Cuba

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, extending 750 miles, and is surrounded by mountains, plains, and deep valleys and over 200 bays and 289 beaches. Cuba has an area of 110,860 Sq Km and a population of 11 million. The capital of Cuba is Havana (La Habana) which is the largest city in the Caribbean where 60% of the population is Spanish descent, 22% is of mixed-race, 11% of African descent and 1% Chinese. This country has no plants or animals, including poisonous snakes, which are lethal to humans.

Cuba is one of the last countries where communism exists.

Attractions

• Havana is a lively city with night clubs, music venues, cabarets, cinemas, historic theaters, resorts, beaches and much more.
• Santiago de Cuba, which is Cuba's second largest city, boasts a noticeable Caribbean flavor. The oldest palaces and museums in Cuba are found here.
• In Trinidad, you can witness the history of the sugar plantation and rundown mansions. Museo Historico Municipal is the most impressive museum in this city and just outside of Trinidad are located some of Cuba's finest beaches.
• Baracoa is a more laid back place which has an abundance of palm trees.
• Pinar del Rio Province has lovely landscapes and hiking areas. You will find a centuryold Spanish spa and natural hot spring called San Diego de los Banos. Also the finest cigar tobacco in Cuba is grown in this province.

Carnival

Like most of the Caribbean, Cuba celebrate Carnival in Santiago de Cuba which takes place during the last two weeks of July and the first week of August.

Events

Some of the most popular events in Cuba are the Havana Carnival which takes place in late Feb to early March; the Jornadas de la Cultura Camagneyana which takes place during the first two weeks in February; the Havana International Jazz Festival which takes place every second year in February; the Semana de la Cultura; the Electroacoustic Music Festival; the Romeria de Mayo in May and the Fiestas Sanjuaneras, the Festival of Caribbean Culture in June or July; the Havana Festival of Contemporary Music in October; the Semana de la Clutra Trinitaria in November, and the International Festival of Latin American Film in December.

Resorts & Beaches

Varadero - There are many spectacular resorts and beaches in Cuba. Varadero is a town which is only a couple hours from Havana and sits on over 12 miles of white sand, heavenly beaches and turquoise waters. Many Canadian and Europeans find this beach resort to be a perfect holiday paradise to get away from the everyday stress and tension of home. It is one of the top ten beaches in the world. Furthermore, there are cabarets, nightclubs and exotic restaurants.

Havana - The vibrant culture, Cuban beats and exotic rhythm makes Havana one of the world's hottest destinations. There are many activities, colourful cadillacs, cigars with lively markers and sceneries. One of the most popular tourist attraction is the Plaza de la Catedral. Havana is great for shopping, night clubs and cuban cigars.

Activities

Some of the most popular activities in Cuba are hiking and trekking, horseback riding, surfing, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing.