Given its near geographic location and the friendly relations with Mexico, Cuba will
celebrate the national holiday of the Aztec territory, from September 13 to 20.

For this reason, those travel agencies operating destination Cuba, together with Cuban
tourism entities and Cuba’s Tourism Office, have organized a special celebration in the Biggest island of the Antilles, to allow all Mexicans celebrate in Cuba their national holiday (Grito de Dolores) as if they were on their own country.

A Mexican Day hill take place at Havana’s Hotel Comodoro, in Playa district, starting
September 13, composed by a great dinner and musical show, and Mexican artists photo exhibitions, sea and sport activities, fashion shows. opening of a Mexican food
restaurant, Cuba—Mexico gastronomic traditions meetings, Bolero night, and a week of Aztec cinema.

Also a huge party will take place September 15 on Havana’s Hotel Occidental Miramar, and on any place where Benito Juarez’s fellow countrymen are lodged they will have transportation services to go to this hotel.

The Cultural show will present typical dances, Mexican ballads, mariachis and boleros and the presence of the Cuban Group.

See the whole of Havana for just 5.00 CUC

Brand new tourist buses tour the city in three different routes - T1, T2 and T3 – that come together at two points: Plaza de a Revolucion for T1 and T2, Parque Central for T1 and T3. One ticket at 5.00 CUC is valid for the whole day for use in all three interconnecting routes.

These buses with the Hop On/ Hop off service, let you get on and off the bus as you wish at any bus stop, simply by showing your valid ticket purchased on the day.

The service runs from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

This is what is left of Givara after Hurrican IKE. Hurricane Ike barreled into Cuba’s eastern province of Holguin late Sunday.

Givara Town

Givara Town

 

Givara Town

Givara Town

Possessing a wealth of history, culture and traditions, Havana is the most popular destination in Cuba and one of the most enchanting cities in the world. Ernest Hemingway, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, once said that, in terms of beauty, it was surpassed only by Venice and Paris.

Ever since the 16th century Havana has been Cuba’s Capital. It has many attractions: beautiful beaches, well-preserved colonial architecture, splendid recreation areas, grand hotels, renowned night clubs and cabarets and famous restaurants.

Havana is a cosmopolitan city where, over the centuries, Spaniards and blacks provided the main ingredients in its ethnic mixing. Now, conference tourism is increasing steadily, and there are tempting water sports and health tourism programs, as well. All of Cuba’s main hospitals and scientific research centers are in Havana, and around 21 health installations —including laboratories, optician’s and drugstores— guarantee that, if needed, you’ll get top-quality care. Enjoy peace, good health and safety.

Location

Havana is on the northwestern coast of the island of Cuba. It is bounded by the Straits of Florida to the North and by Havana Province to the South, East and West. It is both the largest city and the smallest province in Cuba and consists of 15 municipalities, nine of which are predominantly urban.

Climate

Warm an humid, but cooled by sea breezes by day and by land breezes by night.

How to get there

Most people come by air, through any of Havana’s airports that handle international flights. Or you can come by sea, arriving at the Hemingway or Tarara Marina.

Culture

Havana is the main cultural centre in Cub. Its offers include all manifestations of the arts, literature, science and sports. The head quarters of renowned cultural institutions are situated in Havana. The city hosts many important festivals such as International Ballet Festivals, Latin-American Film Festivals, International Guitar Festivals of Havana, International Festival of Latin Jazz and so much more.

What to See
Stroll through Havana to savor the beauty of its architecture and the treasures displayed in its museums.

In 1982 in recognition of the patrimonial values of its old city part and its system of fortifications protecting the entrance of Havana’s harbor, the colonial elegance of its mansions and its impressive churches; Unesco declared Havana a World Heritage Site.

Recommended

Old Havana, the Malecon seawall walk, La rampa, Plaza de La Revolucion, Cementerio de Colon, ExpoCuba, Jardin Botanico Nacional, East Havana 60 kilometer long sandy beaches, Morro Cabaña park, El Floridita Restaurant, La Bodeguita del Medio, El Patio Restaurant. Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas, San Francisco Square, Marina Hemingway, Tropicana Show and Parisien Show.

