CUBA in 6 DAYS ....Any reccomendations?

[Kwamz]

So I just booked a ticket and 10 of us are going from Feb 16-Feb 23

I've never been there, but do you guys have any reccomendations on what I should do or where I should go?

If any of you guys are wondering, It cost me $1133 for a 4 start hotel and all inclusive.

[canook]

So I just booked a ticket and 10 of us are going from Feb 16-Feb 23

I've never been there, but do you guys have any reccomendations on what I should do or where I should go?

If any of you guys are wondering, It cost me $1133 for a 4 start hotel and all inclusive.

Wouldn't say you're getting a super deal, Cuba is pretty cheap.

Food is passable, but not remarkable (some say it's not even passable, but I didn't think it was that bad).

Try Legendario Elixir de Cuba (7yr old sweet rum). You won't regret it.

Visit Havana if you get the chance at all.

Can you elaborate on what part of Cuba you'll be in (eg, Varadero, Holguin, Cayo Coco, etc)?

[Kwamz]

Wouldn't say you're getting a super deal, Cuba is pretty cheap.

Food is passable, but not remarkable (some say it's not even passable, but I didn't think it was that bad).

Try Legendario Elixir de Cuba (7yr old sweet rum). You won't regret it.

Visit Havana if you get the chance at all.

Can you elaborate on what part of Cuba you'll be in (eg, Varadero, Holguin, Cayo Coco, etc)?

Yea
I know i'm not getting a super deal, but it's tough to get 10 ppl in the same place with only 7 days from the trip. Probably be easier if it was like 4 guys....Oh well....


Varadero is where i'll be

[The Shirker]

Yea
I know i'm not getting a super deal, but it's tough to get 10 ppl in the same place with only 7 days from the trip. Probably be easier if it was like 4 guys....Oh well....


Varadero is where i'll be

Veradero isn't that far from Havana. Definitely do a day trip there (there will be tours leaving from the hotel). As for the food, it's not so much bad as it is bland (lacks flavour - they don't use many seasonings).

[Badger]

Yea
I know i'm not getting a super deal, but it's tough to get 10 ppl in the same place with only 7 days from the trip. Probably be easier if it was like 4 guys....Oh well....


Varadero is where i'll be

Varadero is pretty nice, you won't have to pay a single dime on most items unless you are buying souvenior. The Hotel I went to was Melia Las America, and it was pretty nice too. If they ask you to give them your credit card as a credit, just do it =)

They waived the charges for bottled waters and drinks for us =)

I went there in the summer, so it was cheaper, and I also got a sunburn in a few hours.

[Badger]

Veradero isn't that far from Havana. Definitely do a day trip there (there will be tours leaving from the hotel). As for the food, it's not so much bad as it is bland (lacks flavour - they don't use many seasonings).

Speaking of Havana, it's worth going there, out of the 7 days in Cuba, I spent 3 days in Havana and 4 days in Varadero. Havana is an old old city, and parts of the town look really nice. I went to Havana without a tour guide. It was a freaky adventure, almost got lost and we cannot speak Spanish.

[canook]

Yea
I know i'm not getting a super deal, but it's tough to get 10 ppl in the same place with only 7 days from the trip. Probably be easier if it was like 4 guys....Oh well....


Varadero is where i'll be

Varadero is very nice - lots of new hotels, easily accessible town and quite a bit to do. As mentioned above, close to Havana so make sure you make it there - it's well worth it.

Casa del Ron is in the town of Varadero, one of the first stores if you're coming in from the hotels along the peninsula. It's a huge rum store - I've never seen so much rum - worth it just to see. Did I mention the free samples? :)

If you've got cool pens, pencils, notebooks, old magazines (like Readers Digest), soaps, shampoos (the list goes on and on - basically anything they can't get there) the maids love getting things like that as tips. You can also barter with some of those items in the local markets.

Also, if you want some "adventure" - there's a small park further east along the peninsula (I can't recall all the details) with a sort of nature walk. There's a hilarious and often inaccurate map you buy at the entrance. It's actually quite an interesting walk - giant thorn trees, cool rock formations, etc. Hard to believe you're just a short walk from tourist central. And you can even get lost if you trust the map too much. Well worth it if you can find it.

