Cuba

Most tourists traveling to Cuba choose to spend time enjoying the magnificent beaches of Varadero, located on the long and narrow Hicacos Peninsula. Some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in Cuba are located in this region, with a stretch of more than 12 miles of white sand and crystal clear waters that laps the shore. Cuba hotels in Varadero feature many attractions, such as naturally-formed pools that stretch through palm trees and lush, green gardens. There are quiet getaways for those who need to disconnect from the stress of work and daily life, but these hotels can also be the beginning of a unique adventure in Cuba.

In Cuba, there are nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a tribute to its rich history and vibrant culture. Just 93 miles from the Cuban resorts in Varadero, Old Havana tops most visits. It has gained recognition for its authentic Spanish colonial architecture and for the fortification system that once protected its main industry: shipbuilding. A short walk around the city offers breathtaking views of the historic baroque and neoclassical structures. Another slice of Cuban history circulates Old Havana: brightly colored old cars. These vehicles are the result of the 60-year trade embargo. As no new cars were imported from the U.S., old cars were preserved and are now used to transport tourists around the streets of the capital. A visit to the Bellas Artes National Museum provides a fascinating insight into Cuba's history through its art. The exhibition starts with the first examples of indigenous art on the upper level and covers up to modern art, with examples of the turbulent era of the revolution. Visitors wanting to travel to the city of Trinidad will be rewarded with a journey back in time. Guests will be transported back to the 19th century. Horses roam the cobbled streets, vendors offer their wares, and street musicians strum the guitar. This meticulously preserved town was built when sugar plantations flourished in the early 1800s. Wealthy owners filled their mansions with Italian paintings and French candelabras. The Escambray mountain range dominates the city of Trinidad. Going into the mountains offers spectacular, panoramic views.

Cuban cigars are internationally famous, and US travelers can now buy up to $100 worth of cigars to bring back home. Ranking them by brand is a difficult task, but visitors can’t go wrong when choosing Cohiba, the preferred brand of Fidel Castro before he gave up smoking in 1977. Rum is another sought-after item, and guests at Cuban hotels in Varadero can try a wide variety at the nearby Rum Museum and buy a bottle of their own. Varadero Market is full of handmade leather goods, sculptures, paintings, textiles, and jewelry. Friendly vendors will be happy to haggle, offering a great place to soak up the local atmosphere while finding fun gifts to take home as souvenirs of a memorable vacation.