Cuba is the largest Caribbean island, about the size of England, and the most westerly of the Greater Antilles group, lying just 145 km (90 miles) south of Florida.  Approximately a quarter of the country is fairly mountainous.   The island offers a hot tropical climate year round.

Passports & visas are needed by citizens of United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.  Tourist cards are also valid and can be obtained from Cuban consulates and companies such as For Cuba.com that specialize in travel to Cuba.  Business visitors must have a business visa.  

Cuba's capitol city is Havana, with a population of 2 million.  Large tableaux of revolutionary heroes encircle Revolution square, while Cathederal Square in Old Havana retains ancient houses, cobbled streets and some very unique architecture.  A trip starting in the former brothel quarter, ends in the beautiful suburbs of Vedado and Miramar.  Havana, and Cuba as a whole, while still a socialist country is quite safe, and the majority of the people are well educated and very warm and friendly.  Havana and the entire country of the country is steeped in history and and offers a vibrant culture.

Much of the island's nightlife is concentrated in Havana, at Varadero Beach and in the growing number of beautiful, modern and exciting tourist beach and hotel resorts.  Havana's famous Tropicana night club stages spectacular and colouful stages shows.  In fact, you'll discover that Cuba offers a rambuncious and exciting nightlife.  There are a growing number of excellent discotheques and smaller pubs featuring pop music, dancing, jazz and Caribbean music rythyms.   Please visit our Cuba Travel Specials page.  Cuba is also an Island of Romance.

Cuisine is continental or Cuban with an emphasis on seafood, and good dining is now beginning to proliferate.  Some favourite dishes indigenous to Cuba are omelettes, stuffed with meat or cheese and roast sucking pig.  Cuban beer is tasty, but is a little weak.   Dining establishments are improving dramatically.  There are now facilities ranging from the elegant and chic restaurants to the typical ranchones at the countryside or by the shore and light meal cafeterias.  Personal service is very good too.  Tipping is allow.  Do tip 10% to 15%.

Health concerns are not notable.  Health certificates are not required.  However, you can always contact your local health authorities for any updated information they may have.

Shopping:   There is a significant difference between peso and hard-currency (dollar) shops.  Peso shops do not do big business.  But, hard currency shops have really proliferated, many catering to Cubans whose relatives send them money from outside of the country, or who earn dollars on the black market.  The (hard-currency) dollar shops offer everything you would expect: food, toiletries, liquor, clothes, electronics, hardware, crafts, toys, medicine, etc.  Souvenirs can be found readily available in the dollar shops tahat are located at tourist hotels, the airport and in Old Havana.  Of course, superb Cuban cigars (buy only in the stores) like Romeo y Julietas, are a must buy at about $55 to $60 (US) for an aluminum case of 25.   There's also great crafts, paintings and carvings available, and let's not forget about great Cuban (Havana Club & Ron Caney brands) Rum.

The Cuban peso (the Cuban dollar) is the national currency.  However, the U.S. dollar is the preferred currency and is used almost exclusively.  Tourism tokens (certificates) are also used and are equivalent to the U.S. Dollar.  Non-U.S. issued credit cards such as American Express, Mastercard and Visa - along with Non-U.S. issued traveler's checks (cheques) are accepted in urban and tourist areas.   U.S. issued credit cards are not accepted and U.S. issued traveler's checks may not be honored and will not be refuned is lost or stolen.  If you are a U.S. citizen it is advisable to obtain your traveler's checks in the country from which you plan to depart for Cuba (e.g. - Canada) or bring U.S. Currency.

West of Havana is the narrow Sierra de los Organos, rising to 70m (2161ft) and containing the Guaniguanicos hills in the west.  South of the Sierra is a narrow strip of land where the world-famous and finest Cuban tobacco is grown.  The Trinidad Mountains, start in the country's centre, rising to 1100m (3610ft) in the east.  Encircling the Port of Santiago are the rugged mountains of the Sierra Maestra.  A quarter of the island is covered with mountain forests of pine and mahogany.

Surrounding the country, Cuba offers an number of excellent, sandy beaches.  The renowned Varadero Beach, is considered to be one of the most beautiful top 10 beaches in the world.  Cuba's superb beaches and resorts play a major roll in the increased and rapidly growing tourism industry in Cuba.  Find out more about Cuba, and discover why this vibrant and diverse country makes for a wonderful holiday option at the ForCuba.com Why Cuba page.  Cuba is also an excellent choice for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.  In Cuba romance is everywhere!  And last but by no means least, why not consider a pampered cruise to Cuba?

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