Cuba what region. Cuba's participation in international organizations. Language courses in Cuba

Cuba - 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 consular fee in the amount 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 monetary units:

• V 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 driver 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 in Cuba, it has been entrenched Spanish. English is spoken in popular resorts and in 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!

In the subject of the last phrase: it is customary to bargain 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 there is an extra hour and you want to find 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. A little advice: it is better to ask swarthy, overweight middle-aged men - 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 is a national trait, and I advise you to put up 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

Cuba does not have any special rules safety, different from the 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 picturesque 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.

Free economic zones were created. In 1997, there were already three FEZs operating in the country (Mariel, Wahai and the city of Havana).

Cuba exports, bringing income to the budget of its country, tobacco, seafood, sugar, nickel, medical products, coffee, citrus fruits.

Cuba's export partners are China, Canada, Spain, and the Netherlands. China has invested $500 million in the Cuban nickel industry, Brazil - the same amount in the development of Cuban hydrocarbon deposits, in the construction of a plant for the production of technical oils. A large nickel ore mining plant has been built in the province of Holguin.

The country imports today food, oil products, industrial equipment, chemical products. Its import business partners are Venezuela, China, Spain. Particularly tight and productive ties in terms of the Petrocaribe oil program with Venezuela. The trade turnover between the states annually reaches about 10 billion dollars.

Since 1962, the country has introduced a card system for the distribution of products. The "black market" thrives, as card products are issued irregularly here.

Cuba has developed a system of free public services: medical care, higher, secondary education.

Since October 2010, the list of business activities permitted by the government has increased in the country. In 2016, private small and medium-sized businesses were legalized.

Cuban branches of government

Cuba is a socialist republic of a parliamentary type. Most of the deputies in parliament still represent the Communist Party of Cuba.

The head of state is the Chairman of the State Council (he is also the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba), which exercises executive power in the country. The chairman of the Council of Ministers, who is also the second secretary of the Central Committee, helps him.

The government of the Cuban state consists of two branches: the Council of Ministers and the Council of State. The ministry has 31 ministers.

The highest authority on Liberty Island is the National Assembly of People's Power, i.e. parliament of the republic. It includes 609 deputies who are elected for 5 years. She was entrusted with the formation of the government, the appointment of the head of the state council. The duties of the Assembly include the election of the People's Supreme Court. The provincial courts are elected by the provincial assemblies of people's power, and the municipal courts by the municipal assemblies.

The Republic of Cuba is divided administratively into 16 provinces, which are respectively divided into 169 municipalities. Only one municipality, Huventud, is accountable to the central authorities, the rest are subordinate to local administrative structures.

Cuba's participation in international organizations

In recent years, having changed course in the political sphere, being squeezed by economic sanctions, Cuba has become more active in influential international organizations.

The Republic is a member of the World Trade Organization, takes an active part in international agreements: the Paris Convention, the New York Convention on International Arbitration, the Madrid Protocol. Cuba is a member of the International Organization of ACP States. For decades, Cuba has been participating in social programs at the international level.

57 Cuban specialists work in 101 countries, of which 70% are health workers. One of the Cuban programs "Operation Miracle" provides affordable medical care in 16 countries to poor, seriously ill people. In 28 countries of Latin America, the "Yes, I can" program is operating, aimed at combating illiteracy.

Whatever direction Cuba goes, the beauty of its natural landscape, the originality of culture and the attractiveness of the Cuban mentality will remain unchanged.

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
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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

− 8 hours summer −7 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 - direct direct regular flights Aeroflot 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. Bus depot leaves much to be desired, but a trip from Havana to Varadero will cost only 8-10 CUC. Viazul Bus - more modern park 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 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 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 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 are located ancient buildings and buildings, as well as the Plaza of the Revolution of José Martí 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, and coastal village 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 small town Remedios worth seeing is the city's Carnival Museum, the Alejandro García Caturla Music Museum and the main parish church of St. John the Baptist, which is considered one of the most curious in Cuba.

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 nature reserve"Los Indios San Felipe" with unique flora and fauna, "Presidio Modelo" prison, a copy of the American prison "Joliet" in Illinois (where Fidel Castro served his prison sentence), national marine park"Punta Frances" and the international dive center "El Coloni".

In the province of Matanzas, in addition to the caves with cave 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 of African slaves in the history of Cuba. The main attractions of the Zapata Peninsula: the village of the Taino Indians in Guama, the crocodile nursery in La Boca, the Santo Tomas and La Salina fauna reserves, as well as the Historical Museum on Playa Giron.

You should definitely make a trip to the amazingly beautiful national parks of Cuba.

New Year(January 1), on the contrary, they celebrate 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 Festival Cuban cigars. 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.

The Republic of Cuba is a Caribbean state located on the island of Cuba and a number of nearby islands (O. Huventud and others). The population of Cuba is approximately 11.5 million people, most of which are Creoles - 65%, as well as mulattoes (24.8%) and blacks (10%).

Cuba covers an area of ​​approximately 111 thousand square meters. km, the total length of the coastline is 3,735 kilometers. In the south, Liberty Island is washed by the Caribbean Sea, the Yucatan Strait in the southwest, the Windward Strait in the east (it separates Cuba from the island of Haiti), and in the north by the Florida Strait (the minimum distance to the coast of Florida is only 180 kilometers).

The relief of the country is mainly flat, with hills and mountains occupying no more than a quarter of Cuba. Low mountain ranges scattered throughout the country: for example, in the southeast are the Sierra Maestra mountains with the highest point of the island - Turquino Peak (1,972 meters); in the center is the Sierra de Trinidad massif, and in the west, the Sierra de los Organos. The coast is mostly low, swampy and sometimes overgrown with mangroves. The largest river in the country is the Cauto. Cuba's time zone is UTC-5, 8 hours behind Moscow time.

Climate

The tropical and trade wind climate of the island allows you to keep a fairly high temperature throughout the year: an average of 25.5 ° C for the year, 22.5 ° C in January, and about 27.8 ° C in August. The water near the coast also remains quite warm all year round - in winter 22-24°C and in summer 28-30°C. In general, the average climatic indicators are typical for tropical countries, however, as can be seen, the seasonality of temperatures is rather weakly expressed. Cuba also has a relatively high average annual rainfall of 1,400 mm, mostly in the form of showers, but some years can be unusually dry.

