Wednesday October 09, 2019 - Posted by admin

Cuba: here life truly comes alive. Turbulent history, old fashioned cars, lively music are all aspects that make Cuba, Cuba. There are endless places to see and things to do in Cuba and you cannot go wrong by packing your bags and heading to Cuba.  Looking for a great place to learn Spanish? Here are Reasons to  Study Spanish in Cuba!

The best places to see in Cuba

Havana, oh na, na! Founded in 1515, the Cuban capital Havana is originally named San Cristóbal de la Habana. Havana is a place that tourists cannot miss – and it’s a great destination for a Spanish School too. The city has a lot of complex history, vibrant colors, and lively dancing. It is characterized by old fashioned cars and lively, friendly people.

Tips to do in Havana

• Malecón is a historical, popular place in Havana. People go to enjoy a drink and talk about the day’s adventures. The perfect time to go is at sunset. The place transforms into a lively social scene and colors flood the sky as the sun goes down.
• Check out El Floridita, the bar where Ernest Hemingway loved to pass the days. The daiquiri is spectacular, and the atmosphere keeps everything classy!
• Taking a stroll down old Havana, or Havana Vieja, is a fantastic experience. The capitol building is located there as well as plenty of new restaurants, landmarks, and hotels.
• Hotel Ambos Mundos is a great getaway either for just an evening or to spend the night. They have art exhibits. They have jazz players or an artist playing the piano. The hotel includes a roof garden and a Plaza de Armas restaurant.

Santiago de Cuba

The second-largest city in Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, has many interesting sites as well. You can take a bus or fly from Havana. The bus takes approximately 16 hours and you can go by Viazul. Santiago is a great place to study Spanish, and the city has a true Carribean climate and spirit.

Tips to do in Santiago de Cuba

• Once you get to Santiago, The Parque Céspedes should be on the top of your list to visit. It has plenty of museums and lively music.
• You can also take a day trip to La Gran Piedra. There you can go on tours of coffee plantations. There are also hikes that display breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
• If you fantasize over crystal clear waters and white sand, another great place to visit is Playa Coco. It is located in Jardines de Rey, in the Sabana-Camaguey Archipelago. It has beautiful hotels walking distance from the beach or right on the beach.

Reasons to study Spanish in Cuba

Studying Spanish in Cuba is a wonderful choice. Here are some recommended places to study Spanish. Did you know you can also combine the different locations? All cities offer the possibility to study Spanish and combine it with scuba diving, tropical beaches, music and dance lessons and more!

Havana

The Cuban capital Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with beautiful public squares, colonial buildings, cobblestone walking streets, bars and restaurants. Havana is an amazing city where different cultures and races mix.

Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba, located at the eastern side of the island, has a unique identity, shaped by a rich mix of cultures and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Also called Cuban’s cultural capital, Santiago de Cuba has a passion for music and it the birthplace of the son and the bolero.

Trinidad

Trinidad is the best-preserved colonial town in Cuba with a wonderful atmosphere; it is a Unesco World Heritage site since 1988. At night, Trinidad becomes very festive, with bars full of live music!

Safety in Cuba

Cuba is relatively safe. However, it is important to take precautions and be aware.

• Credit and debit cards are not accepted anywhere in Cuba, so travelers much carry cash on them to make purchases. Be smart about how much cash you carry with you for your day to day activities. It is not wise to carry all your cash. Try and take only the cash you need for the day. The rest keep stored in a secure spot.
• The crime in Cuba is not high. The most common crimes are pickpocketing and theft. Do not carry your wallet in your back pocket where thieves can easily snitch it without your knowledge. Carry your bags in front of you at all times and be aware. Pickpocketing happens to distracted tourists at any time of day.
• If locals offer you a service they will expect payment. Unless you want the item that they put in your hand, do not accept it. If they offer tips or guidance they will also expect a payment. Fun activities such as singing or drawing a picture of you—these will all have smiling faces that will not leave until you pay them something.

Some areas in Cuba that are more dangerous than others. Bigger cities like Havana have higher chances of crime. There are also slums that should be off-limits for tourists. These include: Centro Habana, Marianao, and Guanabacoa. Only go to these areas if you know a local and you trust them.

Transport in Cuba

The roads in Cuba are not in the best condition. Be careful while driving. Lack of regular upkeep, potholes, and bad lighting make it more difficult to drive. Motor crashes are the leading cause of accidental deaths in Cuba, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Money in Cuba

Credit and debit cards do not work here. Take out money before you leave your home country so you can convert the money into CUC’s. (Cuban Convertible Pesos). We recommend that you exchange them at the official exchange houses called CADECA. Remember there will be a 10% charge added after the conversion is done. Keep in mind it is prohibited to export Cuban currency out of the country, so you should exchange your CUC’s back into your own currency before leaving the country.

What to pack for Cuba

• The most important thing to pack for Cuba is cash (see above).
• Proof of health insurance. The Cuban government requires all tourists to have insurance upon entering the country; they are strict about this. Therefore, do not neglect to bring the proper documents that prove you have insurance.
• Cuba is generally hot so bring appropriate clothes for this climate. T-shirts, shorts, sundresses are all suitable for the weather. However, do not neglect a jacket and long pants for the occasional cold episodes. A sun hat to protect yourself from the sun is a good idea as well.
• Bring plenty of sunscreens to avoid long term skin damage, and to avoid short term inconveniences. (Being sunburnt your entire trip will not be enjoyable!)
• A filtered water bottle is recommended to bring to Cuba. Filtered water is not as accessible as what tourists are used to, and water contamination is common.
• A flashlight or some other light source is also a good idea as there are occasional electricity outages in Cuba. Some hotels have generators in these cases; however, it is best to be prepared.

Reasons to study Spanish in Cuba

There is a wide variety of options in Cuba, and it is a great location for a Spanish Language course. Make sure you have the necessary documents and be prepared for the weather, security, and other differences. No doubts that you will have an amazing time in Cuba learning Spanish! And whether it’s studying Spanish or touring the famous cities, or a combination of both, Cuba guarantees to show you something unique.

Would you like advice on Where to Study Spanish or about a Spanish Course in Cuba?

Feel free to contact us!

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