Liberty Island Cuba is loved by tourists for its luxurious nature, excellent beaches and a host of colonial and revolutionary attractions. The white-stone beauty of Havana, the spa resorts of Varadero and Holguin, rum, cigars and Fidel - all about Cuba: tours, relaxation, prices and maps.
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Perhaps some still remember how they decoded the name of this country about 15 years ago: "Communism off the coast of America." No jokes, but Cuba really remains one of the few strongholds of a bright socialist ideology with such familiar attributes: the legendary Commander Che and his livelier all-living follower, an external ideological enemy in the person 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, boat trips and further on the list. Plus, of course, we will not forget about the famous rum and cigars. The latter, by the way, secretly smoked (and smokes) the very ideologically hostile leadership, despite the Freedom Island embargo.
Time difference with Moscow
- 7 hourswinter −8 hours
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Ekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- with North Kuril
- with Kamchatka
Climate
Maps of Cuba
Visa and customs
For a tourist trip of up to 30 days, citizens of Russia and Belarus do not need a visa to Cuba. For your own peace, you should pre-arrange travel health insurance for the entire duration of the trip.
To enter Cuba at the border, you need to fill out a migration card (in duplicate - the second one is presented upon departure), a return ticket and confirmation of financial viability at the rate of 50 USD per day per person (a simple credit card statement is suitable). Hotel reservation is 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 personal needs. One photo and video camera is also imported duty-free (plus 5 cassettes for each). It is forbidden to import drugs, pornography and firearms (with the exception of sports 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 about the following point: although they can be taken out as many as you like from the island with a check, according to our customs rules, you can bring in no more than 50 pieces.
You can take out 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 export permits, you can export as many as you like), no goods more than 1000 CUP (jewelry is exported only if there is a license issued in the store).
There is no tax free system in socialist Cuba.
The export of animals, cultural property, sea shells, antiquities, precious metals is prohibited. When buying jewelry or crocodile leather goods, it is necessary to require the seller a license to export, otherwise the goods will be seized during customs control. These licenses are usually issued only in stores. In markets where crocodile leather products cost 3-5 times less, but do not give export licenses, such products should not be purchased.
How to get to Cuba
The easiest and fastest way to get to Cuba is direct non-stop regular flights of Aeroflot Moscow - Havana (about 12 hours of flight, departure from Sheremetyevo). Other options: a transit flight through Paris with Air France to Havana, through Amsterdam with KLM, through Madrid with Iberia, through Frankfurt with Condor to Havana and Varadero and other European carriers. The road 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, they will have to spend the night in Amsterdam due to the inconvenient connection of flights. 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 a railway crossing from the airport to the station in the city center is only 20 minutes.
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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 be recommended only to extremals: stops are not indicated at all, it is almost impossible to find them, buses are jam-packed, and they do not have a clear schedule and routes. Buses - in Havana they are called camallos (due to their external resemblance to camels) - stop every 4 blocks. The fare is 3-5 CUC, it is not recommended to check with the driver - he will suspect a tourist in you 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; the fare is paid only in dollars. The cost of the trip is from 0.5 to 1 USD for each km of the way. Ordinary taxis that take pesos are fairly old cars, and there are not many. Finally, there are also “bombers” in Cuba. Their prices are slightly lower than those of state taxi drivers, but there are no quality guarantees.
Long-distance traffic
Locals often hitchhike around the country. In Cuba, there is even a law stating that government cars 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, such as our traffic cops.
In all major cities of Cuba there are bus stations from where intercity buses depart. Unlike city transport, they run more or less on a schedule. The 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 park, and 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, tickets 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 desk: 45-31-33.
- Is Cuba suitable for an individual traveler
- How to call from a Russian number to a local city number in Havana
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Beaches of cuba
The beaches in Cuba are some of the best on the planet: sandy, with convenient access to the sea, many are marked with the Blue Flag, in addition, they are all municipal and free.
Most hotels on the coast have separate protected areas of the beach, where you can hardly find the local population. Sun beds and umbrellas are 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 snow-white sand with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach cafes and other tourist infrastructure. Almost all the beaches here are at hotels, so there are always clean 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-so-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 beach "Santa Lucia" is suitable (about 110 km northeast of the city of Camaguey). It has a comfortable shallow sandy bottom, there are no waves, and since there is no way to get to this beach by regular buses, there are not many people even in high season. These are 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 common 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 Akhiako” - pork with vegetables and lots of spices. It is also worth trying lobsters with lemon, crocodile or tortoise dishes, tortoise eggs. In Cuba, a lot of fruit is prepared and served for almost every dish. Coffee is brewed very strong and sweet.
National drinks - 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. They usually accept credit cards, but disruptions are not uncommon, so it is 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 budget one you can meet 10-15 CUP. There are also many pizzerias and hamburger eateries in Cuba. You can eat there cheaply (2-5 CUP) and often around the clock, but only for cash. Another story is Cuban bars. Most of them are very colorful and with history, they do not feed there (maximum nuts and chips), but you must try all daiquiri.