On the island, as in all tropical countries, two climatic seasons are clearly expressed - the rainy season (May-October) and the dry season, which occurs from November to April. The warm currents passing near the island, forming the Gulf Stream, have a huge impact on the Cuban climate. Also a distinctive feature of the island climate is the typical high humidity throughout the year.

It is also worth noting that Cuba is particularly susceptible to tropical cyclones that originate in the Caribbean between June and mid-November. The strongest showers and heavy winds that accompany typhoons easily cause damage to both the inhabitants of the island and the entire economy and infrastructure of the country.

Visa

For citizens of the Russian Federation, the procedure for entering the country looks very simple, since they have the right to come to Cuba without a visa for up to 30 days, regardless of the purpose of their trip on ordinary foreign passports. If a Russian citizen, after this period, wishes to stay in the country for more long time, he may extend his stay in Cuba if there is a clear justification for such a need, a maximum of twice for 30 days. To do this, he needs to contact the Cuban Migration Service. Each visa extension comes with a fee of 25 Cuban convertible pesos, which is approximately equal to 30 US dollars.

When crossing the border, you must present the following documents: a passport valid for the entire stay in the country; return tickets and a migration card in two copies. The first copy must be presented when passing passport control at the airport along with your passport, and the second should be kept until the end of the trip, as it is withdrawn already upon departure from the country.

Documents are checked very carefully, and the migration officer may ask additional questions (for example, about the length of stay in the country, the intended place of residence in Cuba, the availability of a hotel room, etc.). Those who do not travel through travel agencies, in addition to everything, need to confirm the availability of sufficient funds (traveler's checks or cash) to stay in Cuba based on the calculation of $ 50 per person per day. Also, when entering the country, a currency in the amount of more than 5,000 US dollars or the equivalent in any other currency is subject to mandatory declaration.

Border and customs control

As in any country, Cuba has its own special customs rules. It is allowed to import duty-free cigarettes (maximum 200 pieces) or tobacco (up to 250 grams), perfumes, medicines and household items (within the limits of a person’s personal needs), as well as audio, video, and photographic equipment, one position each names per person.

It is prohibited to import the following goods into the country:

• firearms (with the exception of hunting weapons, for which an appropriate permit must be available, and upon arrival in Cuba, a citizen must obtain a permit to use weapons on the territory of the island);
• pornographic products;
• sausages, cheeses, meat and fish products without cans, fruits;
• animals and plants without special permission from the sanitary authorities;
• a large number of medicines without appropriate medical prescriptions and documents;
• large batches of manufactured products;
• electrical appliances (heaters, microwave ovens, electric fryers and rice cookers, food processors, electric motors and spare parts for them, televisions), as well as video and DVD equipment. Amateur video cameras, laptops, digital cameras, electric shavers are not prohibited.

When leaving the territory of Cuba, it is prohibited to export:

• more than 5 thousand US dollars or equivalent in any other currency;
• cigars in the amount of more than 23 pieces per passenger without an invoice for their purchase in a store (at the same time, according to Russian customs rules, more than 50 cigars cannot be imported into Russia);
• books published more than 50 years ago (if there is no permission from the Cuban authorities);
• animals, stuffed animals, plants or their parts without the permission of the sanitary authorities;
• silver, porcelain, glass and bronze products, as well as antiques, products of famous masters, archaeological finds and cultural values ​​(paintings, drawings, sketches on canvas, wood, paper, cardboard);
• a large number of medicines without invoices that would confirm their legal purchase, and the corresponding prescriptions of doctors.

Sanitary and veterinary control

A vaccination certificate is not required. When importing and exporting pets, you must present the appropriate veterinary certificates. Certificates of animal health when they are exported from the country are issued by a veterinary clinic located at: Havana, st. Carlos III and Ayestran.

additional information

After the abolition of the free circulation of the dollar in Cuba on November 15, 2004, all payments are made in Cuban convertible pesos. Its exchange rate for December 2009 is about 0.7 Euro or 32.2 rubles per 1 peso. At the same time, one should not forget that the transfer of money from Russia to Cuba in a short time is practically impossible - the Cuban branches of Western Union do not work with Russia. There may also be problems when receiving money on credit and debit cards of American banks, since the latter do not maintain correspondent relations with Cuban financial institutions, so if the intermediary bank is a US bank, receive money by credit card does not seem possible.

It should be noted that there are two types of pesos - "non-convertible" (for internal circulation) and "convertible", which is used for settlements with tourists and is pegged to the US dollar at a ratio of 1:1. Often change is given to both. Foreign citizens and tourists can only pay in shops with convertible pesos. If by the end of your trip you still have pesos on hand, then you can only change back to dollars or another currency at the current rate in convertible pesos (abbreviated "CUC"). Moreover, no commission is charged for the reverse exchange. That is, convertible pesos change, for example, to dollars in a ratio of 1:1. Convertible pesos are labeled "pesos covertibles". Non-convertible pesos currently have an exchange rate of 26:1 against the US dollar.

Search tours to Cuba

How to get to Cuba

Direct flights to Havana are carried out only from Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow by Aeroflot. With transfer to Russian capital in this case, you can get to Cuba from anywhere in Russia.

Cities and regions

The Republic of Cuba in its administrative structure is a federation and since August 2010 is divided into 15 provinces and the special municipality of the island of Youth. Also on the island is the American naval base of Guantanamo, leased by the United States, but remaining the territory of the Cuban Republic.

Provinces of Cuba

Juventud Island (translated from Spanish - the island of Youth)

Location: located 100 kilometers south of the coast of the island of Cuba and is the largest in the Los Cannareos archipelago. Lies at the exit from Botabano Bay to the Caribbean Sea.
Area: 2,419 square kilometers.
Population: 86,637 (2004)
Administrative center: Nueva Gerona.
Attractions: the unique beaches of Punta del Este (next to which there are Indian cave drawings) and Bibijagua with black sand; Prison Presidio Modelo (where Fidel Castro once served time); El Abra Manor (National Monument status); San Felipe Los Indios Nature Reserve and Punta Frances Marine Park.