Where to Stay

The city has the largest hotel infrastructure in the country. It is solidly supported by the professionalism of its personnel. There are many 5 star hotels such as The National Hotel de Cuba, Parque Central Hotel, Saratoga Hotel, Melia Cohiba and Melia Habana hotels. There is a wide range of 4 star hotels and the ones in the old town area stand out for its unique architecture and character. Raquel Hotel, Ambos Mundos, Palacio Ofarriil Hotel, Florida Hotel, Condes de Villanueva are just some of Havana’s best 4 star hotels. There are also a number of budget hotels such as Park View, Hostal Valencia, Caribbean Hotel, Lincoln Hotel, Lido and so many more.

Identified in atlases under the name of the Sabana-Camaguey Archipelago, Jardines del Rey tourist resort covers an area of 465 kilometres along the northern coastline of the central provinces of Cuba, from Matanzas to Camaguey. Sixty per cent 2517) of the total number of keys surrounding the island of Cuba belong to Jardines del Rey, including two of the largest, Cayo Romano (777 square kilometres) and Cayo Coco (370 square kilometres). The latter and the miniature Cayo Guillermo (13 square kilometres) today form the main nucleus of this tourist resort.

This outstanding area houses over 700 species of terrestrial flora (126 of them endemic), 958 species of terrestrial fauna and a further 900 species of fish. Over 450 kilometres of frontal reefs make its beaches exceptionally high quality.

How to get there:

Cayo Coco has a new international airport with flights from Europe, America and other tourist centres on the Island. It is also possible to get here over land, by means of a walkway built over the sea, or by mooring at Puertosol Cayo Guillermo har
bour.

Sun and sand:

Warm bluish-green waters characterise the nigh on 30 kilometres of beaches at the Coco and Guillermo keys, where the highest sand dunes in the Caribbean also rise. Particularly well known as a stunning, virgin beach is Playa Pilar, in Cayo Guillermo. It is also possible to swim in the sea at the secluded beaches of Paredón Grande key.

City:

Horse and carriage rides around the picturesque town of Moron, also known Culture:
Avila is a land of many traditions and multiple influences, which are reflected in its popular festivities. In the Majagua district the festivities linked to rural traditions originate from the Canary Islands. Meanwhile, in the districts of Baraguá, Venezuela, Ciro Redondo, Bolivia and 1 ro de Enero the cultural predominance of immigrants from the English- speaking Caribbean is evident. In Chambas and Punta Alegre lively parrandas are held, while in Ciego de Avila popular craftsman ship has a long-standing tradition.

Nature:

Around 90% of the vast territory of Cayo Coco is covered in vegetation, which makes it an ideal place for anyone who seeks direct contact with nature. Interesting excursions include a visit to El Bagá nature reserve, venturing into the low ridges of Cunagua or joining a tour of the hills of Florencia. The trip is undertaken on horse back and includes a visit to a tobacco plantation and takes in a rodeo show in the town of Florencia, finishing off on the banks of the river Jatibonico del Norte with a typical country lunch.

Active tourism:

A network of roads spanning over 200 kilometres Links the Coco, Paredén Grande, Guillermo and Romano keys and allows tourists to move in any direction in search of activity. Here visitors will find the perfect conditions for diving and snorkelling, yachting, trips in a catamaran and water sports. Particularly attractive are the trips along the channels of the south of the keys and trips on horseback or in a jeep around the low ridge of Florencia and the river Boquerón. Boat trips around La Redonda lagoon (an ideal setting for trout fishing), visits to La Mamita buffalo reserve, to La Rosa crocodile breeding ground, or to the Diego Velázquez light house, or a ride in a train pulled by a steam engine, give visitors a choice of activities to enjoy during their stay in Jardines del Rey.

Leisure and restaurants:

The majority of restaurants are to be found in the hotels themselves. A visit to Sitio La Guira, the cultural-culinary complex is a must. This is a reproduction of one of the many settlements of coal merchants that are known to have existed in Cayo Coco at the turn of the 20th century, and in particular the huts known as El Tio, a village which recounts the most unexpected tales of the key, as well as being a place to enjoy rural festivities and traditional Cuban cui sine. Other suggestions to bear in mind include sampling the cuisine at Rocarena restaurant, in Cayo Coco, the Bodeguita de Guillermo, in Cayo Guillermo, and the San Fernando parador, in Moron. For some more fun visit La Cueva del Jabali, a day time and evening recreational centre located in beautiful natural surroundings, which offers Cuban music and dance shows as well as games and entertainment.

