17-20 April 1961. El Yunque just has that something something that makes you practically beg to climb it. Lodging is in a rustic state-run lodge. Playa Ensenachos is pretty close to Playa Cayo Santa Maria. Adult bee hummingbirds grow to only two inches (five centimeters) long. So if your idea of a beach vacation is to get far away from the hustle and bustle of a beach town, then Varadero might not be what you are looking for. Its now an area of absolute profound beauty, located in the Guantanamo Province, and its home to the highest mountain in Cuba: Pico Turquino. Dont expect many bars or restaurants near the beach, though. As in, it rains most of the time, and its pretty hot and humid. Home > Blog > A guide to the Answer. However, it has a thriving Afro-Cuban musical culture and is a center for the Santera religion, a syncretic, Afro-Carribean belief system derived from Yoruba traditions and mixed with Roman Catholicism. Some of the most popular types of animals in Cuba include the hawksbill turtle, the Antillean manatee, the tiny bee hummingbird, the Cuban parakeet, the French angelfish, and the Cuban crocodile. Cuba is primarily a cash country, and you will pay most of your trip to Cuba costs in Cuban Pesos (CUPs). North of town is the sleepy historic port of Gibara. Playa Cayo Santa Maria Cayo Santa Maria, #8. The trip to Cuba was really seamless and eye opening. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, belonging to a chain of islands known as the Greater Antilles, which also includes Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic). More so if your idea of a good time includes diving adventures and hand-feeding sharks. All year round, it seems as if bands are everywhere in Havana. Also, as a general rule, you will want to bring just the essentials to Cuba. However, seasons vary by region, and temperatures at any time of year tend to increase eastward. Date. Just cover your back and learn a few key phrases in Spanish before you head out. Playa Pesquero is located in Northern Holguin, an area with excellent tourist infrastructure with beautiful hotels, and exemplary staff. There is also an abundance of parks within Eastern Cuba including the UNESCO world-historic sight Turquino National Park amongst many others! Each region offers its own unique attractions, scenic draws, differences in climate and geography, and cultural distinctions. Unauthorized use is prohibited. It is actually a monolith, and one of the largest on the planet standing 4098 feet above sea level. It has an elevation of 3,740 feet above the sea level with meteorological radar on its summit. Top Cuba Waterfalls: See reviews and photos of Waterfalls in Cuba, Caribbean on Tripadvisor. Cuba has various delicious cuisines and traditional foods you may want to try. Get facts and photos of the U.S. states and territories, and the District of Columbia. It is closest to the vibrant capital of Havana and the Western region is home to vibrant culture, amazing beaches, and densely lush valleys to explore. However, hiking is when its most important especially if youre not going with a tour guide or anything. Tour companies offer excursions to Matanzas and even Havana, and activities include sport-fishing, catamaran party-cruises, and scuba diving. In fact, most are sandy enough to allow barefoot perambulation. On average, Cuba is struck once every three years, with a majority of the storms moving north from the Gulf of Mexico and over Pinar del Ro province. That is an advantage since you can cover a bunch of them quickly. The mountain is surrounded by Turquino National Park which is a protected area in Cuba. You can enjoy everything from horseback rides to ATV trips, and choose from scores of private B&Bs. Some of the best things to do in Varadero beach include: Varadero is also situated close to Cayo Blanco, another stunning beach discussed in detail below. Which, of course, is why it was a favourite spot among escaped slaves, running from nearby plantations in the 1800s. All in All, Which Parts of Cuba Have the Best Beaches? Water sports gear is also available for rent. Part of the Cold War and the. The mountain range rises up to the northwest of Trinidad, just outside of the Valle de Los Ingenios (the Valley of the Sugar Mills), and the steep slopes are covered with pine trees. Arm yourself with enough Deep Woods mosquito repellent, and you will enjoy Cuba without getting annihilated by mosquitoes. An amazing place to visit if you get the opportunity! Gran Piedra is one of the largest monoliths in the world with