes become more spicy and sometimes too spicy. If you are not a fan of spicy food, it is better to warn restaurants and cafes not to pepper. A little pepper will still be added (“otherwise it’s not tasty”), but you will save your stomach from a serious fire.

shopping

Shopping in Cuba can be very rewarding and interesting, if you do not buy all the trinkets you like. In the first days, I advise you to look around, compare prices, walk around tasting rum and cigars. Otherwise, you risk spending a lot more money than you could, and not at all.

Vacation with children

Holidays with children in Cuba have their pros and cons. There are more cons in my opinion. But it all depends on the patience of the parents and the ability to prepare in advance for such a vacation.

I'll start with the pros:

• Cuba does not require a visa. You do not need to collect a package of documents for yourself, and even for a child.
• On most beaches, there is a convenient gentle entry into the sea - the child will be able to splash around in shallow water.

• Cuba has a diverse nature. It will be interesting for children to feed a crocodile with chicken at a crocodile farm, pet an ancient turtle, watch iguanas and other animals.
• Many hotels in the resorts operate on an all-inclusive basis - you will not need to think about how to feed the child.
• Large hotels have infrastructure for children: slides, water parks. Some even offer babysitting services so that parents can dedicate a couple of hours to themselves. Here, children under 12 can be given a discount on accommodation or even settled for free. You can choose a hotel in the TravelAsk section.

Now for the cons:

• Long flight. It takes 12 hours to fly from Moscow, and even longer from other cities of the Russian Federation. Not every adult can withstand such a flight, and it’s not worth talking about children.
• Hot climate and scorching sun. In Cuba, it is very easy to burn out - the child will have to be smeared all the time with a cream with a high degree of protection.
• Bites of insects and animals. Sea urchins are found in Cuba and an injection for a child can be extremely painful and dangerous. A good-natured-looking iguana can also bite - you will have to constantly keep the child from wanting to touch everything.

• Diseases. Small children get sick often, especially when they get to a different climate. I write below that insurance companies have not established ties with Cuba. There is a chance that you will have to pay for the treatment of the child yourself. The money will be returned later, but you will have to be nervous
• No water parks, kids shows, etc. Unlike Greece, Spain - Cuba is still an adult resort. The child may get bored, and you will have to constantly come up with entertainment.
• The spirit of Cuba cannot be understood by a child. How do you explain to him why Cuba is an island of freedom? All this revolutionary paraphernalia with Che Guevara will also be hard for a child to perceive. A teenager, perhaps, will appreciate the salsa and the atmosphere of Havana and, but I'm afraid that all this is of little interest to the baby.

Safety

In Cuba, there are no special safety rules that differ from recommendations in another unfamiliar country. It is worth behaving cautiously towards strangers, not flaunting very expensive jewelry, phones, cameras, carefully look around when crossing the road. It is better not to play cards with strangers. Save your excitement until you return home to friends. I will discuss the main types of fraud below.

There are no sharks in the ocean, I was assured. I swam far enough and did not see any living creatures, except for multi-colored harmless fish. But it is better not to touch them in order to avoid allergies.

By the way, I did not see lifeguards on the beaches. Either they hide from the eyes of tourists, or they have a long siesta. If you are not very confident in your endurance, I recommend not to swim far.

7 things you must do in this country

• Put on a T-shirt with Che for a walk. Get a lot of positive looks. Cubans still dream of their revolution and practically pray to Che Guevara.

Nearby countries

Cuba has problems with water communication, therefore, it would seem that close neighboring islands can only be reached by plane. Pleasure is not cheap.

You can try to arrange passage with a private yacht. But you need to understand that no one will wait for you back. On the spot, you will also have to look for a carrier-boatman.

Countries closest to Cuba:

• located on the neighboring island of Cuba. The nature here is different from the big island of Cuba - cacti, mangroves. Going here is for a beach holiday, Caribbean holidays and carnivals. A flight from Havana to Punta Cana (the main resort of the Dominican Republic) and back will cost $420.

• Bahamas. The climate and nature here are reminiscent of Cuban. Here you will find even more luxury resorts with beautiful beaches and all-inclusive hotels. Bagamas Air planes fly from Havana to Nassau (the capital of the Bahamas) several times a week. A round-trip ticket will cost about $400.

