A Beginner's guide to Cuba

Fidel Castro, Cigars, Music, Beaches… CUBA !! The ever Mysterious and the ever-beautiful place. As always, before you start planning anything, it always helps to get a refresher. If you are looking to learnt a few tidbits about Cuba, then you are the right place. Scroll down to read and don’t forget to share with othersa.

Cuba is one of the most beautiful places on earth. If it is not on your places to visit, then I suggest you add it to the list and promote it right to the top. As always, before you start planning anything, it always helps to get a refresher. Scroll down to read and don’t forget to share with others

1) A brief history

Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1492 and named it Juana after Prince Juan, the heir apparent to the throne of Castille. However the name CUBA, an abbreviation of local word remained popular enough for the name to stay. This followed by Spanish invasions of the island have a great impact on its history. Local folklores mention of how Spaniards killed local men to spread the Caucasian population on the islands. There are myths from the carribean pirates to treasure hunts for the sunken ships .  Cuba remains the sugar bowl of Americas. With the collapse of Haiti as sugar supplier and the victory of USA in the American-Spanish war led to the rise of Cuba. A small period of economic progress followed by dictatorial struggle and change of loyalties led to the US Embargo on Cuba. Ernesto Che Guevera and Fidel Castro emerged as the major leaders. While one led the Cuban revolution the other continued the fight against USA. Today, the embargo still remains. The Obama administration made historic progress to improve the relations and the future remains hopeful.

2) People, Food and Culture

Cubans are a mixed race. There are Caucasians, Africans, a few Chinese, but 50% of the population is classified as Mulatto – mixed European and African descent. Spanish with the Hispanic Caribbean dialect is the most common language. Of course a few folks can respond back to you English. Rice and beans are staple food, consistent with the Hispanic culture. Pork, chicken are the preferred proteins over beef. Most of the country still follows the Voodoo religion while Christianity has found its roots too. People in general are warm, friendly. They are the romantic folks who enjoy their dances and their food.  There is a melancholy though. When you get out of tourists spaces and try to mingle with the locals you will experience the suffering and poverty that the US embargo has brought upon the country. But nevertheless there is hope and hopefully things will get better.

3) Geographic Location and Weather

Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands located in Caribbean sea close to gulf of Mexico and lies about 90 miles south of  Florida Keys, USA. 

Havana is the capital of the country and Varadero is the most visited “Heaven for Tourists” known for its hotels and beaches. Cuba has a tropical climate with the dry season lasting from November to April followed by the rainy seasons from May to October.

People in North America prefer to visit Cuba during March to May Season.  This helps to beat the cold and spend time at warm beaches.

Source : Intrepid Travel

4) Currency and conversion

There are two types of currencies

a) Cuban Peso (CUP) – used by the locals

b) Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) -  Also referred to as dollar and used for international conversion and trade. 

All international tourists and travelers are to use the convertible Pesos. The CUC is almost always valued at the rate of US dollar. That is 1 CUC = 1 USD.

The exchange rate for both currencies is maintained at 1 CUP = 25 CUC

The locals are paid their wages and local street hawkers accept CUC but when they see visitors, they accept only CUC. The funny part is the government values both Pesos as 1:1 for record keeping which I never understood. 

You can exchange the currency at your airport or when you land at Cuban Airport. Currency exchange is also available at the bigger hotels but the fees is higher. My advice ? carry some US dollars too. Locals love to get your US dollars.

5) Language and Basic communication

Cubans are very friendly and amiable folks with a good sense of humor.  Unlike in some countries they are open to talk and chat with foreigners, share information about their history and culture, as well as provide tips on local favorites.

As I had mentioned earlier, many Cubans can manage conversations with broken English and you can learn some basic Spanish phrases to return the courtesy and impress the locals

Source : arquapetrarca

6) Transportation and Local Commutes

Beware ! Unlike other tourist destinations, Cuba lags far behind in terms of public transport

a) If you in Cuba as a part of a tour group, you are provided with transportation to or from the accommodations / attractions. In Varadero as well as in Havana, there are buses as well as the hotels can arrange for taxi on request.

b) Cuba has railways – not local but connecting cities. However the schedules are not very reliable.

c) Renting a Car is the best option in my humble opinion. The pleasure and experience of driving around a vintage car is irreplaceable. However, we were asked to take a driver with us, who drove most of the time. But a good tip accompanied by sponsored lunch let him cave in and give us steering wheel for most part of return trip from Havana to Varadero.

Well, that’s all you need to know before you land in this beautiful country. Go on, get  your tickets, and pack your bag.

and as a token of appreciation for patiently reading through this, we present you with the "WanderlustEarth Certified Cuba Beginner " 
Badge. 

Drop us a comment to claim it and display it proudly on your site or wherever you would like to flaunt it :)