WELCOME TO CUBA DESTINO CARIBE !
WE ARE THE SPECIALISTS IN CUBA !
DESTINO CARIBE S.A de C.V
AVE 49 # 3636 Reparto Kholy Playa
Ciudad Habana.Cuba
Phone: 53(7) 2062178
Fax: 53(7) 6493437
E-Mail : salescl@enet.cu
Destino Caribe Destino Caribe S.A de C.V is now featuring Cuba special packages for you; together with a series of well selected offers that cover all the traveling modalities, from independent tourism; to Organized groups or Tailor Made Packages, from Scuba diving or Fishing Packages ,form Collective transfers to Exclusive transfers and Car rental or Camping trailers ; from basic City Hotels to Super All inclusive Beach Hotels and Nature Hotels and from the simple conventional tourism to the most specialized events organization like congresses and the handling and assistance of Fashion Magazine Crews and TV producers to a Mobile rental, from a quiet stay in a Reserve of the Biosphere Ecolodges to a paradisiacal stay in one of Cuba’s Offshore Islands.
Services featured by Destino Caribe S.A de C.V.
Why Cuba:-
“This is the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen ” Christopher Columbus quoted upon landing on the Cuban shores. To most of the visitors this island paradise, still has the charms of the times in which the Spanish vessels were docked in Havana’s harbour and many sailors gave life to the city in its bars and Hostales, or the sugar cane industry increased in EL Valle de los Ingenios in Trinidad in the XIX Century. The fact is that 509 years after Columbus arrival, regardless the political changes and the foreign influence, Cuba and the Cubans have managed to keep for their selves the most important features of the Popular Culture and Tradition they have inherited from their ancestors, a perfect mix of Spanish, aboriginal people (Indians), the Africans and Chinese.
The conqueror of the island was Diego Velazquez in 1510, also founder of the first seven villas, which in chronological order were founded as follows:
- Villa de Nuestra Señora de Baracoa ( Baracoa )
- Villa de San Salvador de Bayamo. (Bayamo)
- Villa de Santiago de Cuba
- Villa de la Santisima Trinidad. (Trinidad)
- Villa de Santi Spiritus
- Villa de Nuestra Señora del Puerto del Principe (Camaguey)
- Villa de San Cristobal de la Habana.
Santiago de Cuba was the fist capital city of the country but due to the economical importance that Havana earned in the 17th century, the title of capital was awarded to Havana in 1556 and the Captain General of the Island moved to Havana.
Cuban history is continuously marked by wars for independence, first from the Spanish colonizers in the 19th century and later on during the first half of the 20th century the battles for liberation, against different regimes imposed by the United States, this wars finished in 1959 with the triumph of the revolution led by Fidel Castro.
Immediately after the triumph, the new revolutionary government settled a campaign to eradicate illiteracy and carried out a process of nationalization that applied to all property owners, mainly in the fields of public services like electricity, communications, real states and transportation. A limit in the amount of acres of land was established, 1000 acres was the maximum any person was entitled to have. At the same time public health care became free to all Cubans and the same happened with education.
The Cuban fauna is a very rich one; the National bird is the Trogon bird, better known as Tocororo, an onomatopoeic name given to the bird due to its singing. Species like the Colibrí, Rombipher Crocodile, Manatí and Manjuary are found in certain areas of the country. The Manjuarí, for example, is a pre-historical fish that now a days is only found in Cuba, it has disappeared from the rest of the planet.
The Cuban National tree is the Royal Palm tree, chosen as such by the guerrilla men that fought against the Spanish domination in the 18th century. The tree provided these fighters with shelter, since they used the tree trunk the wood for the walls of their houses and the frond of the tree served as cover. Cuba’s National flower is the butterfly jasmine, the women that supported the independence cause in the 18th century, used this flower as an ornament in their hair to show their support.
Closed off from the world for many years, Cuba is slowly opening its doors to outsiders and tourists who are reaping the benefits of an island untouched by the excessive development so often found in other countries. Despite its previous isolation, the island is now the most advanced Latin American country with exceptionally high levels of health care and safety.
Cuba is increasingly one of the most popular holiday destinations and this is no surprise to people who have been in the island before, the Cuban locals are hugely friendly and give a warm welcome to all every visitor, and it is not only the locals who make you Cuba Easy Travel package a special one.
The warmth of the local people, the intrinsic culture, the magnificent beaches and the tropical surroundings of the perpetual summer found in Cuba; create the magic atmosphere that you can only enjoy in this fascinating island.
