Cuba is an island of real freedom, where all the troubles, unnecessary thoughts, an endless stream of various experiences, you just need to let go and give in to pleasure, to be completely at the mercy of Cuban passions.
If you are planning to go on an unforgettable journey to the country of the revolution on your own, without the help of various companies that organize recreation, then this is the right decision that could be made! Many "package" tourists have not yet figured out the beauty of the unique island. And where there is, because everything is scheduled - both the time and the place, and there are so many interesting things that are not included in the excursion program.
Tips for lovers of freedom
It is better to book accommodation through Cuban sites. It will be much cheaper this way. Still not bad, you can save money if you prefer a hotel to stay in casa particular, these are rooms with amenities that locals rent out officially and even pay taxes. They are designated with a special icon.
The most convenient place to stay in Havana is in the old town. All domestic flights, it is also better to book in advance, so that later you do not run around the island in search of a place to buy tickets. At the exchange office of the airport, it is better to change a small amount, because the rate will definitely not please.
You can get from the airport to your destination by taxi, it costs 30 cuc or 23 euros.
It is important to remember that Cuba is the only country that uses two currencies. One is cuc tourist and the other peso is local. And often in cafes that are not located in the tourist area, all prices on the menu are indicated in local currency, with a regular dollar sign, and the waiters deliberately keep silent about this, and the difference between the results is good, a considerable amount is overpaid. In such cases, if you see high prices on the menu, for example $ 20 per dish, then this is pesso, because in a cube a whole dinner for two with drinks comes out in the region of 30 cuc, with the exception of lobster, it is expensive.
You can get around the city by Coco Taxi. This is a mode of transport that is very similar to an orange and is inexpensive, about 4 euros per trip.
Day 1. Walking in old Havana
Upon arrival in Havana, the capital will greet you with an amazing mango scent. Surprisingly, every country smells differently. And this is not the smell of something specific, it is a stream of wind that smells of everything that comes in its path.
The sounds of salsa, cigar smoke, poured rum in glasses, loud screams in Spanish and the chaotic movement of Cuban hands, all this is Havana. The city is steeped in history, incredible buildings, when looking at which, one gets the feeling that if you approach and push slightly, everything will collapse. Children are running around the corner, there is a cart with a bunch of bananas, and nearby are huge mountains of garbage. But all this does not repulse, on the contrary, it gives a greater flavor to everything that happens.
Capitol
Of particular note is the Capitol. Cubans are proud of him, they say that this is an exact copy of the Capitol in Washington, only in a reduced form. On the site of the government palace, there was once a swamp, and then, it was dried up and a botanical garden was organized, and only then the Capitol itself was built. There is also something to see nearby, every building is an architectural masterpiece. And so throughout the capital, you definitely need to have an additional flash drive in stock for storing photos.
Cathedral
The next place where the ringing of bells sounds in a special way is the Cathedral of gray stone with particles of real coral. The building stands out from the general style of the city, but at the same time, it fits so harmoniously that Bolotnaya Square will lose all its charm without this lacy structure. The interior was painted by the Italian artist Giuseppe Perovani. If you want to immerse yourself in the times of two hundred years ago, be sure to come to listen to the organ.
Let's take the lane Empedrado
Walking along the old streets of Havana, you can turn onto the Empedrado alley, because, most likely, lunch time is close, and a huge stream of emotions has already used up the last reserves of energy. You need to reach the point where a huge number of people with cameras are concentrated, move to the entrance, you are there. This is one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite spots in Havana, where he believed the best Mojito in the world was served.
The interior of the room is discouraging, it is instantly forgotten that the purpose of the parish is to have lunch. The walls speak of history in the literal sense of the word, because everything here is covered with writing by visitors - furniture, walls, and even the ceiling. The food is very tasty, but more expensive than in other places, a meal for two with drinks will cost around 60 euros.
Cementerio de Colon cemetery
After a hearty lunch, it's time for mystical and mysterious places. Cementerio de Colon cemetery, the place where angels live, a world of white marble in 50 hectares of area. Nowhere else in Cuba can you find a more peaceful place. Time ceases to exist here. What at first glance seems scary and frightening, in the end brings only a distance from the external turmoil. Silence and tranquility completely envelop you from head to toe. The internal infrastructure is surprising, the cemetery has its own streets with names and there are road signs everywhere.
José Martí Revolution Square
Not far from Sementerio de Colon, just a 20-minute walk, there is a place that is strict in form and content - José Martí Revolution Square. The towering gray concrete tower looks very gloomy, not a single window, just a building directed upwards, with large black birds flying around the highest point. In front of the monument, there is a spacious square, where revolutionary meetings were held at one time. In the tower, on the ground floor, there is a museum dedicated to Jose Martí. The entrance to the site and inside costs about three euros.
You can see the sun across the ocean, listen to the sound of waves beating against the reefs and breathe in fresh air by visiting the embankment. An incredibly enjoyable place and a wonderful end to the day.
