Wakacje Cuba - holidays and trips
In brief
- white Caribbean beaches and beautiful coral islets
- smiling inhabitants dancing to the rhythm of salsa
- vibrant Havana with a unique atmosphere
- world class UNESCO-listed monuments
- the best cigars famous all over the world
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Beaches with sand like a warm flour, coconut palm trees and sea in the colour of Caribbean blue. This is Cayo Santa Maria - a dream-like island. Luxurious all inclusive hotels, romantic sunsets – the new holiday resort in Cuba is more and more popular among tourists from all over the world. Cuba is a place that has always had a special place in the hearts of Poles.
Green oranges, Che and Fidel, rum, salsa have caused for decades that the "hot island" seemed both far away and close. After Varadero, the first international resort in Cuba, the time has come for more intimate places, where in the harmony between nature and growing tourism is the place to escape from daily routine and total relaxation. Cayo Santa Maria is an islet belonging to the Jardines del Rey Archipelago (Royal Gardens), which due to the natural values, is entered onto the UNESCO list. It connects with the mainland through a jetty with the length of about 48 km, which also runs through the neighboring islets: Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos. On the island, which is just approx. 16 km long and approx. 2 km wide, there are currently 12 hotels, the first of them, Cayo Santa Maria, was opened in 2001. All the hotels belong to the Cuban Gaviota Cuban Group, but are administered jointly with prestigious, international hotel chains such as Melia, Eurostars.
The famous white beaches lie to the north of the island, the south coast is mostly mangroves. The beach which is approx. 13 km long, is divided into several sections that are separated by rocks originating from corals, so enthusiasts of long strolls along the beach should take protection footwear with them. Next to the longest, over 6-km section of the beach - Playa Santa Maria, are the hotels: Melia Las Dunas, Starfish Cayo Santa Maria, Melia Cayo Santa Maria and Sol Cayo Santa Maria. All beaches are public. Wooden walkways lead from the hotels to the beaches, which were built to protect the sand dunes and vegetation. In the western part of the island are Playa Canyon (400 m), Ensenada Punta Madrugilla (200 m) and Ensenada Punta Matamoros (300 m). The neighbouring islet of Cayo Ensenachos may also boast some of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba: Playa Ensenachos and Playa Megano. Two tourist towns are a meeting point for tourists on Cayo Santa Maria: La Estrella and Las Dunas with restaurants, discos, shops, bowling and gyms.
Pilot: tourists are looked after by a Polish resident, whose tasks include help upon arrival, departure and stay, as well as registration for local trips.
Visas: buying Tourist Card is required (Tarjeta de Turista), which is included in the price of the event. The card is valid for 30 days, to get before check-in at the airport in Warsaw. The card must be kept, because without it you cannot leave Cuba. In the case of losing, destroying or incorrect filling in the Tourist Card, there is a possibility of buying another one for the price of 200 PLN. Passport must be valid a minimum of 3 months starting from the date of arrival to Cuba.
Flight duration: Poland-Santa Clara/Cayo Coco – approx. 12 h.
Local time: GMT - 6h.
Beaches: public, free entry.
Language: Spanish; communication in English and French is also possible.
Currency: Cuban peso (CUC). 1 CUC = 100 centavos. 1 CUC = approx. 1 EUR. It is worth taking euros with you, not dollars, because the exchange of dollars in Cuba is fraught with a 10% tax.
Capital city: Havana.
Voltage: 220 V, round (European) plugs.
International credit cards and paycards: are accepted, except for those issued by American banks.
Prices at the hotel and restaurants: lunch – from 10 CUC, dinner – from 15 CUC, bottle of mineral water – approx. 2 CUC, beer – approx. 3 CUC, coffee – approx. 2 CUC, bottle of rum (0.75 l) – from 5 CUC, soft drink in a can – approx. 1 CUC, cigars – from 70 CUC for 25 cigars (half the price of anywhere in the world).
Additional services: entry to Relax Lounge zone at the airport upon departure at a charge of approx. 25 CUC (payable at the airport). The price includes unlimited snacks, unlimited cold and hot soft drinks and selected alcoholic drinks (beer, rum, whisky, brandy, vodka, wine), possibility of using special route FAST TRACK – individual security control and check-in without queues.
Tips: it is a custom to tip waiters, bartenders, porters and chambermaids (approx. 5-10%).
Cuba online: www.cubaweb.cu
Local trips: organised by local tourist agencies on terms specified by them. There is a possibility that, if there is not enough participants, a trip may be canceled. Payment only in cash and in the local currency - Cuban peso (CUC) exchangeable.