a dimension of 51, 25, and 30 meters in length, height, and width respectively. The mountains in Cuba are essential tourist attractions, especially for those who want to explore the wilderness of the trails and the amazing wildlife that can be found there. It is a laid-back island west of Cayo Coco that has primarily stayed unaffected by the hustle and bustle in most other busy Cuban holiday resorts. Makes sense, right? And there you have it. There is the occasional area around the Cuchillas del Toa mountain range that arent protected, and so you will see cattle farming and the like. It is infamous for its clear turquoise water and bedazzling white-sand coastline and, as a result, has managed to top our list of the best Cuban beaches. The islet is home to anhinga, mollusks, iguanas, seagulls, and flamingos. Cuba has three main mountain ranges, but the actual hikes you can do around the mountains varies a lot, and there is a lot to choose from. It is common knowledge that islands have more than a few beaches, and Cuba is no exception. However, there is no public bathroom, and those in the restaurants can be gross. It forms part of the Cordillera de la Gran Piedra mountain range, which is Cubas greenest and most biodiverse. They can also head back to the lively city for a night out. The waters here are blue and warm, the road is a real adventure, and the general ambiance is lovely and laid-back. These mountains are situated in the central region of Cuba. In fact, it has over 800 named peaks. As mentioned before, guerrilla warfare is a huge part of Cuban history and as such, so does the Sierra Maestro range. The extreme west of Pinar del Ro province, and the entire southeastern shore, are dry zones with patches of semi-desert, while the region around Baracoa is drenched in rains. So. None of the mountains goes particularly high, especially when compared with the Sierra Maestra region, but the Ridges of Toa are a truly breath-taking experience. The government, however, has tried to accommodate foreigners that like keeping things natural and well-aired by making considerable efforts to separate foreigners from locals. Many people know the story of the failed Bay of Pigs operation, but you might not know all the details. Playas del Este has a few beaches near Havana that are worth a shot. Essential Items to Pack Bring the essential travel necessities that you may not be able to get in Cuba: Find Accommodations Find hotels or casas particulares (private accommodations) on Skyscanner, which lists thousands of accommodations available in Cuba. If you want to bask in perfect weather, plan a trip avoid visiting this island in June, September, and October. With a number of world heritage sights and the Sierra del Escambray mountains within, Centra Cuba is ripe for exploration and enjoyment. Trust me. Although they serve as a spectacular setting for your Instagram photos, you can get hurt too. Famous for the U.S. But the United States had a strong influence over the island. Fern and large trees dominate the mountain forming an evergreen, humid tropical forest. A bust of Jose Marti, a Cuban national hero, is placed on the summit of Pico Turquino to honor his contribution to the country. There is abundant fauna on the mountain with several endemic and threatened species. Varadero. It was a refresh", Traveled to Cuba as a family in October, 2019, "Karin was so easy to work with. Plus, despite the shortage of adequate infrastructure, many all-inclusive resorts at Los Cocos offer authentic Cuban cuisine and a lovely ambiance. Photograph by Evgenia Bolyukh, Dreamstime. If you want a peaceful beach to relax without all the hype of beach parties and reggae tunes, go to El Megano, rent a chair and umbrella, kick back, and enjoy. Hotels and restaurants are far from the beach, but you can take a taxi, scooter, or shuttle to travel back and forth. Enter dates to see prices. ", Traveled to Cuba as a family in April, 2019, "Karin and Espiritu Travel teamed up for a great inaugural trip to Havana. Magalys our tour guide did an excellent job taking us to the best spots in Habana like La bodeguita del Medio ( live music and mojitos), ", Traveled to Cuba as a family in July, 2018, 5 Regions of Cuba: Where to Go & What to Expect. You can also visit BioParque Rocazul, a small natural park where you can enjoy horseback riding and fishing. Typical landscape in the Caribbean region. The Most Visited in Cuba. Always make sure youre checking the weather before you go, as there are definitely best times to go hiking and worse