Guides in Cuba
Entertainment and Attractions
There are not so many cultural attractions in Cuba as in other countries, much was destroyed by the Spanish colonialists in the 16th century. The main wealth of the island is its 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 them, of course, in the capital - Havana. The most interesting region from the point of view 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 in size. Also interesting are the city squares: the Armory (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral (Plaza de la Catedral) and the Old (Plaza Vieja), around which there are old buildings and structures, as well as the Jose Marti Revolution Square 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 especially interesting for fans of ecological and adventure tourism, there are many quiet secluded beaches. In the area of \u200b\u200bEscaleras de Haruko there are many caves and steep cliffs: it is good for lovers of speleology. You can visit the Museum of Humor in San Antonio de los Banos, and 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) is a memorial to them. Che Guevara and his remains are stored. In the small town of Remedios, the Carnival Museum of the city, the Alejandro Garcia Caturla Museum of Music and the main parish church of St. John the Baptist, which is considered one of the most curious in Cuba, are noteworthy.
The city of Pinar del Rio in the province of the same name is interesting for its Museum of Natural Sciences, the Guache Palace, the Milanes Theater and the Francisco Donatien Cigar Factory.
Huventud Island is the second largest in the Cuban archipelago. Here is the famous Los Indios San Felipe Nature Reserve with unique flora and fauna, Presidio Modelo Prison, a copy of the Joliet American Prison in Illinois (Fidel Castro was serving a prison sentence), and Punta National Marine Park Frances ”and the international diving center“ El Coloni ”.
In the province of Matanzas, in addition to caves with cave paintings, it is worth visiting the provincial capital of the same name. Must visit: Vihia Square (the city’s founding place), 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 of African slaves in Cuban history. The main attractions of the Zapata Peninsula: the village of Taino Indians in Guam, the nursery of crocodiles in La Boca, the nature reserves of Santo Tomas and La Salina, as well as the Historical Museum on Playa Giron.
You still need to make a trip to the amazingly beautiful national parks of Cuba.
New Year (January 1), on the contrary, is celebrated noisily and merrily. On this night, beach discos are open, concerts and parties are held, they are especially suitable for business in big cities.
January 2 is the most important day in the country - the Day of Liberation and Victory of the Cuban Revolution. This is an official day off in the whole country, solemn processions take place in the cities, the president makes a pathos speech, Cubans congratulate everyone on the street in a row, and all ends with public festivities before dawn.
The country is very fond of the holidays inherited from the communist era. It is still celebrated May Day as it was customary in the Soviet Union - with demonstrations, flowers, peppy patriotic songs and walks around the city. July 26 is celebrated as National Uprising Day, also with parades and demonstrations, and October 10 is Independence Day: the main venue is a monument to Carlos Manuel Cespedes (“father of the Motherland”, one of the leaders of the Cuban Ten Years War against the Spanish colonialists) in Havana Square, to whom flowers are laid. Nobody works that day 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 in the capital freaks gather from all over the country, dress up in costumes, dance, drink daiquiri and have fun in every possible way literally around the clock. Many act as teams and prepare for the carnival in advance in order to surely overshadow 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 the same 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 Festival of New Latin American Cinema. In terms of prestige, this film award is equated to an Oscar - for directors, actors and other cinema workers, 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 Festival of Cuban Cigars is held here. It lasts 5 days, at this time guided tours of factories and tobacco plantations, auctions and competitions, as well as concerts, presentations and festive receptions, where you can taste a variety of cigars with a glass of wine or rum.
Geography of cuba
The island of Cuba, which is part of the Greater Antilles, is located in the Caribbean. The length of the island is 1,199 km, its area is 105,006 square meters. km Most of the island is occupied by hilly plains, in the southeast of the island are the Sierra Maestra mountains with the highest point in the country - Turkino peak (1975 m).
Government structure of Cuba
The head of the socialist republic of Cuba is the president of the republic of Cuba, who is elected by the National Assembly of People’s Power for a 5-year term. The country's main judicial body is the High Court of Cuba. The main executive authority of the country is the National Assembly of People’s Power.
Weather in Cuba
The peak tourist season in Cuba falls on Christmas, Easter and the summer months - July and August, when hotels and other service enterprises raise prices. Cuba has very hot, dry weather in July and August. The best time to relax in Cuba falls on the period from January to May (the weather is warm, there is no threat of hurricanes).
Language of cuba
The official language of Cuba is Spanish, and it is spoken by a large part of the country's population. Immigrants speak Catalan and Corsican. English, German and Italian are the languages \u200b\u200bof tourism.
Religion of Cuba
About half the Cuban population are Catholic. About 4% of the population profess Protestantism; local folk beliefs are also widespread on the island.
Cuba Currency
The currency of Cuba is Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and Cuban Peso (CUP). Mostly Cuban convertible pesos are used in the country.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at bank branches and at exchange offices at international airports. The commission for exchanging US dollars is 8%.
International bank cards are accepted in large hotels, restaurants and shops.
Customs restrictions
It is forbidden to import weapons, narcotic and psychotropic substances, antiquities, precious metals into the country. It is allowed to take out cigars (23 pcs).
You can import duty free:
- Tobacco products (200 pcs.)
