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From economic to luxury hotels, cars rental, transfers and domestic flights, excursions and touristic packages, assistance 24 hrs ... all Cuba for you |
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Location
Cuba is located at the entrance of the Gulf of Mexico. Its nearest neighbors are
Haiti to the east, the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) to the west, Florida (Unites States)
to the north and Jamaica to the south. It is 1200 km long and covers 110 922 square
kilometers in a territory that is mainly plain and karst. It has more than 280 beaches,
more than 4000 small islands and keys, grottoes, caves, mountains, forests, savannas and swamps.
Climate
Moderate subtropical.
Summer average temperature: 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Farenheit)
Winter average: 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Farenheit)
Dry season: from November to April
Rainy season: from May to October
Mountain ranges
Sierra de los Organos, in the west.
Sierra del Escambray, in the center-south.
Sierra Maestra, in the south-east, with the highest point, the Turquino Peak at 1974m
above sea level.
Wildlife
There are not animals or plants harmful to man. There live around 900 fish species,
most of them edible, near 300 birds, thousands of mollusks and insects and the smallest
animal species in the world: the sapito (Sminthillus Limbatus) and the hummingbird
(Mellisuga Helenae). There are more than 8000 plant species, half of them endemic.
Cuban's sea flora and fauna rank among the most beautiful and best preserved in the world.
Language
Spanish is the official language. In touristic spots employees speak English.
National flower
The white mariposa or butterfly jasmine.
National bird
The tocororo or Cuban trogon (Priotelus Temnurus).
National tree
The royal palm.
Population
Cuba's population of more than 11 million consists of descendants of Spaniards, Africans and
Asians.
Capital
City of Havana, with more than 2 million inhabitants.
Political-administrative division
Cuba is divided into 14 provinces and a special municipality with province attributes.
Provinces are divided into 169 municipalities. Havana City is the most populated province
and includes the capital city and its surroundigns.
Economy
Cane sugar is Cuba's leading export item. Other important activities include tourism,
cigar, nickel, rum, coffe and, from some years now, pharmaceutical and biotechnological
productions.
Education
Education is free at all levels and compulsory until secondary schooling. Illiteracy
was erradicated in 1961 and the people are highly trained.
Culture
Cuba, a country rich in artistic expressions and creative people, has contributed to
world culture by way of outstanding writers, dancers, musicians, painters, poets and
singers. The Cuban cultural infrastructure consists of theaters, museums, art galleries
and movie theaters. Cuba hosts major international events such as the Ballet Festival,
biennal exhibitions of plastic arts, folk music festivals, the New Latin American Film
Festival, etc.
Health
Health care services are free in Cuba, with one of the most comprehensive primary
health care programs in the world and the lowest infant mortality rate in Latin America.
Most hotels have a doctor for primary attention. There are 8 international clinics.
It is advisable to travel with health insurance.
Religion
As in any lay state, there is freedom of religion in Cuba. Catholicism and Afro-Cuban
rituals are the most prominent religions, although there are other tendencies and sects.
Currency
The national monetary unit is the Cuban Peso (CUP), equivalent to 100 cents. For touristic transactions
the Convertible Peso (CUC) is used, with a nominal value equivalent U.S. dollars.
1 CUC = 1 USD
Payment
Prices are listed in Convertible Pesos (CUC) at tourist facilities and other establishments. Therefore,
we recommend you to change any convertible currency to CUC on arrival, not used CUC may be reverted to
convertible currency before depart. In Varadero, Jardines del Rey and Cayo Largo the Euro is also accepted.
Credit cards, not drawn on U.S. banks or any of their subsidiaries are honored in Cuba. Travelers' checks
are not accepted.
Notice: American dollars in cash are penalized with a 10%, so it is recommended NOT to bring USD notes.
Instead, bring EUR, GBP, CHF, CAD or other strong currencies.
Custom regulations
Every tourist may bring (tax-free) personal effects, two bottles of liquor, a carton of
cigarettes, photo/video camera, sporting devices and up to 10kg of medicines. No firearms
may be brought into the country, except for hunting weapons duly authorized by relevant
Cuban agencies.
Inmigration regulations
Every visitor should have a valid passport or other travel document issued on his/her
name and a visa or a tourist card. The tourist card may be requested from Cuban consular
representations, travel agencies and airlines. Tourists from countries with which Cuba
has visa-waiving agreements do not require a visa.
Health regulations
The entry of unprocessed products of animal or vegetal origin is restricted. You may
import animals upon presentation of a relevant certificate.
Electric power
The electric curent in general use is 110 volts, 60 Hz. Some hotel facilities also
have 220 volts. If you plan to bring electric appliances with round plugs, also bring
a flat-prong adapter, for the electric outlets in Cuba will take flat prongs only.
Units
Cuba uses the metric system. In some private bussiness, pounds are used (1kg = 2.2lb).
Tourist seasons
High season: Jan/1 to March/15; July/15 to August/31; December/16 to December/31
Low season: March/16 to July/14; September/1 to December/15
Dates may be slightly different among service providers.
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Official prices in USD. Prices in EUR only as reference using current rate. Rate changes everyday.
Services offered in this site are subject to availability by the providers. They are confirmed when you receive our official proforma by email.
Some services require additional payment of 3 USD/person as handling fee.
Add 7% tax for financial fees. Discounts available in this fee if payment is by wire transfer or cash.
See Payment conditions
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