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| Cuba Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Revolution Square in Santiago Revolution Square in Santiago Banished for many from the community of the western world by the American boycott, Cuba is slowly coming back. And in fact there are many good reasons to visit the Island. Cuba offers not only some of the world's finest beaches but also a rich cultural heritage and vibrant, passionate approach to life that has been enticing visitors throughout the ages. With a population of 11 million - the largest in the Caribbean - 20% of Cubans live in Havana. Situated between Jamaica and the Bahamas, Cuba has a delightful tropical climate with year round sunshine, a daytime temperature that rarely falls below 26°C and warm, clear waters that gently lap against idyllic beaches of fine white sand and shady palm trees. Further out to sea this fine sand gives way to some of the most exquisite coral reef to be found anywhere in the Caribbean, providing a perfect natural habitat for a wide array of underwater life... a mesmerising spectacle which no visitor should miss. Yet if you do manage to drag yourself away from the sea, you'll find a fascinating country, one that beguiles it's visitors with a heady combination of Spanish, African and Caribbean influences, evident wherever you go, in its sights, sounds and tastes. Most of all though, you will remember Cuba for the people. Naturally open and friendly, you are assured the warmest welcome in the Caribbean, a welcome that lasts from the day you arrive till the day you leave... awaiting your return. Another side of the coin is the "National Quest for Dollars". The people are very friendly indeed, but almost all people who start talking to you just want your money. They may have good reasons for this, but I will tell this. There are people who live in the slums, and go ask around people they know if they can borrow their most dirty clothes. Then they go to central Havana to beg. They only beg from tourists, because the Cubans don't give enough. If five tourists give them one dollar (which is what they always ask for), they have earned what normal honest Cubans have to work a month for. I'm not saying that Cubans are dishonest, it's just that the people you are most likely to come in contact with are going to annoy you. If you know that's going to happen, it'll bother you less. Next time I go (I will go again), I know I'll enjoy it more. Also, I won't be going in summer: I practically died of heat. Of course, that may be because I spent most time in Havana, where the heat reflects between the buildings. One more thing: prices are terribly inflated. Because of the irrational government policy, you have to do your best to pay less than 15 dollars a night. Compared to South American standards that's crazy, compared to Europe or America it's acceptable. The girls are wonderful. But as a tourist you have to be careful. Cubans are not allowed to get involved with tourists. The 'casa particulares' are a wonderful way to save money and to meet Cuban people of all kinds. There is an underground network of contacts so if you decide to travel to another city, tell your hostess and they'll arrange another casa in the city you wish. The food is local and very fresh, of course you have to pay for that but it's great. We even got some lobster which was caught a few hours earlier! Everywhere you go, there's fresh fruit. Try to rent a scooter and go your own way, into the countryside. We saw some huge mango and pineapple plantation. We did some horsebackriding and went to a tobaccofarm to roll and smoke our own cigars. _________History Edit This Spanish settlers established sugar cane and tobacco as Cuba's primary products. As the native Indian population died out African slaves were imported to work the plantations. Slavery was abolished in 1886. Cuba was the last major Spanish colony to gain independence following a 50-year struggle begun in 1850. The final push for independence began in 1895 when Jose Marti Cuba's national hero announced the "Grito de Baire" ("Call to arms from Baire"). In 1898 after the USS Maine sunk in Havana Harbor on February 15 due to an explosion of undetermined origin the United States entered the conflict. In December of that year Spain relinquished control of Cuba to the United States with the Treaty of Paris. On May 20 1902 the United States granted Cuba its independence but retained the right to intervene to preserve Cuban independence and stability under the Platt Amendment. In 1934 the amendment was repealed and the United States and Cuba reaffirmed the 1903 agreement which leased the Guantanamo Bay naval base to the United States. The treaty remains in force and can only be terminated by mutual agreement or abandonment by the United States. The origins of the population include Spanish (over 35%), African (over 10%), and mixed Spanish-African (over 50%). Spanish is spoken and Roman Catholicism, the dominant religion, is tolerated by the Marxist government. Santería, an African-derived faith, is also practiced, and there are a growing number of Protestant evangelical churches. The principal institutions of higher learning are the Univ. of Havana (founded 1728), in Havana; Universidad de Oriente, in Santiago de Cuba; and Central Universidad de las Villas, in Santa Clara. Castro declared Cuba a socialist state on April 16 1961. For the next 30 years Castro pursued close relations with the Soviet Union until the advent of perestroika and the subsequent demise of the U.S.S.R. During that time Cuba received substantial economic and military assistance from the U.S.S.R.