times. Indeed, some of the best days of your trip can be had among the peaks of these mountains. At the foot of the southeastern side of the mountains, lies the Valley de Los Ingenios- a UNESCO world heritage site that protects the waterfalls, caves, and canyons. Playa Paraiso - Cayo Largo del Sur #2. We also write about our passion for Cuba, from in-depth travel guides to myth-busting articles. Fun water activities like diving, fishing, snorkeling, boat riding, and sailing. Some people wouldnt care, others will just pack a waterproof poncho, but if this is something thats going to bother you then you should check whens best to visit depending on what youre looking for. We are here to help you pick the best of the best. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. [2] With its favorable climate, beaches, colonial architecture and distinct cultural history, Cuba has long been an attractive destination for tourists. Cayo Largo del Sur [SEE MAP] Cayo Largo del Sur, also known just as Cayo Largo, is a small island off the mainland of Cuba. The mountain is rich in mineral including copper, iron, and chromium. Karin communicated well and responsively throughout the entire pre-trip experience", Traveled to Cuba as a group in March, 2019, "We could not have been more pleased with our experience with Karin, Ariel (our guide), and the people of Cuba. Pico Turquino is an important source of minerals with a lot of mining activities taking place around the mountain. It also has rolling hills and sparkling white sand stretching over 1500 meters. Cubas coastal areas are in fact mostly mountainous, with a mix of flat plains and hilly landscapes that stretch for almost two-thirds of the island. Tangled streets and cobbled plazas, several intriguing historical museums, plus abundant boutique hotels, are the main draws. The access to the viewpoint is only by foot. You can go to any beach in Playas del Este by taxi or bus (not recommended, except if it is a Viazul-type bus). The main reason to visit this city is its charming historic center, which played a crucial part in the Cuban War of Independence. If you are visiting Cuba in order to find gorgeous, uncrowded beaches, then it makes sense to visit the resort-like island of Cayo Largo. Below well go into a bit more detail about the different ranges and the largest mountains within them. Most famous is the bee hummingbird, the world's smallest bird. As in, the mosquito spray, the sun cream (vital), the sunglasses, sun hat, plenty of water, snacks (most important, I literally cant do anything without a few snacks with me). You can also visit acacao farm, which is grown locally, with Baracoa a center for chocolate production. The second-largest city in Cuba, and its original capital, this large, hilly bayside city is infused with a strong Afro-Cuban flavor. For travelers eager to experience Cuba's unique flora and fauna, head to the island's center. If you are renting a car in Cuba or hiring one of those famous classic cars of Cuba, the drive will be pretty easy. 7. Most famous is the bee hummingbird, the world's smallest bird. The main historic site is the Presidio Modelo, a semi-derelict prison where Fidel Castro and his co-revolutionaries were imprisoned from 1953 to 1955. Still, you will not lack somewhere to enjoy the local delicacies and grab a refreshing drink. Temperatures are in the 80s year 'round, palm trees sway in the breeze above white sand beaches, and turquoise water extends into the trees at high tide. The vegetation around Gran Piedra is dominated by evergreen mountain rainforest. There are no . To avoid losing anything, ensure your valuables are always safe whenever you are at the beach. Astride the Carretera Central highway, it's surrounded by fields of sugarcane and pineapple, which make up much of the province. Picture a place that the great Columbus had that much to say about. To be safer, especially in the countryside or cities, ensure you are protected against mosquitoes. Up to you though. Perhaps Playa Ancon is so visited because its near one of the leading tourist destinations in Cuba: Trinidad. Plus, the hills and mountains around here will give you an amazing view of the tobacco fields in Viales. It is also surrounded by numerous other secluded beaches that may be ideal if you are looking for a place to enjoy a romantic getaway or private picnic. Right away she ", Traveled to Cuba as a couple in November, 2018, "Eiser was our guide and he was excellent in his knowledge of Cuba and his awareness of our needs. You will, however, be