Hope you have a good time - I'd love to go back to Cuba for a week.

[mlc2000]

I must agree with others...a day trip to Havana is worth it.
I went a few years ago, for $100USD pp included transportation, tour thru Havana, dinner at a local restaurant (had Mondavi white wine....thought US had trade embargo with CUBA? - price comparable to here). Also included tickets to the Tropicana show. Hehe, each table got a free 26os of white and 4 cans of pop. After that, the pop was $5/can !!

I have some awesome memories and photos of Havana, you saved some money on the trip, no spend some $ on a trip to Havana. Its like a trip back in time, you won't regret it.

Have fun !!

I'll be at Sandals in Varadero March 25, but I've paid 2X your price.
The food at Sandals cannot be described as bland or flavourless, its actually very very good. But thats what you get for the $ in Varadero.

[markreda]

I'm also going to Varadero Cuba at the end of the month.
Because this'll be my first time in Cuba I'm not exactly sure what to expect.
I got a good deal through selloffvacations.com leaving mid week (instead of the weekend) saving me a $200.

If you're looking for reviews of hotels & resorts visit
www.tripadvisor.com
www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com
www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Caribbean_and_Central_America/Cuba/TravelGuide-Cuba.html

From speaking to friends I hear that people usually bring stuff to tip like... toothpaste, tooth brushes, tampons, condoms, shampoo, soap, children's clothes.
You could probably pick up a bunch of stuff at your local dollar store or Wal-Mart/Zellers.

Friends have also said, if you like ketchup and maple syrup bring some from home

[gleberental]

my recommendation is that everyone in your party bring back their limit of cigars!
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/newsroom/factsheets/1999/feb/travelling-e.html

i didn't when i was there in 2000. and regretted it afterward when my S/O's brother said he could have easily moved them at the factory where he works (auto-workers, so lots of single guys with lots of disposable income!), for probably double what we paid for them... might have paid off a good part of the cost of the trip!

if i do go again, i reckon i'll load up on cigars.

...returns even better if you can figure out how to get them in to the States without getting caught :twisted:

[Kwamz]

Sounds great guys

Thanks for everyones input, I will definitely check out Havana

[Badger]

Haha, Im not sure about Varadero airport, but the Custom counter in Havana is the first time I've seen. There is this wooden door that the custom officer that has a lock to it, after you are done, he'll push the button so the door gets unlocked. The door is a plain white door, you cannot see thru, seems like you are a criminal.

[OceanDrop]

suggestions for good things to pack:
-underwater camera
-waterproof sun lotion
-small bills for tips and/or canadian souvenirs (like from the dollar store) to leave for your maids, etc
-a big water bottle (ie nalgene) so you can bring drinks with you on the beach, on walking trips, etc

have fun! i'm sooo jealous

[Audiogenic]

Everything is expensive because they don't trade with the US there so stock up on $hit. Watch out for illegal cigar pan handlers. Try their Rum because it's excellent. Havana is worth a visit. For more information, go to www.tripadvisor.com and punch in your stay for many user opinions for more insight.

[chococrazy]

One thing I'll mention... We were warned not to rent a moped/car by our tour operator on my first trip to Varadero. We weren't really planning to, and didn't think much of the warning.

Last year during my second trip to Varadero, we were told that a couple who were going to be married that week at their resort had gotten into a car accident. The woman died, her husband-to-be was locked up in jail (he was driving). They were British citizens, I'm not sure what happened to him.

Before you plan any trip, it is advisable to read Travel Advisories from the Foreign Affairs site. The one for Cuba is here:

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/reportPF-en.asp?country=69000

Excerpt:

"Driving in Cuba is dangerous. Traffic accidents are one of the most frequent causes of the detention and trial of Canadians in Cuba, whether you are responsible for the accident or not. Accidents that result in death or injury are treated like crimes, and the onus is on the driver to prove innocence. Prison sentences can range from one to 10 years. Regardless of the nature of the crime or accident, it can take five months to a year for the case to go to trial. In most cases, you will not be allowed to leave Cuba until the trial has taken place."