--generally estimated at $5.6 billion annually--which kept its economy afloat and enabled it to maintain an enormous military establishment. In 1962 Cuban-Soviet ties led to a direct confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over the installation of nuclear-equipped missiles in Cuba resolved only when the U.S.S.R. agreed to withdraw the missiles and other offensive weapons. Soviet subsidies ended in 1991 with the end of the Soviet Union. Former Soviet military personnel in Cuba--numbering around 15 000 in 1990--were withdrawn by 1993. Russia still maintains a signal intelligence-gathering facility at Lourdes and has provided funding to preserve the still uncompleted thermonuclear plant at Juragua. ______Practical Information Edit This The official money of Cuba is now the Cuban Convertible Peso, or CUC. The US dollar is no longer in use. They're also called "chavitos." You'll need to change your money at the airport, a bank or at your hotel from your national currency. Anyone bringing US dollars is going to take an extra 8-10% hit in addition to the fees for converting the foreign currency at the bank or cadeca. It's best to use the official money exchange venues as counterfeiting and theft is not unknown. They're another type of money in circulation called "moneda nacional." If you do not have Cuban friends it's unlikely a tourist would have occasion to use the non-convertible peso, which is valued at about 20-1 to the CUC. A common scam is paying in chavitos and getting nacional in return. Another common scam is to take a one CUC bank note and add a zero behind the one to make it look like a 10 CUC bank note. The scammer then looks for a tourist to help him (or her) to make change and the tourist gets stuck with the doctored note. ALWAYS make sure that any 10 CUC notes also say Diez on them and not UNO!!! __________Getting Around Edit This Camello, the local bus in Havana Camello, the local bus in Havana Hans-Peter Harmsen By car The easiest way to explore Cuba is to rent a car. The roads are fairly good and very quiet. Just beware of the many pedestrians, bikers, horse carts and even oxen that travel slowly even on the high ways.Anyway consider that in some parts of the island driving is for the adventurous, and car rentals are not inexpensive. Many drivers do not use their lights at night, and many roads have few or no markings. You may be able to hire a car and driver for nearly the same cost. This varies by city; in some areas tourists are forbidden to ride in private vehicles and must use only the hard-currency taxis. Cars can be rented everwhere. It's even possible to return the car in a different city than where you rented it. Many Cubans hitchhike as a means of getting around and locally the activity is known as hacer botella (literally 'to make a bottle' with the hand). Government vehicles are legally required to pick up hitchhikers if they have the room and town exits and major crossroads often have yellow-clad amarillo officials armed with clipboards to organize the Cubans waiting for a ride. By Air Cuba has an extensive domestic air network that services all of the regional centers and flights within the country are not very expensive. Most domestic flights are on smaller propeller aircraft and they are 25% cheaper if booked in conjunction with your international ticket. By Bus Since 1991 long-distance bus services have been wound back and nowadays getting a ticket can be difficult - an in-person advance purchase will be required as will an in-person reconfirmation two hours prior to departure. Although train travel is now much more viable there are still some important connections that are only serviced by bus. Some enterprising locals have converted large trucks (camiones) into public transport vehicles and offer trips along the popular bus runs. The Viazul bus system is an efficient and comfortable mode of intercity transportation in Cuba. You can see their schedules and prices on their websites; sometimes reservations csan be made this way. Sometimes they'll email you, but you may have to wait a day or two for a reply. It should be quite easy to obtain a ticket at the station. The buses are clean and run on time. Few Cubans travel by Viazul due to the cost, which must be paid in hard currency. Be aware that Cuba has some tremendous distances between cities. The trip from Havana to Santiago de Cuba can take nearly 15 hours by bus. Better to fly that long way because the bus goes through some very rural areas (nothing to see) and most of the trip is at night. However, if you plan to visit intervening stops the bus may be a good choice. By Rail The demise of the Jamaican railway in 1992 means that Cuba is now the only Caribbean country with a functioning railway. Trains service all of the regional capitals and are a much more reliable and hassle-free way of getting around Cuba than the buses. Tickets are easy to get and Cuban train travel can be a relaxing and colorful way to see the country. Local transportation If you stay in a resort or a hotel in a resort area, it is easy to get a taxi, horse drawn buggy or a little motorcycle/golfcart type of vehicle to take you where you want to go. Make sure you confirm a price before accepting the ride. We found it quite easy to walk up to the main road and wait for a bus going in our direction. The driver has a partner who decides if they are going where you want to go and then decides on a reasonable fare. Contributors December 18, 2004 change by hpharmsen December 18, 2004 change by giorgio [Add Local transport mode] By Camioneta Edit This For the nimble, traveling by camioneta is remarkably cheap-only a few pesos around or between cities. The camioneta is a lorry-style truck that may or may not be enclosed with a tarp to shield passengers from sun and rain, and involves a high step up to an often-crowded truck bed. Seating on a metal bench may or may not be available. Due to the close conditions, consider securing your valuables. World66 rating: [rate it] _________Getting There Edit This The only way to get to the Island of Cuba is by Air. Cubana is the nations national airline. Cubana does not fly to the Untied States but does serve many other countries. It serves a network in the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and Central America as well as Mexico City, Toronto and Montreal in North America, also including domestic destinations. Other non Cuban Airlines also fly to Cuba. Aeropostal Air Canada Air France Aero Caribbean Aeroflot Aerogaviota Air Jamaica Turkish Airlines Cayman Airways Cubana De Aviacion Iberia Airlines LTU Martinair Mexicana TAAG TACA KLM British Airways Thomas Cook Airlines Condor That is a list of airlines serving Jose Marti International Airport which is the main airport of entry to Cuba. However you dont need to fly out of the United States to fly to Cuba. Miami International Airport does have frequent service to many Cuban Destinations. Continental Airlines and American Airlines has charter service to Cuba. You must book these flights with a travel agent. ___________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: The