Physical and geographical characteristics

Geographical position

Relief of Cuba

Relief

The relief of Cuba is predominantly flat. Hills and mountains occupy about a third of the territory. The highest mountain range Sierra Maestra stretches along the southeast coast for 250 km. Its highest point is Turquino Peak (1972 m). The picturesque low mountains located in the west of the island are intricately dissected and poorly populated.

Minerals

Cuba occupies one of the leading places in the world in nickel mining (2nd place in the world in terms of reserves and 3rd in production), has significant reserves of chromium, manganese, iron and copper ores, asbestos, rock salt, phosphorites. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in the west of the country.

Climate

The climate of Cuba is tropical, trade winds. Average annual temperature is 25.5 °C. The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is 22.5°C and the hottest (August) is 27.8°C. The temperature of surface waters off the coast in winter is 22-24 °C, in summer - 28-30 °C. The average annual rainfall, usually in the form of showers, is 1400 mm, but dry years also occur frequently.

There are two distinct climatic seasons in Cuba: rainy (May-October) and dry (November-April). The rainy season accounts for 3/4 of the total annual precipitation.

A feature of Cuba's climate is typical high humidity throughout the year. The combination of high humidity and high temperature has a generally unfavorable effect on people's lives. However, on the coast, the wind from the sea moderates the heat, brings freshness, and in the evenings, coolness. In any place, the winds are distinguished by a certain constancy, so you can often see trees whose trunks also have a corresponding slope.

Cuba is subject to the action of tropical cyclones, which originate in the summer-autumn period (June - mid-November) east of the Lesser Antilles and in the west of the Caribbean Sea, then moving towards Florida. Typhoons are accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds that can cause great damage to the economy and the population of the island. The rivers in Cuba are short and shallow. Forests, covering about 10% of the territory, have been preserved only in mountainous and swampy areas. The fauna of the land is relatively poor. At the same time, in the waters surrounding Cuba there are valuable commercial fish, molluscs, lobsters, shrimps, and sponges.

Administrative division

Cuba is a federation. For political and administrative purposes, the national territory is divided into 14 provinces and the special municipality of Isle of Youth.

Isle of Youth (Spanish) Isla de la Juventud) Pinar del Rio (Spanish) Pinar del Rio) Havana (Spanish) La Habana) City of Havana (Spanish) Ciudad de La Habana) Matanzas (Spanish) Matanzas)

Cienfuegos (Spanish) Cienfuegos) Villa Clara (Spanish) Villa Clara) Sancti Spiritus (Spanish) Sancti Spiritus) Ciego de Avila (Spanish) Ciego de Avila) Camaguey (Spanish) Camaguey)

Las Tunas (Spanish) Las Tunas) Granma (Spanish) Granma) Holguin (Spanish) Holguin) Santiago de Cuba (Spanish) Santiago de Cuba) Guantanamo (Spanish) Guantanamo)

Transport

Railroad map of Cuba

There is a railway on the island of Cuba (Cuban Railway, Spanish. Ferrocarriles de Cuba), a road network. Maritime and air communications have been established with other countries. Cuba's leading airline, Cubana de Aviación, has offices in 32 countries around the world.

Connection

After Castro came to power, the development of telecommunications on the island turned out to be extremely difficult. Cuba, however, received a lot of help from the Soviet Union, which provided some resources, such as communication channels.

In 2003, there were 2 ISPs operating on the island. The national domain Raul Castro abolished the rules for using mobile phones in the country, the national telecom operator - ETECSA - from April 14, 2008 began to provide communication services for ordinary citizens. In Cuba, the GSM 900 standard is currently in effect, and in some areas of Havana and the resort of Varadero - GSM 850.

Population

Story

The first European to be here was Columbus, who landed in the east of the archipelago in October. In Diego Velasquez de Cuellar subjugated indigenous people islands, built Fort Baracoa and became the first Spanish governor of Cuba. By the year seven settlements had been founded. In Cuellar, he moved his headquarters to Santiago de Cuba, which became the first capital of Cuba. Colonization took place in the conditions of struggle with the indigenous population of the island - the Taino Indians, who made up 75% of the population.

