Varadero

The beaches are the reason to go to Varadero. The sand is very white, the water turquoise & very warm, and the sky is impossibly blue. The beaches are kept very clean. Varadero is a narrow penninsula. The resorts are about 1/2 an hour away from the airport.

The town itself is small, with a mix of well kept and crumbling buildings. Tourism is the main economy, though it is clear that the economy of the country is struggling, with the lack of goods even in the tourist areas.

There isn’t much else to do, other than the typical all-inclusive activities (dancing, learning spanish, beach volleyball) although the tour company we went with had trips to Havana and a jeep safari.

Pics of Che Guevera, and revolutionary slogans are everywhere (outside the resort).

Travelling to a new country, always opens your eyes to beautiful and exciting things!! Cuba is so lovely, the people are so friendly, the landscape gorgeous… Cuba has changed my life: I want to travel more, I appreciate all the things I have and I’m trying to slow my pace down so that I can take everything in.

I mean, its pretty…beautifull, but its not Cuba.

If you want caribbean beach, I’m all for it, but if you go to Cuba, don’t just stay in a closed hotel/shopping mall/golf court/tourist place, cuba is so much more than this.

The shoping is pretty good. Trade things that the cubans need. They are good people. Take the bus tour to Havana, its worth it. Another way to get there is via the public bus. Its only 10 convertible pesos. Come to the stop early if you want seats.

I’ve been to Varadero 2 times and loved it. Returning in March 2007 for my Birthday!!