state plays the primary role in the economy and controls practically all foreign trade. The government has undertaken several reforms in recent years to stem excess liquidity increase labor incentives and alleviate serious shortages of food consumer goods and services. The liberalized agricultural markets introduced in October 1994 at which state and private farmers sell above-quota production at unrestricted prices have broadened legal consumption alternatives and reduced black market prices. Government efforts to lower subsidies to unprofitable enterprises and to shrink the money supply caused the semi-official exchange rate for the Cuban peso to move from a peak of 120 to the dollar in the summer of 1994 to 23 to the dollar by yearend 1997. New taxes introduced in 1996 helped drive down the number of self-employed workers from 208 000 in January 1996 to 176 000 by September 1997. Havana announced in 1995 that GDP declined by 35% during 1989-93 the result of lost Soviet aid and domestic inefficiencies. The drop in GDP apparently halted in 1994 when Cuba reported 0.7% growth followed by increases of 2.5% in 1995 and 7.8% in 1996. Growth slowed again in 1997 to 2.5% in part due to a poor sugar harvest. Export earnings declined 3% in 1997 to $1.9 billion the result of lower sugar export volume and lower world prices for nickel and sugar. Imports remained unchanged in 1997 at $3.2 billion. Tourism plays a key role in foreign currency earnings. The disparity between those at the top of the ladder and those at the bottom has increased markedly in the past 10 years. Living standards for the average Cuban remain at a depressed level compared with 1990. GDP: purchasing power parity—$16.9 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 2.5% (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$1 540 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 7.6% industry: 34.8% services: 57.6% (1996 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: NA% Labor force: total: 4.5 million economically active population (1996 est.) by occupation: services and government 30% industry 22% agriculture 20% commerce 11% construction 10% transportation and communications 7% (June 1990) note: state sector 76% non-state sector 24% (1996 est.) Unemployment rate: 8% (1996 est.) Budget: revenues: $NA expenditures: $NA including capital expenditures of $NA Industries: sugar petroleum food tobacco textiles chemicals paper and wood products metals (particularly nickel) cement fertilizers consumer goods agricultural machinery Industrial production growth rate: 6% (1995 est.) Electricity—capacity: 3.988 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 10.105 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 924 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: sugarcane tobacco citrus coffee rice potatoes and other tubers beans; livestock Exports: total value: $1.9 billion (f.o.b. 1997 est.) commodities: sugar nickel tobacco shellfish medical products citrus coffee partners: Russia 18% Netherlands 14% Canada 13% (1997 est.) Imports: total value: $3.2 billion (c.i.f. 1997 est.) commodities: petroleum food machinery chemicals partners: Spain 14% Russia 12% Mexico 9% (1997 est.) Debt—external: $10.5 billion (convertible currency 1996); another $20 billion owed to Russia (1996) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $ million (1997 est.) Currency: 1 Cuban peso (Cu$) = 100 centavos Exchange rates: Cuban pesos (Cu$) per US$1—1.0000 (non-convertible official rate linked to the US dollar) Fiscal year: calendar year ___________Health Before setting off, you might want to check the illnesses described below that occur here. The information is from the CDC and should be pretty accurate, but if you really think you have something, go see a doctor. If you're not sure where to find good medical attention, check with a the nearest international hotel, they are usually in the know (though the facilities they refer to might charge you a little bit more) Rabies A dangerous and possible deadly disease, can be contracted from a wild animal to a human w/ a single bite. Please when visiting do not touch animals that do not seem tamed. [more] a ids As a physician in Belize and had Dengue myself. Ibuprofen works well for the fever and aches, and, in my opinion, is not a risk for hemmorhagic fever (which has never been seen in Belize, as far as I know). __________Festivals Edit This supercuba festival [Add Festival] The Big Cuba Fiesta Edit This The Big Cuba Fiesta is a huge festival that happens once a year and is where there are lots of Salsa and Latin American bands play and people dance all night!!!! World66 rating: [rate it] ______Beaches Edit This Great beaches are everwhere around Cuba. We're talking about a Caribean island here! Most beaches are great. White sands, palm trees, cyan color water, the works. In general the beaches in the north are a little bit better than those in the south. If lying on the beach is the thing for you, go to Varadero. This is the big beach town. The Varadero penisula contains hundreds of beach resorts with great beaches and water sports. Try Cayo Santa Maria for nude bathing. ::::::::::Baracoa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see the bay at Baracoa, Cuba the bay at Baracoa, Cuba yehuda Kadar First City or ciudad primada as BARACOA is called was inhabited by Taino Indians, thus the name, before the arrival of Europeans in 1493 and settlement by them in 1511. Poor geography of the time necessitated moving the capital of Cuba from Baracoa to Santiago de Cuba in the early years of colonization. Isolation and an injeection of French Creole refugees gave Baracoa its unique charm and its eclectic architecture and cuisine. Surrounded by mountains and cradled by thirteen rivers, the nature resonates here and visitors feel the impact of so much greenery and pristine tropical vegetation. There were no slaves here but the Indians whose culture is completely dead harboured runaway slaves and the racial mixture of the locals speak of this in their smiling faces. Baracoa has always attracted unique individuals to its bosom, starting with La Rusa, a russian beauty married to a turkish jew who made Baracoa her home and played hostess to the revolutionaries at her modest hotel which still is there; then there is Kayamba, the trovador whose voice once was heard all over this coast; Pelu with