• The first uprising for gaining independence was suppressed in the city.

• The Ten Years' War for Cuban Independence began in the city; the rebels were backed by the US. Hostilities reached highest point in 1872-73, but then the rebels fought only in the eastern provinces, Camagüey and Oriente. In a peace agreement was signed, which eliminated the most unpleasant legislative acts for the inhabitants of the island.

• In Cuba, a detachment of Cuban patriots landed under the leadership of José Marti. This event has become Starting point a new war with the Spaniards, during which the Cubans gained control over almost the entire territory of the island, excluding large cities (see the Cuban War of Independence).

• In the city of the United States began a war with Spain, in which they won. Cuba becomes dependent on the USA. The constitution stipulated the right of the United States to send troops to the territory of the country. This item was canceled in

• In the city, as a result of a coup organized by revolutionaries led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista, the dictator Gherardo Machado y Morales was overthrown and a democratic regime was established.

• On March 10, Mr. Fulgencio Batista carried out a coup d'état and established a personal dictatorship.

• On July 26, a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro attempted to capture the Moncada barracks. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the participants in the assault ended up in prisons, but this event became the starting point of the Cuban Revolution. In the city, the revolutionaries were amnestied. December 2 a new group revolutionaries landed from the Granma yacht in the east of the island and began hostilities against the Batista government.

• On January 1, the dictator Batista fled Cuba. At that moment, the rebel forces occupied the city of Santa Clara in the center of the island and controlled large areas of the area in the east, although the capital was not in immediate danger, and Batista remained at the disposal of significant military forces. Amid the power vacuum created by Batista's flight, on January 8, the rebel column entered Havana, where it was greeted with popular rejoicing.

As a result of the victory of the revolution, the government of the "left" orientation, headed by Fidel Castro, received power in Cuba, which then leaned towards the path of building socialism and is in power to this day. The country's ruling and only permitted party is the Communist Party of Cuba. The government of Fidel Castro carried out agrarian reform, the nationalization of industrial assets, launched broad social transformations, which alienated many groups of the population, the result of the same process was the mass emigration of dissatisfied people, mainly to the United States, where a large diaspora of opponents of Castro and his policies was created.

• In April, Cuban emigrants, with the active support of the United States, landed an armed landing on the southern coast of the island with the aim of organizing a mass protest against the policy of the new government in the future, but the intervention was quickly suppressed, and the expected social explosion did not occur. Subsequently, emigrant organizations repeatedly organized terrorist attacks and small-scale landings on Cuba, but without much result.

From the early 1960s to the early 1990s, Cuba was an ally of the USSR, which provided significant financial, economic and political support, actively supported the Marxist rebels and the Marxist regimes of Latin America (Puerto Rico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Bolivia, Peru , Brazil, Argentina, Chile), Africa (Ethiopia, Angola) and Asia, and also pursued a policy of providing humanitarian assistance to various countries of the world. In the late 1980s, more than 70,000 Cubans were abroad on military and humanitarian missions.

Executive power belongs to the Chairman of the State Council (Head of State) and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Head of Government).

The ruler of Cuba since 1959, Fidel Castro, announced his resignation from the post of chairman of the State Council and commander-in-chief of the Cuban troops. Castro's address to the people was published on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 by the Granma newspaper. “To my dear fellow citizens, who have given me the immeasurable honor of electing me as a member of Parliament, in which the most important decisions for the fate of the revolution will be made, I inform you that I do not intend and will not give my consent to take the post of Chairman of the State Council and Commander-in-Chief,” it says. in an address by Fidel Castro, published on the newspaper's website.

Economy

Advantages: The tourism industry attracts foreign investors. Export of sugar and nickel. Elite cigars. The banking sector is strengthening.