- Perfumery
- Medicines and personal items.
Tip
In Cuba, it is customary to leave 10% of the invoice for tea. The hotel maids leave 1 dollar.
Souvenirs
Tourists bring from the island of Liberty jewelry from coral, tortoise-shell, national musical instruments (for example, bongos). Indulge in the pleasure of capturing the famous Cuban rum and Cuban cigars from Cuba. Do not forget about the famous Cuban shirt on the run - guabere.
Office hours
Banks are open from 8:30 to 12:00 h and from 13:30 to 15 h (Mon-Fri), on Saturday they work from 8:30 to 10:30. Sunday is a day off.
Most of the country's stores are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Do not forget about the midday siesta, when all trade institutions are closed. On Saturday, stores operate shortly from 9am to 3pm. Large supermarkets in tourist centers open at 10 a.m. and finish working at 8 p.m.
Photo and video shooting
Photo and video shooting of strategically important objects (airports, bridges), as well as military equipment, is prohibited.
Safety
In Cuba, basically a calm criminal situation, however, in Central Havana there is a high probability of being robbed, especially in the dark.
Medicine
Cuba has fairly high standards of medical care. You can find most types of medications at local pharmacies. Tourists are advised to take out medical insurance before entering the country. In large cities, modern clinics with English-speaking staff are provided for tourists.
Mains voltage:
220VCountry code:
+53First Level Geographic Domain Name:
.cuEmergency Phones:
National Police: 82-0116
Fire brigade: 81-1115
Ambulance: 24-2811
Representative offices of Cuba in the Russian Federation:
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| Cuba |
Country description
If you want to soak up the paradise during your lifetime, you will not find a better place than Cuba. Beautiful beaches with white sand, clear sea water, coral reefs and shallows for fishing, rich exotic flora and fauna - aren't these paradises. Temperamental as “cha-cha-cha” rhythms, bright as the hummingbird plumage, elegant as an orchid flower, Cuba has always attracted thousands of tourists. But Cuba is not only magnificent nature, it is, first of all, the friendly and hospitable Cubans and the deepest history. Many cities still keep the traces and spirit of the Spanish conquerors, the memory of the corsairs' raids. The world famous resort of Varadero is located 140 km from Havana on the Atlantic coast. The surroundings of Varadero are very picturesque, and many kilometers of white sandy beaches and azure ocean waters attract thousands of tourists here.
Cuba! A magical island that separates the Atlantic from the Caribbean Sea, the bottom of which is literally covered with treasures ... A neighbor of Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico attracts not only with tropical exoticism, but also with the island's special flavor, warmth, openness and hospitality of local residents. Here, day after day, is a carnival. There is no heat here, the caressing breeze from the ocean cools pleasantly. There are not even animals dangerous to humans. Here crocodiles are only in the form of roast. And countless fish, birds, shellfish become not only a delicacy for gourmets, but also a subject of fascinating hunting. The obtained prey can always be “washed” - with the best fire cane drink in the world - rum ... Kilometers of the finest white sand and azure blue of ocean waters seem to be specially created for a world-class resort. The rest was done by people: in tourism there is a large share of Spanish capital and therefore the service meets the highest requirements. It all starts already at the airport: from it to the selected hotel you will be delivered in luxurious vintage cars.
Geography
Area - 110,992 square meters km
The highest point is Turkino Peak 1974 m.
The longest river is Kauto 370 km.
Cuba is located in the West Indies, at the junction of North, Central and South America. By configuration, the territory of Cuba, stretching from west to east for 1250 km, is often compared with a lizard whose body is facing the Atlantic, and the tail is at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico. In the south, Cuba is washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea. The distance from Cuba to the USA at the narrowest point of the Strait of Florida is 180 km, to Haiti through the Windward Strait - 77 km, to Jamaica through the Colon Strait - 140 km, to Mexico through the Yucatan Strait - 210 km.
The length of the island is 1200 km., The width in the widest place is 210 km. The Cuban archipelago covers an area of \u200b\u200b110,992 sq. Km and has more than 300 natural beaches, covered with white sand and surrounded by crystal clear waters. Cuba's most famous beach is Varadero. The landscapes of Cuba are very diverse. There are valleys, and mountains, and hills. The main mountain ranges of the country are Cordillera de Guaniguanico in the west, Escambray in the center and Sierra Maestra in the east. In the mountains of the Sierra Maestra there is also the highest mountain of the country, the peak of Turkino (1974 m above sea level). The rest of the island is a fertile plain. On the island you can admire the many caves. Most of the rivers in Cuba are small, but have a very fast flow. Rivers flow down from the mountains, forming beautiful waterfalls. Of particular interest are the waterfalls of Agabama and Salto del Carbuni. The longest river in Cuba is Kauto (approximately 370 km.), Flowing in the eastern part of the island. There are many reservoirs and lakes in Cuba. Amateurs ornithologists come here, since Cuba is a place of migration of resettled birds.
Time
8 hours behind Moscow.