his curse for Baracoa, most Baracoans still believe in that curse, and the curse hangs over this beautiful coastal city like a menace. . The most interesting person currently residing in Baracoa has to be the local poet, the spiritual guardian of the place, founder of the Museo Matachin, none other than Miguel Angel Castro Machado, simply known as Castro. A story teller extraordinaire, with flowing poetry and excellent command of the spanish language ( somewhat of a rarity in Cuba where they take pride in murdering the language of Cervantes!), befriend him if you can in this city of kind and gentle and affectionate people. In Baracoa we say, we are not interested in meeting people who want to meet us.. but Castro welcomes friends to his ecologically correct house in Cabacu where he lives with his aging mother. Other characters of note include: Ruso and his band who could be heard playing late into the nights at the various venues; Mario Luis the hairdresser cum cabaret singer; Pimienta and his wife Madre Teresa and daughter Pocahontas; the rapper Ernesto and his good looking brother Luisito; Tanya who is vice director of Culture; Beatriz and Clarita who work at the Museo Matachin; the painter Cabo Verde and his compatriot Piedra the painter; Miguelin the chef extraordinaire who retired froma five star hotel in varadero after 23 years of service and who got his advance degree in no other place than Moldavia!; Giovanni the fantastic choreographer among many many others. Stay in Baracoa for a few days and please dont overstay your welcome. In the central park there are many hustlers waiting to welcome you and you would soon know them. The people worth knowing you will have to go look for them. Good Luck! If you need any more information about this loveliest of all towns in Cuba, you can email me.. or visit my virtualtourist.com site under the member name of cochinjew ::::::::::Cayo Coco Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Cayo Coco is an island in the northern part of the Ciego de Avila province of Cuba. Accommodation: There are half a dozen all-inclusive hotels on the island. Hotel Tryp Cayo Coco is a great all inclusive hotel on the pristine key off Ciego de Avila. Each room is in Caribbean style buildings and surrounded by white sand beaches and a natural lagoon. 5 Star. :::::::::::Holguin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see The beatles' cave imaitation in Holguin city The beatles' cave imaitation in Holguin city JESUS RISQUET Holguin is located in the eastern part of Cuba, and is home to 1.5 million people. On October 27, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in Bariay, on the coast of Holguín and stated that it was the most beautiful land ever seen by human eyes. The trade winds blow almost all year round, creating a pleasant temperate climate. Potential tourist attractions include 34 rivers, 6 waterfalls—among them Guayabo, the largest in the country—and six dams, as well as 5 submarine areas, 19 historical and cultural sites, 135 archaeological sites and 22 coastal bays with about 60 kilometers of exquisite white sandy beaches. The outstanding achievement of Holguis's tourist development lies in its being at one with nature, blending harmoniously with the sea and the forest. However, the essential facilities and services capable of meeting the requirements of modern life are still very much available. Guardalavaca, one of the most famous beaches in the province, offers tourists luxuriant coral reefs, interesting cliffs and amazing vegetation. Guardalavaca covers a 1,200 metre-long bank formed by shell-like beaches, creating intimate surroundings that are frequently enhanced by enormous cliffs. Guardalavaca is not far from Gibara, the place where Colón first landed in Cuba. Boca de las Esponjas, El Salto and Cañon de los Aguajíes are only a few of the best-known sites, all of them ideal for scuba diving, while Tanques Azules, in neigbouring Gibara, a grouping of unique flooded caverns, offer special challenges for speleodivers. 65 kilometers from Frank Pais International Airport, the City of Holguín is also very close to other colorful sites, such as Banes and Gibara, the latter being the only Cuban city other than Havana to be surrounded by walls. The attractions of the tourist industry in the province are made complete by the Saetía Key where the largest wild animals in the country can be found. A vast array of buffalo, antelope, deer and wild hogs can be found in this area. Among other attractions, Holguín offers the Loma de la Cruz (the Hill of the Cross), the most famous place in the city, featuring a 450-step stairway that is steeped with history and legends. :::::::Pinar del Rio Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Pinar del Rio baseball stadium Pinar del Rio baseball stadium Hans-Peter Harmsen About 200 kilometers west of Havana one will find the city of Pinar del Rio. The city is a must to visit if you go to a Havana. The city itself is not very interesting and compared to swinging Havana and other cities farther east a bit boring. But what it lacks in athmosphere it makes up in natural beauty. A bit to the north of the city lies the small village of Vinales, which is surrounded by one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. Karst formations with tabacco plantages between them make for a spectacle. One can easily hike there for a very pleasant day. To the south-west of the city you will find the village of San Juan y Martinez. The capital of the tabacco planting of Cuba and the world. Lots of people will offer you to show you their farm and explain you all about the process of making the best tabacco in the world. It is also a great spot to buy the famous cigars, although these can't be legally taken from the country because you will not get the official purchase receipt you will get in the government stores, which you need for customs. :::::::::Remedios Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Remedios is the forgotten jewel at Cuba's north coast. It's a small colonial town with very friendly people. It is located close to Caibarien where the 48km long dam to Cayo Santa Maria starts. :::::::::Trinidad Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i MH Trinidad is the Spanish colonization come alive. Small cobbled streets wind their way up the hill, where a typical Spanish church looms over the city. The