SAN JUAN DE LOS REMEDIOS PART II

REMEDIOS TO CAYO SANTA MARIA

No rest for the wicked, bright and early Saturday morning after a lovely and filling breakfast, prepared by Jose Manuel’s wife, we set off for Cayo Santa Maria.  This time a green Chevrolet came to collect us and take us on our journey to Cayo Santo Maria.  

Travelling to Cayo Santa Maria

Our Cuban Taxi to Cayo Santa Maria

Our first stop was Caibarien, only 7 km from Remedios, the gateway onto Cayo Santa Maria. At the check- point, we had to pay an entrance fee, as well as show our passports or ID cards. A 50 KM drive from the check-point to the start of Cayo Santo Maria, we drove on an impressive manmade road above the ocean with magnificent views across the ocean.  

Our local driver, drove us past the all-inclusive hotels, none of which we could access without either staying as a guest in the hotel or paying for a day pass, all the time explaining to us where everything was.  He took us to 2 different pueblos; Pueblo Las Dunas and Pueblo La Estrella, offering craft stalls, artesania, restaurants, bars and shops. We browsed and took pictures and then head to Playa Salinas, where he dropped us off to enjoy the afternoon on the beach.  

Pueblo Las Dunas - Cayo Santa Maria

Pueblo Las Dunas - Cayo Santa Maria

Pueblo La Estrella - Cayo Santa Maria

Pueblo La Estrella - Cayo Santa Maria

Playa Salinas on Cayo Santo Maria is a beautiful and desolate beach with crystal clear water. From where we were dropped off it was a short walk to the Hotel Villa Las Brujas.  After strolling down the beach, we made ourselves comfortable on a couple of beach chairs, and enjoyed the warm and pristine ocean waters.  Later when we got a bit hungry, we checked out the menu at the hotel restaurant, where we were informed that we could in fact enter the restaurant and order lunch.  

Our original idea was to pay around 15 CUC each for a day pass to use the facilities of one of the all-inclusive hotels on Cayo Santo Maria, but it was our diver that gave us the tip to hang out on Playa Salinas instead.  In the end we paid around 5 CUC each for our lunch at the hotel restaurant as opposed to 15 CUC plus each at an all-inclusive hotel.  When we were ready to leave we called our driver and he came and collected us at the hotel car park and took us back to Remedios.

Even though I had been to Cayo Santa Maria before, it was the first time for my family and they were pleased that they got to experience a little of their amazing country and get a glimpse of how the other half live!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT REMEDIOS?

We can organise for you to stay with Jose Manuel in his casa in Remedios, where you can receive the same warm and welcoming treatment.  

Home cooked Cuban meal - Remedios

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT REMEDIOS FROM TRINIDAD?

If you want to stay in Trinidad first, the family in Trinidad can organise a weekend trip to Remedios for you.  From Trinidad there is a bus service to Remedios leaving twice a day or you can hire a driver to take you like we did.

WOULD YOU LIKE SPANISH LESSONS IN REMEDIOS?

If you want to experience another side of Cuba and feel like spending at least 1 week or more in Remedios, we can organise Casa and Spanish language programs in Remedios.

HOW TO CONTACT EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA

For more information about any of our cultural programs, contact us at experiencetherealcuba@gmail.com.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Playa Salinas - Cayo Santa Maria

Playa Salinas - Cayo Santa Maria

Hotel Villa Las Brujas - Cayo Santa Maria

SAN JUAN DE LOS REMEDIOS PART I

TRINIDAD TO REMEDIOS

A blue Chevrolet arrived at the Casa in Trinidad to collect us for our journey to San Juan De Los Remedios.  It was a Friday afternoon, the 5 of us piled into the classic Cuban car excited about our weekend trip away from Trinidad.  The shiny blue Chevrolet took us on our journey from the province of Santi Spiritus to Villa Clara, leaving behind the Sierra Escambray Mountains, a view which always makes me feel happy, like a sign, letting me know that I am home.  