Pinar del Rio

Location: The westernmost province of the Cuban Island.
Area: 10,904 km².
Population: 730,626 (2004)
Administrative center: Pinar del Rio.
Attractions: World famous Viñales Valley (listed cultural heritage UNESCO) in the Sierra de los Organos; the oldest Spanish resort in Cuba - San Diego de Los Banos with mineral springs; the islands of Levis, Paraiso and Hutia; Mount Loma del Fuerte near Soroa; the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Siera del Rosario and Guanaacabibes.

Artemis

Location: The province lies in the western part of the island, east of the province of Pinar del Río.
Area: 4,004 km².
Population: 502,392 (2010)
Administrative centre: Artemisa
Artemisa is a former part of the province of Havana, which in August 2010 was divided into Artemisa and Mayabeque. There are many diving equipment rentals here. San Antonio de los Baños is home to the Museum of Humor, home to the International Biennale of Humor.

Mayabeke

Location: The province lies in the western part of the island, east of the province of Artemis.
Area: 3,733 km².
Population: 381,446 (2010)
Civic center: San José de las Lajas
Mayabeque is a former part of the province of Havana, which in August 2010 was divided into Mayabeque and Artemisa. Mayabeque occupies the eastern half of the former province of Havana, and the name of the Mayabeque province comes from the river of the same name that flows through its territory. There are many diving equipment rentals here.

City of Havana (is a province)

Location: northwestern part of the island, in the province of Havana.
Area: 721 km².
Population: 2,350,000 (2006).
It is the capital of the Republic of Cuba and the administrative center of the province of Havana.
Attractions: the historical center of the city - Old Havana; the fortresses of Castillo del Morro, Castillo de la Punta; the forts of La Cabaña and La Real Fuersa; waterfront Malecon; Paseo del Prado; monastery of Santa Clara; Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; City Hall; Revolution square.

Matanzas

Location: in the western part of the island, between the provinces of Havana and Villa Clara and Cienfuegos.
Area: 11,802 km².
Population: 675,980 people.
Administrative center: Matanzas.
Attractions: Varadero beach; karst caves Pinar del Rio; in Matanzas, the castle of San Severino; Bakunayagua bridge; Hunko Palace Museum; Chapel of Montserrat.

cienfuegos

Location: central region of the island of Cuba. It borders the province of Matanzas to the south, Villa Clara to the north, and Sancti Spiritus to the east.
Area: 4,180 km².
Population: 398,647 (2004)
Administrative center: Cienfuegos.
Attractions: fortress Nuestra Señora de los Angeles de Jagua; Palace of the Palacio de Valle; mineral springs of Ciego Montero; the beaches of Guahimico, Playa Ingles and Rancho Luna; historical Buildings city ​​of Cienfuegos.

Villa Clara

Location: in the central region of Cuba on the Atlantic coast; borders on the south with the province of Matanzas, on the east and south with the provinces of Sancti Spiritus and Cienfuegos, respectively.
Area: 8,412 km².
Population: 817,070 (2004)
Administrative center: Santa Clara.
Attractions: Elgea resort with healing mineral springs; large artificial lake Anabanilla; the islands of Cobos, Las Brujas, Santa Maria, Frances and Ensenachos; memorial to Ernesto Che Guevara; carnivals in San Juan de los Remedios; Leoncio Vidal Square in Santa Clara; city ​​of Remedios.

Sancti Spiritus

Location: central part of Cuba. It borders the Atlantic to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south. Lies between the provinces of Villa Clara and Cienfuegos to the west and Ciego de Avila to the east.
Area: 6,736.51 km².
Population: 463,009 (2004)
Administrative center: Sancti Spiritus.
Attractions: in the city of Trinidad - the Main Square, the Church of the Holy Trinity, the Brunet Palace, the Yayabo Bridge; the San Luis valley with the Manaka-Isnaha tower; Topes de Collantes National Park.

Ciego de Avilo

Location: central areas of the island. It borders the province of Sancti Spiritus to the west and the province of Camagüey to the east. To the north is the Atlantic Ocean, to the south is the Caribbean Sea.
Area: 6,783.13 km².
Population: 416,370 (2004)
Administrative center: Ciego de Avilo.
Attractions: in the city of Ciego de Avila - Independence Avenue, Principal Theater, Cathedral; the town of Moron; reservoir Laguna de la Leche; lagoon La Redonda; the resort islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo; Cueva del Habali ("Boar's Cave").

Camagüey

Location: located closer to the eastern part of the island. It borders the province of Ciego de Avilo to the west and Las Tunas to the east. It is washed by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Area: 15,615 km².
Population: 786,657 (2004)
Administrative center: Camagüey.
Attractions: coral reef near Santa Lucia; the island of Cayo Sabinal; in the city of Camaguey - Ignacio Agramonte Square - a former arms square, San Juan de Dios Square; Carmen Square, Principal Theatre, Casino Compreste Park.

Las Tunas

Location: occupies the territory in the eastern part of the island. It borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, as well as the provinces of Camaguey, Holguin and Granma.
Area: 6,587.75 km².
Population: 529,850 people.
Administrative centre: Victoria de las Tunas.
Attractions: Major General Vicente Garcia Memorial; Puerto Padre; Square Solar - Jose Marti Square; Covarrubias beach; nature reserves of El Cabo, Kupelle.

Granma

Location: A province 730 kilometers east of Havana. From the west and south it is washed by the Caribbean Sea. It borders the provinces of Las Tunas, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba.
Area: 8,375.49 km².
Population: 822,452 people.
Administrative center: Bayamo.
Attractions: National Park Desembarco del Granma, declared by UNESCO natural landscape - the heritage of mankind; Turkino National Park; Marea del Portillo beach in the Gulf of Guacanaybo.

