What is the situation in Cuba right now? Is Havana safe ?
2007-10-02 09:50:04 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Caribbean ➔ Cuba
Sorry, I meant Varadero
2007-10-02 09:55:36 · update #1
They are both amazing places to visit. It all depends on what you are looking for. If you want to relax, kick back and enjoy the surf, Varadero is the place to go. the food is great, both American and Cuban cuisine. There are lots of fresh fruit and juice as well. The night life in Varadero is fun and refreshing. Since you are going in December, the mosquitoes are not so bad and the water is still very warm. Watch for sunburn though. Leave the beach at about 10:30 am and come back at about 4:00 pm.
Now, if you are interested in actually getting to know Cuba and its culture, Havana is the place to go. There are lots of Museums and the cover is very reasonable. They offer tours and they are translated as well. You can also go to the Botanical park. the cover includes a great vegetarian lunch in the Japanese garden. The view is just breathtaking. Another spot to visit is the lighthouse. They have the 9:00 pm cannon shot. It is a custom from when Havana was surrounded by wall to guard off pirate attacks. the cannon would signal the closing of its doors. It's done in true costumes and it is just a treat.
Havana doesn't sleep. You could visit the Tropicana. It is a cabaret with great food and show girls. It opens late. Walking around the Vedado area and the waterfront (Malecon) either by day or night is great. Feel free to visit China town and the Cathedral square. They have shows on Saturday mornings and the restaurant El Patio is very nice. They also have live music.
I do advise you take a light coat. Even though the temperature is warm to North Americans, they do get cold fronts and the difference in humidity can make you a bit chilly.
As for safety, do not worry. Cubans are very friendly and helpful. Buy, if you are going to visit Havana, I do advise you put your wallet in your front pocket and hide your necklace under your shirt. Even though no one will attack you at any time, some cyclists do tend to ride by and grab whatever is available.
I hope this answers most of your question.
2007-10-03 11:28:21 · answer #1 · answered by brujita32 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We have been to Varadero and Havana twice and are going back next March. Havana is probably safer than most Canadian cities. The only thing to watch for is the guys trying to sell you black market cigars. They are not real Cuban cigars.
Cuba is a fantastic place and the people will bend over backwards to help you.
Varadero is the resort area. We like one particular resort but understand they are all pretty good depending on what you are looking for. You can arrange day excursions from the resort at a cost which is reasonable, this would also include Havana.
You will enjoy Cuba and the people, so have a great holiday.
2007-10-02 21:24:17 · answer #2 · answered by Rogue 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I've been to Varadero and Havana. I found both very safe. Normally, for a tourist, you would go with a tour bus and a tour guide and your view is fairly limited.
The situation is normal in Cuba. Fidel is okay and his brother Raul has clear leadership when Fidel is ill. The only time I'd worry is Fidel does die as there may be some reaction by the Cuban people.
Remember that Cuba is a 3rd world country in a lot of ways, so when you leave the tourist peninsula of Varadero, you're not going to get Canadian standard living experiences.
The Cuban people I met and spoke to were very gracious, despite their tough lives and they generally have chosen to be happy. They appreciate any effort in speaking Spanish and are patient with you as you learn.
2007-10-02 22:32:28 · answer #3 · answered by taylormade4golf 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know Varadro, but I have been to other resorts and, of course, Habana.
Cuba is a fantastic country and safe (certainly much safer than Miami). People have a beautiful spirit, and they deserve an immense respect and admiration. Extremely resourceful, with one of the highest level of education in the world, and an unbelievable medical coverage.
Just hope that the food improved since my last visit, but that "courageous" embargo was not imposed to help this brave small country.
You will have an interesting and unusual journey. Enjoy.
2007-10-02 23:32:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