We headed past the Valle de los Ingenios and the Manaca-Iznaga Tower.  After cruising through the town of Santi Spiritus we joined the national motorway for a short distance before turning off towards Placetas.  The countryside from the motorway to Remedios was luscious, colourful with simple houses and huge banana trees in the gardens; in the distance you could catch a glimpse of the ocean.

Surprisingly the journey from Trinidad to Remedios only took around 2.5 hours. Looking back now, I couldn’t believe that it had once taken me all day to drive from Trinidad to Caibarien; a mere 7 km from Remedios.  On that occasion, my friend and I had hired a car so we decided to drive across the Sierra Escambray mountains, enjoying the breath taking views along the way, as well as stop off at Santa Clara; to visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and the Tren Blindado.

Sierra Escambray Viewpoint Cuba

Tren Blindado Santa Clara Cuba

Che Guevara Monument Santa Clara Cuba

As we arrived into Remedios, we all curiously took a look around our new environment, instantly making comparisons between Trinidad and Remedios inside our minds. Gustavo had arranged for us to stay at the Balcony Hostal in Remedios.  Jose Manuel welcomed us into his casa, like long lost family.  Gustavo and Jose Manuel, over the years building their friendship over the phone, sending tourists from one casa to another, had become instant long term friends.  Today was the day that they finally met for the first time in person.

SAN JUAN DE LOS REMEDIES – THE CRADLE OF PARRANDAS

We climbed the steep steps to the Casa, Jose Manuel keen to show us around and make us feel at home.  All looking forward to see the true colours of Remedios, we set out on a mini walking tour, it felt good to stretch our legs and be in the company of Jose Manual. 

Our enthusiastic and willing guide, Jose Manuel shared with us his wealth of knowledge of Remedios and the province of Villa Clara.  He walked us to a hidden museum slightly out of town, he showed us around the small town of Remedios and introduced us to his family and friends.  

Remedios may seem like a small and tranquil town, but it is the only town in Cuba to have 2 cathedrals in the main plaza.  In the evening the square comes to life, it’s the place to be for all the locals and is surrounded by grand buildings all destined to be renovated and turned into hotels, bringing new life into this friendly and relaxed town. Culturally it has lots to offer, on Saturday night a local Trova band from Remedios played in the main square where a local crowd gathered to enjoy the melodic music.

Remedios is also famous for its cultural events hosted around the year:

• 1-7th March – Cultural week
• 24th June – Festival of San Juan
• August – carnival
• 24th December - The Parrandas

Part II to follow soon – our trip to Cayo Santo Maria….

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:


www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Trinidad to Remedios in a Blue Chevrolet

Museum in Remedios

Remedios

Remedios

Casa Remedios

Museum Remedios

Musuem Remedios

Museum Zoo - Remedios

Remedios

6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CUBA AND MEDICAL INSURANCE

I would never consider travelling to Cuba without travel insurance.  I always travel to Cuba with a positive attitude; I never expect to make use of my travel insurance in Cuba, but at the same time I never travel to Cuba without it.  This may be obvious to me and maybe to some of you out there, but just in case you haven’t given it a second thought or you are wondering whether it is necessary or not, consider the following points before getting on the plane to Cuba:

1. CUBAN AUTHORITIES REQUIRE PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE

Cuban authorities require proof of medical insurance to gain entry to Cuba. This has been a requirement set by the Cuban authorities since 1st May 2010.  Therefore, ensure you keep a copy of a valid travel insurance policy confirming your medical cover in your possession on arrival at the airport in Cuba. 

2. YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESENT A COPY OF YOUR MEDICAL INSURANCE WHEN YOU CHECK-IN ONTO YOUR FLIGHT TO CUBA

As comprehensive travel insurance with medical insurance cover is a requirement in Cuba you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance when checking onto your flight to Cuba.  

