Attractions & Excursions

A Winter getaway

By Brenda Simpson Photos: Prensa Latina

Havana or Varadero -where to go on my annual February vacation? Either one would be a great place to be in the middle of a Canadian winter but where would I enjoy myself the most?

Place yourself in a four hundred year old city located in the centre of Cuba. Add such details as narrow cobblestoned streets, wide wooden doors, large windows, fountains in central courtyards, decorative railings, and brick red tiles, all lending a colonial elegance to the mansions and small palaces that majestically stand around you.

Las Terrazas A Singular Community in Western Cuba

By Sissi Arencibia Photos: Jorge Pérez a Ferval

Las Terrazas is a community of little more than 800 inhabitants in the centre of an environmentally rich area known as Sierra del Rosario, a massif in the Cuban west which was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Cienaga de Zapata, Nature’s Jewel

By: Nidia Rodríguez León, Photos: Alejandro Gortázar

The Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve is considered to be one of the most important nature reserves in Cuba as we as in the Caribbean for the diversity and wealth of its flora and fauna, This is one of the most spectacular places in Cuba and is distinguished by its natural attractions and beautiful landscapes, The Biosphere Reserve is located lies in the Zapata Peninsula, the largest and least populated municipality on the island, and can be found on the southern coast of Cuba in the Province of Matanzas, about 100 kms directly south of Varadero

Conde de Villanueva Hostal: A haven for cigar lovers

By Madelin Murguía Delgado Photos: Prensa Latina and courtesy of the Conde de Villanueva Hostal

Amongst the narrow streets of Old Havana near the Plaza de la Catedral sits the Conde de Villanueva Hostal. Located at the corner of Lamparilla and Mercaderes, there are many characteristics that make this boutique hotel unique.

Pinar del Río: tobacco growing land

By Roberto Campos Photos: Prensa Latina and the author

Pinar de Rio is the western-most of the Cuban provinces, it covers an area of 10,848 square kilometres and was original y named Nueva Filipina by the Spaniards in 1774, Apart from its natural beauty, it is proud of producing what is considered by many to be the world's finest tobacco, it is also home to Don Alejandro Robaina who is considered the country's best tobacco grower.

Pearl of the South

Perla del Sur (Pearl of the South) was founded April 22, 1819 next to Jagua Bay, one of the finest bays in the world due to its size (88 square kilometres), depth and safety. It has been developed as a high-level cultural and tourist center, with an emphasis on nautical activities due to its privileged location in the southern region of the Caribbean. The natural features of the Pearl of the South: low tides, insignificant waves within the bay, 78% relative humidity, 31% salinity and good visibility most of the time, also contribute to make it an ideal base for navigation both across the bay and along the southern coast.

Havana‘s Grand Metropolitan Park

By Armando Reyes

Praise for Biodiversity Protection in Cuba

By Ana Laura Arbesú / Photos: Prensa Latina

The United Nations Program for Development (UNDP) has praised Cuba’s work for the care and conservation of its biodiversity, especially in the north-central Sabana-Camaguey ecosystem, that encompasses 35 protected sites. Myrtha Kaular, resident UNPD representative in Cuba, highlighted the work done to preserve its flora, fauna and ecosystems.

Swimming with Dolphins in Varadero

Photos: Roberto Morejón, Jit INDER

Swimming with dolphins is a new activity visitors can now enjoy in Varadero, Cuba’s largest beach resort, specifically in waters near Key Blanco, an extension of the Hicacos Peninsula.

FIHAV2016, New Business Opportunities for Cuba

BY MERCY RAMOS, PHOTOS: JOSÉ MERIÑO

The 34th Edition of the Havana International Fair to be held from October 31st to November 4th is a key event for the development of Cuban trade. This year a record number of participants is expected with over 4,000 exhibitors from about 60 countries, which will give the Island’s exports high visibility.

Havana’s Antiques on Wheels

By: Ciro Bianchi Ross, Photos: José Tito Meriño

“In 1958 Cuba had the world’s sixth largest ratio of automobiles to inhabitants, preceded only by the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Venezuela and West Germany in that order.”

Cabaret Café

By: Ciro Bianchi Ross

The story of Cuba’s first cabaret or night club is set against the background of the Ten Year War (1868-78), when Havana seemed more like a garrison under siege than a city and its residents took refuge in theaters, bull runs and the circus for some light relief.

Cuba’s National Botanical Garden

By: César Antonio Rodríguez Photos: Alejandro Gortázar

With the passing of time, the Cuban National Botanical Garden has blossomed into an oasis for leisure, education, and exercise.

CAFE DEL ORIENTE. A Taster's Delight

By: Alfredo H. Valdés Photos: PL

In the heart of Havana's historic centre, blending in with the neoclassie style of its neighbours, there is a beautiful building housing the Cafe’ del Oriente.