As I reflect on my 53rd birthday tomorrow, I think of all my travels over the years and have fond memories of Cuba and its people. When growing up in Toronto, our family holidays were always in Cuba through The Last Minute Club. Do any of you remember this affordable travel agency based in Toronto where you could get an all-inclusive to Holguin, Cienfuegos or Varadero for $399-$499 for the week?
Alas, times have changed and so has the cost of travelling to Cuba. However, there is good news! You can still travel to this lovely island renowned for its rum, cigars, baseball players, dancers and musicians at a great price.
Canadians have always had a love and affinity for this country. We even have a company down there in Moa- Sherritt nickel company. This beautiful island in the north of the Caribbean is paradise, to say the least. Since Fulgencio Batista was defeated by Che Cuevara and Fidel Castro, this country is rich in Spanish and Cuban heritage with a wealth of history.
Before we get into exploring this magnificent city, let’s talk about currency in Cuba. There are two official currencies in Cuba: the peso and the CUC (Cuban convertible peso)for travelers. The CUC is commonly accepted by local businesses and to give you an idea about the conversion rate from CAD to CUC, it is 1 CUC to $1.30 Canadian .
This blog focuses on the city of Havana and all it has to offer. Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spaniards and continues to be an attraction for locals and tourists alike. It is a walking city, so do not miss out on visiting El Malecon where the lighthouse is located. This is a lover’s seawall, an esplanade, if you will, stretching out 8 kilometres in length along Cuba’s coast. Steeped in catholicism, a visit to La Catedral de la Virgen Maria de la Concepcion de la Habana is a must see at no cost. If you want to experience sightseeing at your leisure, simply go on the hop-on-hop-off bus. The T1 takes you to old Havana, the T2 to Revolucion Square and the T3 heads east to the beaches. It is an inexpensive way to explore this wonderful city.For day trips from Havana, I would recommend seeing Pino del Rio, an agricultural area where tobacco is grown and you can explore the mountains hiking or rock-climbing. The cheapest and easiest way to get there is by shuttle leaving from Havana.
Now, let’s talk about what Cuba is famous for- el ron. Take an opportunity to visit El Museo del Ron Havana Club at Avenida del Puerto 262, esq. Sol, Habana Vieja Cuba, Havana, Cuba and only $7 CUCS. If you savor rum, like I do, this is a must visit.
If you fancy a mojito, why not walk over to Ernest Hemingway’s old watering hole, La Bodeguita del Medio. Although touristy, it is worth a visit. I, however, would recommend sauntering down to La Casa Bolear where they have 2 for 1 priced drinks and a rum goes for only 1 CUC.
Cuba is famous for its talented musicians, and Ry Cooder and The Buena Vista Social Club gave recognition and fame to all Cuban musicians. Music fills Cuba’s air, night clubs, restaurants, houses and streets and if you want to listen and dance to the Cuban rhythms, go visit Bar Monserrrate, Monserrrate No. 401.
Yes, if you love your stogies, Cuba is the place to sample:
- Montecristo No.2.
- Partagas Serie D.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona.
- Bolivar Belicoso.
- Cohiba Behike.
Better yet, visit a cigar-making factory called, La Corona Cigar Factory : Galiano Street 93, Havana, and savor the delights of a Cuban coffee and a cigar at only $13.00 CUCS.
Havana is not only a music lover’s paradise, but also home to the world famous, Club Tropicana. Cuba’s elite ballerina, Alicia Alonso set the stage for electrifying dance and this club has never forgotten her. Visit their website and look for discounted tickets at https://www.cabaret-tropicana.com/en/book/category/espectaculo.
Cuba is a great place to visit and if you have not had the opportunity to do so, I ask you, why not?
My next blog will talk about Cuban food, the weather and where to stay in this tropical paradise, so stay tuned for more…..
Travel On A Dime 