Climate
The climate of Cuba is tropical trade wind. The warm currents observed in the waters washing the country and the constant northeast winds make the climate mild. The coldest month is January, when the daytime air temperature reaches +25 .. + 27 degrees, and at night about 16..18 degrees of heat is observed. The hottest month is August. During it, during the daytime, the air warms up to +30 .. + 32 degrees, and even at night it is quite warm - +20 .. + 22 degrees. Relative humidity is high (70-75%) throughout the year, so in summer the heat is especially difficult.
The average annual rainfall in Cuba varies from 860 mm in the southeast of the island to 1700 mm in its western part. From May to November, the rainy season is set in Cuba. At this time, especially from August to November, strong tropical hurricanes arise in the Caribbean, which then go to Florida. The rainiest months are June and October, when 180 to 200 mm of precipitation falls per month. On the coast, the water temperature in winter is about +24 degrees, in the summer it warms up to +28 degrees.
Tongue
The official language is Spanish. However, hotel staff will answer you in English, German, Italian.
Religion
Most believers are Catholics (47%), Protestants (4%) and adherents of the so-called "santeria" - a syncretic cult based on African pagan beliefs, mixed with the cult of some Christian saints. The church is separated from the state, freedom of religion is constitutionally ensured.
Population
The population is about 11.4 million people. The majority of the population (about 2/3) are descendants of immigrants from Spain, the rest are blacks, mulattos, mestizos, there is a fairly large Chinese colony on the island. The indigenous population of Cuba was completely destroyed during the years of development of the island by the Spaniards. The Spanish colonists needed a lot of labor to work on plantations and they began to import slaves from central Africa. Over 350 years, the Spaniards imported more than 1 million African slaves. For the same reason, over the period from 1853 to 1874, more than 125,000 Chinese were brought into Cuba from Asia. Until now, Chinatown has been preserved in Havana. In addition, Indian slaves were imported, but in small quantities, from Yucatan, Central and South America. An intensive flow of emigrants was from Spain, Germany, France and Britain.
Cuba received a huge number of emigrants from neighboring islands: 250 thousand arrived from the Antilles - Haiti and Jamaica. 850 thousand immigrants arrived from Spain, but not all of them remained to live in Cuba. At the beginning of the 20th century, many Americans settled in Cuba, who created their colonies on Fr. Pinos Very strong waves of emigration to Cuba were during and after the First and Second World Wars. First of all, Jews moved here. The Cuban nation, thus, absorbed the features of the peoples of the whole world. Today, the population of Cuba is 11 million people. According to official sources, the composition of the population of Cuba is as follows: 65% are white, 12% are blacks, 22% are mulattoes.
Electricity
Mains voltage: 220V
Emergency phones
National Police: 82-0116
Fire brigade: 81-1115
Ambulance: 24-2811
Communication
For telephone calls within the city, pay phones using both coins and cards are used (much less often). For a call from a "coin" machine, coins of 5 and 20 centavos are needed. Calling other cities or provinces is difficult. International telephone calls are made exclusively from Telecorreos telephone exchanges, which are available in almost all major hotels. For the call you need a special card of 10 or 25 USD (sold by the hotel administrator). Connection statistics and their cost are displayed on the phone display. One minute of an international telephone call costs about 6.5 USD. Cellular communications and Internet telephony are poorly developed.
To call to Cuba you need to dial 8 - 10 - 53 -<код города> - <номер абонента>. Codes of some cities and provinces: Varadero - 5, Villa Clara - 42, Havana - 7, Granma - 23, Guantanamo - 21, Camaguey - 32, Las Tunas - 31, Matanzas - 52, Holguin - 24, Pinar del Rio - 82, Playa Larga - 59, Sancti Spiritus - 41, Santiago de Cuba - 226, Ciego de Avila - 33, Cienfuegos - 432, Topes de Collantes - 2, Trinidad - 419, Huventud Island - 61.
Currency exchange
In Cuba, for foreign tourists (you can say) only dollars go. Nobody pays attention to the decay of bills. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that upon delivery you may be given the so-called convertible peso. This kind of peso is equal to 1: 1 dollar. This is a new Cuban banknote that has nothing to do with the “wooden” Cuban pesos. In order not to get into trouble - on the convertible peso should be written "convertible". As a rule, they are given in small bills: 1.5, 10. The exchange rate of the old Cuban peso to the American dollar is approximately 1:25. A convertible Cuban bargaining chip also goes on par with American cents. Often you will be given change by both. Credit cards are also in use: VISA, EUROCARD, etc. Due to the political situation, AMERICAN EXPRESS cards are prohibited. You can exchange currency in Cuba at banks and many hotels. When exchanging dollars, a commission fee of 10% of the amount exchanged is charged.
Visa
Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to visit Cuba for tourism for a period of not more than 30 days. Upon entering the country, a passport is required, the validity of which must be at least 6 months after the end date of the trip, a return ticket, hotel reservation confirmation, immigration card in 2 copies. When leaving the country, an airport tax is charged, usually equal to 15-20 Cuban pesos. 1 $ \u003d 0.93 CUC.