Whilst I have never been asked by an airline to present a copy of my travel insurance when travelling to Cuba, it caught me by surprise to learn that it can actually happen.  

In August 2014, Experience The Real Cuba organized a personalized itinerary of Casas, Spanish and Salsa lessons in Havana and Trinidad.  The customer planned for a family member to meet them in Havana.  When our customer went to meet their family member at the airport, they never arrived.  We discovered that this person was refused entry onto the flight because they did not have travel insurance. The flight was from Taipei via Hong Kong and Paris.

One of my contacts in Havana did some research and we found out that if an airline travelling to Cuba allows passengers to board the plane without comprehensive travel insurance or medical insurance cover, the airline will be fined by Cuban authorities.  

So in order to avoid ruining your holiday to Cuba, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance with medical insurance cover and that you can present the required documents if asked to by your airline.

3. YOU WILL HAVE TO PRESENT A COPY OF YOUR MEDICAL INSURANCE ON ARRIVAL INTO CUBA

Ensure you keep a copy of your travel insurance policy easily to hand with your travel documents and passport when travelling to Cuba. If you arrive in Cuba without any proof of medical insurance cover you will be required to purchase medical insurance at the airport in Cuba.  

I have travelled to Cuba many times since this regulation has come into place.  I have travelled to Cuba from the UK, from Central and South America, yet I have never been asked to show my travel insurance documents at the airport when travelling to Cuba. Nevertheless, I always keep a copy of my travel insurance policy in my hand luggage; it is easily accessible just in case immigration wants to inspect it when I arrive into Cuba.  

4. YOU CAN BUY A TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY AT THE AIRPORT IN CUBA

If you manage to arrive to Cuba without any medical insurance cover and the Cuban authorities discover you cannot provide proof of medical insurance, you will be required to purchase medical insurance at the airport in Cuba.  

The Cuban authorities will sell you a medical insurance policy from Asistur. Check out Asistur travel policy, for more information about the details of the medical insurance policy sold by Asistur.

5. BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE BEFORE COMING TO CUBA

Hence, since as all tourists coming to Cuba MUST have medical insurance cover, I would recommend anyone coming to Cuba to purchase comprehensive travel insurance from their home country before coming to Cuba.  Whilst most travel insurance policies include medical coverage, read the small print and make sure it covers all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation for the full duration of your stay in Cuba.  Remember to read the small print in your policy and make sure it covers everything you are planning to do.

6. ENSURE CUBA IS COVERED IN YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY

What travel insurance do I need for Cuba? Not all travel insurance companies include Cuba in their policies so when you are looking for travel insurance to Cuba, read the small print and ensure that Cuba is not excluded from its list of covered destinations.  

SHARE YOUR CUBAN TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

Have you had any travel issues going to Cuba?  Please share your story……..

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Immigration Havana Airport

Havana Airport

Immigration Havana Airport

Jose Marti International Airport

Buy Travel Insurance Cuba

WHERE TO TAKE DANCE LESSONS IN HAVANA CUBA

BOOKING DANCE LESSONS IN HAVANA, CUBA

DO YOU WANT TO LEARN TO DANCE IN HAVANA?

Experience the Real Cuba have recently teamed up with Yoanka at SalsAmiga All Star and are excited to share the news!  Together we can now organise professional and fun dance lessons in Havana, Cuba. Yoanka and I are both determined to welcome you and offer unforgetable holiday experiences in Cuba.  

WHY SHOULD I TAKE DANCE LESSONS WITH YOU?

Yoanka has been organising Cuban dance classes for 5 years and has built up a team of professional dance instructors.  If you take lessons with us it will allow you the opportunity to interact with magnificent dancers as well as arm you with the necessary knowledge to experience and enjoy the best of Havana's nightlife.   

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

The dance lessons take part in the heart of Vedado, Havana, Cuba where professional instructors and experienced dancers teach you in a friendly and relaxed environment.