You can always find up to date information about security in this country on your Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
2-day Havana (coach) — a unique opportunity to spend the night in Havana. The ideal trip for those who want to experience the authentic, Cuban flavour of the city associated with the band Buena Vista Social Club. The visit to the city is divided into two days, allowing you to enjoy the wonderful colonial architecture of the capital for longer, as well as to get a deeper understanding of contemporary Havana. Sightseeing: Jose Marti Square with a monument of the poet and national hero. A stroll along the seaside boardwalk Malecon, surrounded by colonial squares and Central Park with the Grand Theatre and the Capitol. Visiting Parade Square with the residence of governors Palacio de los Generales and neoclassical temple El Tempelete. After lunch, a stroll through the streets of Old Havana entered onto the UNESCO list. Transport to hotel. Check-in. Dinner. Optionally (for an additional fee on site): transfer to the performance of the world famous cabaret Tropicana Show. This colourful show is the essence of Cuban music and culture. Overnight stay. On the following day, check-out after breakfast. Visiting Revolution Square, where Fidel Castro used to speak to the citizens for over 6 hours, and pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in 1998. Visiting the museum of revolution and the museum of rum. After lunch, transfer to places associated with Ernest Hemingway, the famous cocktail bars: Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio, where mojito was created. Return to hotels in Cayo Santa Maria. Price - approx. 220 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 170 CUC; the price does not include Tropicana Show - evening attire obligatory. Limited number of places. In the absence of accommodation places, the trip will not be realized.
Havana 1 day (coach) — early morning drive in an air-conditioned coach to the capital of Cuba. Sightseeing: Jose Marti Square with a monument of the poet and national hero. A stroll along the seaside boardwalk Malecon, surrounded by colonial squares and Central Park with the Grand Theatre and the Capitol. Visiting Parade Square, where there are most historical monuments. In addition to the city park, it is also the location of the residence of governors Palacio de los Generales and neoclassical temple El Tempelete. After lunch, a stroll through the cobbled streets of Old Havana entered onto the UNESCO list. Possibility to buy souvenirs, handicrafts on the local market and watch Afro-Cuban religious rituals. In the evening, stop for a relaxing mojito and daiquiri with the rhythms of Cuban music, in places associated with the life of Ernest Hemingway: Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio. Late in the evening, depart from Havana and return to the hotel on Cayo Santa Maria. Price - approx. 150 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 110 CUC.
Havana (by airplane) — flight to the Cuban capital, a city with incredible energy and atmosphere. Sightseeing: Jose Marti Square with a monument of the poet and national hero. A stroll along the seaside boardwalk Malecon, surrounded by colonial squares and Central Park with the Grand Theatre and the Capitol. Visiting Parade Square, which concentrates the most historical monuments. In addition to the city park, it is also the location of the residence of governors Palacio de los Generales and neoclassical temple El Tempelete. After lunch, a stroll through the cobbled streets of Old Havana entered onto the UNESCO list. Possibility to buy souvenirs, handicrafts on the local market and watch Afro-Cuban religious rituals. Day trip. Price - approx. 170 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 150 CUC; obligatory airport fee: approx. 44 CUC; limited number of places.
Tastes of Cuba — a trip to the town of El Pueblo for a gala dinner at a local restaurant with traditional Cuban cooking. After the meal, a salsa show performed by professional dancers. Possible to join the dancing. Free time for buying souvenirs. Return to the hotel in the evening. Price - approx. 30 CUC.
In the footsteps of colonial treasures — the route of the trip leads through the central part of the island. Transfer to Santa Clara. Exploring Ernesto Che Guevara Square with his monumental statue and mausoleum. Transfer to Cienfuegos, a port city founded by Christopher Columbus, known as the "Pearl of the South". Exploring the old town. Lunch in a local restaurant. Drive to the historic city of Trinidad, a jewel of colonial architecture, a UNESCO-listed site. Free time for buying souvenirs on the street market. Day trip. Price - approx. 80 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 60 CUC.
Towards the sun — a catamaran cruise along the northern coast of Cuba, around the belt of neighbouring islands. Observation of dolphins and sea birds. Time for swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear sea, exploring the coral reef, inhabited by hundreds of colourful forms of life. Half-day trip. Seafood and unlimited refreshing drinks by the sounds of the salsa and rumba included in the price. Price - approx. 100 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 60 CUC.
Guanayara National Park — trekking full of adventure in one of the most beautiful parts of Cuba, in the central part of the island. The route starts at the impressive waterfall "El Rocio". Then it runs along the river to stop at El Venado - a natural swimming pool with crystal-clear water. Meal at a restaurant. All-day trip with a licensed guide. Return to hotel in the early evening. Recommended clothing and footwear adequate for qualified tourism. Price - approx. 65 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 50 CUC.
Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.
