Cuba

About the Country
  
Capital. Havana (2.8 million people). Town was founded in 1515 as a fortified Spanish Fort. At the end of the XVI century. Havana became the administrative center of the Spanish colony, and in 1902 - the capital of the Cuban state.

Time. Time behind Moscow 8:00.
When Moscow noon, Cuba - 4:00 am.

Official language. Spanish. Many speak English, Russian and French.

Climate. Tropical. The rainy season - from May to October. An average of 330 sunny days a year. The average annual temperature is 26 degrees Celsius. Average water temperature on the coast in winter is 25 ° C, and in summer - 30 C. The average humidity is 78%.

Population. Cuban population is 11.4 million. Cubans make up 95%. In turn, they are divided into Creole (descendants of Spaniards and other European settlers, approximately 65%), mulattos and blacks.

Geographical location. Cuba is located in the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Juventud (up to 1978 - the Pines) and the set (1500) of small islands. Cuba and Florida bordering the Yucatan Channel to the north and southwest, respectively, in the east - the Windward Passage, in the south - the Caribbean Sea.
  
Area of the country - 111 thousand square meters. The highest point in the country - the south Turquino Peak (1972 m). Administratively, Cuba is divided into 14 provinces: Pinar del Rio, Havana, City of Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Las Tunas, Holguin, Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Guantanamo, and one municipality: Isle of Youth.

Political system. Cuba - the only socialist country in the Western Hemisphere. Government - a socialist republic. The highest authority is the National Assembly of People's Power, endowed with legislative rights. Chairman of the Council of State - the head of state and government - Fidel Castro Ruz. "Cuba is a paradise in the spiritual and moral sense. And we prefer to die in heaven than survive in the capitalist hell. "Fidel Castro Ruz

Visa regime. To travel to the country for up to one month for Russian citizens no visa is required, as there is an agreement on visa-free entry. Need an invitation or a confirmation of your reservation at the hotel.

Currency. There are two types of peso - "non-convertible" (for internal circulation) and "convertible" ("convertible", is used for calculations with tourists, is tied to the U.S. dollar at a ratio of 1:1). Often the change and give them both. Foreign citizens and tourists can pay in stores only the local currency - the convertible peso. If at the end of your trip you have on your hands pesos, then change back to dollars and other currencies in relation to the current exchange rate, you can only convertible pesos (abbreviated "CUC"). And the reverse exchange is no charge. Ie convertible peso change, for example, in dollars at a ratio of 1:1. Kovertiruemye pesos have inscription "pesos covertibles" (see sample bill to the left). Convertible pesos are now receiving the dollar 26:1.

Other currencies coming now to Cuba: Euro, Canadian Dollar, Pound Sterling and Swiss Franc will exchange for Cuban convertible pesos without any deduction, but only on the international exchange rate. The free reception to pay Euro payments available to authorized tourist areas: Varadero, Jardines del Rey, on the northern part of Holguin, Playa "Santa Lucia" in Camaguey, "Playa Kobarrubias" in Las Tunas and "Cayo Largo del Sur ".

Transport. Rooms at cars in Cuba are of different colors, speaking of car accessories: yellow - special (particular), black - diplomatic, brown - rent-a-car (car, rent, usually foreign tourists). There are red, blue (spets.sluzhby) ... Police in Havana a lot, but a car with a black and brown (tourist) numbers, it does not pay attention. In addition, vehicles with such numbers are certain benefits, such as passage through closed for repair tunnels connecting parts of Havana, parking in the wrong places, speeding and other Cubans themselves are very strictly follow the rules of the road. General impression that the local cops absolutely no radar.

Rent a car. Foreign tourists, while in Cuba, do without a car is very difficult. Necessary requirements for rental car: the presence of a driver's license, a minimum age of 21 years and driving experience at least 1 year. Otherwise, rent a car you can not. Before taking the car to inspect it carefully for defects, which must be indicated in the contract "rental car." Otherwise, when you return a car all these defects hang up on you and make you pay. For those who wish to rent a car, it may be advisable to consider features of the socialist economic system (which encourages employees to look for the "left" of income where possible) and very meticulously inspect the car. Should insist that the act was committed the most minor defects. Also check the exact amount of gasoline in the tank. Perhaps the best solution would be to give to distributors 10-20 dollars "in a paw" to save them from the temptation to substitute you with subsequent divorce for money.
  
Note that in Cuba machines often robbed. And the insurance that you make when renting, covers only the damage in excess of 300 U $ D. So if you swipe the local antenna or mirror, I still have to pay you.

