Cuba

About Cuba
In 2012 I went on a 2-week road trip with my mom and two sisters through Cuba.
Needless to say, it was incredible!
Please keep in mind that the information here is from 2012. In the meanwhile, the USA and Cuba have had some new agreements and it wouldn’t surprise me if a lot had changed.

Time: April-May
Duration: 2 weeks (15 days, flights included)
Budget: € 2200, including flights (€1000) & car rental

Safety
The first question we heard everywhere was “What? 4 women alone? to Cuba? and not on an organized trip?”
The first thing I can tell you about how I experienced Cuba: the people are so nice! I don’t think I’ve been to a country where everyone is so helpful and friendly.
We all felt very safe the whole time.

Culture shock
Be prepared for a culture shock though. For me and my sisters it was the first time going outside of Europe.We arrived in the evening, everything was dark (street lights is not something as common as in Belgium), there were so many new noises, smells, etc.
I’d lie if I’d say that I wasn’t scared when we arrived. When we woke up in the morning, everything was fine though. I haven’t visited many other caribbean countries yet, but I think that Cuba is, in general, very unique.

Communism
Do you notice the communism?
Difficult question… if you know what communism means, what it involves, then maybe you do. Houses are owned by the state and therefore everyone has one, but they’re often in poor shape. Everyone has acces to education, a lot of women work as police officers and clothes, soap and pencils are luxury products.

Itinerary

Havana – Varadero – Remedios – Cayo Santa Maria – Valle de Los Ingenios – Trinidad – Playa Rancho Luna – Cienfuegos – Playa Larga – Guama – Havana

Day 1 – Arrival in Havana

TGV Train from Brussels to Paris
Flight with Air France from Paris to Havana
Arrival in Havana & Casa particular “Dos Hermanas”

Day 2 – Havana

Visiting the city of Havana by foot and horse carriage

Day 3 – Matanzas

Pick up rental car in Havana.
Drive from Havana along the coast, through the valley of Matanzas, to Varadero.
Arrival at Varadero & Hotel “Los Delfines”.
Swimming at Varadero Beach.
Dinner at private restaurant.

Day 4 – Varadero

Breakfast at hotel.
Varadero Beach.
Burgers near Varadero Beach.
Dinner at Italian restaurant.

Day 5 – Varadero to Remedios

Visiting the city of Varadero by horse carriage.
Shopping at Varadero.
Drive to Remedios.
Arrival at casa particular …
Home made dinner

Day 6 – Cayo Santa Maria

Day trip to the beach of Cayo Santa Maria

Day 7 – Remedios

Visiting the city of Remedios

Day 8 – Valle de los Ingenios

Drive through Valle de Los Ingenios.
Stop-over at…
Stop-over at Haciendo “Casa Guachinango” => Horse back riding through the banana fields and live music!
Arrival at Trinidad & Casa Particular …
Dinner at Restaurant