town is a bit touristy, especially during the afternoon when the Buses from Varadero and other posh beach resorts stop by this jewel of the southern coast, so you ara advised to come in early morning or stay the night in one of the many private houses. ::::::Varadero Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Vardero Vardero Overview: Cuba's premier beach resort and tourist Mecca, Varadero, is situated on a spit of land that reaches out into the Atlantic, a two-hour drive to the east of Havana. Varadero is internationally known for its transparent waters and beautiful setting and is the largest resort complex in the Caribbean, with more than 50 hotels. Growing numbers of sun-seeking European, Canadian and American tourists flock here for the warm aquamarine waters, sun and fun that are afforded by all-inclusive packages. There are 23 world-renowned dive spots along this 13-mile (21km) stretch of beach, not to mention numerous restaurants, cabaret spots, nightclubs, water and land sport opportunities, skydiving centre, golf courses, and much more. Shopping: Varadero's largest shopping complex is Plaza America where fancy boutiques and all manner of shops cater to American-style consumerism. There are a number of artisan markets that sell a wide variety of souvenirs along Avenue 1. For cigars the Casa del Habano sells excellent quality cigars. Restaurants: Most tourists take advantage of the all-inclusive tourist packages offered by the hotel complexes where food is served buffet-style, and many of these hotels offer their buffets to non-guests as well. Outside of the resorts there are various options. Private restaurants (paladares) in people's houses are not allowed in Valadero and all restaurants are government-owned. Good Cuban restaurants include Restaurante La Vega and Restauranted Esquina Cuba. Parque Josone has several good restaurants as well as a variety of fast food outlets. Nightlife: There are many bars offering live music, cabaret shows are popular, and dance clubs and discos cater to Cubans and tourists alike. Activities: There are over 30 dive sites around Varadero and dive centres offering dive courses. Deep sea fishing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking and sailing are all offered. Land-based activities include golf, skydiving and bowling. _________Sights Edit This Whatever you decide to do, bring water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen/insect repellent a hat, sunglasses and a small amount of spare cash. [Add Sight] Bellamar Caves Edit This Although this is not an exciting adventure, it is interesting. Enclosed by a small building housing mining artifacts, the entrance to the caves takes you down 159 steps to the level of the main chambers. These are the deepest caves in Cuba, with some unexplored chambers still being developed. There is water on the ground and some narrow places with low ceilings. Watch your step and your head! type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: Matanzas :::::::::Vinales Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Horseback riding in the valley of Vinales Horseback riding in the valley of Vinales Hans-Peter Harmsen Vinales and especially the surrounding valey are among the absolute top attractions of Cuba. Vinales is about 40 km north of Pinar del Rio in the Pinar del Rio province. The valley is stunning. The flat land, full of tobacco and palmtrees is scatered with 20-30 m high bumbs called mogotes. These are the remnants of the former plateau which is almost entirely washed away by water during the last couple of million years. The process is comparable with that in Cappadocia, (Turkey) but here's the mogotes are completely covered with green vegetation. Like everywhere in Cuba, the people in Vinales are very friendly. The village, with it's colonial main street has a nice and friendly atmosphere. ____________Getting There Edit This photo Hans-Peter Harmsen Vinales is about 40 minutes by car from Pinar del Rio. If you come from Havana you can either take the 3 hours highway route via Pinar del Rio or take the 6 hour scenic route along the Cuban north coast. _______Sights Edit This Mogote in the Valley of Vinales Mogote in the Valley of Vinales Hans-Peter Harmsen The main attraction of Vinales is the surrounding countryside. The village iself is worth a visit though. Contributors December 27, 2004 new by hpharmsen [Add Sight] Cueva del Indio Edit This The Cueva the Indio is a cave in which you can sail of over a small underground river for about 400 meters. Enchanting indeed! type: Catacombs World66 rating: [rate it] zipcode: 30923 email: hotdog@aol.net address: 123 Somwhere Drive tel: 222-888-9909 openingHours: 3-7 Mural de la Prehistoria Edit This You love it or you hate it (most visitors do the second thing). The Mural de la Prehistoria is a brightly colored painted side of a mogote. The paintings have been made by Leovigildo Gonzales. They depict the evoution from amonites to homo sapiens. It's kind of phychedelic. type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] Casa de la Cultura Edit This The Casa de la Cultura is a nice old mansion next to the church. type: Public Buildings World66 rating: [rate it] ____________Things to do Edit This Horseback riding in the valley of Vinales Horseback riding in the valley of Vinales Hans-Peter Harmsen The valle de Vinales is a great place for outdoor activities. Contributors December 27, 2004 new by hpharmsen [Add Activity] Horseback riding Edit This There's a couple of places where you can rent horses to visit the valley. Just ask around. type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] Climbing the mogotes Edit This The steep, amost vertical sides of the mogotes are a real challenge for climbers. The rough surface makes it easier than it looks. type: Climbing World66 rating: [rate it] Hiking Edit This The valley is great. You can walk there by yourself or hire a guide. type: Hiking World66 rating: [rate it] |
Accomodations: Click here Booking the Hotels in Cuba Grazie a www.imondonauti.it Guida CUBA
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GNU Free Documentation License Esso utilizza materiale tratto da http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba Cronologia: http://it.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cuba&action=history CubaDa Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.
