Cuba
An old girl with a new heart
Crumbling colonial architecture, vintage cars and soulful salsa tumbling out of tinny speakers – Cuba is a land frozen in time. Protected from modern interference by six decades of self-imposed communism, Cuba’s cities and villages have changed little since the revolution, with grandiose squares, cobbled streets and music on every corner.
Yet, behind this dilapidated facade lies a country beating with inspiration. From salsa to ballet,santeria temples to avant-garde art, Cuban creativity and experimentation have been a necessity through its years in exile. As the barriers between Cuba and its neighbours begin to come down, the time is now to visit this beguiling Caribbean island – before it changes once again.
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Havana
Vintage American cars weave through crumbling colonial architecture, while snippets of salsa music play from smoky bars in Cuba’s iconic capital city... -
Varadero
Nestled on the winding Hicacos Peninsula, Varadero is the largest resort in the Caribbean, and with 20km of interrupted white sand beach, it is easy to see why... -
Viñales
A small but culturally-rich village in western Cuba, Viñales has quickly become a must-see for visitors wanting a taste of traditional Cuban living... -
Trinidad
Grab a torta cubana and a mojito and sway to the Caribbean rhythms of beautiful Trinidad... -
Cienfuegos
Cuba’s so-called “Pearl of the South”, French-founded Cienfuegos has long been a popular stop for travellers exploring the region...
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TitleCuba Unwrapped |
Pages69 |
PriceFree |
About this guide
The country’s history reads like an epic of magical realism. Its politics are a lingering ember of the titanic ideological battles of the 20th century. Its music, art and dance have been exported around the world with the vibrancy of a cultural superpower. And at the heart of it all are the Cuban people: resolute, proud and with a joie de vivre that puts more materially “advanced” countries to shame.
But Cuba today stands on the cusp of transformation. Despite the unpredictable swings of its giant neighbour it seems inevitable that one way or another, the question of Cuba’s place in the world will soon be resolved.
What that means for this island of 11.5 million people is far from certain. What happens to a nation’s cultural identity when the forces that have kept it in relative isolation are swept away? Will Cuba revert to its pre-1953 status as a playground for the wealthy and privileged? Or in this era of ‘overtourism’ will the country’s all-inclusive beach resorts become the next Cancun for spring-breakers, a Cuban Disneyland-on-sea?
Or perhaps the future holds something else for this special and enigmatic island. The concept of “people-to-people” tourism suggests a new approach, a model of grassroots tourism that puts ordinary Cubans in the driving seat and enables them to protect and nurture their heritage and culture as they find their feet in a new world.
This question isn’t for governments and travel companies to ponder. It’s for the Cuban people to decide and it’s for us, the tourists who are visiting the island in record numbers, to support them. We influence the shape of Cuba’s evolving tourism industry through our actions, our decisions and our purchases. It’s a position of great responsibility and it can be hard at times to know where to begin.
That’s why we created this guide. This is your introduction to the Cuban people and culture, a peek at what makes the country tick, and where to look for an authentic, immersive and culturally sensitive experience. You won’t find any reviews for 5* all-inclusive resorts, but if you’re looking for a taste of the “real” Cuba, clichéd or not, then you’re in good company here.
Welcome to Cuba!
 Authors |
Susana Corona Cruz, Jim O’Donnell |
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 Editors |
Matthew Barker |
 Format |
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 Published |
2017 |
 No. of Pages |
69 |
Cuba Unwrapped
The island, the people, the culture
Countries like Cuba pose a dilemma to travel writers and guidebook editors. The idea is to cut through the hyperbole with simple language and honest descriptions. But there are a few places where the breathless superlatives all come true true and where the travel writing clichés all make sense. Cuba is one such place.
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