Trinidad is Cuba’s museum city’ and the third of the seven towns founded by Diego Velázquez on the island (1514). The original splendour of Trinidad can clearly be seen in its magnificent residences and small, beautifully-preserved palaces, distinctly influenced by the Baroque and neo classical styles, as well as its ornately deco rated balconies, stunning main doors and tiles of an unusual red colour. Thanks to its treasures of historical heritage, Trinidad and the nearby Valle de Los Ingenios were both declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1988. On the outskirts of the town, which barely covers an area of 3 km, are places of major tourist, historical and cultural interest. These include Cayo Blanco, Playa Maria Aguilar, Topes de Collantes, the Valle de San Luis and the Los Ingenios, the Torre Manaca-Iznaga, and a little further away the city of Sancti Spiritus, the provincial capital.

How to get there:

The main route of access is by road through the cities of Cienfuegos (83 km), Santa Clara (88 km) and Sancti Spiritus (67 km). The city has an airport that can receive small and medium-sized aircraft. Pleasure cruisers and other vessels can dock at Casilda port.

Sun and sand:

Visitors to the Peninsula de Ancón, which is only a few minutes from the city centre and where the main hotel development in this tourist region is centred, enjoy a bathing area that stretches for over four kilometres at Ancón and Maria Aguilar beaches. Under their warm, shallow waters lies an unusual seabed with a lush world of different corals, gorgonians, sea derricks, sponges, small tropical reef fish and different species of turtle.

City:

The paved streets with their peaceful atmosphere invite visitors to wander through this vast open-air museum known as Trinidad. Any trip must begin in Plaza Mayor, the main square, where a group of buildings reveal, in their age-old splendour, a well-preserved example of the Creole- Baroque style. The small squares of Real del Jigue — where the first Catholic mass was said and which today is home to one of the town’s most symbolic venues, La Canchánchara tavern— and Segarte, as well as Plaza de Santa and Plaza de Las Tres Cruces, are all places not to be missed in this attractive city with over a hundred places of interest to tourists and a wealth of heritage.

No less exciting is a visit to the city of Sancti Spiritus, another of the first towns founded by the Spanish conquistadors on the Island (1512). Its historical centre, which was declared a National Monument, and the famous bridge over the Rio Yayabo are both worth a close look.

Culture:

The celebration of the carnival festivities (June) and the now traditional Jornada de La Cultura Trinitaria )day of Trinidad culture, held in November) are both excellent opportunities to join in the rich culture of Trinidad, featuring the traditional Trova (ballad), Trinidad songs, country folklore and Afro-Cuban shows. Trinidad also has an extensive and interesting selection of museums.

Nature:

A distance of barely 16 km separates Trinidad from Topes de Collantes, the vast nature reserve of outstanding natural beauty and major scientific value, which offers exceptional conditions for nature and adventure tourism, On the outskirts of the city, the Ma Dolores property, in the midst of cozy natural surroundings that serve as the backdrop for a magnificent show of country folklore, and EL Cubano plantation, on the banks of the river Guarabo, provide other opportunities for recreation. A little further away, Alturas de Banao is also an ideal way to enjoy contact with nature in the centre of the island.

Active tourism:

All visitors must be sure not to miss the excellent views afforded by the Valle de San Luis or the Valle de Los Ingenios which can be seen from above Manaca-Iznaga bell-tower, or the natural vantage points of Loma del Puerto and Cerro de La Vigia. At the Valle de Los Ingenios it is possible to take a trip to this heritage site in a train pulled by an old steam engine.

The more intrepid traveler may wish to tour part of the mountainous massif of Escambray; in a four-wheel drive jeep. Going on walks and bathing in natural pools and waterfalls can be as exciting as taking part in a trek, or going on a sea-safari in a catamaran to the Blanco and Machos de Afuera keys, where visitors can enjoy snorkelling and diving.

Other options available include a mad adventure at El Cubano park; following the Route of the Spanish Conquistadors going back up the river Guayabo; or spending a day hunting and fishing at Laguna del Taje or Zaza dam, In the coastal area of the Peninsula de Ancón visitors can enjoy diving, yachting and other motorized or non motorized water sports.

Health tourism:

Programmes for improving quality of life, treatments to combat stress, bal neotherapy, physical culture, ozone, traditional medicine, gym, massages and specialist medical care are on offer at the Kurhotel Escambray, situated 800 m above sea level in Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve.