Holguin

Location: eastern province Cuba on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, bordering the provinces of Las Tunas, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo.
Area: 9,293 km².
Population: 1,029,083 people.
Administrative center: Holguin.
Attractions: in the city of Holguin - the Cathedral of San Isidoro, the provincial historical museum in the building of "La Perikera", the Loma de la Cruz hill, the Museum of Natural Sciences Carlos de la Torre y Huerta; archaeological sites at Chorro de Maita and Banes; natural park "Bahia de Naranjo"; national monument Park Bariai.

Santiago de Cuba

Location: A province in the southeast of the island of Cuba, bordering the provinces of Holguin, Granma and Guantanamo.
Area: 6,156.44 km².
Population: 1,045,337
Administrative center: the city of Santiago de Cuba.
Attractions: in the city of Santiago de Cuba - the castle of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro, the Museum of the History of Piracy, the City Cathedral, Padre Pico Street, the Abode of the Blessed Virgin of Mercy from Cobre, the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery with a mausoleum Jose Marti, Cespedes Square; the islet of Cayo Granma with the Basilica of Caridad del Cobre; Baconao Natural Park; Sierra Maestra National Park; rock of the Gran Piedra.

Guantanamo

Location: the southeastern province of the republic, on the western side it borders on the provinces of Holguin and Santiago de Cuba, and on the east it is washed by the Windward Strait.
Area: 6,178 km².
Population: 507,300 people.
Administrative center: Guantanamo.
Attractions: in Baracoa ("city of palm trees") - the system of city fortifications, the Parish Church, the Rio Miel River; Maguana Beach and Cahobabo; Alexander Humboldt National Park; Zoological museum made of stone; Lookout Malones.

What to see

There is, perhaps, no country surrounded by a more romantic halo than Cuba. Liberty Island with the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, magical "snow-white" Cuban beaches, incendiary rhythms of rumba and salsa, under which, after a couple of servings of wonderful Cuban rum, you just want to thank all the gods - Indian, African, European - for the fact that there is this one on earth unique island whose brilliance simply knows no bounds.

And, not surprisingly, Cuba, like no other island in the Caribbean, is rich in sights, both known to the whole world (who has not heard of Varadero?), and those whose existence an ordinary tourist has no idea. Moreover, a distinctive feature of Cuba is that there are plenty of cultural monuments created by human hands, and simply stunning natural ensembles, such as, for example, karst caves in Matanzas. And, of course, Cuba would not be Cuba, and indeed a country of Latin America, without its colorful and vibrant carnivals, which, of course, are not as large-scale as the carnival in Rio, but no less interesting and exciting.

Also, do not forget that the country of Cuba and the island of Cuba are not exactly the same thing. A huge number of small and picturesque islands makes visiting Cuba even more charming, because many of them have beaches and landscapes of unprecedented beauty, such as Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Guillermo, where the noble "Cuban" Ernest Hemingway adored visiting and whose yacht "Pilar ” is still anchored off the beach of the same name. And at the same time, Cayo Guillermo is considered an uninhabited island, where 90% of the territory is dominated by mangroves, palm groves and many tropical birds, including a very rare kartacuba, which is the pearl of the entire Cuban fauna.

And, of course, there is nowhere to escape from the sun-drenched provincial Cuban cities, each of which contains many interesting architectural monuments, in fact, embodying the complex and controversial history of the Island of Freedom. As an example, we can take the city of Cienfuegos (the capital of the province of the same name), where the 18th-century castle of Nuestra Señora de los Angeles de Jagua is located, built between 1733 and 1745 and protecting the city bay from the enemies of the Spanish crown, and the palace Palacio de Valle, built in the Mudejar style already at the end of the colonial era at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and more modern buildings from the time of socialism. The highlight of the city is an interesting layout - almost all the streets intersect at right angles.

Or the city of Camaguey, which is also called the city of "tinahons" (large earthenware jars), where the historical center is better preserved than anywhere else in Cuba, so you can find many squares of various sizes there. The city of Las Tunas (also the provincial capital) is rightfully considered the center of Cuban sculpture - every two years a festival of peasant art is held in the city, where approximately 70 sculptures of various kinds are exhibited. Below we will talk about some notable regions in more detail.

Cayo Coco

It is the fourth largest island in Cuba and the main tourist resort in the Jardines del Rey archipelago royal gardens"). Cayo Coco is connected to the main island by a 17-kilometer dam road that runs along the Bay of Dogs and was built not so long ago, blending very organically into the surrounding landscape. The island is particularly attractive due to the almost untouched by man ecosystem, which includes a national nature reserve, which is home to many species of sea birds, including flamingos.

It is because of this that Cayo Coco has become the center of ecotourism in Cuba. The resort of Cayo Coco is perhaps the most isolated in the whole country, and in the inner part of the island there are tropical thickets untouched by man, which are the habitat for a huge number of birds - flamingos, pelicans and, of course, the snow-white bird "Coco" (hence the name - "Island Coco").

To the north of the island, a magnificent "road" of 26 kilometers stretches the most beautiful beaches of Cayo Coco with the purest white sand, which are considered almost the best in the entire Caribbean. Among them are such meccas of beach tourism as Los Flamencos, Las Coloradas and La Jaula, which are well protected by a curved coastline. Los Flamencos beach is perhaps the best beach of the island on Cayo Coco, stretching for 5 kilometers, the main "owners" of which are flamingos - they can be seen here at any time of the year. Playa Prohobida, or "Forbidden Beach" is a great place for a secluded and a relaxing holiday. Out of concern for environment any construction is prohibited here, so nature is preserved in a virgin state. The sand dunes of this beach can reach a height of about 40 meters.

Cayo Coco is one of the main diving centers in Cuba. And all this because next to the island there is a 400-meter coral formation, which is the second longest in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. And a lot of exotic coral fish makes diving in this place simply unforgettable.

Havana

Havana with all reservations can be called a symbol of Latin America. A city of legend, full of indescribable beauty, amazing story and traditions. It is not only the most Big city in the Caribbean, but also the most beautiful - Hemingway put the beauties of Havana on a par with Parisian and Venetian ones. And it would not be an exaggeration to say that Havana is a real open-air museum, where all the best of the cocktail that represents Cuban culture as a whole is collected. And this is a centuries-old story filled with various collisions and accidents, as a result of which this particular, colorful, bright and alluring Cuba was born.

