Caribgirl

Still planning a trip to Cuba. Am now reading about Trinidad and wondering how to get there and how long should we spend. One night? Where would you stay? Some of the small places in the Moon handbook sound interesting. Do we have to reserve ahead of time, or could we check it out when we get there? We'd be on a really tight schedule trying to see Havana, friends in the Veradado area and Trinidad. But if we do get to visit Cuba I certainly want to cram in as much as possible.

Canuck_at_Canada_eh

Hello Caribgirl:

You're trying to pack a lot of Cuba into a very short time and I think the only practical way would be to rent a car for the week so that your actual travel schedule is your own and with the maximum in flexability.
That said, my suggestions would be this.
Day 1 - Arrive Havana, get car and drive to Cienfuegos. Depending on timing of flight arrival etc., you might have time to see Bay of Pigs on the drive down, depending on route chosen.
Day 2- Tourist/beach activities Cienfuegos. Very historic City.
Day 3- Trinidad for the day. UNESCO world heritage site. Early start and late finish. Only 70 kilometres from Cienfuegos so will not require changing hotels.
Day 4- Morning, drive to Varadero. Afternoon/Evening visiting friends.
Day 5- Morning, drive to Havana. Be sure to stop at Puente Bacanayagua on the way. Longest, highest bridge in Cuba. Very nice views from the observation areal. Restaurant and bathrooms available. Afternoon, try to find an organized city tour (Rumbos?) etc. to get a feel for the city. Evening, relax and have a nice dinner out. Perhaps Cannon ceremony at El Morro Castle at 9:00 p.m.
Day 6 - Full day sightseeing in Havana. Old City, Plaza Revolution, Bocoy Rum Factory (right in Havana), Malecon,
Evening at Tropicana Cabaret or Parisienne Cabaret as alternative.
Day 7 - Pack, see what you can, and then the airport.

Tight schedule, but it is possible if you realise that you are just "skimming" the surface of Cuban culture etc.

Have fun.
Steve

Caribgirl

Hi Steve,
Great suggestions! I'm going to copy your post into my Cuba file. Who would you suggest renting a car from? I wish I could stay longer but might be leaving the kids at home since the 6 yr old wouldn't find touring a cigar factory very interesting.

Canuck_at_Canada_eh

Hey Caribgirl....

With a busy travel schedule, I think children might slow you down somewhat. On that note, I'll let you make up you own mind. Guess I've spoilt myself with my solo trips and the freedom the bring.

Anyway, as to cars, I have rented from Havanautos and also Transtur. Both provided good service and pleasant reliable cars. I drive a 5 speed standard, so that is what I rented. Not sure about the automatics, but they are available for sure.
Only cautions are to check the car carefully before you accept it and not all dings, scratches etc., and check for the spare tire, jack and other stuff so that you know you have it if needed. Also if it wasn't there upon return, it would save some disagreement. Though it has never happened to me.

Here's some numbers for you.

Havanauto
Central reservations. 23-9833 or 24-0647
Email: [email protected]
www.havanautos.cubaweb.cu

Transtur
011-537-33-8384 or 55-3991
email: [email protected]

Hope thses help you some. Also you might try www.cubalinda.com as another alternative.

Whatever you do, if renting, try to find a copy of Guia de Carreteras (Road Guide) which I picked up from on my first rental in Cuba. It is simply the best map booklet available for travelling around the country. A little shy on city details, but great for intercity travel.

Hope you have a great time.

Steve

Caribgirl

Thank you Steve.

I do envy people who have more travelling freedom than I. That's why I try to do one family trip and one grown-up trip each year. Keeps us all sane!

Bye for now,

Caribgirl

Carolred

Tight schedule? Get a cab. You can often arrange them at the Viazul bus terminal. It costs the same as the bus, but takes half the time. You get picked up and dropped off at your hotel. You don't have to worry about getting lost leaving your departure or arriving in your destination town. Plus you get to enjoy the scenery rather than worrying about driving. The longer legs of your trip will be one day, Varadero is much closer to Havana.

Veradero is beautiful but a bit touristy.

Don't miss Trinidad. The music on "the stairs" is amazing and free every night, lots to see and do, and the town is quiet and safe. Also, the accomodation and meals are much cheaper there. Stay in a private home, its so cheap and there are lots to choose from. The best get booked up well ahead of time.