Dear Readers:

Welcome to a new edition of CubaPLUS Magazine, where the beauty of the largest island in the Antilles meets innovation and talent. Our cover, featuring FINCIMEX’s Clásica Card, opens the door to the experiences awaiting you in these pages: natural paradises, inspiring artistic expressions, and scientific breakthroughs that transform lives. Get ready for a journey through the authentic Cuba.

First stop: Marea del Portillo. Discover this hidden treasure through the expert guidance of Angel Licea, our featured guide in this edition, who shares his favorite moment from the trip (page 15). Beyond the coast, the ecotourism enclave of La Picadora, located in the province of Sancti Spíritus, offers total immersion in nature, while the nearby community of Las Llanadas preserves the ancestral tradition of handmade lime production.

The adventure continues underground, into the island’s karst formations, covering 67% of Cuba’s terrain, making it a true paradise for speleology. Its caves hold unique natural wonders.

But Cuba is far more than breathtaking landscapes. It is culture, art, science, and talent. In this issue, we celebrate the mastery of saxophonist César López, one of the finest jazz musicians on the island; the artistic vision of photographer Francisco González, affectionately known as “Panchito;” the work of acclaimed engraver Diana Balboa; and the innovative designs of young creator Miguel Alejandro García, who reinterprets denim with originality and modern flair through his brand Malex.

We also feature a remarkable article from the Institute of Hematology and Immunology on the latest advances in personalized treatment for pediatric leukemia_proof of Cuba’s deep commitment to the health and wellbeing of its children.

We hope you enjoy this journey through the island_a destination that always has something new to offer, where nature, culture, science, and people intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

Visit us at www.cubaplusmagazine.com

Cordially yours,

Dominic Soave/ General Director

Articles in this edition:

• Marea del Portillo: An Insider’s Guide with Angel Licea
• Five Iconic Castles of Cuba: El Morro, La Cabaña, La Fuerza, La Punta and the Torreón de la Chorrera
• Precision Medicine Cuba Advances Personalized Treatment for Pediatric Leukemia
• The Magic of Cuban Caves
• Cayo Jutías: A Green-and-Blue Landscape with Starfish
• La Picadora Rural Tourism at its Finest
• The Most Beautiful Bandstand in Cuba
• Diving Draws Adventurous Travelers to Cuba
• Almacenes de San José A Journey Through Time
• César López Music as His Eternal and Faithful Companion
• Miguel Alejandro A Designer in Love with Denim
• Diana Balboa Master Printmaker
• Francisco González A Lasting Adventure in Photography
• Empresa Industrial Ramón Peña: 70 Years of Steady Growth