A huge attraction for tourists is the historical center of the city - Old Havana, where there are many beautiful streets and buildings made in the colonial style, so that each of them has its own special sophistication, and a simple walk along Old Havana can easily turn into an exciting long journey. More recently, it was estimated that there are 900 (!) buildings of historical and architectural value in this area. Old Havana, which stores the main metropolitan attractions of Cuba, is separated from central region of the city (Centro Havana) with a very blurred border passing through the central park and the Capitol building, however, the difference between the two areas is cardinal - the latter is not so picturesque, built up with more modern houses and therefore does not particularly attract tourists. The Vedado district is the liveliest part of Havana, whose architecture surprisingly mixes different styles - from neoclassicism to constructivism. It is in Vedado that the University of Havana and all the main nightlife centers of the Cuban capital are located.

A necessary attribute of all coastal Cuban cities is the embankment. The Havana Malecon, stretching along the coast for 7 kilometers, is the most popular and lively street in Havana, where, according to tradition, carnival processions are held in February. The Malecon is the perfect place for the calm hiking. In addition, the promenade connects the areas of Vedado and Miramar with Old Gaana.

One of the most famous architectural ensembles of Havana is the Cathedral Square with the Cathedral of St. Christopher located on it. This square is a great place for a relaxing break, where you can sit in one of the many cafes and enjoy live Cuban music. In addition, the luxurious facade of the Cathedral of St. Christopher, built in 1748-1777, is a real decoration of the square. According to legend, it was in this cathedral until 1898 that the relics of St. Christopher Columbus were located (hence the name).

According to the tradition that has developed in Latin America, almost every capital of this region has its own Capitol building. Havana is no exception to this list - the Cuban Capitol was built in 1929, and the Capitol in Washington served as its prototype. In the past, meetings of the Cuban Parliament were held here, and since 1960 the Ministry of Science, Technology and Ecology of Cuba, the National Science and Technology Library and the Museum of History have been located here.

During the period of socialism, the Cuban capital also enriched itself with some interesting architectural monuments. So, Revolution Square with a memorial to José Marti and a majestic tower 109 meters high, at the top of which there is an observation deck, from where the whole of Havana is visible at a glance, has gained particular fame. It was on this square that Fidel delivered his speeches to the Cuban people every year on May 1 and July 26, since the square can accommodate up to 1.5 million people.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Where to eat and drink

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Transport

Wellness vacation

Private guides in Cuba

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Cuba in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

• Central clinic. Sira Garcia
• Placental Histotherapy Center
• International Center for Neurological Rehabilitation

Movement around the country

Public transport in Cuba is in a rather dilapidated and deplorable state - the number of buses is very small, and they break down very often. As a result, tourists are not recommended to use public transport. Buses ("va-va") are the main urban transport. In Cuba, there are 2 types of buses: "sitting", where the number of passengers is clearly limited by the number of seats, and ordinary cars, often packed to capacity. There are no timetables in principle, the routes are also almost nowhere marked. The fare is 10 centavos.

There are buses and fixed-route taxis that run between cities. Intercity buses run very poorly and are almost always crowded. Tickets for these buses must be purchased in advance. The fare fluctuates between one and two pesos.

Taxi

Tourists are advised to use the so-called "tourist taxis" for transportation, which are modern executive cars equipped with air conditioning and cordless telephones. Tourist taxis can be ordered from any hotel or by phone. At the same time, all taxi movements are constantly monitored to ensure the safety of tourists. The cost of a taxi often varies from 50 cents to 1 US dollar per 1 kilometer.

There are three state-owned taxi companies in Cuba: Cubanacan is the most expensive (Mercedes), Turistaxi (Japanese small cars with air conditioning) and Panataxi (Ladas) is the cheapest company, but it operates only in the capital. In the provinces, in hotels and in tourist centers you can find taxis "Cubanacan" and "Turistaxi". Upon arrival at Havana airport, it will be cheaper to book a taxi at the Panataxi branch at the exit than through a travel agency.

Ordinary taxis, which are paid in pesos, use rather old vehicles, the number of which is small. IN resort areas(for example, in Varadero) private transportation is a very common phenomenon, but there are no guarantees of quality and security.

Railway transport

The Cuban Railway is a state-owned enterprise that includes 5,219 km of public railways. The Cuban railway transports about 4.4 million tons of cargo and about 11 million passengers a year.

Air traffic

Cuba has five international airports: in Havana, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin and on the island of Cayo Largo. The vast majority of flights arrive at Havana International Airport. International flights are carried out mainly by foreign airlines, such as Aeroflot, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, and others.

Local airlines operate flights within the country, using mainly small planes. Tickets for these flights for local residents are not very expensive. There are 77 paved and 94 unpaved airfields in the country.

Auto

The road system in Cuba is quite developed, but, like everything on the island, it has its own specifics - there are no road signs at all, so in order to get by car to Right place, you need at least a basic knowledge of Spanish, or a detailed map. The length of roads on the Island of Freedom is 61 thousand kilometers, and only 30 thousand kilometers of them are paved.

Vehicles in Cuba are very worn out, and Cubans do not have much opportunity to upgrade them. The car park consists mainly of cars imported from the USSR and American "old cars" from 1936 to the 1960s. Police patrols still drive old Zhiguli. Therefore, on the roads, Cubans prefer to travel mostly on bicycles. Hitchhiking is also very popular in the country. Government vehicles by law, they are required to take fellow travelers if there are empty seats in the car, so people in yellow robes armed with notebooks are often on duty at the main city exits and intersections. Their task is to ensure the organization of the dispatch of people hitchhiking.

Car rent

The best way to see Cuba is to travel around the country in a rental car. Required requirements for renting: possession of a driver's license with a minimum age of 21 years, as well as driving experience of at least 1 year. Before renting, it is imperative to inspect the car for defects, which must be recorded in the rental agreement. Otherwise, the tenant will be forced to pay for these unnoticed defects after the return of the car.