Customs regulations
In accordance with the customs legislation of Cuba, duty-free import of 200 pieces is allowed into the country. cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, 1 liter of alcohol, 250ml of toilet water or 50ml of perfume. The import of narcotic and psychotropic substances, weapons and ammunition, pornographic products, auto parts is prohibited. The export of animals and birds, sea shells, valuable wood, items of historical and cultural value is prohibited. To export cigars, you must have a receipt from the store and the original packaging. Import and export of foreign currency is not limited. Amounts over 5 thousand dollars are subject to mandatory declaration. Export of national currency is allowed within 100 pesos. When leaving the country, an airport tax will be charged.
Holidays and days off
National holidays:
January 1 - New Year and Liberation Day
May 1 - Labor Day
July 26 - Day of the beginning of the National Uprising
October 10 - Anniversary of the start of the war for the independence of Cuba
December 25 - Christmas
Carnivals, festivals, holidays:
Havana Carnivals, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba - February
Havana International Jazz Festival - February
Havana Cuban Cigar Festival - February
Festival of Electroacoustic Music in Varadero - April
Holguin Fair - May
Havana International Guitar Festival - May
Feast of St. Juan in Trinidad - June
Havana Chariot Carnival - June-August
Holguin Festival of Spanish-American Culture - October
Havana Latin American Film Festival - December
Transport
Municipal transport in the country is rather dilapidated, there are few buses and they often break down, so tourists are not recommended to use public transport. The main city transport is the bus (“va-va”). There are 2 types of buses - “sedentary”, where the number of passengers is clearly limited by the number of seats, and ordinary cars, which are often packed to capacity. There are no timetables at all; driving routes are often also not indicated. The fare is 1-2 CUP.
For transportation, it is recommended to use the so-called "tourist taxis", which are fairly modern cars with a radiotelephone and air conditioning. Payment is made only in dollars (approximately 2 USD per 1.5-2 km.). A tourist taxi can be ordered from any hotel or by phone, while the movement of the car is constantly monitored by operators, which ensures safety. Ordinary taxis, in which payment is made in pesos, use fairly old cars and few of them. Many private owners earn money from cabs, especially in Varadero and other resort areas. Their prices are slightly lower than those of state-owned companies, but there is no guarantee.
Shuttles, the drivers of which can be trusted, as well as tourist buses with a ticket worth 4 CUC or EUR for the whole day, run through the resort of Varadero. On this bus, having bought a ticket once, you can ride all day, getting off at any stop and sitting at any stop an unlimited number of times.
Tip
In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 10% of the amount indicated on the invoice.
The shops
As souvenirs and gifts, it is undoubtedly better to purchase products and jewelry made of coral in combination with silver. Guayaabra (tropical shirt), folk percussion musical instruments, art fabrics, embroidery and lace, as well as products from tortoise-shell, especially bracelets and hairpins (beware of fakes!) Are also not bad. You should definitely buy Cuban rum and real Cuban cigars, among which the brands Bolivar, Koiba, Montecristo, Partagas, Punch, Ramon Allones, Sancho Panza, H. Uppmann are most valued "," Romeo and Juliet "and" Trinidad. " Shops are open from 9.00 to 18.00 (some until 20.00) on weekdays, on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 15.00 (some until 18.00). Supermarkets and shops in resort areas are usually open from 10.00 to 20.00. Most small shops have a separate mode of operation. Almost all stores close on a "siesta" around noon.
National cuisine
The basis of the Cuban diet is rice and black beans, pork and chickens. Cubans do not really like vegetables, but they love fruits, there are a lot of them and they are always fresh. Mangoes and bananas are very tasty. Baked bananas in Cuban cuisine come from African slaves. "Fufu" is a banana mixed with other ingredients. Chathinos is a light snack for an aperitif, also prepared on the basis of a plane tree. Cuban cuisine arose from the combined influence of Spanish and African traditions. The national dish is "el ahiako" - stew soup with root vegetables and various vegetables, usually cooked with pork. The taste depends on the type of root vegetables and the spices used. Other typical dishes are skewered pork, fried banana chips (tachinos, chatinos or toastones), black beans, oriental congri (rice with red beans), frost and christianos (rice with black beans), chopped beef steak Havanese, tamales, bakanes or ayakas (made from soft corn). If you order fruit juices, demand that they be freshly made. If your means are limited, in the eateries you will be offered a set lunch at a fixed price, you will choose the dishes yourself. Ice cream is very popular. There are many small restaurants right at home with the Cubans, where you can eat for about $ 4. Speaking about the kitchen, you can not ignore the Cuban coffee, which Cubans drink in huge quantities throughout the day. Cuban coffee is very strong and sweet. In the cities there are many cafes where you can taste various infusions, decoctions and other drinks. Cubans put a lot of sugar in all drinks. The most popular alcoholic drink is rum. The most famous brand of rum is Havana Club. There are three varieties: Carta Oro (gold), Carta Blanca (white) and Anejo (old), which differ in aging. Cuban's favorite rum is Anejo (about $ 8 per bottle).