Weak sides: due to the US embargo, lack of access to important markets and investments. Acute currency deficit. Fluctuations in world prices for sugar and nickel. Sophisticated trade restrictions and a lack of regulation discourage investment. Bad infrastructure. Shortage of fuel, fertilizers and spare parts. Hurricane damage in 2001

There are different points of view regarding the level of development of Cuba before the revolution. According to a number of sources, in terms of GNP per capita, Cuba was ahead of Spain and Japan at that time. Robin Blackburn also wrote that Cuba was one of the richest countries in the underdeveloped category. Professor Maurice Halperin, who worked in Cuba immediately after the revolution, objected to the use of the term “underdeveloped” for pre-revolutionary Cuba, which, in his words, causes false associations with truly backward countries, and proposed calling it “medium developed”. On the other hand, the Groningen Growth and Development Centre, having carried out their own retrospective calculations using a special method, obtained data stating that Cuba was inferior to these countries and a number of Latin American ones in the year.

Source	Robin Blackburn	Humberto (Bert) Corzo	NationMaster	Angus Maddison
Units	U.S. dollars	USD PPP	U.S. dollars	geary-khamis dollars
Year	1953-1954	1958	1960	1960	1953	1960
Cuba	360	356	4399	1900	2363	2052
Spain	250	180	396	396	2528	3150
Mexico		284	353	353	2439	3025
Chile		360	551	551	4112	4392
Costa Rica		230	381	381	2353	2605
Japan	254		471	471	2474	3289
USA			2881	2793	10613	11328

According to statistics, in 1951 there were 122 thousand cars in Cuba for 5.5 million people, that is, 1 car for 41 people. At the same time, according to the authors of the Area Handbook for Cuba, “all this, as a fact, does not matter, since there were de facto two Cubas, in one the elite lived beautifully and comfortably, and in the other the most necessary things for life were not available » .

In 1960, a massive nationalization of the private sector was carried out. Currently, Cuba has one of the most state-owned economies in the world. In the second half of the 60s. the government is trying to abandon central planning in favor of sectoral planning and is moving towards experiments involving morale incentives and the widespread use of free forced labor. The fall in the level of production and the avoidance of forced labor forced a return to Soviet-style central planning. In the 1970s - 80s. with the help of the countries of the socialist bloc, the basis of the industry is being created in Cuba.

The main branch of the Cuban economy is the sugar industry. The capacities of sugar factories in Cuba are capable of processing 670 thousand tons of sugar cane per day (production of 9-9.5 million tons of sugar per year). In the past, the industry developed extensively thanks to the support of the CMEA.

The Cuban government, in order to attract foreign investment, creates free economic zones (FEZs). In 1996, a law was adopted on the procedure for the creation and functioning of free economic zones. The term of the concession for the right to operate in the SEZ is 50 years. In 1997, three SEZs (Mariel, Havana City and Wahai) began to operate.

Exports nickel, sugar, tobacco, seafood, medical products, citrus fruits, coffee. The main export partners are the Netherlands, Canada, China. In November 2004, during a visit to Cuba by Chinese President Hu Jintao, an agreement was reached that China would invest $500 million in Cuba's nickel industry. In January 2008, Brazilian President Lula da Silva and the head of the Cuban state oil company, who visited Cuba, import oil products, food products, industrial equipment, and chemical products. The main import partners are Venezuela, China, Spain.

The banking system of Cuba consists of the Central Bank, 8 commercial banks, 13 non-banking financial institutions, 13 representative offices of foreign banks and 4 representative offices of foreign financial institutions. There are 2 types of currency in Cuba. Citizens of Cuba receive black and white Cuban pesos, foreigners receive colored (convertible) pesos when exchanging currency. Western media reported on the currency fraud of the top Cuban leadership and the family of F. Castro.

Since 1962, a card system has been operating in Cuba, products are issued according to the same norms for the whole country. According to Cuban experts, at present, the population receives from 40 to 54 percent of the minimum required calories from products distributed by cards. Milk is given free of charge by the state to children under 6 years of age or purchased by the population in the market. Throughout the post-revolutionary years, there was a black market in Cuba. A number of goods, the distribution of which by cards is carried out irregularly or intended only for beneficiaries, are still purchased on the black market.

In 2008, Cubans were allowed to buy cell phones, computers and DVD players, as well as 19 and 24 inch televisions, electric pressure cookers and electric bicycles, car alarms and microwave ovens (but only for convertible currency).

According to the BBC broadcaster, there is an increase in prostitution and corruption in Cuba. The average monthly salary in Cuba is $12, but there are many government benefits. For example, free clothes are given to workers. There is a system of free medical care and free higher and secondary education.