There are several car rental companies in Cuba. It is worth noting that their services are quite expensive. Car rental costs from $45 per day plus $15 insurance. Gasoline within Havana costs about $ 1 - 1.2 per liter. A little cheaper outside the city.

The road rules are standard, the traffic is right-handed and not very busy, although there are a huge number of cyclists on the roads of the country. At the same time, the quality of the roads is very low, and the markings, like the signs, are virtually absent. Service stations are also rare. Car numbers in Cuba have different colors. Cars with "tourist" brown numbers (owned by rental companies) enjoy certain benefits, such as driving through tunnels closed for repairs in Havana, parking in unauthorized places, etc. There are a lot of traffic police in Cuba, but for minor violations of drivers " tourist” cars, she does not pay much attention.

Maritime communication

Several Cuban cities have seaports: Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Manzanillo, Santiago de Cuba, Mariel, Nuevitas. Maritime transport in Cuba is represented cruise ships and other vessels, with the help of which water communication with other islands and the continent is organized.

Communication

Language and writing

The official language in Cuba is Spanish. However, as in all Latin American countries, the Spanish spoken by Cubans differs from classical Spanish. During centuries of contact between different ethnic groups, Cuban Spanish has absorbed many loanwords of African and Indian origin. However, knowledge of ordinary Spanish, even at an elementary level, greatly facilitates communication with the local population.

In addition, in hotels, the staff quite often also speaks English and French, and German and Italian are widely used in resort areas. Some Cubans of the older and middle generation, who at one time studied in the USSR, are quite tolerably fluent in Russian.

In general, the importance of the role of the Spanish language in Cuban culture and the history of the nation should be noted. In 1978, the millennium of the Spanish literary language was widely and solemnly celebrated in Cuba. Of all the dialects of Latin American countries, Spanish in Cuba most closely matches classical literary Spanish.

culture

Religion

Cuban culture is a very complex and picturesque mixture of different cultures and ethnicities. Religion plays a special role in the life of any Cuban. Despite the advent of socialism, religious worship has not disappeared anywhere, Cubans honor their religious traditions to this day. Most of all in Cuba, of course, Christianity is widespread, but Judaism, as well as Voodoo and other African cults, also have their adherents. Thus, Cubans are both zealous Catholics, and supporters of socialism, and keepers of the pagan cults of their ancestors at the same time.

Unlike our country, after the revolution, the state guaranteed the right to free religious activity, separating church from state and placing Christianity on an equal footing with other faiths. At the same time, atheistic propaganda also became absolutely free, which led to certain results. Thus, according to the latest polls, 55% of Cubans consider themselves atheists.

Christianity in Cuba exists in three of its main variants - Catholicism, Protestantism and Orthodoxy. The most widespread due to the long Spanish rule on the island is Catholicism - approximately 40% of Cubans call themselves adherents catholic church. In 1998, at the invitation of Fidel Castro, Pope John Paul II visited Cuba, celebrating mass in front of almost 1 million Cubans at Revolution Square in Havana. After this visit, the attitude of the authorities towards the Church became more liberal.

A large number of Cubans quietly combine Christianity with syncretic beliefs that arose from the mixing of Christian religious tradition with African cults that appeared in Cuba along with black slaves. Negro slaves in the new conditions began to identify their gods with Christian saints, which gave life to the two main syncretic cults of the island: the Voodoo cult and the most widespread cult of Santeria.

The roots of Santeria are in the cults of the African people of the Yoruba. Forcibly converted to Christianity in the colonies, the Yoruba slaves continued their religious practices in secret, covering themselves with Catholic saints to honor their gods - orisha. The Voodoo religion entered Cuba from the neighboring island of Haiti, and it is mainly followed by immigrants from there. Combining many elements (and gods) of various creeds, voodoo appeared in Haiti as a spiritual teaching during the era of French colonial slavery and managed to retain its original features of an African cult. Also, almost all followers of the Afro-Cuban religion openly practice spiritualism.

In addition, in Cuba there is a Jewish community of approximately 1.5 thousand people who profess Judaism, as well as about 300 Masonic lodges, of which 26 thousand people are members.

Lifestyle

Cubans are very hospitable and friendly people, however, like every nation, they have their own rules and traditions that guests of the country should respect and observe. So, for example, it is advisable to accompany your requests with appeals like “mi amor”, “mi corazon” (“my love”, “my heart” - when talking with a woman) and “amigo”, “viejo” (friend, old man), if communicate with a man. Refusing invitations to drink or dine is also not worth it. If one of the locals has done you a great favor, then it is advisable to thank him with some kind of gift - cosmetics or a bottle of rum. In socialist Cuba, it is forbidden to photograph industrial enterprises and military equipment, but the Cubans themselves willingly become the subject of a photographic lens. True, before that you need to ask their permission.

Kitchen

The cuisine of Liberty Island is no less diverse and complex than its culture. Spanish, African and Caribbean gastronomic traditions are organically mixed in modern Cuban cuisine. The main national dish is Akhyako Criollo, a thick stew with various filling options. The natives cooked it from fish and pepper, later the Spaniards brought pork to the island and added it to the soup. All the African slaves completed the process and began to cook "Ahyako" with various varieties of local vegetables and fruits (corn, malaga, bognato).

Particularly popular in Cuban cuisine are dishes of meat fried on the grill or stewed in ceramic pots. It is worth trying, for example, "Santiaguera" - a pork leg marinated and baked in the oven, cut into slices, with mojito sauce and platano circles decoration. Or "Medallones-mango" - pork slices stewed with mango cubes, spices and wine, garnished with fresh mango, mint and onions.

No Cuban lunch or dinner is complete without fruits and vegetables. So, Cubans are very fond of "Bognato" - sweet potatoes fried until golden brown. Slaves, who at one time learned how to cook culinary masterpieces from what grew around, left “platanos” – baked bananas – as a legacy to the modern inhabitants of Cuba. In general, in Cuban cuisine there are a huge number of ways to prepare bananas, for example, "platanos a punetazos", when the unripe fruit is cut into thin diagonal slices and fried; bananas are used to prepare ingredients for sauces, baking pies, pudding, as well as the famous Cuban picadillo, which is a chopped banana mixed with cheese.