Leisure and restaurants:

Trinidad offers a wide selection of restaurants quite apart from the hotels, while all of the hotels provide daytime and evening entertainment. Visitors will be sure to enjoy Casa de Artex and Casa de La Trova; the underground club run by Horizontes Las Cuevas hotel and the service complex situated in the old Royal Jail.

From San Juan de Los Remedios (1578), the eighth town built by the Spanish in Cuba, the settlers departed almost a century later in search of prosperity and to place themselves beyond the reach of corsairs and pirates, founding Santa Clara in 1689 in a valley in the centre of the island. In the end its prosperity and strategic position led to the city being declared the capital of the former province of Las Villas and, later, of Villa Clara, where the youngest Cuban destination is to be found, Las Brujas, Ensenachos and Santa Maria keys, to the north of the territory.

How to get there:

It takes no time to get to Santa Clara in the centre of the Island, along the Autopista Nacional (motorway) or the Carretera Central (central highway) from Havana (267 Km.), Cienfuegos (74 Km.), Varadero (207 Km.) and Trinidad (88 Km.). Another alternative is to arrive at Abet Santamaria International Airport, 12 kilometres from the city, which receives large capacity aircraft, or at Cayo Las Brujas airport, for small and medium-sized aircraft.

Sun and sand:

A road over the sea measuring 48.6 Km long joins the Villa Clara district of Caibarién with the Las Brujas, Ensenachos and Santa Maria keys, to the north of the province. The first is steeped in a popular legend of an impossible love affair involving another islet in the region, Borracho; the second has a permanently calm sea owing to its location; and the third is also interesting for archaeology enthusiasts. All three boast fine, white sandy beaches, a gentle slope and ultra transparent waters. Attractive surroundings for diving, fishing, water sports and boat trips along the canals that separate the keys.

City:

Santa Clara, the capital of the most central of Cubas provinces, was founded in 1689 by relations of San Juan de Los Remedios. This is one of the most important cities in the country owing to its scientific and industrial strength. It set the stage for the last battles that resulted in revolutionary triumph on 1 January 1959, Led by commander Ernesto Che” Guevara. It is also renowned for its strong culture and history.

Culture:

Some of the history and culture of Villa Clara is on display at the Provincial Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts, whose collections reveal in chronological order the events that took place in the country, the life and work of top figures in the arts and furniture and decorative items from the 18th and 19th centuries, serving as examples of the influence in the province of the rococo, neoclassical and Cuban imperial styles.
Mausoleum to Ernesto ‘Che” Guevara. and his compatriots who fell in Bolivia: here lie the remains of the legendary Cuban- Argentine guerrilla and some of his compatriots who fell in Bolivia. On display are personal objects belonging to Che and to other combatants who participated in the war of liberation, which took place in Cuba from 1956 to 1959, and the Bolivian epic of 1967 In the way of theatre, dance, literature and music there is always something to see at the different night spots, cultural institutions and theatres in the city, among them La Caridad Theatre (built in 1885 and declared a National Monument), where the Italian tenor Enrico Caruso will be performing.

San Juan de Los Remedios was the eighth town founded in Cuba (1578). Its historical city centre, which was declared a National Monument in 1980, contains important heritage buildings that are extremely well pre served. The most valuable example of heritage in Remedios and one of the most important in the whole country is the Parroquial Mayor de Remedios 116th century). Its enormous Baroque altarpiece made from cedar and laminated in gold is considered one of the most beautiful in Latin America. Home where the famous musician Alejandro Garcia Caturla was born in Remedios (1906-1940). A revolutionary and independent composer who based his works on Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

Museum of the Parrandas Remedianas. Dedicated to this popular festival which has been held every year since 1820 and is a well-established tradition. On display are photos, models, changing rooms, street lamps and other objects used during these processions. One of the most important actions led by Che Guevara during the battle of Santa Clara was the armoured train. Parts of the convoy, one of the last resorts by the government of the period, remain in the place where the fighting took place and on display inside are photos and weapons. Famous all over the country are the traditional parrandas of Remedios and Camajuani, which are districts divided into Carmelitas and Sansarles and Chivos and Sapos, respectively. Once a year they show off with brotherly rivalry their carriages, squares, tricks and fireworks. At the end the two sides from each place declare themselves the winners.