So although it may look like fun, I would suggest that you avoid renting vehicles. Enjoy your trip.

[bluetroll]

just remember to tip the ppl in the resort, they'll freakin love you.

[Kwamz]

One thing I'll mention... We were warned not to rent a moped/car by our tour operator on my first trip to Varadero. We weren't really planning to, and didn't think much of the warning.

Last year during my second trip to Varadero, we were told that a couple who were going to be married that week at their resort had gotten into a car accident. The woman died, her husband-to-be was locked up in jail (he was driving). They were British citizens, I'm not sure what happened to him.

Before you plan any trip, it is advisable to read Travel Advisories from the Foreign Affairs site. The one for Cuba is here:

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/reportPF-en.asp?country=69000

Excerpt:

"Driving in Cuba is dangerous. Traffic accidents are one of the most frequent causes of the detention and trial of Canadians in Cuba, whether you are responsible for the accident or not. Accidents that result in death or injury are treated like crimes, and the onus is on the driver to prove innocence. Prison sentences can range from one to 10 years. Regardless of the nature of the crime or accident, it can take five months to a year for the case to go to trial. In most cases, you will not be allowed to leave Cuba until the trial has taken place."

So although it may look like fun, I would suggest that you avoid renting vehicles. Enjoy your trip.


Thanks for letting me know....

Can't wait...I'm at work right now...so bored

[chococrazy]

You'll have a blast. Where are you staying?

[chococrazy]

Here is the text of an email I sent to a co-worker when he asked for information about my trips to Varadero. Hope this helps. Rereading this is making me feel warmer :)



We've been to Cuba twice now, and enjoyed ourselves both times. It all depends on how picky you are, and how much you sit back and think, "Man, it really is beautiful here, the Cubans really do try despite not having much". We met a lot of snotty old couples who thought it would be like their time shares in Fiji. The beach is great. Note that our resort (Palma Real) is around Calle 60, so I don't know anything about stuff to do around your resort.


Expectations can spoil your trip

I can't speak for your resort, but for the most part, you cannot assume that a four star Cuban resort is a four star North American/European resort. Go there and don't expect a lot, and I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised on some things, and have an 'Oh well' attitude about others.

Changing money

Don't be too eager to change all of your money at once at the resort. I would change it as you need it. (Unfortunately I don't know if the airport is the best place to change money.. I never compared the rates).

I was a little eager and changed $300 at the resort a really crappy rate the first night, and then as the week progressed, the rate became better. Doh. As well, if you need money when you're waiting for your flight back home, there is a booth in the departure area which had a pretty good exchange rate compared to the hotels.

Don't bring American money.. they either won't accept it, or will charge you a huge fee to change it. You also should not bother with American Express cards, debit cards, traveller's cheques, and any credit card issued from the States. Any credit card purchases that you do make has a hefty fee associated with it. Bring cash. Keep it in the safety deposit in your room/hotel (they might charge for this). If you do plan to make credit card purchases, bring your passport. They will ask for it.

Food

Most people say to book your a la carte restaurants when you arrive, because they can book up quickly. As well, if you find the food there is not so appealing, you can always go to the buffet and eat there.

If you're really starving for food, there are a lot of restaurants along First Avenue where you can have a decent meal for a few pesos. As well, you can approach other beach bars at resorts and see if you can buy a meal from them. If you have the same coloured wrist band as another resort, you might even want to be dodgy and go eat there. :)

We had no problem drinking the water in Varadero at our resort (we were told it was fine).

Stuff to pack

I did get a few insect bites that were quite itchy, so you might want to buy some anti-itch cream/bug repellent. If you're feeling particularly lush-y, bring a travel mug for the beach bar, since they give you tiny plastic cups that hardly hold any booze.

Transportation

If you want to see the rest of Varadero, there is a Varadero Beach Tour bus (basically a double decker bus) that you pay five pesos to ride all day. You can get off and on. Otherwise, travel by taxi, it's relatively cheap.