Day 2. Immersion in the world of the fortress
The second day promises to be no less unique, so hurry up and hit the road. But first of all, you need to have breakfast, it is best to do it where you live. If in a hotel, then in an adjacent restaurant, if you are renting a room, then ask the owners in advance to cook something or do it yourself. The fact is that all catering establishments in Cuba begin their work no earlier than noon.
Fortress of La Fuersa
After having a good meal, you need to start your way from the La Fuersa fortress, which can be reached with a leisurely stroll, if the starting point is Old Havana. The locals like to loudly call this place the Castle of the Royal Power. In old age, he has no equal in any of the two Americas.
The fortress is still surrounded by a moat filled with water. Guides talk about an unprecedented number of attacks from pirates, but Havana did not surrender without a fight. Inside the castle there is a museum with various models of ships and there is a separate room that contains all the treasures that once lay at the bottom of the strait.
Complex La Cabagna
After visiting the La Fuersa fortress, you need to go to explore the rest of the defenses, so after stopping a taxi, it's time to drive through the underwater tunnel to the other side of Havana to visit the La Cabana fortress complex.
This longest structure is 700 meters long and is already 240 years old. Constantly, learning the age of this or that building in Cuba, you are simply amazed how it still stands, and even in such a beautiful form. If you go there in the morning, then the tourists do not have time to create a crush, then you can climb higher and sit, thinking about life.A very beautiful view opens up, because the ocean stretches beyond the defensive walls of La Cabaña.
El Morro Fortress
After resting, you can safely go to the lighthouse, moreover, to the worker. The view from the very top of the lighthouse, where the signals are coming from, is simply gorgeous. The mixing of the blue surface of the ocean, with the orange stone of the roofs of the neighboring structure, attracts the eye and the camera lens is like a magnet. All this beauty, together with the lighthouse, is called the El Morro fortress, one of the symbols of Havana.
For 384 years it has been protecting the entrance to the harbor at the most vulnerable point of the bay. Scorching cannon shots can be watched in the evenings today as entertainment for tourists. After a walk through the defense sites, you can return back to the old city and enjoy a refreshing Mojito in a bar.
Havana is not shy, she takes and explodes paints. Just stepping onto the street, the road is covered with an incredible amount of flowers, and these are all cars. Everywhere you look - blue, red, yellow, green. Okay, color, but what kind of models! Fiction! The country of real rarities.
Here, not only architecture breathes with time and history, but also cars, although the breath is not very fresh ... Because of all these old cars, the air in the city is very unpleasant, everything just smelled of exhaust gases. I am glad that this does not happen in all areas, but only in places with a large concentration of tourists. After all, it is on them that drivers earn the main money, rolling vacationers around different parts of the city.
Day 3. Exploring distant attractions
National botanical garden
The last third day should be devoted to a trip outside Havana and enjoy the surrounding beauty. The first thing to see is the National Botanical Gardens. You can get to it, but it is a little problematic, taxi drivers either do not know the way, or they inflate the price too much. But after a few tries, you will surely find your driver.
The garden is located at a distance of 10 km from the city center, and it is spread over an unprecedented area, as much as 600 hectares. About 4 thousand species of plants are offered for viewing by vacationers. You can walk in the park on foot, or you can pay 2 euros and explore all the zones on a special trailer, which is assigned to the tractor.
Perhaps this is the only place in Cuba where, choosing between walking and transport, it is better to choose the latter. The territory is very large, it is simply impossible to get around it, and for the entire botanical garden there is only one dubious cafe, which is not a fact that it will be open. And there are no shops to buy water elementary. Therefore, do not skimp and buy a ticket for the "tractor".
Japanese garden
The most beautiful place in this park is the Japanese Garden, a truly peaceful state of mind is provided ...
It is important to know that it is better not to let the taxi driver go, let him wait while you look at everything, because finding transport for the way back is enough, especially if the trip takes place in the morning.
Cottage where Ernest Hemingway lived
And now, it's time to visit the cottage where Ernest Hemingway lived. Unfortunately, they are not allowed inside, although, probably, fortunately, tourists would not have left all this in its original form. Within the walls of this house, the English writer created such famous works as For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea. The cottage is surrounded by a beautiful view, you can safely walk and get acquainted with his favorite boat. And also, there is one amazing place, behind the house, not far from the pool. There are 4 pet graves there. It looks very touching.
So, three unique days of travel around the capital of the Island of Freedom have come to an end. And until the very end, there is a feeling that a lot of things have been missed, but, unfortunately, the allotted time for everything is simply not enough, no matter how hard you try. And finally, I would like to give advice to those who are planning a further independent trip to Varadero, do not order a car in advance, of course, unless it is Cuba Taxi. It is better to go to the station with your luggage and immediately negotiate with the driver there.
[tp_calendar_widget origin = MOW destination = HAV responsive = true subid = ”putevoditelpogavane”]