Gasoline. Wet no problems. Petrol within Havana is 1 U $ D. Therefore take to rent a car with a diesel engine, because diesel fuel is 2 times cheaper. True lease itself diesel car is more expensive. So do the math, that is more profitable for you.

Almost every hotel offers rent mopeds with automatic transmission, the management of which is not more difficult bike. Rent a moped - from 22 to 25 $ / day. Tank of gas costs $ 3, grabs him by 100 kilometers.

Taxis in Cuba. Taxis in Cuba can be divided into two categories: for tourists (with wireless telephones and air conditioning for dollars) and Cubans (of pesos), but they are difficult to catch. Tourist prices are not listed. In Havana, there are three public companies taxis: "Cubanacan", "Turistaxi" and "Panataxi". Cubanacan - the most expensive, service Mercedes; Turistaxi serve Japanese small car with air conditioning gray; Panataxi serve "Lada", not expensive, but the company is only in the capital. It's best to take a taxi at the hotel entrance.

National holidays. 1 January - Liberation Day, May 1 - International Workers' Day, July 26 - Day of National Rebellion, October 10 - the beginning of the war for independence. In the four days cancels all public institutions in the country.

National flag. Three blue stripes represent the three parts into which the island was divided at the time. Two white reminiscent of the purity of the intentions of the fighters for independence. The equilateral triangle represents the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity. The red color of the triangle - is the proclamation of the blood to be spilled, until an independent. White Star - a symbol of absolute freedom. Religion. Cuba is a country where there are various denominations. Christianity (Catholicism) and the so-called "Santeria" - syncretic cults based African pagan beliefs, mixed with some of the Christian cult of saints.

Phone in Cuba.
Country Code: +53;
By country:
National Police: 16/01/82
Fire Brigade: 11/15/81
Ambulance: 24-28-11
Airport: 45-31-33

The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba: 119017, Moscow, B. Ordynka d.66

Shopping
Havana cigars, Cuban rum, the products of local residents (straw hats, hammocks, masks, etc.). Buy a traditional Cuban shirt untucked - "guyaberu." It is suitable for any occasion, elegant, it is never hot, and everywhere you will receive their own. Acquire Audio discs with recordings of local bands. Temperament is such that just takes your breath away. Do not neglect the T-shirts with the face of the immortal Comandante Che.

Tourists who buy durable goods or securities in Cuban trade centers should require proof of purchase for a presentation on the road. The export of cigars from the relevant regulations.
  
Tourists who buy durable goods or securities in Cuban trade centers should require proof of purchase for a presentation on the road. The export of cigars from the relevant regulations.

Prices
The level of prices for basic necessities and food in Cuba is low. Non-essential goods are very expensive. There is a definite shortage in the film and a number of imported goods that are imported, mostly from Mexico. Cost-quality rum in Cuba for 7-8 dollars per bottle, beer in the restaurant 1-1.5 dollar. Cuban rum most popular alcoholic drink in Cuba is rum. The most popular brand is known throughout the world - rum "Havana Club". There are three varieties of this novel: "Carta Oro" (gold), "Carta Blanca" (white) and "Anejo" (old), which differ in their exposure, and therefore the price. Cubans prefer - Anejo (8-9 U.S. dollars per bottle).

Keep in mind the next time. In street trading before the figure indicating the price, put a $ sign. However, this does not necessarily mean that the price is in dollars or equivalent covert. pesos! The fact that this sign denotes ANY PRICE! Ie for tourists, sees a $ pays one convertible peso for a glass of juice and is currently satisfied. And after it is suitable Cuban pays one non-convertible pesos (at the rate of 26 times less) for the same as a glass of juice and is currently satisfied. It is also possible when the price of a "national peso" put in $ (one touch), the letter S in the cookie crossed with 2 features.

Useful Tips
Cash dollars payable in Cuba is no longer officially accepted.
All dollar figures have remained the same, but instead of dollars to pay convertible peso, which had also walked along with dollars.
In any of the numerous exchange offices (CADECA) change dollars for convertible pesos at the rate of 1:1 to tax at 10% (ie, $ 10 will give nine convertible pesos).
Private owners - from taxi drivers to souvenir sellers - dollar take, but with a 10% surcharge over the convertible peso.
For the convertible peso given, as before, the 26 "normal" Cuban pesos.
If the end of a trip remained unused convertible pesos, their pleasure at the airport will change back into dollars at the rate of 1:1, this time without the tax.

