Cuba, the "Pearl of the
Antilles" |
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The
Republic of Cuba, with a population of 11 million, is the
largest of the Antilles Islands, separating the Atlantic
Ocean and Gulf of Mexico to the north, from the Caribbean
Sea to the south.
The
country consists of more than 4000 islands and keys, nearly
6000 kilometers of palm and mangrove-lined coastline, almost
300 natural beaches, three major mountain ranges with
numerous connecting ranges, rain forests, and broad, rich
and verdant, fertile plains and valleys dotted with tall,
stately palms.
The climate is moderately sub-tropical with an average
temperature of 25C in summer and 22C in winter.
Cuba, the " Pearl of the Antilles," is the largest and from
the traveler' s perspective the least commercialized
Caribbean country. It beckons the jaded traveler with its
picturesque colonial towns, intriguing Afro-Cuban culture,
rousing revolutionary monuments, enchanting beaches and
countryside, and potent rum - even the beer is excellent.
Activities such as scuba diving, yachting, fishing, hiking,
horseback riding, and bird watching can be easily arranged.
On the other hand, more than 20 systems of caves and caverns
can be explored throughout the island, some with rivers or
underwater caves connecting with the sea, many with ancient
indigenous pictographs, and all with their unique living
species.
Cuba
truly is a musical watershed where the rumba, mambo, cha cha
cha, son and salsa are all originated. Its unspoiled
landscape extends well beyond the magnificent coastal
beaches and pristine reefs to verdant valleys and rugged
mountains.
It is a surprisingly easy country to visit; one can rent a
car or board a train or bus and go anywhere. No special
rules or regulations hamper tourists. The hotels are
numerous and prices vary from inexpensive to five-star
luxury.
For four centuries Cuba was the main gateway to Spain' s
vast American empire, and cities such as Havana, Matanzas,
Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Camaguey, Bayamo, Baracoa and
Santiago de Cuba stand as sentinels to bygone colonial
glory.
Havana, with 2.1 million inhabitants, is the largest city in
the Caribbean. Founded on its present site in 1519, it is
one of the oldest cities in the Americas.
The Spanish built protective fortresses of solid stone to
keep out pirates and their European enemies, and these
outposts still guard picturesque Old Havana, a designated
UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose charm is truly
captivating. The richness of Cuba' s culture is well
reflected in its many museums, several dozen of which are in
Havana.
When speaking of Havana' s attractions, it is impossible not
to mention the famous deep sea fishing, available at the
Hemingway Marina which hosts billfish tournaments in certain
seasons of the year. Scuba diving is also possible at
several centers in or near Havana, and luxurious yachts can
be rented for sightseeing tours along the Havana coastline.
Cayo Largo del Sur is the second largest island of the
Canarreos Archipelago. It is located between the Gulf of
Batabanó and the Caribbean Sea. This lovely place boasts 26
kilometers of white sands, crystal clear waters and
unexplored depths.
From Cayo Largo there are excursions by yacht to various
nearby keys like Cayo Rico, Cayo Iguana, Cayo Pájaros, Cayo
Cantiles and Cayo Rosario. Access to Cayo Largo is via
yacht or private plane with no visa required, or by flights
from Varadero or Havana.
The history books say that the first inhabitants in this
region came because of the enchanting turquoise waters. They
left behind pictorial symbols and traces of their religious
beliefs in caves that scientists have been unable to
decipher to this day. In the second half of the 19th century
investors bought property along the peninsula, some
developing large farm estates. One of these estates was
called Varadero which gave its name to what has become today
the tourist capital of Cuba.
Trinidad is Cuba' s colonial jewel, and is located on the
south coast of the island.
Trinidad has also been declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO, and it reflects its colonial past in the splendor of
the 18th and 19th centuries. It is home to sugar and honey,
as well as to arts and crafts and ancient colonial palaces.
One can learn about sugar cane mills, haciendas (farmsteads)
and rich families who walked along its cobbled streets or
visited its churches and chapels, which today are still well
maintained. The traditions and legends of Trinidad will also
enchant you given that there is so much to hear about
pirates and corsairs, anecdotes about slaves and rich
hacendados (farmers).
To conclude, one can truly say that the Cuban people are
sincerely friendly and extend the same warm welcome to all
guests from all countries.
Cuba
is one of the last truly unspoiled countries in the world,
practically free of the crime and drug trade present at some
other tourist destinations.
For the individual traveler Cuba is a fascinating
smorgasbord of nonstop discovery and experience!
June 23, 2003 |