Location and size
Cuba, known as the largest of the Caribbean islands, stretches to a length of 1,250 Km in a crocodile formation that goes from East to West in the Gulf of Mexico. Cuba calmly rests in crystal waters that shares with well known destinations that include, Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Florida coastline. Tararaco is its widest point with 191 Km of this narrow island and it’s the 15th world’s largest island. With a population of about 11 million, there’s plenty of space on Cuba’s beachfronts for tourists and locals to enjoy, the island has a breathtaking 5,760 Km of coast with many magnificent white stretches of beautiful sand that together with approximately 4,000 offshore islands make Cuba an ideal location for sun worshippers and scuba diving enthusiasts. If that is not enough, Cuba has plenty of historic places and museums in cities like Havana with its Museums and Squares or Trinidad and Guardalavaca Resort.
Traveling to Cuba is becoming easier and more popular, with airlines increasing the number of flights to the island.
Climate
Cuba is an all year round destination where temperature rarely falls below 27 degrees C (81 F) and reaches a maximum 32 C (90 F) and although hot all year round, there is a very pleasant breeze. The high season, between July and August and it is always from the end of November until the end of February. The island is subject to tropical showers and soft breezes form May to July.
Passport Information
You will need a passport that is valid for six months (or more) after your holiday has ended. For example, if your passport is due to expire three months after your planned Cuba holiday date, you will need to renew your passport. Before booking, please allow yourself plenty of time for passport renewal to ensure that you can travel to Cuba.
In addition to that you will need a Tourist Visa, which is available at the Cuban embassy in your country, or we can give you instructions of how to obtain it. The cost for this visa is not included in any of the prices herein published.
Health and Vaccinations
Cuba has a very high standard of healthcare and doctors and medical facilities are within easy access if they are required during your holiday. Currently, there are no essential inoculations needed before you travel to Cuba .If you are in doubt, please check with your own doctor before booking.
Oye amigo, habla Español ? Hey friend, do you speak Spanish? It is common to hear this phrase along the island. Spanish is the main language and locals enjoy chatting with the visitors so take your Spanish phrase book with you on your holidays. However you will commonly find that English is spoken through the island.
Tourist services are priced in US Dollars and it is recommended that you take small nominations with you 1s, 5s, 10s, and 20s rather than 50s or 100s. Travelers Cheques can be exchanged. Most of the places in the island accept MasterCard and Visa Credit Cards but American Express or any credit card issued by American banks, will not be accepted. Bank. Hours vary and Banks all close at noon on the last day in the month.
BFI (Banco Financiero Internacional) does credit card transactions.
Cadeca (Casas de Cambio) is a change bureau where you can also get money out of your account using a credit card. Hours are generally better than the banks.
Shopping
In most resorts there are small shops called “Tiendas” which sale clothing, souvenirs and some basic items. However the Cuban economy is controlled and there can be lack of quality goods in Cuba’s shops. Cosmetics, camera films and medicines are limited and it is best to take plenty with you including sun cream, an essential item in glorious Cuba.
Cuba is renowned for its world famous Cigars and the famous brands, which are cheaper to buy in the island than in Europe or elsewhere. Rum is also a popular purchase and it is made from distilled cane sugar, sugar being one of Cuba’s main exports.
Political and historical souvenirs are easy to find in their artisans’ markets, from T- shirts and posters with the image of the famous revolutionary Che Guevara, to handmade dolls with national costumes. Coffee can constitute a memorable reminder to take back with you.
Food and drink
The resorts and hotels we have selected, offer holidaymakers a choice of meal plans from Bed & Breakfast to Super All Inclusive. Most of the meal plans are based on an excellent buffet style menu with a tasty selection of well-presented international cuisine. Restaurants where holidaymakers can sample the delights of a French or Italian are also found around hotels not to mention the traditional food restaurants and the newborn Paladares, which are family restaurants where visitors enjoy their meals in local’s houses converted into 12 seats restaurants.
Traditional Cuban food is not as spicy as other cuisine in the region, such as Jamaican or Mexican food. This is because of the Spanish influence in which food is flavored with garlic, onions, sweet peppers, and cumin. You may find this Creole food quite high in fat. Rice or rice and beans accompany the main meat dish, a green salad and fried banana chips together with the Cuban delicacies like Yuca con Mojo; boiled cassava root soaked in hot garlic oil and Tamal; ground maize sometimes with pork meat boiled in a packet made from the leaf. Cerdo Asado; roasted pork, especially spit roasted is famous in the countryside. Congris; rice cooked with black beans and seasoning Tostones; platano (banana) in chips, must be served hot! And for dessert do not forget the delicious Helado (Ice cream) or Mermelada con Queso; guava marmalade with cheese, discover this delicious combination of flavors!
A visit to Cuba is an inevitable invitation to sample the Cuban Rum is part of the Cuba’s colorful history and can be found in abundance. Many colourful cocktails have been invented here including the Daiquiri and the world famous Cuba Libre and Mojitos. If it is coffee you need, Cuban coffee is good, strong and dark.
You can drink the water in Cuba but it is recommended that you purchase bottled water, which is available throughout the island in hotels and resorts.