Excursions

Overview of the Havana
Historical center. Starting point may become Al-platen - a small chapel in the neoclassical style, built in 1828 on the spot where, as expected, the city was founded, then your path will pass through Armory Square (Plaza de Armas), the Cathedral Square (Plaza de la Catedral) and the Old Square (Plaza Vieja), around which are grouped the magnificent old buildings, which were part of his time in the walled city. Ceremony cannon. Lush traditional ceremony, held every evening at nine o'clock in the fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña. In the colonial era cannon is a signal to to close the city gates and pull the chain between the fortress of El Morro and La Punta, which blocked the entrance to the bay of ships. Today, this moment marks the beginning of a fun Havana Nights.
  
Jose Marti Memorial. This important memorial to Jose Marti Revolution Square was opened in 1996, this contains various relics, original objects, documents and prints related to the life and work of the Apostle of the Cuban revolution. At the top of the obelisk - concrete, marble towers of 138.5 meters above sea level - is the highest observation deck of the capital.

Manor "Vigia"
In this farm, located in the municipality of San Francisco de Paula, on the outskirts of the capital, the museum Hemingway. Along with fishing villages Kohimar is one of the main places associated with the life in Cuba, the one called Bronze God of American literature. Visit the Tobacco Factory
Cuba can be called the birthplace of cigars. Landed on the island Columbus first companions were surprised to view strange "musket", which the Indians ignited at one end and out the other sipped smoke. "La Corona", the Museum of Roma. Journey to the statue of Christ the "Cristo de la Habana", a kind of viewing platform. Time for pictures. In Havana, is the world famous cigar factory "Partagas" cigar factory lengths, different sizes and even different colors. One of the largest varieties of "Hawaii" is called "Churchill" in honor to give her preference British prime minister.

Excursion to the Hemingway House
The bus ride to the museum Hemingway. Examination of the site with a specialized guide. Lunch at the restaurant Kohimar. On the way back visit to Hemingway's favorite places - Bodeguita del Medio y Floridita.

Cruise
In the cruise pier to go to Varadero. An unforgettable boat trip with a visit to nearby islands Cayo Blanco and Cayo Piedra and dinner seafood. The islands will have free time to try exotic cocktails, swim with a mask, snorkel and fins and see dolphin.

Colonial Havana
The bus ride to Havana takes about 2 hours. Tourists will see the main attractions of the capital of colonial Cuba, as well as the floor, forts, palaces and buildings XVI - XVII centuries. Walking part of the tour ends with a traditional Cuban dinner. Next - free time to visit the handicraft market and buying souvenirs. The excursion continues inspecting the modern part of Havana, the Capitol, the Presidential Palace and the famous Malecon, which is the Moscow Arbat, always friendly and full of people. The promenade tourists get in trendy Miramar (mid twentieth century.) - An area of embassies and expensive hotels.

Caves Belyamar
Tour of the city of Matanzas, near the Varadero. Tourists will see the panorama of the city from the observation deck and the old chapel Monseratte Belyamar visit the cave where the extraordinary beauty of stalactites and stalagmites crystalline formation, the oldest of which more than 40 000 years. Frozen in stone strange shapes visually gone into the depths of the earth, and the ceiling of the cave littered with millions of twinkling colored crystals. During the tour will be offered a welcome drink. Encouraged to visit the caves, light sports clothing and footwear. Cabaret "Tropicana"
One of the most popular tourist spots in Havana - a cabaret "Tropicana". It established in 1939, recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Tropicana is considered the mecca of scenic extravagance Havana. She earned fame grows with each new show. Today Tropicana became a global brand, which is associated not only with the most spectacular cabaret in the Caribbean, but also with the Cuba, with warm nights in Havana. The first thing that pleasantly surprises visitors - it is an amazing center of show business. Tropicana shine on stage with many of the stars of world fame. Today, presentation at the legendary cabaret continue to gather people from the entire show sveta.Ot You get a lot of pleasure.

Deep sea fishing Abierto (boat)

Drive to the waterfront Varadero. Time to catch fish - 4 hours. Offered one boat captain and 4 slots for fishermen. Characteristics of the vessel: a boat with a cabin, toilet, open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, necessary for fishing equipment, mask, snorkel and flippers for swimming. Team - 2 people. Caught fish for a fee can be cooked right on the boat. Estimated cost: 290 CUC (1-4 people).