You can also rent mopeds and cars. I would never do this, since I have heard a lot of horror stories of tourists getting killed, or accidentally killing people and being locked up in jail. The law there does not care if you're a Canadian citizen if you get into an accident. Be careful!

Tipping the resort workers

Cubans get very little money... so a lot of people tip the chambermaid, and the staff on the resort. We would tip the waitresses who would give us good service a peso each. We also left a lot of stuff that is expensive for the chambermaid, like toothpaste, disposable razors, samples of shampoo and perfume that seem to clutter my bathroom.

Haggling with items

***We didn't do this, but one of the Torontonians we met at our resort did. She brought toothpaste, and used it to barter for items by offering some pesos and a couple of tubes of toothpaste. Toothpaste is expensive for them there... I think I would probably feel weird doing it, but they'd probably appreciate it.***

Meeting party pals

The best way to have a great time is to meet people. Forget about any reservations you have about approaching strangers. We met an amazing couple from England on our third night there, and even if the resort blew down it would have been fine, because they were such a riot. If you're going to book a day tour from your tour operator, you might want to book it in the beginning part of your vacation. You might meet some people on there that you will end up spending the rest of your week partying with.

Places to party within Varadero

In terms of places to be, we only went to two places.

If you are looking for a latin place with locals, there is an outdoor bar/patio called Calle 62. It's on the main road (First Avenue) and is easily accessible by taxi. They have live music from 9 to 12. If you buy beer from the bar, make sure you ask how much the beer is before you buy... our Brit friend got ripped off, the guy refused to give him any change. People dance in the streets near the patio. If you're tired of Cuban beer, they have Becks there. :)

The other place we went to is La Rhumba (Capone's old mansion). I can't tell you where it is, we just hopped in a taxi and we were there. I think the doors open at 11, and it fills up pretty quick. Lots and lots of people there (no locals allowed, I don't think). Music is not latin-y... more hip hop, dance, r&b. Ten pesos to get in, all you can drink. Drinks are lethally strong. Gorgeous view of the ocean from the windows of the club.

(Most of the clubs in Varadero I think are ten pesos admission).

Havana Club is also near Calle 62, I think it's not very busy so I would not go there. Talk to the workers and animation team at your resort.. they may know of other good clubs.

Buying alcohol and cigars

The cheapest place to buy your booze is the airport when you're going back home. My boyfriend says the cigars are cheaper there as well, but I can't say for sure. If you do plan on buying cigars, only buy from the stores and not some guy off the street. He will not be selling you good cigars. I believe all authentic cigars have a special sticker. What I do know is that if you plan on buying boxes, look at the date it was made. Our tour guide in Havana said not to buy anything that was greater than four months old.

Souvenirs

There will probably be people selling souvenirs in your resort... there are also flea markets closer to the town of Varadero. They'll be along First Avenue, probably around Calle 68, 69, and on. Another place for some cool stuff (which I missed) is the beach vendors. I never checked their stuff out, but as we were leaving, a girl was showing me the items she got (shell belts and the like) and I kicked myself for not looking at their carts while on the beach. Havana has a huge flea market as well, where you can get similar items. I went to the mall (Las Americanas) during my first trip, and I didn't find anything spectacular and thought it was a waste of time.

[mark_in_2k]

Thanks chocofrenzy for the detailed look at holidaying in Cuba. I'm hoping to go there (not Varadero though) at the beginning of March so this has been valuable.

Also, you mentioned that you tipped the maid 1 peso. At the current rate, that's about $0.05CAD. Is that right?

The wife and I were looking to rent a scooter while we are there, but I think I won't bother now!

[chococrazy]

chocofrenzy.. I like it. :)

No.. one Cuban convertible peso is roughly $1.30 CDN. This is a lot of money for them. However, keep in mind that it is not a lot of money for us. We had an amazing tour guide in Havana (bought through our tour operator), and we tipped him and his driver 10 pesos.

Just to give you an idea, monthly salaries in Cuba are about $14 CDN.

One other thing... although tipping in the tourist areas (e.g. Varadero, and to some extent, Havana) are great if that's the only place that you are going, if you can get to any other areas give your items to them. Some churches also distribute items to the ones who are struggling more. During our trip to Havana, we ended up going to a school where one person gave a bunch of school stuff for the children.