sights
Havana - The administrative, political, cultural, scientific, as well as the main tourist center of the country, a cosmopolitan province. Havana is visited annually by more than half of all foreign tourists coming to the country. Its main charm is the city itself with a variety of architecture, wide avenues and famous boulevards, and in particular its historical center, declared in 1982 by UNESCO - The achievement of mankind. The place where the excursion starts can be Templlet- A small neoclassical chapel built in 1828 on the site where the city is supposed to have been founded; Armory Square (Plaza de Armas), Cathedral Square (Plaza de la Catedral) and Old square (Plaza Vieja), around which magnificent ancient buildings and structures are grouped, which at one time belonged to the walled city. Jose Marti Memorial was opened in 1996, various relics, original objects, documents and prints related to the life and work of the Apostle of the Cuban Revolution are stored here. At the top of the obelisk - a concrete tower lined with marble 138.5 m high above sea level - is the highest observation deck of the capital. More than 47 thousand exhibits are kept in collections. Palace of Fine Arts, which after careful work on expansion, reorganization and restoration is now considered one of the most significant among similar institutions in the world. National Botanic Gardencovers an area of \u200b\u200b600 hectares. It is divided into 18 zones, and about a fifth of it is reserved for local plants. One of the main attractions - Japanese garden, donated by the government of this country in 1989 and created by master of gardening Yoshikuni Arake. 
Provinces Santiago de Cubait has two features that make it unique: it is its hospitable, cheerful and carefree people and its rich cultural and historical heritage. The main city of the province, founded in 1514, is distinguished by great originality, and its most important feature is the magnificent bay, surrounded by high mountains, over which reigns fortress of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro, in 1997 proclaimed by UNESCO - the achievement of humanity. A similar status has recently been obtained by a system of agricultural facilities and the remains of more than a hundred coffee plantations in the area of \u200b\u200bMount Gran Piedra, which were created by the French who fled from Haiti. Cespedes Square is the busiest place in the city. The square is surrounded by buildings of great architectural and historical value: this Diego Velazquez House Museum, City Cathedral, former ayuntamiento - The city council, which now houses the provincial government, and the Casa Grande hotel. The only stepped street in Cuba Padre Pico street, is a natural viewing platform. Here is the border between the upper and lower parts of the city. The street goes down to the Tivoli district, where the famous Santiago carnival is held. San Pedro de la Roca del Morro Castle is a Roman-style military structure with two blind moats and two symmetrical three-tier bastions where guns were installed. Its construction began in the 16th century and ended two centuries later. Now here is Museum of Piracy.
Trinidad de Cuba - The city-museum of colonial architecture, declared by UNESCO a heritage of mankind and a cultural monument of world significance. The city was founded in 1514 by Diego Velazquez. The main cities of the provinces of Sancti Spiritus and Santisima Trinidad de Cuba are two of the first seven cities founded by the Spanish conquistadors on the island. Times have changed, but Trinidad itself is still the same as it was 2 centuries ago with its baroque churches, red-tiled roofs, bridge and wrought iron grates. It is especially recommended to pay attention to The Romantic Museum, the Museum of Architecture, the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Fight against Bandits, the Alexander Humboldt Museum of Natural Sciences and the Guamuaia Archaeological Museum. 
Matanzas -the main city of the province - called Cuban Athens, as it is the land of poets, or Cuban Venice - due to the fact that the city is crossed by two rivers - Yumuri and San Juan, through which five bridges are crossed over for the convenience of pedestrians and vehicles - and the guests will It is interesting to get acquainted with the rich cultural heritage of this calm city, which grew up on the banks of a huge bay. In the southern part of the province is located zapata Peninsula - A true paradise for lovers of eco-tourism, but in addition, they will certainly be delighted by the fabulously beautiful Yumuri Valley and the banks of the Kanimar River, which you can admire from bakuunagua Bridge - the pearls of Cuban engineering, this bridge, having a height of 110 m, is the highest in the country. Vihiya Square is the foundation of the city, from where it began its growth. The area is surrounded by architecturally interesting buildings - sauto Theater, Hunko Palace Museumbuilding fire department and others. Freedom Square(Plaza de la Libertad) - the second Armory Square of the city, which faces the White Concert Hall, named after the famous black violinist Jose White, the Triolet Pharmaceutical Museum and the Government House. On the west coast of Matanzas Bay San Severino Castle. In size, it is considered one of the most important Spanish fortresses in America. In the surroundings of Matanzas there are caves of Belleamar. About 30 halls were studied, where large cave paintings, fossils and traces of the habitat of people living here 1,600 years ago were discovered.
Resorts
Varadero - The main zone of the Cuban archipelago, which attracts those who prefer a holiday by the sea, enjoys well-deserved international fame. This resort on the Ikakos Peninsula has a strip of beaches more than 20 km long, covered with fine white sand and washed by the sea, which shimmers with a variety of shades of blue; one fifth of its territory is part of ecological reserves. In addition, on the peninsula there are many caves, picturesque slopes and lagoons; along the coast stretches a series of virgin and easily accessible islets. The features of Varadero are complemented by its cultural, historical and natural attractions, closely connected with the neighboring cities of Matanzas and Cardenas and the Cienaga de Zapata biosphere reserve, as well as a number of modern comfortable hotels and a wide infrastructure of service enterprises.