WHAT TYPE OF DANCE LESSONS DO YOU OFFER?

We can organise a variety of Cuban dance classes; Salsa, Son, Rumba, Folklore, Orishas, Chachacha, Rueda de Casino etc.

DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO DANCE?

Whether this is your first time dancing Cuban style or not it really doesn't matter.  We offer lessons to beginners, intermediate and advanced dancers.  If you are a beginner, you will learn the necessary dance skills, which will help you develop a natural dance style and improve your confidence.  Whereas, intermediate and advanced dance students will be able to improve their dance knowledge, musicality or footwork.

HOW LONG ARE THE DANCE LESSONS?

The dance lessons are minimum 90 minutes or maximum 120 minutes.  You can choose to take a personalized dance lesson, a private dance lesson or in a group with qualified and professional instructors and experienced dancers.  

WHEN CAN I TAKE DANCE LESSONS?

You can take dance lessons in Cuba seven days a week (however dance lessons are not always available on 1st January).

HOW CAN I BOOK DANCE LESSONS?

If you are interested in taking dance lessons in Cuba, please contact Rena at experiencetherealcuba@gmail.com for more information / reservations.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO

Dance Lessons - Havana Cuba

Rueda de Casino

Folklore Dance Lesson - Havana, Cuba

CAN I TRANSIT IN LAX STRAIGHT OUT OF CUBA?

Damien Leis from Australia contacted Experience The Real Cuba in May 2014 looking for travel advice to Cuba.  He wanted to fly from San Juan, Santo Domingo to Cuba and then onto Los Angeles and wanted to know if he could reliably transit in LAX straight out of Cuba.  I contacted Damien after his trip to Cuba to find out about his Cuban travel adventure.

WHAT MADE YOU CONTACT EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA?  

I found the information on the Experience The Real Cuba blog to be real and down to earth, great quality. This type of information is very difficult to find anywhere else on the web, even the large sites like Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet. Dealings with ETRC were very personal and the support and response times to queries were excellent. All this is very important for travellers from Australia who generally feel that Cuba is a mystical place and therefore take extra precaution.

WHAT KIND OF INTERNET SEARCHES DID YOU DO?

The normal Google and Bing searches. I enquired with travel agents in Australia who offered zero information on Cuba.

WHAT WAS THE BEST FLIGHT IN / OUT OF CUBA?

We decided to fly via the Bahamas (Turks & Caicos Air to Nassau, Bahama Air to Havana), this gave us an opportunity to see that part of the world as well!

Booking flights online into Havana is a little tricky, there are a lot of smoke and mirrors. It takes some effort to get the best deal without going around the world. I also got caught out by the 72hr booking window with Cubana Air.

WERE YOU ABLE TO GET A CUBAN TOURIST CARD FROM THE AIRPORT IN NASSAU?  

Obtaining the Cuban tourist card was easy in the end. We flew Bahamair from Nassau to Havana, we paid/obtained the Cuban tourist card at the check-in counter at the same time as receiving our boarding pass (about USD$16 each or similar), it was a mere formality.

DID YOU GET A CUBAN STAMP IN YOUR PASSPORT?

Yes, they stamped the passports of all three of us on arrival in Cuba! I was expecting (hoping) that they would not stamp my passport. I read that not stamping passports in Cuba was normal and they only stamped if you asked for it.

WHAT WAS YOUR CONCERN ABOUT HAVING A CUBAN STAMP IN YOUR PASSPORT?

My concern was that my return flight was via LAX whereby I needed to clear U.S. customs and re-check all baggage. However, even with a Cuban stamp in my passport there were no dramas (we flew Puerto Vallarta Mexico direct to LAX).