Foreign policy

Russia

From the very beginning of the revolution in Cuba, the attitude of the leadership of the CPSU towards the Island of Freedom was ambiguous, in some ways similar to the position regarding the SFRY. First, neither the Castro brothers nor their associates were formally Leninists. Their theoretical base was limited to the legacy of Marx and Engels. Secondly, among other things, Cuba was fundamentally not part of military blocs. Highly appreciating freedom, since the Belgrade Conference (Yugoslavia, September 1-6, 1961), Cuba has been one of the most active participants in the Non-Aligned Movement. It joined the CMEA only in 1972 .

Participation in international organizations

Immediately after the revolution, about 3 thousand doctors left the country. However, this shortcoming was filled by the organization of the medical education system. Currently, the Cuban health care system is considered one of the best in the world and has extensive primary health care and scientific development programs. Cuba has the lowest infant mortality rate in Latin America. All types of medical care are free.

Education

Cuba has a traditionally high educational level of the population. Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a system of state free 9-grade elementary education for children from 6 to 14 years old (the ninth grade was optional, the rest are compulsory). In 1932, 90% of children attended elementary schools (state and church) school age. In 1951, illiterates accounted for 22% of the adult population, which was lower than in Spain and pre-war Italy. In 1961, a massive campaign to eradicate illiteracy began. As a result, in 1980 the number of illiterates was only 2%, and in 1990 Cuba became a country of complete literacy. A public secondary and higher school was created. During the 60s. the number of students has doubled (from 717 to 1.5 million) with a population growth of 1-2% per year. In total, counting all stages of education, the number of people covered by them has tripled.

Currently in Cuba there is a compulsory nine-grade education (the average is 12-grade education). There are 50 higher education centers. Education at all levels is free.

The main educational institution of the country is the University of Havana, located in different parts of the capital. Until 1999, Russian was also taught there as the main foreign language (faculty of the Pais brothers). The work of this faculty was supervised by the Central Moscow State University. After 1999, English became such. Other universities in Cuba: Agrarian University of Havana.

The science

Art

Cuba in music

• Muslim Magomaev . Cuba my love
• Guantanamera - song

Cuba in literature

Religion

In Cuba, the church is separated from the state, and the Cuban Constitution guarantees freedom of religion for the people. The most common religion is Catholic.

Despite the peculiarities of socialism as a socio-political system that has dominated the country for many decades, Cubans are quite religious. Even members of the Cuban Communist Party are not prohibited from attending churches. Catholic churches exist throughout the country. Even after the victory of the revolution, masses are celebrated daily and solemn services are held on national or local religious holidays.

With the arrival of black slaves on the island, various beliefs of African origin spread. Over time, three main currents were formed from them, which still exist and are popular today. This is Regla de Ocha (Spanish. Regla de Ocha) or Santeria (Spanish. Santeria), Las Reglas de Palo (Spanish. Las Reglas de Palo) and La Sociedad Secret Abaqua (Spanish. La Sociedad Secreta Abacua). As a result historical process also formed a mixture of Catholic dogmas and African cults. For example, the Most Pure Virgin of Mercy of Cobra is considered by Catholics to be the patroness of Cuba. In Santeria, she goes by the name Ochun.

IN last years Protestant churches began to appear, especially in the provinces.

Sport

Armed forces

Guard at the mausoleum of José Marti

The Cuban Army (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias - FAR) is the main armed formation of Cuba, providing its national defense.

mass media

The daily newspaper of the Island of Freedom "Granma" bears the name of the yacht of the same name, on which a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro landed in Cuba to carry out partisan struggle with the Batista regime. The newspaper is the official guide and promoter of the policies pursued by the Cuban Communist Party (CCP). Once a week, Granma Internacional is published in English. Also, the press of Cuba is represented by such publications devoted to the problems of economy, tourism, finance, culture, politics, such as Opciones, Bohemia, Juventud Rebelde, Trabajadores.