Province lying in the north-east of the country Holguin It is famous for the fact that this is the region where the discovery of Cuba took place. Admiral Christopher Columbus first set foot on the island’s land in a place called Cayo Barjay, where a memorial complex now exists. That was October 27, 1492. The eponymous main city of the province is also called the City of squares; there is a strong Spanish influence, its straight streets indicate that it was built according to a strict plan. The city has an active cultural life, especially in May, when the May Fair takes place, and in October, when the Ibero-American Culture Festival is celebrated. Over the 40-kilometer coast, there are 41 beaches, among which foreign tourists give particular preference to the beaches of Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Playa Pesquero with an exceptionally beautiful sea bottom. Banes, considered the archaeological capital of Cuba, is also located in this province, since there are more traces of Aboriginal habitats found than anywhere else on the archipelago. Among the 22 bays available in the province of Holguin, is one of the largest in the world and in Cuba - Nipe Bay. But also in the province there are forests and hills with steep slopes and massive peaks.
Cayo Largo - A small group of islands located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, 177 km from Havana and 170 km from Varadero. It serves as a refuge for hundreds of birds of tropical fauna: flamingos, hummingbirds, gray herons and many others. Both Havana and Varadero have direct air links. From other tourist points of Cuba, you can also book a special tour here. You can move around the island on foot, by bicycle or by car. The waters of the Caribbean Sea are warmer than the waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the northern coast of Cuba, which leads to richer marine life off the coast of the island. The tourist infrastructure has everything necessary for you to be satisfied with your stay on this paradise island. Here you can visit a tortoise farm and just a beach on which sea turtles lay their eggs.
Kayo Coco - The fourth largest island in Cuba, the main tourist island of the Jardines del Rey archipelago (Royal Gardens). It is connected to the main island by a 17-kilometer long dam road that runs through the Gulf of Dogs. Before the advent of tourism infrastructure, Cayo Coco was known mainly for its wonderful pineapples growing here. Magnificent beaches stretch to the north, not even with white sand, but snow-white. In addition to beaches of coral origin, considered almost the best in the entire Caribbean, there are amazing conditions for diving, fishing and water sports. The small island is a permanent refuge for flamingos, white ibis, pelicans, herons, torticollis and vultures. Near the island of Cayo Coco, a little to the west is Cayo Guillermo Island. This island is also connected to the “mainland” via a bulk dam.
Isle Cayo Santa Marialocated in the Atlantic Ocean, near the islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo and is located opposite the northern coast of the province of Villa Clara. The island is connected to the mainland by a dam with a length of 48.6 km. The distance to the international airport of Santa Clara is about 110 km and 386 km to Havana. Santa Maria's location is unique. You can combine relaxing beach activities with vibrant culture and entertainment. Small islands are located near the island of Cayo Santa Maria Las Brujas and Ensenchos. All three islands have beautiful beaches with soft white sand and very clear water. Their attractive surroundings are great places for fishing, diving, water sports and boat trips along the canals that separate the islands. On the island of Las Brujas, there is an airport where local airlines fly from Havana. On the island of Cayo Santa Maria is a hotel of the Spanish group SOL MELIA: SOL CAYO SANTA MARIA 4 *, ALL INCLUSIVE.
Coast Playa Esmeralda located in the east of the island of Cuba, in the province of Holguin. Here is the highest mountain peak in Cuba and it is here - the most diverse nature: more than a hundred beaches, many caves, rivers, mountains, waterfalls and natural sources. It was on this coast that a historic meeting between the sailors of Columbus and the Tainos Indians took place. In the province of Holguin, the best Cuban beer is produced, the best fishing, the best diving, the most beautiful places. On the beaches of Playa Esmeralda, you can do almost all kinds of water sports. Among them are windsurfing, sailing, water biking, snorkeling. Especially popular is diving - in the Playa Esmeralda area there are about 20 places for diving.
Until that momentous moment when the sailors of Columbus landed in Baracoa Bay, Indian tribes lived peacefully on Liberty Island. Colonization brought complete extermination of the indigenous population and the official language of Cuba became Spanish. Its Cuban variety is called Espanol Cubano. The dialects and dialects of African slaves imported to work on sugarcane plantations, immigrants from Mexico, Haiti, and Louisiana influenced the formation of the language of modern Cubans.
Some statistics and facts
- The population of Liberty Island is 11.5 million.
- The Cuban language, despite numerous features, is quite understandable to a person who knows Spanish. Nuances are among the second person pronouns and in some phonetic features of pronunciation.
- In Cuba, there are a huge number of people who speak Russian. This is a generation that studied in higher education during the USSR. They still remember the Russian language and, if necessary, willingly help tourists.
- English is still not held in high esteem on Liberty Island and it is mainly owned by the staff of large hotels in the resort areas of Varadero, Trinidad and Holguin.
Experienced travelers are advised to take a trip to Cuba, especially when it comes to an independent tour, a Russian-Spanish phrasebook.
The language of great discoveries
Spanish is widespread in the world much wider than other languages \u200b\u200bof the Romanesque group and the number of speakers in it takes second place after native Chinese speakers. More than 548 million people on our planet speak Spanish.