Nature:

The Guamuahya mountain range (to the centre of southern Cuba) is a place of outstanding natural beauty and stunning scenery. Rain-forest mountain vegetation, with a vast number of trees, thrives here and a hundred or so endemic species have been identified. This is a great place to observe the landscape, flora and fauna. Hill walking, hiking, trips, cycling tours, caving and horse-riding all allow people to experience and become better acquainted with the local culture.

The keys to the north of Villa Clara house 248 species of plants, while the refuge for fauna (77 844 hectares) provides shelter for coruas (a type of cormorant), pink flamingos, seagulls, coral snakes, cantiles (a variety of snake found in Cuba), dog fish (exclusive), chivirica (a variety of goat), molluscs, iguanas, the jutia rat from Cayo Fragoso and the chipojo azul (the Cuban blue chameleon of Santa Maria), both of the latter being endemic.

Active tourism:

Towards the west of Cayo Santa Maria appears a rocky seabed (cabezos) combined with a corral reef that prevents surges of heavy waves on the beaches of the keys and provides refuge for dozens of underwater species which are extremely beautiful both to look at and for underwater photography. Other water sports can be practiced in this area as well as diving, such as sailing, deep-sea fishing, surfing, speed boat racing, water-skiing, etc.
Since 1933, a mile from Cayo Frances, the San Pascual boat, has lain aground. This relic of naval engineering was launched at sea in 1919 from the shipyards of San Francisco, California, to transport honey. It holds memories of the presence in these waters of North American writer Ernest Hemingway and the Cuban painter Leopoldo Romañach. It has been converted into a floating hotel.

Lake Hanabanilta and Alacranes dam, two of the most extensive dams in the country, are ideal for catching trout.

Health:

At the end of the 19th century, a slave discovered curative properties in the waters of the Elguea, on the north-western coastline of Villa Clara. A high level of sulphur and very hot temperatures encourage the recovery of people suffering from skin, bone, brain and respiratory disorders. Programmes to combat stress improve the quality of life.

Leisure and restaurants:

There are cultural and recreational centres in the province, where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy themselves while getting to know the traditions and identity of the province.
At various establishments, restaurants and country properties, Cubanacen Palmares and Rumbos give visitors the opportunity to have a pleasant time while sampling Villa Clara’s cuisine. There are also several fast food establishments such as the Ditu, Piropo and El Repido coffee bars.

Hurricane “Gustav” in the Caribbean has left a balance of 85 dead, and a revealing fact: none of them was Cuban.

“Gustav” reached Cuba on Saturday, August 30, with sustained winds of 240 kilometers per hour, category 4 in the Saffir-Simpson scale. The province that was hit the worst was Pinar del Rio. In its path around the island, the hurricane caused 18 injuries, none serious, and destroyed partially or totally 90,000 houses. All will be rebuilt.

Tourist resorts like Cayo Largo and Las Terrazas (La Moka) remain close until further notice.

“Gustav”, a category 4 hurricane with its passage through Cuba , did not cause any victim in a poor and underdeveloped country.”Gustav”, a category 2 hurricane with its passage by the

U.S., left seven dead (for now) in the most powerful country on earth.

French immigrants from Bordeaux and Louisiana founded the colony of Fernandina de Jagua on 22 April 1819, around a beautiful, wide bay on the central southern coast of Cuba. In 1830 it changed its name to Cienfuegos in honor of the general governor of the island, José Cienfuegos. Fifty years later it was declared a city and its outstanding beauty won it the title of “The Pearl of the South”. At the end of the 19th century its prosperity made it the fourth most important city in the country. Since 1976 it has been the capital of the province of the same name and one of the cities with the greatest industrial develop ment of the archipelago.

How to get there

The 256 kilometres separating Cienfuegos and Havana can be covered by car along the national motorway and the Aguada de Pasajeros road. Jaime Gonzalez airport receives medium and small cargo international flights while Puertosol, the yachting harbour company, on the Bahia de Jagua, opens its doors to pleasure boats.

Sun and sand:

As with all cities by the sea, Cienfuegos has always had very close ties with its coastline. Two of the places that contribute most to this bond, in addition to the bay, are Rancho Luna and Inglés beaches. The first offers a semicircle of fine sand and peaceful waters, while the second is one of the best places for swimming in the sea and practicing water sports. Near both beaches, the well-inhabited corral formations make SCUBA diving an attractive proposition.