Notes

1. As a result of the Spanish American War.
2. http://www.echo.msk.ru/news/425116.html
3. http://som.csudh.edu/cis/lpress/devnat/nations/cuba/cuba3.htm
4. Raul Castro: Between Deng Xiaoping and Gorbachev
5. Robin Blackburn. The economies oh the Cuban revolution// Fidel Castro's Personal Revolution in Cuba: 1953-1973. Edited with an Introduction by James Nelson Goodsell, The Christian Science monitor. Consulting Editor Lewis hanke, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. New York, 1975, p. 134

Cuba is a unique country. No matter how sophisticated the tourist is, this island will always remain a dream. Amazing story of this country, its location, fauna, culture - everything here captures, everything excites.

People come here with children; adventure lovers are looking for extreme here; here they stop in pairs and one at a time in order to retire, live far from civilization, in harmony with nature.

But, of course, today's youth attracts Cuba most of all. Free, noisy, cheerful, it is simply created for those who cannot imagine their life without violent parties, dances, all kinds of entertainment.

Moreover, the myth that the cost of living in Cuba is higher than in other countries is slowly dissipating. Caribbean. Dinner at an inexpensive restaurant and renting a not the most expensive room, you can completely meet the 50 $ per day. But the impressions will last you a lifetime.

Capital	Havana
Population	11.5 million people
	110,860 thousand m²
Population density	102 inhabitants per 1 km²
	Spanish
Religion	Catholicism
Form of government	parliamentary socialist republic
	Cuban Peso (CUP)
Timezone
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity	110/220V/60Hz, outlet type: A, B, C

Climate and weather

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

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

Humidity is very high throughout the year.

Nature

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

The relief of Cuba is flat, but the bizarre forms of the highest Sierra Maestra mountain range, stretching along the southeast coast for hundreds of kilometers, impress even travelers who have seen the views.

Cuba is distinguished by the richest fauna and flora. Some types of plants you will not find anywhere else in the world. And the variety of exotic species of butterflies and birds is simply amazing!

Attractions

Of the cities and regions that you need to visit when traveling in Cuba, you can name:

• Havana;
• Santiago de Cuba;
• Holguin.

In the capital alone there are about 1000 buildings of architectural value! Of the most famous - the Cathedral Square and Cathedral of Saint Christopher(XVII century), the building of the former governor's palace Cuba, fortresses La Cabaña and La Fuerza(XVI century). It is very 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 are sent, as a rule, to the picturesque city cespedes park. This is perhaps one of the main attractions of the city. Besides, Santiago de Cuba, once the capital, can be considered the center of the cultural life of the island: numerous museums, theaters, cathedrals attract here those who want not only to enjoy the beauties 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 leisure activities for tourists with a wide variety of tastes and hobbies. There is also a dolphinarium here - an essential attribute of any resort - in which anyone can not only admire local residents but also swim with them.

The second most important resort region - Holguin. It is here that the most beautiful in Cuba is located. Playa Esmeralda beach. The riches of the region also include six waterfalls and the richest fauna. In addition, Holguin is often called the city of squares. 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. In the cuisine of this country, the traditions of Spain, Africa, Caribbean. Here, meat is respected and vegetables and fruits are not dispensed with. A separate culinary theme - bananas. Cubans have dozens of options for its preparation and hundreds of options for dishes that include a banana. They are fried and baked, and used as an ingredient in the sauce, and beaten as a dessert.

By the way, desserts in Cuba are distinguished by sweetness. Popular here mousses, puddings, ice cream. Tropical fruits and sugar cane are used to make a variety of amazing syrups.

Coffee is a favorite among the locals. It is drunk very strong and sweet throughout the day. Among alcoholic drinks, the favorite among Cubans is rum. It is customary to serve table wine for lunch and dinner.

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

In restaurants in Cuba, it is customary to tip at the rate of 10% from the cost of the order. It is better to give money personally to the waiter.

Accommodation

Most of the hotels located in the resorts of Cuba have a five-star status. The beaches adjacent to such hotels are usually very well equipped with everything you need to relax. Meals are organized most often on the principle of a buffet, less often - on the menu. The cost of an all-inclusive room in such a hotel will approach 100 $ . For comparison: the same room in a state-owned middle-class hotel will cost about 35 $ , and in private 15-25 $ .

Almost all hotels in Cuba have a car rental office.