La Repubblica di Cuba è un arcipelago dei Caraibi settentrionali, posto tra il Mar dei Caraibi, il Golfo del Messico e l'Oceano Atlantico. Verso nord si trovano gli Stati Uniti e Bahamas, ad ovest il Messico, a sud le Isole Cayman e la Giamaica, e a sud-est Haiti.
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Storia
Le popolazioni originarie di Cuba, amerinde (Taino, Siboney e Guanajatabey), vennero spazzate via dagli spagnoli nel XVI secolo. La gerarchia sociale imposta dai colonizzatori vedeva al suo vertice i funzionari governativi spagnoli, incaricati di mantenere l’ordine con le armi, venivano poi i creoli (bianchi nati in america) che erano grossi proprietari terrieri, i meticci che ricoprivamo i ruoli di artigiani e poi i neri e gli indios impiegati come schiavi nelle piantagioni. A poco a poco cominciò a crearsi nella borghesia cubana l’insofferenza verso il governo spagnolo e il desiderio di una maggiore autonomia; iniziarono così alla la fine del 1800 le prime guerre d’indipendenza. Nacque nel 1901 la repubblica cubana, sotto il costante controllo degli Stati Uniti finché nel 1952 Fulgencio Batista, con l’appoggio delle grandi compagnie dello zucchero e di Washington prese il controllo dell’isola. Con al garanzia del suo arricchimento personale svendette il 90% delle miniere di nichel e delle proprietà terriere, l’80% dei servizi pubblici, il 50% delle ferrovie a ditte americane, Cuba divenne la capitale del gioco d’azzardo e della prostituzione. Dopo varie insurrezione fallite il 1 Gennaio 1959, Fidel Castro entrò a L’Avana e, insieme ai suoi uomini (barbudos), cacciò dalla città Batista. Le relazioni diplomatiche fra Cuba di Fidel Castro e gli Stati Uniti furono da sempre molto conflittuali e il 25 Aprile 1961 John Kennedy decretò l’embargo totale a Cuba. Castro proclamò subito la rivoluzione sociale nazionale, iniziò un vasto programma di nazionalizzazione e si occupò subito della riforma agraria: i terreni di grande e media estensione in mano ai latifondisti vengono nazionalizzati, le piccole aziende furono riunite in cooperative. In quanto all’industria questa venne nazionalizzata e in questo modo gli USA vennero privati della proprietà delle raffinerie di zucchero. Gli USA si trovavano con un paese a modello socialista a poca distanza dalle loro coste, nel 1961 appoggiarono uno sbarco armato sulle coste cubane per cercare di organizzare la controrivoluzione sull’isola, tentativo che però fallì, provocando un ulteriore avvicinamento politico dell’isola all’URSS. Nel 1962 l’URSS tentò di utilizzare l’alleanza con Cuba per installarvi rampe di missili, gli Stati Uniti risposero inviando immediatamente delle navi tutte intorno all’isola e ci fu un rischio molto alto di uno scontro diretto fra le due grandi potenze. Il crollo del muro di Berlino provocò la fine degli aiuti di Mosca all’isola e l’embargo americano continua a provocare grandi problemi all’economia dell’isola. Nel frattempo aumenta la dissidenza interna e il malcontento, sono sempre più numerosi i tentativi di fuga verso le coste della Florida.
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Province
Cuba è divisa in 14 province composte da 169 municipalità, e una municipalità speciale (la Isla de Juventud).