City:

So beautiful that it is considered the jewel of Cuban architecture of the 19th century, Cienfuegos stands out for the perfect layout of its streets and the refinement and elegance of the buildings in the Historical Centre, which was declared a National Monument.

With an important collection of historical and cultural treasures, this part of the city contains some of its most outstanding buildings, such as the Casa del Fundador, Nuestra Señora de La Purisima Concepción Cathedral, the Tomás Terry Theatre and the Palacio Ferrer, as well as José Marti Park, wherein stands the only Arc de Triomf in Cuba.

Visitors won’t have far to walk to find the Paseo deL Prado, the longest avenue in the country, the Palaclo de Valle, the Naval and Provincial History Museum, the Cementerio de Reina and the Fronton Jai Alai. Situated a little further from the centre are the Fortaleza Nuestra Señora de los Angeles de Jagua, the setting for the popular legend of the blue lady, the Cementerio Tomás Acea, where there is a replica of the Parthenon, and the Botanic Gardens, the second largest on the island.

Culture:

“The city I Like best” is precisely how Cienfuegos was defined by one of the famous representatives of this land and national culture, Bartolomé Maximiliano More, known to Cubans simply as Beny More or the Bárbaro del Ritmo (literally the Beat Barbarian). In honour of the great son performer, the festival that is named after him is held every year in Santa Isabel de Las Lajas However, the refinement of the people of Cienfuegos also stands out in their culture, in particular the plastic arts, the art and music, in which the name of the Aragón orchestra (which is over half a century old) and a solid movement of trios are well known,

Nature:

Cienfuegos has the second largest botanic garden in Cuba and one of the richest in the continent of America. It was founded at the turn of the 20th century under the auspices of Harvard University (USA). Approximately 10% of the province’s surface area of 4177.2 Km.2 is taken up with the Cordillera de Guamuhaya, which is brimming over with indigenous flora and fauna, springs, waterfalls, caves, pot holes, natural vantage-points and valleys between the mountains, where exciting adventures, country life and various mountain sports are there to await you. It would be unforgiv able to leave without visiting places such as El Nicho, the Valle de Yaguanabo, the Cueva de Martin Infierno (NationaL Monument) and the Pico San Juan.

An abundance of migratory ducks, rabiche and aliblancas pigeons, quails, Guinea fowl, pheasants and yaguasines make up the fauna of Yariguá.

Active tourism:

At 30 diving points near the coast it is possible to see grottoes, sunken ships, underwater valleys and reefs, inhabited by multicoloured fish, gorgonians, molluscs, turtles, crustaceans, sponges and sea snails. But the wonderful thing about the seabed here is Notre Dame, the largest column reef in America (4 metres), so called owing to its structure similar to that of the Paris cathedral.

The exceptional conditions of Bahia de Cienfuegos, well sheltered and covering an area of 88 Km have made it into an ideal place not only for commerce, but also for boat trips around the Carenas, Loco, Alcatraz and Ocampo keys and Perché fishing village, as well as fishing, regattas, kayak, wind-surfing, sailing and other water sports. It was declared the sailing capital of Cuba and each year the city holds one stage of the formula T-1 speedboat Grand Prix.

Health:

Anyone suffering from skin disorders, arthritis and circulatory problems may find the perfect remedy in the mineral and medicinal waters of Ciego Montero, 23 kilometres from Cienfuegos. From these springs rise one of the finest table waters that are most in demand on the national market.

The tourist authorities in the province are keen to encourage the congress and incentive trip industry and there fore, as well as creating the necessary conditions for holding such important events as the Fiesta de Los Amigos del Mar (Friends of the Sea Festival), they recently set up the Cuba Conventions Bureau secretary’s office for the island.

Leisure and restaurants

Caribesur Complex: restaurant, café, pool table, mini-golf, swimming pool, piano bar, grill, natural swimming pool, shops and berths for boats, with local culture also making a major appearance.

The Afro-Cuban Night in Palmira includes a visit to the museum and a cabildo (an ethnic gathering) to get to know the impressive Yoruba Pantheon and to witness a ritual ceremony of the Regla de Osha.