2-day Havana (coach) — a unique opportunity to spend the night in Havana. The ideal trip for those who want to experience the authentic, Cuban flavour of the city associated with the band Buena Vista Social Club. The visit to the city is divided into two days, allowing you to enjoy the wonderful colonial architecture of the capital for longer, as well as to get a deeper understanding of contemporary Havana. Sightseeing: Jose Marti Square with a monument of the poet and national hero. A stroll along the seaside boardwalk Malecon, surrounded by colonial squares and Central Park with the Grand Theatre and the Capitol. Visiting Parade Square with the residence of governors Palacio de los Generales and neoclassical temple El Tempelete. After lunch, a stroll through the streets of Old Havana entered onto the UNESCO list. Transport to hotel. Check-in. Dinner. Optionally (for an additional fee on site): transfer to the performance of the world famous cabaret Tropicana Show. This colourful show is the essence of Cuban music and culture. Overnight stay. On the following day, check-out after breakfast. Visiting Revolution Square, where Fidel Castro used to speak to the citizens for over 6 hours, and pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in 1998. Visiting the museum of revolution and the museum of rum. After lunch, transfer to places associated with Ernest Hemingway, the famous cocktail bars: Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio, where mojito was created. Return to hotels in Cayo Santa Maria. Price - approx. 220 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 170 CUC; the price does not include Tropicana Show - evening attire obligatory. Limited number of places. In the absence of accommodation places, the trip will not be realized.
Havana 1 day (coach) — early morning drive in an air-conditioned coach to the capital of Cuba. Sightseeing: Jose Marti Square with a monument of the poet and national hero. A stroll along the seaside boardwalk Malecon, surrounded by colonial squares and Central Park with the Grand Theatre and the Capitol. Visiting Parade Square, where there are most historical monuments. In addition to the city park, it is also the location of the residence of governors Palacio de los Generales and neoclassical temple El Tempelete. After lunch, a stroll through the cobbled streets of Old Havana entered onto the UNESCO list. Possibility to buy souvenirs, handicrafts on the local market and watch Afro-Cuban religious rituals. In the evening, stop for a relaxing mojito and daiquiri with the rhythms of Cuban music, in places associated with the life of Ernest Hemingway: Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio. Late in the evening, depart from Havana and return to the hotel on Cayo Santa Maria. Price - approx. 150 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 110 CUC.
Havana (by airplane) — flight to the Cuban capital, a city with incredible energy and atmosphere. Sightseeing: Jose Marti Square with a monument of the poet and national hero. A stroll along the seaside boardwalk Malecon, surrounded by colonial squares and Central Park with the Grand Theatre and the Capitol. Visiting Parade Square, which concentrates the most historical monuments. In addition to the city park, it is also the location of the residence of governors Palacio de los Generales and neoclassical temple El Tempelete. After lunch, a stroll through the cobbled streets of Old Havana entered onto the UNESCO list. Possibility to buy souvenirs, handicrafts on the local market and watch Afro-Cuban religious rituals. Day trip. Price - approx. 170 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 150 CUC; obligatory airport fee: approx. 44 CUC; limited number of places.
Tastes of Cuba — a trip to the town of El Pueblo for a gala dinner at a local restaurant with traditional Cuban cooking. After the meal, a salsa show performed by professional dancers. Possible to join the dancing. Free time for buying souvenirs. Return to the hotel in the evening. Price - approx. 30 CUC.
In the footsteps of colonial treasures — the route of the trip leads through the central part of the island. Transfer to Santa Clara. Exploring Ernesto Che Guevara Square with his monumental statue and mausoleum. Transfer to Cienfuegos, a port city founded by Christopher Columbus, known as the "Pearl of the South". Exploring the old town. Lunch in a local restaurant. Drive to the historic city of Trinidad, a jewel of colonial architecture, a UNESCO-listed site. Free time for buying souvenirs on the street market. Day trip. Price - approx. 80 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 60 CUC.
Towards the sun — a catamaran cruise along the northern coast of Cuba, around the belt of neighbouring islands. Observation of dolphins and sea birds. Time for swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear sea, exploring the coral reef, inhabited by hundreds of colourful forms of life. Half-day trip. Seafood and unlimited refreshing drinks by the sounds of the salsa and rumba included in the price. Price - approx. 100 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 60 CUC.
Guanayara National Park — trekking full of adventure in one of the most beautiful parts of Cuba, in the central part of the island. The route starts at the impressive waterfall "El Rocio". Then it runs along the river to stop at El Venado - a natural swimming pool with crystal-clear water. Meal at a restaurant. All-day trip with a licensed guide. Return to hotel in the early evening. Recommended clothing and footwear adequate for qualified tourism. Price - approx. 65 CUC, children (2-11 y.o.) - approx. 50 CUC.
Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.