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The direct flight time from Montreal to Havana is estimated at 3 hours and 46 minutes. Havana, the capital of Cuba with its 2.4 million inhabitants, is located 2,612 km from Montreal. A little further east of the capital, or 145 km by land, we find one of the most popular seaside resorts in the world, Varadero. Direct flights from Montreal to Varadero are available year round as well as Santa Clara, Cayo Coco and even Holguin, all of which Canadians love.
The island of Cuba is the second most populous island in the Caribbean with almost 11,253,000 inhabitants (2018). The most recent census was conducted in September 2012. Cuba's population in 2012 was 11.1 million. The density was 100.7 people per square kilometer, and the life expectancy was 78.0 years
Cuba is a republic under the concept of government of "popular democracy" and a socialist state established at various stages after the triumph of the Cuban revolution in 1959. It is a one-party republic which has, since 1980, a parliament and direct and secret election of deputies to municipal, provincial and national parliament. The President of the Council of State is ex officio Head of State, President of the Council of Ministers, Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the leader of the country. These positions have been occupied since 2018 by Miguel Díaz-Canel. For example, the opening of an internet line is subject to the authorization of the authorities of the island. Internet use must not "compromise state security" or go against "the laws and moral principles of the country", grounds sufficiently vague to arbitrarily cut off access to the Internet.
In 2016, in proportion to the gross domestic product (GDP), the main sectors of activity of the Cuban economy were: services (74%); industry (17%); agriculture (5%). Cuba's economy is largely state-controlled, an economy with central planning overseen by the Cuban government, although significant foreign investment as well as private businesses exist on the island. The embargo suffered by Cuba for fifty years has been a handicap for the growth of its foreign trade.
There are two types of currencies in circulation in Cuba. The Cuban peso (CUP) concerns only Cubans who use it in their everyday life to pay for example their rent, car etc. The convertible peso (CUC) is used by tourists, everything is paid in CUC if you do not think outside the box. Neither of these two currencies is exportable. Since October 2019, American money has been accepted in shops and people can now open accounts in dollars. However, it is best to bring Canadian money and exchange it on the spot for convertible pesos. Most credit cards issued by a non-US financial institution are accepted. It's best to check with your bank to make sure your credit card will be accepted in Cuba. Debit cards bearing the Visa or Mastercard logo are accepted. However, in an AMT, only cards with the Visa logo will work.
The best time to discover Cuba is winter and early spring, from December to April. Temperatures start to increase seriously from March. The month of February is the perfect compromise between a pleasant climate and a cheap plane ticket. June to November is hurricane season in Cuba and the Caribbean.
The Republic of Cuba is located between the Caribbean Sea to the south, the Gulf of Mexico to the northwest, Florida to the north and the Bahamas to the northeast, themselves bathed by the North Atlantic. Cuba is a Caribbean island state made up of the island of Cuba (the largest island in the Antilles), the Isle of Youth (called Isle of Pines until 1978) and 4,095 cays and islets.
According to the Government of Canada website, tourists must take normal security measures. There are no significant security concerns. General security is similar to that of Canada. You must take the usual security measures. Source; travel.gc.ca
Since 2013, Cubans over the age of 18 can travel abroad if they have a valid passport. Minors can also leave the country as long as they have in hand a notarized authorization from their parents or guardians. By 1961, severe restrictions were imposed by the Communist regime. There was a strict process to be followed to get out of the country. A maximum of eleven months was given to complete the trip, under penalty of having their property confiscated and being considered as permanent expatriates.
The embargo was put in place on February 3, 1962 following nationalizations expropriating American companies and remains so to this day. Since the 2000s, exports of food and medicine have been legal, but subject to enormous restrictions. Many observers accuse the Cuban government of multitudes of human rights violations. In 1960, an assistant secretary of state for inter-American affairs in the United States wrote that causing Cubans to hunger and despair was the only way to push them to overthrow the government. He also mentioned that the US government must use all possible means to undermine the economic life of Cuba. The losses caused by the embargo to the Cuban economy in 2014 amounted to more than 116 billion dollars.
Varadero beach, located in the north of Cuba, is undoubtedly the most popular on the island. You will be amazed by its 20km of white sand and sparkling water. Varadero is the ideal place for water sports. Also to the north is the island of Cayo Coco. It is the perfect place to go diving because of its coral reef which is one of the most spectacular in the world. You will be dazzled by the beach of Playa Pilar with its turquoise waters and white sand as far as the eye can see. Further south, we find the paradise island of Cayo Largo. Paya Paraiso beach is located on the south coast. It can rejoice with its white sand, crystal clear waters and almost deserted landscapes. It has been named one of the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor. On the side of Santa Maria there are also magnificent beaches. The island itself is made up of around 11km of practically pristine white sand beaches. Travelers can go diving or fishing. The island is also part of the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO. Close to Holguin, Guardalavaca stands out for the beauty of its beach. Coral reefs of nearly 300 meters protect it. Diving enthusiasts will be delighted. This beach contains one of the most turquoise waters in Cuba.
Most hotels in Cuba run on 220V. The majority of sockets are European type. It is therefore strongly recommended to check with your travel agent whether it will be necessary to bring an adapter or a converter. The adapter is installed between your devices and electrical wall outlets. It mainly resolves connection incompatibilities. The converter has the function of matching the type of voltage between your devices. It is connected to the batteries from which it receives current and to which you connect the electrical devices you want to operate.
Cuba is made up of several seaside towns and magnificent cayos (islets). People love to visit this Caribbean island and cayos, like Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo. As seaside towns, Varadero and Holguin are among the most popular. There are several all-inclusive hotels with swimming pools, activities, meals and above all because they are bordered by magnificent beaches. The capital, Havana, is also worth a visit. It is a fascinating city that allows you to experience Cuban culture. Cuba received 4.28 million tourists in 2019.
Cuban cuisine is quite simple. Black beans, rice, spices and meat are part of the daily life of Cubans. Moros y Cristianos is the typical dish made with rice and black beans. Cuban lobsters are famous and prepared in several ways. At your hotel, don't forget to order a mojito, this drink made with fresh mint and rum.
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