The voltage in Cuba is generally 110 volts, even though in some outlets you may get 220 volts, and they will be signed as such.
US two prongs thin plug is the one used in Cuba, English and European plugs are, unfortunately, very hard to find. Due to fuel saving programs, electricity is sometimes cut, but most hotels have their own generators powerful enough to allow lighting.
What to Wear and Take
Lightweight clothing is recommended in Cuba and the usual standard of dress around the island is casual. Linen and cotton garments are ideal and it would be advisable to take a light jacket and a warm pullover for the evening. When you get to your holiday destination, the hotel resort or staff can advise you if there is any dress code. For example many of the hotels do not allow shorts in the restaurant area .Be prepare and take a few items of smart but casual evening items.
We also recommend that you take your camera films, cosmetics, mosquito’s repellent and toiletry requirements with you these items can be in short supply and they can also be expensive. Essentially take plenty of sun cream, sunglasses and good walking shoes.
Traveling around Cuba
Traveling around Cuba is relatively easy and there are a number of ways you can see the sights and visit some of the fascinating Cuban landmarks. The roads in Cuba are generally good and you drive on the right hand side. Drivers are recommended to “have a few years” since sections of the road might not be well maintained or well sign posted. The cars for the rental are in very good technical conditions and are revised by technicians and mechanic form the car rental companies every 5000 Km or if the customer reports it. Drivers must be over 21 with a valid driving license and insurance.
Tourists will be captivated by the array of classic 1950 American Cars, including Buicks, Pontiacs and Chevrolets, which are in use throughout Cuba. These relics are from the pre 1959 American era and they can be hired with chauffeur. Alternatively you can find then in either Havana or Santiago de Cuba Museo del Automovil.
Taxis are available at the doors of hotels and at the airports. All of them work on a meter basis.
We can also arrange Escorted Tours in Cuba with the benefit of an English-speaking guide.
Nightlife
Home of the Salsa, Rumba and Cha Cha Cha, Cuba’s musical tradition infiltrates every part of the island; across the fields and mountains and onto the Caribbean beaches and bars. Cuba plays host to many music events and festivals throughout the year including the Festival of the Caribbean, the Jazz Plaza and the Guitar Festival. Because Cuba is a multicultural society, there are many historic influences in the nightlife in Cuba is something special with plenty of live music pulsing in street corners and buildings.
It is said that children in Cuba learn to dance before they can talk, but it is never too late for you to learn the moves and get the rhythm. Many of the resorts offer dance lessons and there is always the friendly local person to teach you. In most of our resorts, there is a selected on-site entertainment provided and you will also find recommendations of where to go and what to see elsewhere around the island.
Cuba has a choice to suit everyone, from a glitzy Cabaret show to a Ballet performance or a baseball game in one of its stadiums for you to enjoy and make your stay a memorable one.
Cuba has a very good safety record, however as with all trips to different countries, it is essential to apply common sense and safeguard your valuables and bags. The increase of tourism in Cuba has led to an increase in bag snatching in popular tourist areas although violent crime is unusual on the island. Most of the hotels and resorts have safety deposit boxes for your valuables.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Cuba, to appreciate this friendly and very beautiful island it is important to relax your attitude and take it easy. The culture is more laid back and the lifestyle is that of a developing country. Delays and different standard are to be expected and this is what gives Cuba a unique social flavor. The Cuban people have their natural way of enjoying their lives and are very hospitable, so smile, slow down and enjoy yourself.
Commemorative dates:
January 1st: Anniversary of the revolution triumph. On January 1st, 1959, Fidel Castro heading what at the time was the Ejercito Rebelde (Rebel Army) triumphed in Santiago de Cuba then started to move towards Havana, to arrive in the city on the 8th of January.
May Day (May 1st): International Labor Day.
July 26th: Rebelliousness Day. On July 26th, 1953, a group of revolutionaries tried to take by force the Moncada Garrison in the city of Santiago de Cuba, said garrison was the second fortress in importance for the regime of Batista, whose main fort was Columbia, nowadays Ciudad Libertad ,a military fort converted into a school after the triumph of the Revolution.
October 10th: Date in which the first war of independence started. This day of the year 1868, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes a Spanish descendant and a rich landowner freed his slaves and urged them to join him and fight against the colonial power of Spain. Cespedes was killed during the first years of war but the war he started, continued. A series of wars followed until 1898 when the U.S intervene in Cuba and the republic was established 4 years after.
Check photos:
School children , Havana City , Cuban symbols Beach , Dawn at Ancon Beach , Viñales Valley , Trinidad , Palm trees
Reservations:
Avetours Agencia de Viajes Especializados S.A de C.V
Havana Riviera Hotel suite 407
Malecon y Paseo Havana City. Cuba
Phone: 53(7) 535757
Fax: 53(7) 535903
E-Mail : salescl@enet.cu