I met a New Zealand lady in Cuba who was on her way to a conference in Florida, I understand that she was going via the Bahamas to avoid any U.S. immigration issues. I think it only gets complicated if you wish to fly direct into the U.S. from Cuba, as they treat you as a U.S. citizen and therefore need a special purpose permit to go to Cuba. Its only 'charter flights' flying direct between U.S. and Cuba and they wouldn't let you on without the required permits in any case. I was coming from the US Virgin islands and the best way I found to get to Cuba (without a permit) was via Bahamas or Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic).

DID YOU DRIVE AROUND CUBA?

No, however I would not hesitate to drive in Cuba in the future (it doesn't seem that complicated). We ended up using a driver that was arranged by the Casa ($25pp and $15 for our 3yo son) to travel from Havana to Trinidad and then Trinidad to Varadero.

HOW DID YOU GET FROM VARADERO TO HAVANA?

In Varadero we were tempted to try the Viazul bus and actually arrived at the Viazul bus terminal with plenty of time. We were approached by a taxi driver who asked how much we were willing to pay to get back to Havana, he then approached a group of other drivers who took the fare (40 CUC), which turned out to be a lot more convenient given that we were travelling with the baby and luggage.

HOW WAS YOUR CUBAN EXPERIENCE?

I believe that Cuba ticks all the boxes. We always felt safe in Cuba, the people were warm, architecture, history, cleanliness and value for money makes a total experience. We travelled to the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Cuba and Mexico (west coast) and Cuba was my highlight. Havana is King.

Thanks to Damien for sharing his Cuban travel experience.

As for me, I have been to Cuba at least 15 times and my passport has never been stamped. I was therefore very surprised to learn that Damien and his family's passports were stamped; which is why I wanted to share this information on the Experience The Real Cuba blog.  

I am interested to hear from other travellers coming from Cuba:

• Did you get a stamp in your passport?  
• Did you transit in the U.S.? 
• Did you have any problems transiting in the U.S. with a Cuban stamp in your passport?  

Please feel free to share your travel experience with us so other travellers can benefit from your Cuban experience.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Driving in Cuba

Plaza de Armas, Havana Vieja

Cuban Cars, Havana

Plaza Vieja, Havana, Cuba

WHERE TO TAKE PART IN SPANISH & PAINTING EXPERIENCES IN TRINIDAD CUBA

SPANISH & PAINTING IN TRINIDAD CUBA

By Martina Wohlers, Spanish & Painting student, Trinidad, April 2014 

I decided to travel to Cuba some time in November and started my research on the internet. I knew I wanted to take Spanish lessons, ideally one on one. So, I started looking and very soon found the site “Experience the Real Cuba”. They offered the type of Spanish lessons I was looking for, a home stay and to top it off, painting lessons. 

I loved the idea of getting painting lessons from one of Cubans artists. I wrote an email to them and promptly received a super nice reply that convinced me to stick with that company. When the travel date got closer I received very detailed and personal emails from Rena, who virtually took me by the hand on my first trip to Cuba. Travelling as a single woman is not always easy, but Rena organized my stay in Havana as well. 

I knew, when I left Germany that things would be amazing. And they were! I loved the Casa in Havana, even though it was just one night. Misleydis and Gustavo’s Casa in Trinidad made me feel at home right away. It is a spacious Casa with two terraces to hang out at. They welcomed me into their family, spoke Spanish to me and were very patient with my slow answers. They served a yummy breakfast with fresh fruits and juices. Dinner was always different and superb as well. 

Each morning I walked the short distance to my Spanish class. Juani is a very experienced and lovely teacher. My head spun every day after three hours of intensive Spanish, but I learned a lot and slowly started understanding the people on the street of Trinidad. Later in the day I had my painting class with a young artist. He helped me with painting a painting that I had carried around in my head for years. I was so grateful and happy, when I saw the result. 

All in all I can highly recommend travelling with Experience the Real Cuba, because I felt welcome in all places, got to know the beautiful people of Cuba and I know this was not my last trip.

Thanks Martina for sharing your experiences in Cuba.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Painting Workshop - Trinidad, Cuba

Martina & Rances - Painting in Cuba