Other popular Cuban dishes include "congri" - white rice cooked with colored beans, and "arros moro", also called "Moors and Christians", rice with black beans. Naturally, Cubans do not ignore fish either, for example, fish of oceanic species, fried on coals, as well as dough products, are very common.

Desserts in Cuba are especially sweet, fortunately, Cubans do not experience a shortage of sugar cane. Cuban desserts are served mostly with syrup and are usually made with tropical fruits. Recently, Cubans have been adopting European experience - mousses, puddings, etc. are becoming popular. Of the traditional Cuban desserts, one can name "flambe" - circles of bananas in hot caramel with orange juice, decorated with mint and almonds. This dessert is served on the table literally burning. Coppelia ice cream is very popular. From mousses - "Barcelona", in the preparation of which dark chocolate and sesame seeds are used, as well as grated white chocolate.

Among Cubans, Cuban coffee is especially popular and honored, very strong and sweet, which the locals drink throughout the day in a rather large volume.

For lunch and dinner, it is customary for Cubans to serve table wine. The most popular alcoholic drink in Cuba is the legendary local rum. For dinner, Canelazos-rum is often served as an aperitif (30 g of cinnamon, 5 g of cloves for a bottle of rum) with a light Quesillo appetizer, consisting of pieces of cheese fried in butter. However, no rum in Cuba is as popular as the world-famous Havana club. In total, there are three varieties of rum: golden - "Carta Oro", white - "Carta Blanca" and old - "Anejo". This rum is 3, 5 and 7 years old respectively. Of these three, Cubans prefer Anejo rum. In the Old Havana area, you can, by the way, visit the Roma Museum.

Regional features

Despite the small size of the country, the regions have their own culinary features. For example, in the east of the island, in Santiago de Cuba, food is more spicy and spicy. The population of the central and western part of Cuba is very partial to coconuts and chocolate. The love for coconuts also extends into the frying industry, where only coconut oil and coconut milk are used.

Connection

Telephone penetration in Cuba is still at a fairly low level, so that even many hotels do not have access to international telephone connection. Where this connection is still available, international telephone conversations can be conducted from the hotel room (if there is a telephone with international access in the room), or through Telecorreos branches or from an international call center. To use cellular communication, you should contact CubaSel (phone 80-2222 or from a mobile phone 711). If there is a telephone with international telephone connection in the number, you should pay attention to the attached memo - it describes in detail how to use it correctly.

The cost of a conversation with Moscow is approximately 5 US dollars per 1 minute of conversation. Calling from a pay phone is cheaper. Cuba has GSM900/1800 mobile phones. The order of their work can be consulted before the trip at the mobile office. Cuban telephone company - ETESCA. Phone cards can be purchased at ETESCA hotels, shops and call centres. Private phones in Cuba must be called through an operator and prepaid.

Calls from abroad to Cuba: 10 - 53 - local code - local phone.

Calls from Cuba: 119 - country code - phone number. For direct internal dialing: 0 - area code - telephone number.

Some city codes

It should be borne in mind that the code of the regional center is three-digit; if the subscriber's number has less than seven digits, then after the city code before the subscriber's number, dial the numbers "2" up to the ten-digit number.

Education

In the field of education, Cuba has a traditionally high performance and literacy rate. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the island has had a system of free state 9-grade elementary education for children from 6 to 14 years old. 8 classes were mandatory for graduation, the ninth - optional. By 1932, these elementary schools were attended by 90% of school-age children, and after Castro came to power in 1961, a massive campaign to eradicate illiteracy began. As a result, in 1990 Cuba became a country of complete literacy. A public secondary and higher school was created.

To date, Cuba has a compulsory nine-grade education (the average is 12 grade). There are 50 higher education centers and education is free at all levels.

The main educational and scientific center of Cuba is the University of Havana, which is located in different parts of the Cuban capital. Until 1999, it taught Russian as the main foreign language (faculty of the Pais brothers, whose work was supervised by the Moscow State University). After 1999, this status was acquired by English. There are also other universities in Cuba, for example, Agricultural University Havana.

Safety

Cuba is considered a fairly safe country, but there are various kinds of threats here. One of the most common tips for visitors is not to walk in Old Havana after ten o'clock in the evening. After this time, it is also common for street lights to be turned off to save electricity, so it is sometimes worth bringing a flashlight with you. In addition, if a tourist brings an outsider to his room, then the hotel in this case is not responsible for your safety and the safety of your luggage and documents. Therefore, it is also often advised to keep documents in special safes (if they are available, of course) in order to avoid loss or theft in the rooms.

Photographing military equipment, military personnel and industrial enterprises is strictly prohibited. Refrain also from giving alms or alms to children and beggars on the street. Begging in any form is strictly forbidden to Cubans, and plainclothes police patrol most tourist sites, so such handouts can land beggars in prison.

Smokers should pay attention to the fact that Cuba has introduced severe restrictions on smoking in public places: since February 7, 2005, smoking has been banned in most institutions and enterprises, and cigarette vending machines have been removed from public places, and the sale of tobacco near schools has been banned.

As for possible health problems during your stay in Cuba, there are several points to consider. The main source of danger is the sultry Cuban sun. Severe sunburn can occur even on cloudy days, so be sure to use protective creams with a high SPF. Swimming on non-equipped beaches in Cuba is also sometimes dangerous because the seabed near such beaches can be dotted with sharp corals and sea urchins. Among the corals, in addition, moray eels dangerous to humans can often hide. Also, in the summer, extremely dangerous “Portuguese boat” jellyfish sometimes nail in shallow water.

Required Phones

Treatment

It is recommended to take the most necessary medicines with you from home. True, one of the advantages of medicine in Cuba is its relatively low cost. However, it should be remembered that in the case of medical institution, you must immediately call one of those numbers that are listed in your insurance policy and warn the insurance company that you are using medical services. If the traveler's illness is related to insured event(all this is written in the insurance policy), then the costs of treatment will be compensated in accordance with the invoices paid by the client of the insurance company. But, on the other hand, not a single insurance company will cover the costs of treating venereal diseases acquired during the holidays, as well as ailments caused by alcohol poisoning.