Pinar del Rio
Travel in Pinar del Rio - known agricultural area which is famous for producing the best tobacco in the world, where tourists will visit tobacco plantations, tobacco factory and learn about the life of Cuban peasants. The trip continues to the observation deck Mirador de los Jasmines, which perfectly visible picturesque landscape of Vinales Valley, surrounded by limestone mountains bizarre. Then, tourists will go to the cave Cueva del Indio, where Indians lived centuries ago. Now you can take a boat trip to a small river that flows inside the cave, enjoying the small waterfalls flowing down from the walls. Next - lunch at a local restaurant.

Varasub
Travel by surface ship, submarine part of which is a bathyscaphe, from which you can see the underwater world of coastal waters: coral, colorful fish, sea stars, sea plants and photograph them through the transparent bottom. Estimated cost: 35 CUC

The island of Cayo Largo del Sur Cayo (Flight)
  
Departure from Varadero airport (on the road 25-30 minutes). Estimated cost: 136 CUC/116 CUC trip by boat to the island of iguanas, the coral reef, which is an underwater nature reserve on the island of mermaids. Lunch in the open air. Yacht with open bar with the ability to swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean sea and sunbathing on the white beaches of the wild with an unusually fine sand. Here is one of the best in Cuba area for scuba diving and other water sports.

Havana
Rich traditions, legends and history, Havana keeps treasures of the ancient buildings, palaces and churches of the colonial period, in the historical center of the city and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cobblestone streets remember him passing on the crew and the cries of street vendors, the happy faces of mixed races, watching from the balconies decorated with greenery. With the coming of the night Havana transformed. Discos and night centers spread their wings in a nondescript fancy presentation. And Havana is something special, unique, these Caribbean musical beats, sounding from every angle. Gvardalavaka - located near Gibary, where Columbus first arrived in Cuba.

Varadero
Varadero is only two hours away from Havana (140 km). Varadero has a large number of natural attractions, such as the fabulous depths of the sea and the reefs and its inhabitants, Ambrosio cave with rock paintings, the park of Varadero. Holidays in Cuba, Varadero - is more than 20 km long beach of fine white sand and clear blue sea - that the card Varadero. Stunning white beach in Varadero was recognized as one of the three best beaches in the world on this beach, the internationally recognized best-known on the Cuban coast, attracts tourists from all over the world. Varadero is a picture perfect place that can be touched by hand. Life rages in Varadero day and night. From the sea and sun, countless sports and water activities imperceptibly into the evening feast, music and dancing. Varadero night filled with music and fun in restaurants, villas and hotels organized by "Cuban Nights" with national rhythms and dances.

Enjoy the fiery rhythm of samba and cha-cha-cha, a wonderful rum and famous Cuban cigars!

Islands
Cuba is surrounded by more than 4 thousand exotic islands - is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of our day. Besides the stunning natural environment and excellent sandy beaches, the islands have developed, modern hotel infrastructure. Cayo Largo (Cayo Largo)
The island is an elongated strip, southern shore - a vast beach of about 27 km with the smallest white sand, the setting in the clear emerald water. Cayo Largo jealously keeps its virgin nature, which will fascinate those who wish to escape from the city. The island is interesting for lovers of all types of diving and yachting. Cayo Largo del Sur - the most isolated from civilization resort in Cuba. But most importantly, when in Varadero overcast over Cayo Largo is almost always a clear sky, in Varadero can shtomit and Cayo Largo will bathe the calm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Cayo Coco (Cayo Coco)
Fourth largest island of Cuba. Cayo Coco is a nature preserve with 20 miles of sandy beaches, divided into five sections, each of which has its own characteristics. Among them - the curved line of the coast protected La Howl, Los Flamenkos and Las Colorados, which are ideal for boating. Here you can enjoy a large community of pink flamingos living permanently on the island.

Cayo Guillermo (Cayo Guillermo)
Island, 13 km long, connected by road to Cayo Coco, and offering the services of travel 5 miles of white sand beaches. The island is a haven for relaxation and an ideal place for diving among the coral reefs. Transparent clear water, white beaches and spacious amazingly beautiful sunsets.

Holguin
Holguin is home to 30% of the Cuban endemic plant species and more than 1000 species of animals, especially birds and butterflies. To the natural attractions of safely include 34 rivers, six waterfalls, including Guayabo - the largest in the country. And on the island Saetiya, located off the coast of Holguin, one can see large wild animals and hunt on numerous buffalo, antelope, deer and wild pigs. Holguin at the disposal of visitors for more than 40 natural beaches, among which are highly valued for Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and Playa Pesquero.