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GeografiaCuba non è, come molti pensano, solamente un’isola ma anche un arcipelago che comprende quasi 4200 isole e isolette dette cayos che circondano l’isola principale. E’ situata nella parte settentrionale del vasto arcipelago dei Caraibi ed è la sua isola più grande. A nord si trovano gli Stati Uniti, separati da Cuba dallo Stretto di Florida largo solo 180 Km e l’Oceano Atlantico Settentrionale. A ovest si trova il Canale dello Yucatan che la separa dal continente centro-americano, a sud il Mar dei Caraibi e ad est il Passaggio di Windward che la separa da Haiti. La Repubblica occupa l'intera isola, e le varie isolette circostanti, come la Isla de la Juventud, con l'eccezione della Baia di Guantanamo, una base navale che è stata data in prestito agli Stati Uniti fin dal 1903. Il suo territorio è prevalentemente pianeggiante, con colline e montagne, che si ergono per la maggior parte nella zona sud-orientale. Nella zona occidentale, corrispondente alla provincia di Pinar del Rio, si estende una cordigliera che si allunga parallela alla costa per 180 Km. Qui il paesaggio è caratterizzato dai mogotes, scoscese formazioni calcaree a pan di zucchero, ricoperte di vegetazione. Tutta la costa meridionale è sormontata dalla catena più elevata dell’isola, la Sierra Maestra, che incombe scoscesa sul litorale. La montagna più alta è il Pico Real del Turquino, 2005 m. L’isola è lunga 1250 Km circa, mentre la larghezza è estremamente contenuta, nel suo punto massimo, nella provincia di Camagüey è di 120 Km ma soltanto di 31 nella provincia de L’Avana. Il notevole sviluppo costiero, di oltre 3500 Km, offre un ampia varietà di paesaggi marini, dalla costiera rocciosa bassa ed allungata, a quella alta e con dirupi ma soprattutto una smisurata distesa di spiagge di sabbia corallina a volte granulosa ma a volte anche finissima ed impalpabile. La barriera corallina, che si estende all’esterno dell’arcipelago di Camagüey, è, con i suoi 400 Km di estensione, la seconda del mondo per importanza dopo quella australiana. Nello sviluppo della costa si trovano profonde ad ampie insenature che costituiscono bacini portuali naturali di eccezionale valore e bellezza, sedi dei porti commerciali storici di Cuba come L'Avana, Santiago di Cuba e Cienfuegos. La forma allungata dell’isola, la sua disposizione sull’asse est-ovest e la modesta differenza di latitudine fra le sue estremità, rendono l’isola uniforme dal punto di vista climatico, caratterizzato dal soffio costante degli Alisei che provengono dall’Oceano Atlantico. Il clima tropicale viene diviso in due stagioni, secco nel periodo invernale, da novembre ad aprile e umido da maggio a ottobre. Le temperature sono comprese tra 20 e 30 gradi e le precipitazioni sono abbondanti e di forte intensità nel periodo estivo. La temperatura dall’acqua del mare, anche per la presenza della vicina corrente del Golfo, oscilla tra i 26 gradi d’inverno e i 28-30 del periodo estivo. Durante la stagione umida, in particolare fra settembre ed ottobre, si possono verificare gli uragani, sistemi depressionari molto profondi, di estensione variabile tra i 150 e i 600 Km di diametro, che riescono a sviluppare venti di straordinaria intensità (fino a 300 Km l’ora) e piogge torrenziali inondanti, che causano gravi problemi alla popolazione cubana.
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EconomiaL'economia cubana è essenzialmente statale. Il Consiglio di Stato ha intrapreso delle riforme limitate in anni recenti per frenare l'eccesso di liquidità, incrementare l'efficienza delle imprese ed alleviare la seria mancanza di cibo, beni di consumo e servizi, ma non è intenzionato al passaggio all'economia di mercato. Una caratteristica saliente dell'economia è il contrasto tra i settori relativamente efficienti del turismo e delle esportazioni, e i settori domestici inefficienti. L'economia cubana venne colpita duramente nei primi anni '90 a seguito del collasso dell'Unione Sovietica e del blocco economico del Comecon, con il quale commerciava di preferenza. L'embargo statunitense (chiamato Bloqueo dai cubani), in vigore dai primi anni '60, impedisce all'economia cubana di svilupparsi e di poter importare ciò che non viene prodotto sull'Isola, e di esportare i prodotti dell'economia cubana. Nel Novembre 2005 l'Assemblea Generale delle Nazioni Unite ha approvato per la 14esima volta una mozione (182 voti favorevoli, 4 contrari e una astensione) per chiedere agli Stati Uniti la cessazione dell'embargo. Problemi più recenti comprendono l'alto prezzo del petrolio, la recessione nei mercati chiave per l'esportazione come zucchero e nichel, i danni provocati dagli uragani, il turismo depresso e le instabili condizioni economiche mondiali. Tra la fine del 2003 e l'inizio del 2004, sia i livelli del turismo che i prezzi del nickel sono aumentati, cosi come il commercio cubano con gli USA, a dispetto dell'embargo finanziario e commerciale. Un altro importante fattore nella ripresa dell'economia cubana sono le rimesse degli emigranti.
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DemografiaCuba è una società multietnica, con una popolazione sia di origine mista (mulatti) che più specificamente spagnola e africana. È presente anche una piccola comunità di cinesi, inoltre a Cuba risiedono numerosi studenti proventienti dal Sahara Occidentale e da altri paesi africani. La più diffusa religione organizzata è la Chiesa Cattolica Romana (80%). Religioni Afro-Cubane (Santeria), una miscela di religioni native africane e cattolicesimo romano, sono ampiamente praticate (20%). Ufficialmente, Cuba è stato uno stato ateo per gran parte dell'era Castrista, ma le restrizioni religiose sono state allentate fin dal 1991 e lo stato secolarizzato. Esistono anche piccole comunità protestanti, ebraiche ed ortodosse.