So, despite the relatively low cost of treatment in Cuba, it is recommended to conclude medical insurance contracts in advance, since the treatment of foreigners in some places can still be quite expensive. In Cuba, health insurance for foreigners is handled by Asistur (address; g, Havana, st. Prado, 208 / La Habana, calle Prado, edif. 208). The cost of insurance is 2-3 convertible Cuban pesos per person per day.

In Varadero, medical assistance can be provided in a special clinic intended only for vacationers. Urgent care, first aid and the first visit to the clinic are free of charge. This polyclinic for foreign tourists is open around the clock, phone: 6-21-22. Pharmacy - tel: 6-27-72, 6-26-36. Dental clinic - tel: 6-27-67.

Medical care for foreigners in Havana is provided mainly at the Sira Garcia clinic, although departments for foreigners exist in other hospitals.

The main resorts of the country also have clinics where visitors can receive medical care.

Tap water in hotels cannot be drunk unless there are special instructions from the hotel administration certifying that the water is potable. Therefore, in such a case drinking water have to buy in stores. It is recommended to eat at public restaurants or in hotel restaurants. In small private restaurants, there is no guarantee that the product will be of high quality, especially if the prices are suspiciously low.

As a separate point, it should be noted that in Cuba very long terms of imprisonment are provided for the importation, distribution and transit of drugs: from 20 years and more. Moreover, there are also quite severe sanctions for ordinary drug users and buyers.

Where to stay

There are many hotels in Cuba that belong to world chains (often Spanish). Those located in resorts usually have 4 or 5 star status. The beaches adjacent to such hotels are well equipped with the necessary accessories for this type of recreation - sunbeds, umbrellas, beach towels, the use of which is free. In some places, a small deposit is charged for the use of towels, which is returned on the last day of the stay. The rooms of these hotels have the necessary equipment - air conditioning, safe, TV, bathroom. Meals are organized mainly according to the principle " buffet”, but sometimes on the menu. The mains voltage is 110V and an adapter is required as Cuban plugs and sockets are flat. True, in the most modern Cuban hotels the voltage is 220 V and "European" sockets.

In addition to 4- and 5-star hotels, there are also more economical options - they are also in demand, for example, 3-star hotels in Cuba. Almost all hotels have a car rental department.

The Republic of Cuba is unofficially called the Island of Freedom, and occupies the entire territory of the island of Cuba, which is part of the Greater Antilles. The history of the Republic is closely connected with political events during the cold war and confrontation between the United States and the Russian Federation in the political arena, which is due to its favorable location and proximity to the North, South and Central parts of America.

The official name of the Republic of Cuba has two versions of the history of origin. Some scientists believe that this word came from the language of the local Indian tribes, who called the fertile lands so. Others believe that this is what he called this island at the time of its discovery by Columbus, giving the island the name of a settlement with a similar name in Portugal.

Geographic characteristics

The island is located at the junction of three parts of America - North, South and Central. This is the most large island, which belongs to the territory of the West Indies, and it represents a large part of the territory of the Republic. It also includes adjacent islands and Coral reefs from the Greater Antilles.

In terms of territory, Cuba is quite impressive, and occupies 110,860 square kilometers, which stretch from west to east for 250 kilometers. The outlines of the Republic on the map are very reminiscent of a lizard that turned its head towards the Atlantic.

Mixed people live here national origin. When the Spaniards reached the island, the tribes of the Arawak Indians lived on it, as well as those that had moved shortly before that from Haiti. However, in the process of colonization, the indigenous people were practically destroyed, and most of the territory was occupied by the Spaniards and other colonizing peoples. Today, the population of the state is more than 11 million people, of which only about 65% of citizens can be attributed to the white race.

Nature

Rivers and lakes

The rivers on the territory of the Republic are not large. Usually they are quite short and not watery. There are over 600 rivers or streams here, and many of them head north, although there are some that flow south into the Caribbean Sea.

On the banks there are a huge number of swamps, the largest of which is called Zapata. Lakes, like rivers, are small, and most often freshwater, although there are also salty lagoons. The largest lake with fresh water is called Laguna de Leche, and its waters are distinguished by a milky whitish hue, which is due to the content of chalk in the water ...

Sea, bay and ocean surrounding Cuba

The southern part of the territory of the Republic is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and from the northwest the island goes around Gulf of Mexico. The northeast coast faces the Atlantic Ocean...

Plants and animals

More than 3,000 species of tropical fruit plants and flowers grow in Cuba and the surrounding islands. The forests are represented by both deciduous and evergreen trees, and it is not uncommon to find mahogany or logwood. In the middle of the 20th century, forest plantations were actively planted, and today more than 30% of the territory is covered with green spaces and forests...

One of the most interesting mammals of Cuba can be noted the almost exterminated already Cuban flint tooth. The island is home to 23 species of bats, as well as many different rodents. Among the birds, parrots and thrushes predominate, as well as flamingos and hummingbirds in large numbers.

Amphibians are represented by alligators and a variety of lizards, including the iguana, as well as turtles and crocodiles. Among the snakes, there are a lot of varieties that are non-venomous and not dangerous to humans. More than 7 thousand species of insects and 500 species of fish complete the fauna of this Republic.

Climate of Cuba

The location in the tropical strip next to the Gulf Stream and warm trade winds provides a fairly warm climate in Cuba. average temperature in January it usually does not fall below 22.5 degrees Celsius, and in August it reaches 27-28 degrees on average. From the beginning of May until October, quite heavy rain showers can be observed, and in autumn hurricanes complete the picture. November to March is the most favorable tourist season...

Resources

Industry and agriculture

The subplatform areas on which the state is located consist mostly of limestone fossils. There are practically no expensive minerals that could bring profit to the Cuban budget in the country. The main types of industry are light, textile and food, heavy industry occupies a very small place in the country.

Fertile lands give rich harvests, therefore agriculture is quite well developed in Cuba. The bulk of the plantations is occupied by sugar cane, but other aspects of agricultural structures are also actively developing. Cuba supplies the world market with a large number of elite cigars and sugar, as well as nickel in quite tangible quantities ...