It is Spanish that is called the language of great discoveries, because it was spoken by most sailors who discovered new continents and islands in the 16th-17th centuries.
The spoken and even written official language of Cuba contains a large number of words that are characteristic only of the local dialect. They are called "cubanisms." Residents of the island prefer to say "you" even to unfamiliar and older people, but this is not considered a manifestation of disrespect.
Translation difficulties
Bearing in mind the not very popular English, it is worth studying the names of dishes in the official language of Cuba in order to know what to choose in the restaurant menu. It is good if the tourist remembers how the numbers are pronounced in Spanish. This way you can avoid misunderstanding in communication with taxi drivers and sellers in the market.
Cuba is an island of beauty, health and fun, which annually receives many foreign tourists, including Russians. Of course, everyone who is planning to visit Liberty Island is interested in the language spoken in Cuba. This is especially important for those who plan to visit the country for the purpose of treatment.
The official language of Cuba
Speaking about which language in Cuba is the state, it should be noted that Spanish is considered as such here. This was the result of the colonization of the island by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century.
The rooting of the Spanish language in Cuba took place in several stages. Initially, the island was inhabited by the Indian tribes of the Saints, Guanahanabeys and Siboneans, who spoke their own dialects. But in 1492, the ships of Christopher Columbus arrived here, and between the Spaniards who landed on the island and the indigenous population a painful search for mutual understanding began, as a result of which the Spanish language underwent significant changes. This explains why in Cuba, the Spanish language, or rather, the Cuban dialect of Spanish, has become widespread.
After the extermination of a significant part of the local population, the Spaniards began to bring to the island to work on plantations of slaves from Africa. This contributed to the inclusion of African dialects with their own peculiarities in the process of forming the Cuban version of the Spanish. And after the liberation of Cuba from colonial dependence, the formation of Cuban Spanish was significantly influenced by the English language, which was brought by the Americans who replaced the Spaniards.
Thus, the national language of Cuba is Spanish, but it has significant differences from traditional Spanish. And sometimes they are so significant that, having heard the local speech, it is immediately impossible to understand which language is spoken here. The Cuban variety of Spanish even got its own name Espanol Cubano.
That is, the question of which language is official in Cuba, the answer is unequivocal - Spanish. And if you speak this language, you can communicate with the local population, despite some differences in pronunciation.
Popular languages \u200b\u200bon Liberty Island
Answering the question of what language is spoken in Cuba, it should be noted that although the main language of the country of Cuba is Spanish, there are residents who speak other languages, for example, French or English. But there are few of these on Liberty Island. Most often they can be found in popular resorts (Varadero, Cayo Coco, Holguin, etc.), where they work in restaurants, hotels and large entertainment centers. Most local residents do not consider it necessary to know and understand even the most common phrases in English. Moreover, if one of them knows this language, then he is extremely reluctant to answer it. This attitude to English is not due to the warmest relations that have historically developed between Cuba and the United States.
Despite this, Liberty Island has a special category of Cubans. They are called "friends." They are fluent in English and even specially study the language with the aim of earning money from foreign tourists. The Frends offer assistance in finding housing, drinks, cigars, and more, and are usually extremely friendly. They are imposed on tourists and spend whole days with them, counting on a kind of content on their part, for example, refreshments with food and drinks or a monetary reward.
Language courses in Cuba
When planning a trip to Cuba, you need to understand that without knowledge of the Spanish language, communication with the locals will be very problematic, so it would be nice to learn the basic phrases in Spanish before the trip. And you can start studying Spanish directly on the island - fortunately, language schools in Cuba offer both individual and group classes of different levels of intensity for visitors of any age. In addition, it is possible to combine Spanish lessons with music or dance classes. 
And, finally, the most interesting thing is the restriction on traveling abroad to debtors. It is about the status of the debtor that is easiest to “forget” when planning on another vacation abroad. The reason may be overdue loans, unpaid utility bills, alimony or fines from the traffic police. Any of these debts may threaten with a restriction on traveling abroad in 2018, we recommend that you check the information on the availability of debts with the help of a proven service.
The most popular language schools in Havana are: Jakera, StudeTeam Cuba and Study & Live in your Teacher’s Home (Learn and live in your teacher’s house). The latter program provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the culture and traditions of this country through language learning. In addition, you will be the only student that allows you to quickly learn the language.
It should be noted that learning Spanish on Liberty Island is in no way inferior to studying at the same courses in Spain.
Do they speak Russian in Cuba
Among the countries of the Caribbean, there is not a single state where Russian is as widespread as in Cuba. This is due to the long-standing friendship of the Soviet Union and Cuba. A large number of Cubans were educated in the USSR at one time, many Cubans married to Russian women live here. On Freedom Island, they still drive Soviet cars, use equipment produced during the Soviet era, and watch Soviet films and cartoons, only in Spanish.
Historically developed warm relations are relevant to this day. The indigenous people of Cuba are good towards Russians, considering them to be “Soviet” tourists. Therefore, to find here a Cuban who knows at least a few words in Russian is not so difficult.