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Flora e FaunaLa flora cubana è estremamente varia e suggestiva e conta oltre 8000 specie. La foresta pluviale è concentrata in alcuni tratti delle zone montagnose. Le pianure e le alture di modesta elevazione, furono deforestate fin dai primi secoli della conquista spagnola per utilizzarne il prezioso legname, soprattutto mogano e tek, principalmente per la costruzione di navi. Oggi al loro posto, si estendono decine di migliaia di chilometri quadrati di colture, principalmente canna da zucchero ma anche tabacco, agrumi, mais, caffè e l’agave, utilizzata per la fabbricazione di cordami. Il dolce paesaggio cubano è fortemente caratterizzato dalla presenza della palma reale, che svetta in piccoli e grandi gruppi o anche solitaria, in ogni angolo del paese; se ne contano oltre 70 milioni di esemplari. La palma reale è inserita nell’emblema nazionale di Cuba che ne rappresenta la repubblica. Con le sue foglie, particolarmente resistenti, si fabbricano da secoli i tetti delle case di campagna, cesti e cordami. Il fiore nazionale di Cuba è la mariposa, che in spagnolo significa farfalla, chiamata così perché colorata e con la forma simile a quella della farfalla. A Cuba, la coltura dominante è sicuramente la canna da zucchero. La coltivazione della canna e la sua industria hanno goduto negli ultimi anni di una grande modernizzazione, fra cui nuovi macchinari e fertilizzanti, aumentando così notevolmente il numero del raccolto, stimato intorno ai sette milioni di tonnellate l’anno. Un’altra produzione molto importante è quella del tabacco; non tanto per il ricavo ottenuto ma per il suo prestigio ormai affermato in tutto il mondo. La fauna cubana è molto simile a quella di altre isole delle Antille, è varia ed abbondante ed è priva di specie velenose, sia fra gli insetti che fra i rettili ed i pesci. L’iguana, mostruosa ma innocua, è presente in molte zone dell’isola, dove si possono vedere passeggiare della colonie in libertà. Nelle zone paludose sono presenti il coccodrillo ed il caimano, che possono raggiungere i 3 metri di lunghezza. Essendo specie a rischio di estinzione, il governo cubano ha costituito delle aree di protezione per questi grandi rettili. Le coste pullulano di uccelli marini, tra cui spiccano svariate specie di sterne, cormorani e pellicani. Famoso è il tocororo, una sorta di pappagallo che, con il suo elegante piumaggio bianco, rosso ed azzurro, riproduce i colori della bandiera nazionale. Le acque cubane, in particolare vicino alla barriera corallina, offrono uno straordinario spettacolo di pesci multicolori, i varie dimensioni come i pesci pappagallo, i pesci pagliaccio e i pesci angelo. Questo meraviglioso spettacolo è meta di decine di migliaia di turisti subacquei di tutto il mondo.
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Cultura
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TurismoIl turismo a Cuba si sta sviluppando a passi da gigante, diventando una delle voci più importanti dell'economia dell'isola, stretta dalla morsa del blocco commerciale imposto dagli U.S.A. Oltre al turismo ufficiale dei grandi alberghi gestiti dallo stato insieme ad investitori privati, prende campo a Cuba il turismo fai da te, grazie alle cosiddette "case Particular" letteralmente "Case private" che permettono ai turisti più avventurosi di pernottare presso famiglie cubane a prezzi molto convenienti.In queste case oltre alla prima colazione si possono assaggiare specialità locali sia a pranzo che a cena.Qui si vive in pieno lo spirito di accoglienza dei Cubani. Per telefonare da Cuba al proprio paese e' molto opportuno usare una scheda (tarjeta) prepagata. Questo permette di conoscere subito la propria spesa.
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== Collegamenti esterni
________________________ ______*****Questo articolo è rilasciato sotto i termini della
GNU Free Documentation License L'AvanaDa Wikipedia, l'enciclopedia libera.Questo articolo è solo un abbozzo (stub).
Se puoi contribuisci
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L'Avana o L'Havana (in
spagnolo: San Cristóbal de La Habana;
UN/LOCODE: Habana ( Le sue coordinate geografiche sono 23°8′ N 82°23′ W.
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StoriaIl conquistador spagnolo Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar foundò L'Avana nel 1515 sulla costa sud dell'isola, vicino l'attuale città di Surgidero de Batabanó. L'Avana si trasferì nella sua posizione attuale vicino alla Baia Carenas nel 1519. Originariamente era un importante scalo commerciale, e divenne la capitale della colonia spagnola di Cuba nel 1607, ed il più importante porto di tutte le colonie spagnole nel Nuovo Mondo. L'Avana fu bruciata da bucanieri nel 1538, e venne saccheggiata nel 1553 e 1555. La Gran Bretagna si impossessò della città nel 1762 durante la Guerra dei sette anni, quando aprirono il porto al libero scambio, trasportandovi migliaia di africani schiavizzati. Quando la guerra finì la scambiarono in cambio della Florida. Dopo aver riguadagnato il controllo della città, gli spagnoli la resero la più fortificata di tutte le Americhe. Negli anni '20, durante il Proibizionismo negli Stati Uniti, L'Avana divenne un luogo di vacanza molto popolare per gli statunitensi; i nightclub e le case dove si giocava d'azzardo sopravvissero all'abrogazione della legge, ma la maggior parte vennero chiusi nel 1959 dopo la Rivoluzione cubana. Nella notte tra l'8 ed il 9 luglio 2005, la città è stata colpita direttamente dall'uragano Dennis. L'Avana è stata una delle città candidate per ospitare le Olimpiadi estive del 2012, assegnate a Londra, ma non è stata inclusa nemmeno tra le cinque città finaliste. È gemellata con la città di Glasgow, Scozia.
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Luoghi d'interesseMonumento a Jose Martì, Plaza de la Revolucion
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Gemellaggi
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Collegamenti esterni
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