Glad you are rethinking the scooter thing. Enjoy your trip!

[canook]

The cheapest place to buy your booze is the airport when you're going back home. My boyfriend says the cigars are cheaper there as well, but I can't say for sure.

Great post - lots of good info.

The one thing I would add to this was that when I was there, prices seemed to be identical everywhere (aside from the stalls in the markets). Same items in different stores in Varadero and in the airport appeared to be exactly the same price.

Keep in mind, though, that the airport does not have nearly the same selection as the stores in town, so if you've found something you like, you're probably better off picking it up than taking a chance at the airport. If you just want a bottle of rum or case of cigars and don't care what kind, there are plenty of both at the airport.

[mark_in_2k]

chocofrenzy.. I like it. :)

No.. one Cuban convertible peso is roughly $1.30 CDN. This is a lot of money for them. However, keep in mind that it is not a lot of money for us. We had an amazing tour guide in Havana (bought through our tour operator), and we tipped him and his driver 10 pesos.

Just to give you an idea, monthly salaries in Cuba are about $14 CDN.

One other thing... although tipping in the tourist areas (e.g. Varadero, and to some extent, Havana) are great if that's the only place that you are going, if you can get to any other areas give your items to them. Some churches also distribute items to the ones who are struggling more. During our trip to Havana, we ended up going to a school where one person gave a bunch of school stuff for the children.

Glad you are rethinking the scooter thing. Enjoy your trip!
Oops! Don't know why I typed in "Frenzy"! Maybe for when you're really craving chocolate :D.

I did an exchange rate check on xe.com and that's where i got the 1 CAD = 21.2042 CUP and 1 CUP = 0.0471605 CAD. I thought that this was really low! Thanks for clearing that up for me.

I've read on tripadvisor about packing some crayons, art supplies, etc for the local school and how the locals really appreciate it, so we're going to do that too.

Out of curiosity, how much would a case of Cuban cigars cost on average?

[chococrazy]

In Cuba there are two currencies.. one for the locals (CUP) and one for the tourists (convertible pesos, CUC).

There is some information that I found here : http://www.wowcuba.com/currency.html

Basically, you will never see regular pesos, only convertible ones.

Not sure about cigar prices. They are definitely cheaper than what you get here though.

[mark_in_2k]

In Cuba there are two currencies.. one for the locals (CUP) and one for the tourists (convertible pesos, CUC).

There is some information that I found here : http://www.wowcuba.com/currency.html

Basically, you will never see regular pesos, only convertible ones.

Not sure about cigar prices. They are definitely cheaper than what you get here though.
Ah, I see now! Can I buy CUC here in Canada, or can you only get it in Cuba? Where's the best place to buy CUC for a good rate?

[chococrazy]

I believe all Cuban money can not leave the country. Therefore, you can only buy it once you arrive.

I'm not sure where the -best- place to get it is. To be safe, I would exchange some at the airport when you arrive, and then fall back on the plan to exchange some at your hotel to even out.

One more thing... when you get on your tour bus, sometimes guys will grab your suitcase and walk you over to your bus. They will expect a tip. :) Tip if you want to.. we didn't have any pesos. I think we gave him a loonie and he looked dejected. But I think he traded it for a convertible peso from another Canadian!

[Kwamz]

Wow guys, thanks a for all the info

I just got my Hep A shot yesterday....It cost me $107 for 2 shots (1 then and 1 6 months later) I found out yesterday that its only effective 10 days after I take it which means it I won't be immune to the disease on the trip. Should I stay away from the water and stuff? My doctor told me to eat nothing on the streets or cities. He told me to stick to the hotel food and drinks

Advice?

[Kwamz]

You'll have a blast. Where are you staying?

I don't really know where I'm staying honestly(my gf booked with my friends in school, because i'm on Co-op), but I its 4 stars.

[chococrazy]

If you're unsure, play it safe.