greeted by some very welcoming hosts who will cook you some amazing meals. That means they entertain all kinds of people with different intentions. Internet in Cuba for Tourists (2023 Update), Food Safety and Drinking Water in Cuba: What Not to Eat in Cuba (in 2023). To the south it is bounded by the coasts of Venezuela, Colombia, and . Guardalavaca - Holguin #7. Is there beaches in Cuba. The scenery at this beach is a beautiful blend of green fields of tamarind, sea grapes, and palms. To the north of town is Playa Santa Lucia, a beach resort best visited for scuba diving. One of these is Playa Ensenachos, a popular tourist destination with almost untouched natural beauty. About a thousand years ago, the Taino people from Venezuela took over the island. From beaches to mountains to historic cities and more, these road trips around Cuba offer access to the best of this enchanting island. We searched high and low for destinations that offer the best of both worlds. Cuba's highest mountain chain stretches for more than 100 miles (160 km), running from East to West. The Sierra Maestra. Think coastal hiking, summit hiking . You can get to Cayo Santa Maria beach using the connecting causeway between the beach and the mainland. Sure, the mountains in Cuba are not the highest or the most dangerous mountains you could find not by a long shot. However, there is always constant encroachment from farming, mining, and other economic activities that threaten the many endangered and unique species that call the mountains home. It also helps that Varadero is just two hours away from the capital, so a day tour from Havana is feasible.. and recommended. You can stay in all types of accommodations, from top-end all-inclusive resorts to beautiful casas particulares (private homestays). Apparently, Christopher Columbus was enthralled by Guardalavaca and thought it was the most beautiful place he had ever seen in his lifetime. Playa Pilar is also famously known as the setting for Ernest Hemingways last novel, Islands in the Stream. Unlike most countries in Latin America, Cuba's favorite sport is not soccer. It is an ideal resort for tourists with its bars, pools, restaurants, and shopping center if you are up for a spree. Northeastern Holguin. There is a snack bar, and thats about it. Cuba is an Island country surrounded by four other islands. Be sure to climb the 450-plus steps up to the Loma de la Cruz for the superb views. Holgun Province. These are reasons why Playa Varadero was picked as the 2nd best beach in the world in 2019 and the 4th best beach in The Caribbean in 2021 by Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Awards. Cuba is a country in the Northern Caribbean Sea in proximity with the US, Mexico, Haiti, and the Bahamas. Guantnamo Province. Some of the awards we considered while hunting for the best Cuba beaches include: Not to brag, but our team has more than 10 years of academic background and experience in all topics related to traveling to Cuba. Apr 5, 2023 8 Min read. As everyone knows, if you want that kind of vibe then you head to the Himalayas or the Alps. This seems obvious, but honestly, its so easy to forget. It has an elevation of 3,740 feet above the sea level with meteorological radar on its summit. The other two-thirds of the island are lowland plains used mainly for farming. From the Summit of Pico Turquino one is able to view the surrounding National Park and peaks. The city of Santa Clara is slightly more than 2 hours from Cayo Santa Maria, but its worth visiting. The mixture of native, African, and European influences in Cuba gives this island a lively culture that is known around the world. Crater Lake, Oregon. Cayo Largos beaches have the finest and whitest sand in Cuba. The Beach of Varadero is surely the best known and most visited beach in Cuba. For example, in 2021, Playa Cayo Santa Maria ranked 2nd as the best beach globally and won the top spot for the best beach in the Caribbean by Tripadvisors Travelers Choice Awards. Its offshore reefs, lazy waves, good fishing sites, and superb diving spots are beautiful. Tip your beach servers as often as possible, and they will ensure your stay on the best beaches in Cuba is worthwhile. The mountains are also important habitats for wildlife. Its not always that easy to find, especially thousands of feet in the air on top of a mountain, so when you do find somewhere selling just make you stock up. Once youve made sure youve got a good pair of boots, tackle the rest of it.
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