Entertainment and recreation

Of course, when it comes to entertainment in Cuba, first of all I want to talk about the nightlife of the island. In terms of the number of clubs, bars, discos, it is Freedom Island that ranks first in Caribbean. Lovers of music and dance come here simply to plunge into this environment. Especially rich nightlife in the capital. Havana is ready to satisfy any request. Cabaret, jazz clubs, Latin American shows - the nightlife of the Cuban capital is diverse 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 for Cubans and guests of the island to have fun. Diving, fishing and hunting are extremely popular here. There is something to do here for lovers of speleology: huge karst caves captivate both professionals and simply curious tourists.

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

Purchases

Food in Cuba is better to buy in supermarkets or stores. In shops INTUR tiendas you can buy clothes, food, medicines, souvenirs for currency. By the way, about souvenirs. You will probably want to buy one or two bottles Cuban rum and cigars. You can also choose rum in the store (a bottle costs from 5 $ ), but to buy good cigars, it is best to contact Real Fabrica de Tabaco Partagas. On the first floor of the factory there is a shop that sells all kinds 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 guiaber shirt in which you can easily endure any heat.

Wonderful souvenirs for friends and family can be not only rum and cigars, but also other exclusively " Cuban» accessories: straw hats, wicker shoes, hammock. To prolong the festive mood (there is no other in Cuba!) Audio CDs bought in Havana with recordings of temperamental local music will help.

When going shopping, do not forget that Cubans hold sacred traditions: a four-hour rest in the afternoon is a must. However, it is not only about traditions: the scorching sun simply does not allow you to work fully.

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

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

Transport

Cuba's main airport is the International Airport named after 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. If you plan to move within the city, rent a bike: this type of transport is common here.

Communication between cities is also poorly established. Buses and fixed-route taxis are almost always crowded and run poorly. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

In general, a tourist in Cuba cannot do without a car. And with this, fortunately, there are no special problems. All that is required to rent a car is a driver's license and driving experience of at least a year. However, 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 rules of the road are standard, but signs and markings are practically absent. Service stations are also, in general, a rarity. Therefore, when renting a car, do not be too lazy to check if everything is in order with the car. Also check if the tank is full.

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

Connection

Today, Cuba is served by the only 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 shop.

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

There are currently 2 ISPs operating on the island.

Safety

As for the safety of staying on the island, threats of various kinds can await you everywhere, despite the fact that Cuba is a fairly safe country. First advice: do not walk after 10 pm in Old Havana. If only because at this time the city lights are turned off. Documents are best kept in the room, in a special safe (if available, of course).

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

Beware of the Cuban sun: burns can be obtained 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. It is the tourism industry that is developing at a rapid pace, attracting more and more foreign investors. In addition, Cuba is a world leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

IN this moment Cuba is in the center of attention of the world business community. Liberty Island impresses with its prospects, but at the same time, it is one of the most closed countries in the world. A huge plus is the absence of taxes for foreign entrepreneurs. Among the minuses are poor infrastructure and the possibility of starting a business exclusively in partnership with state 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, in general, impossible for an ordinary foreigner. Even with millions of dollars in your pocket, you won't be able to buy a house 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 - many times less.

• Cubans are generally very cheerful, talkative, sociable and hospitable. But very proud. Of course, they will 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 traditions of the Cubans if you plan to visit the island of Liberty. In order not to offend a good-natured Cuban, you should never refuse an offer to drink or dine. It is desirable to accompany requests with special appeals: "mi amor", "mi corazon"- talking to a woman amigo, viejo- talking to a man.
• Photograph industrial buildings and military equipment it is forbidden in Cuba, but the Cubans themselves, as a rule, willingly pose for the lens. Of course, before capturing the colorful view of the inhabitants of the island, you need to ask permission.

Visa Information

Tourists from Russia do not need a visa to Cuba if the period of visiting the country does not exceed 30 days. In order to cross the border of the state, you need to present a passport valid for the duration of your stay in Cuba, 2 copies of the migration card (one of which must be kept until departure from the country), as well as return tickets. It is necessary to have funds at the rate of $ 50 per day for 1 person. This does not apply to tourists using 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 should be a passport (its validity should 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 (travel agency voucher or invitation from a specific person), as well as a photo 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.