I have my Twinrex (Hep A and B) so I was never worried about the water. I was told it was fine but.... if you decide not to drink the water, remember to ask for no ice :)

[ProfessorChaos]

Ah, I see now! Can I buy CUC here in Canada, or can you only get it in Cuba? Where's the best place to buy CUC for a good rate?

honestly it doesnt matter where u exchange your currency....my family and i did it at the resort because the exchange rates are almost identical(airport and resort and there is a huge line-up at the airport.

[fatpiggy]

The last time we went there, the cigars at the airport are the cheapest. Also, talk to the bartenders at your resort, you may be able to buy booze at half price.

[Kwamz]

It was awesome guys. Thanks for everyones reccomendations.

Unfortunately, I did not make it to Havana since there just wasn't enough time and we all pretty much ran out of money.

Havana Club White Rum is sooooo good

Bought 7 bottles for 20 pesos

[mlc2000]

Castro charges a 10% conversion tax when u change over money.
Thats on top of the conversion rate.

Cigars have gone up dramatically in last 3 yrs.
Used to be a box of cigars was $150-175USD ( $195-$220CAD).

Now its over $275CAD.

I have a buddy who buys 6 boxes every year.

Dunno about 6 bottle of rum for 20Pesos. Whenever I am in the islands, I buy their premium rums. Usually u can't get it here.

4 more weeks til I git the beach, can't wait.

[mark_in_2k]

It was awesome guys. Thanks for everyones reccomendations.

Unfortunately, I did not make it to Havana since there just wasn't enough time and we all pretty much ran out of money.

Havana Club White Rum is sooooo good

Bought 7 bottles for 20 pesos
Glad to hear that you had a great time. I'm flying out March 2nd.

I'll keep my eyes out for that rum. Did you bring 7 bottles back with you? I thought the limit was 1.5l??

[Kwamz]

Glad to hear that you had a great time. I'm flying out March 2nd.

I'll keep my eyes out for that rum. Did you bring 7 bottles back with you? I thought the limit was 1.5l??

Well, 10 of us together, we actually got 14 bottles(1L per bottle) of rum....for 40 Pesos

Custom was very loose....I didn't see any people who got checked...but almost all of us were over 1.5 L. I brought 2 L.

Also, it's 1.14L of Liquor and 1.5 L of Wine, but i'm pretty sure they won't be that anal about it.

[mark_in_2k]

Well, 10 of us together, we actually got 14 bottles(1L per bottle) of rum....for 40 Pesos

Custom was very loose....I didn't see any people who got checked...but almost all of us were over 1.5 L. I brought 2 L.

Also, it's 1.14L of Liquor and 1.5 L of Wine, but i'm pretty sure they won't be that anal about it.
Thanks for the info. I'm hoping to bring back some rum, so I hoping a get some lax customs guys!

[mlc2000]

Thanks for the info. I'm hoping to bring back some rum, so I hoping a get some lax customs guys!

Get the rum marked "ANEJO"
Anejo = Aged.

[mark_in_2k]

Get the rum marked "ANEJO"
Anejo = Aged.
Thanks for the tip...my Spanish is non-existent!

[MrWizard]

I went to Cuba 2 summers ago. Stayed in Cayo Coco. Really nice place, but you feel the humidity as soon as you step off the plane. Also kinda sucked because the air conditioning in our room was broken the first night, so needless to say it was quite hot. Also, the smell of the vegetation in the morning was pretty bad too (thanks to the humidity) but you get used to it.

The people are really nice there, because they want a big tip. I never went in to Havana, but I have heard really good things about it. The water where I was staying was insanely hot though. It was like getting in to a hot tub.

Food was okay, mostly ate at the restaurant style buffet. They cook the food fresh for you though, so that wasn't bad.

Regardless, have fun.

[mlc2000]

I went to Cuba 2 summers ago...but you feel the humidity as soon as you step off the plane. Also kinda sucked because the air conditioning in our room was broken the first night, so needless to say it was quite hot. Also, the smell of the vegetation in the morning was pretty bad too (thanks to the humidity) but you get used to it.


Hot and Humid in the caribbean in the summer?

Who would've guessed that?

Next you'll be telling us the amazing deal you got.

Sheesh.