Once a favored playground of American and European jet-setters, today Cuba is known more for its culture than its beaches and bars. Travel to the Caribbean island nation by U.S. citizens has been prohibited for half a century. Now, through the people-to-people program, escorted Cuba tours 2015 are now available through select, reputable tour companies. Step through the once-closed door to explore Cuba’s past and present, its revolution and evolution, and gain different perspectives from the Cuban people themselves. Take a front-row seat to history while chatting with one of Cuba’s fledgling entrepreneurs. Learn how those who were educated under government mandates for literacy and the arts are now spreading their wings and exploring new found freedoms. See how 21st-century enterprises like organic farms and eco-tourism are gaining a foothold.
What can you expect to see on an escorted Cuba tour? That depends on which trip you select. Since these tours are designed to provide an educational exchange, tours usually include visits to local schools, farms, shops, manufacturers, medical facilities and visits with local artists and musicians. You any also interact with charitable organizations to learn more about their work. Other trips include highlights such as cooking demonstrations, a dinner in a paladar (a small, privately owned Cuban restaurant,) or a hands on lesson on making hand rolled cigars may be included. You will of course also get to see the local sites.
Havana, Cuba’s capital, has a population of about 2.5 million. Overall, the city is in a state of decay and disrepair, aside from a few renovated buildings and major tourist areas like parts of Old Havana (La Habana Vieja). The city is very spread out and you will need at least 3 days to see the major sights. Here are some of the things you can expect to see.
Old Havana: Havana was founded almost 500 years ago, so it makes sense to start in the oldest district where the city began. Start at the Plaza de la Catedral, where the city’s beautiful baroque cathedral stands. The cathedral is open 10:30a-3p daily, and there is no admission fee. The exterior is one of the finest examples of Cuban baroque architecture. The square is surrounded by great colonial buildings such as the Casa del Marques de Arcos and the Casa de Lombillo. There is a museum of colonial art in the house of the Conde de Bayona, also facing the square. From here, it’s a 5 minute walk to the Plaza de Armas, one of Havana’s most beautiful squares. This is the spot where Havana was first founded, and the square witnessed many of Cuba’s most important events. Visit the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, Havana’s first major fort and now a naval museum that traces the history of ships and shipbuilding through the ages. Do not miss the views from the top staircase, to get a better sense of the fort (surrounded by a moat) and part of the old city. Facing the square is Havana’s most beautiful colonial building, the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, a masterpiece of 18th century architecture, which today houses the museum of Havana’s history. If you pick 1 museum to go to in old Havana, make this your choice. The building is open Tuesday to Sunday, and is well worth a visit. This building housed the governors of Cuba during the colonial years, and was the site of Cuba’s first president’s swearing in ceremony in 1902. From here, continue to the Plaza San Francisco, a beautiful square flanked by the church of San Francisco. You can get lost in Old Havana’s many narrow streets, each with its own history. If you are a fan of Ernest Hemingway, you can visit La Bodeguita del Medio, where Hemingway and many other celebrities spend their time. The most interesting streets in Old Havana are Obrapia and Obispo running East-West, and Calle Oficios, running North-South. While in Old Havana, do not miss a stop at the Museo del Chocolate, to try their homemade hot chocolate or their famous candy (located on Calle Mercaderes at the corner of Amargura St). Most visitors to Cuba visit old Havana, so expect to see troops of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans walking up and down the streets, as well as Cuban musicians playing live music on many corners. While in Old Havana, stop at the Hotel Ambos Mundos (Obispo street #153, corner of Mercaderes st), take the elevator to the roof, and have a drink or lunch in the rooftop bar with super views of Old Havana.
Centro Habana: This is the neighborhood next to old Havana, and well worth visiting. Much of the architecture is from the late 19th or early 20th century, when the former walls surrounding Havana were torn down to make room for the expanding city. Highlights include the Paseo del Prado, a great promenade flanked by trees and benches, running from the sea down towards the Parque Central Capitol area. Regardless of your political views, the Museum of the Revolution is worth seeing, if only for the fact it is housed in the former Presidential Palace. If you visit, pay the extra 2CUC to visit the former offices and meeting rooms of Cuba’s presidents, which are time capsules. Don’t miss the secret doorway used by Batista to escape revolutionaries who were trying to kill him in a palace coup in the late 1950’s. The most beautiful buildings in this area are the former Centro Gallego, now the Gran Teatro de La Habana, an enormous, block-size building with Beaux-arts architecture, and the Capitol. Havana’s Capitolio is a smaller version of Washington’s capitol, which unfortunately is not open for visits at the moment. If you are interested in architecture, visit the Bacardi Building (headquarters of the rum distiller) at the corner of San Juan de Dios and Villegas streets, near the Parque Central. This building is a masterpiece of Cuban Art Deco, and well worth seeing. Tip: Pay 1CUC at the reception desk, and visit the building’s rooftop for a breathtaking view of the city.
The Eastern Bay: Across the bay from Old Havana are two emblematic fortresses filled with history and well worth visiting, El Morro and La Cabana. Take a taxi to see them, and ask the driver to wait for you during your visit (there are no taxis waiting at the fortresses). El Morro is the older of the 2 fortresses, built in the 16th century to combat pirates and foreign armies trying to seize Havana. The lighthouse of El Morro is the symbol of the city has the best views of Havana, especially at sunset. Later on, the Spanish built the Fortaleza de la La Cabana further South, a massive 2,300 ft long fortress to secure the defense of the city. Note – the fortresses are enormous, and offer many walks and paths to explore. You can also visit various museums, chapels, and moats if you are interested in military history/construction. Even if you do not have much time, visiting the fortresses is a must.
Vedado and Beyond: This is a vast area, originally residential and now a mix of commercial buildings, apartment houses, stand-alone homes, and high rises. To get a sense of what Havana was like, walk along 23rd street from the river, or walk down Avenida de los Presidentes (G Street). A drive on the Malecon, the famous seawall that hugs the sea, is a must. You have probably seen The Plaza de la Revolucion on TV (this is where most political speeches and major events have taken place since 1959). If you visit, walk over to the Marti Monument, Havana’s tallest landmark, to see fantastic views of the city from 350ft above Havana. ( Open Monday to Saturday).
Content courtesy of Ignazio Maza, Signature Travel
