Cuba - A Land of Pearl-White Beaches and Timeless Allure
The Caribbean island of Cuba, renowned for its sandy shores, offers more than just a tropical getaway. Despite living under communism, the people of Cuba have not forgotten how to enjoy the lightheartedness of their Caribbean roots.
One such enchanting destination is the Valley of Viñales, a protected monument and the centre of Viñales. This region, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, boasts attractive landscapes protected in 34 nature reserves and two national parks. The Cueva de los Indios, a well-developed cave system within the Valley, is worth exploring. The Valley is also home to the "Mural de la Prehistoria", one of the largest paintings under open sky, depicting the history of evolution.
Beyond the Valley, adventure awaits in the Yumurí Valley, where off-road jeep safaris take you through palm groves, rivers, and countryside villages. For those who prefer a more tranquil pace, canoeing or horseback riding offers panoramic views of Matanzas, the “City of Bridges”.
Cuba's cultural richness is evident in Matanzas, known as the “Athens of Cuba”. This city, vibrant with Afro-Cuban music, poetry, and dance, reflects the island's diverse heritage. Havana, the capital, still displays the old glamour of socialism, with elegantly adorned palaces and spacious plazas inviting visitors to linger in open-air restaurants.
Trinidad, once the centre of the sugar industry, still shows wealth brought by the industry today. Here, guests can witness the hand-rolling of highly valued Cuban cigars in a cigar factory. The province of Pinar del Rio, about 160 kilometers from Havana, is the centre of 80% of Cuban cigar production, with the tobacco grown here considered the best on the island.
Other interesting stops on a round trip include the "Pearl of the South", Cienfuegos, and Baracoa—the oldest city surrounded by rainforests and mountains. For wildlife enthusiasts, Cuba is a birdwatching paradise, with about 350 bird species, including the colorful Cuban trogan (tocororo) and the tiny bee hummingbird (zunzuncito).
Cuba offers a unique travel experience, combining enchanting landscapes and long white beaches. Western hotel chains have numerous good resorts on the peninsula of Varadero, offering affordable vacations compared to other Caribbean destinations. Despite the dilapidated living conditions of many Cubans, they celebrate joyfully with Caribbean sounds resonating in the streets.
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- The Valley of Viñales, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers a unique lifestyle defined by its attractive landscapes and ties to Cuba's Caribbean roots.
- Beyond the Valley, travelers can explore the Yumurí Valley, experiencing adventure through off-road jeep safaris, canoeing, or horseback riding, all offering panoramic views that reflect Cuba's vibrant beauty.