The Guanaroca Cabaret and the Club Beny More, one at the Jagua hotel and the other at the boulevard, are places to enjoy good Cuban music and dance till you drop.
Regularly making an appearance at the Tomás Terry Theatre are concert players, theatrical and dance groups, comedians and performers from right around the province and the country.

In this city by the sea the most popular restaurants specialize in seafood and fish dishes, such as La Cueva del Camarón, Casa Caribeña, Palacio de Valle and Covadonga. There are also restaurants serving international, Italian and Creole cuisine. Among the finest are Cubanacán Palniares, Pizza Nova, Pollo Ditu Rumbos, Piropo and El Rapido.

Cayo Largo del Sur is a true paradise for those who are looking for secluded beaches, fine white sand and transparent waters, ideal for diving and practicing water sports. Its size (37.5 square kilometres) makes it the second largest island in the Canarreos archipelago, one of the four groups of isles that surround the island of Cuba. It is located in the south-western part of the Cuban archipelago, at a distance of 177 km from Havana, 170 km from Varadero and 140 km from Nueva Gerona, the capital of Isla de Ia Juventud special district, for merely the refuge of pirates and corsairs and then known as Treasure Island. Thanks to its natural characteristics and the existence of a modern and functional hotel infrastructure that is continually being improved, Cayo Largo del Sur is also an ideal location for wedding trips and honeymoons.

How to get there:

Airline companies from Europe and America and domestic airlines fly directly to Vito Acuña international airport, in Cayo Largo del Sur. It is also possible to arrive by sea, at Puertosol marina, which operates as a free port. In Punta Frances, Isla de Ia Juventud, there are also facilities available for mooring pleasure cruisers.

Sun and sand:

Playa Sirena, (with sand which, thanks to its particular composition, fails to heat up even under the most intense rays of the sun), Lindamar, Tortuga, Playa Blanca, Los Cocos and Paraiso, six magnificent Caribbean beaches, each endowed with its own natural surroundings and which together cover an area of 24 km, ensure thorough enjoyment of the attractions and delights of Cayo Largo del Sur. On the neighboring island of Isla de Ia Juventud, Bibijagua beach, with its exotic black sand, offers a different kind of appeal.

City:

Discovering the delights of Isla del Tesoro (Treasure Island), a setting alleged ly recreated by Scottish writer Robert L.Stevenson in his homonymous novel, is a good reason for traveling to Isla de Ia Juventud and getting to know the historical centre of the city. This includes the Workshop of Applied Arts; the Model Prison, a place where Fidel Castro and his fellow assailants from the Cuartel Moncada (Moncada Barracks) were incarcerated (1953); and the Finca ElAbra museum, the temporary residence of Cuban national hero José Marti (1870). A visit to the island is also worthwhile to get to know a musical genre that is specific to this part of Cuba: El Sucu-Sucu.

Nature:

The excellent standard of preservation of the natural environment in Cayo Largo del Sur, which makes it appear as virgin a spot as it was at the outset, is demonstrated by the fact that each year hundreds of turtles come to its fine sands to lay their eggs, leaving behind them a memorable spectacle. On Isla de Ia Juventud, nature tourism enthusiasts can take a trip to see Jungla de Jones, an age-old wood; or discover Los Indios Ecological Reserve and Cayos de San Felipe fauna reserve.

Active tourism:

Both Cayo Largo del Sur and Isla de Ia Juventud have international diving centres and offer fantastic conditions for enjoying this activity in areas such as Punta Frances, Playa Sirena and Los Batlenatos keys, which are also ideal locations for underwater photography. The presence of coral formations right next to the coast also makes it possible to go snorkeling. Fishing can be carried out in the area around near by Cayo Piedra, Cayeria Los Majáes, Cayos Alcatraces and Cayos Pedraza. Trips on a yacht or catamaran are recommended to Cayo Iguana, a small, natural, Caribbean Jurassic Park; Cayo Rico, Cayo Los Pájaros, Cayo Rosario, Cayo Cantiles and Cayo Sigua. Those keen on speleology tourism have a fantastic opportunity awaiting them:
to visit the caves of Punta del Este, on Isla de Ia Juventud. These were declared a National Monument thanks to the historical value of the cave paintings found on the walls, with such a unique style that they are considered the most important in the Antilles.

Leisure and restaurants

The majority of the selection of restaurants and leisure opportunities can be found at the hotels themselves or at the Plaza del Pirata.