Cuba Tourist Traps

  this guy can hire you the perfect...
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  • this guy can hire you the perfect motorcycle
      this guy can hire you the perfect...
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  • hey mista.....you got a dollar!
      hey mista.....you got a dollar!
    by lukulu21
  • the perfect motorcycle
      the perfect motorcycle
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  • palms
      palms
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  • jardin botanico
      jardin botanico
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Most Viewed Tourist Traps in Cuba

101.

Varadero   Varadero

Varadero, Varadero

 5 Reviews  One night I stopped one of the "old taxis" said I wanted to go to Cardenas, 10 kms away. The Lady driver looked at me and said "OK". I got in and she turned around and started to drive me back towards... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Be aware of the undercovered police!!!!!

by Hesus

Under covered police is everywhere. Even block by block, they call CDR. The government is afraid of foreigners bringing ideas of freedom to the locals, as well of the locals saying too much about lack of freedom and hardship in Cuba.Just remember Cuba is a beautiful country, and Havana is a great city, but they live under a dictatorship, so the authorities will do everything possible to stay in power.If you attend to talk to a dissident, you might find your self in big trouble.Also, do not open your hears to much to what they might say, as far as how good the political system. How good the 40 some years old revolution is. They will do everything possible to convince you Cuban Revolution is a good thing; by telling you public health and education are free. Actually, they had something similar before. And they will repeat over and over again the U.S. embargo is the one to blame for the...

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El Castillo Havana

by YanetT

from the Malecon, you can clearly see this castle/fort. I did not go inside (as I have been to El Morro in Santiago de Cuba) and they seem to be similar, but if you have not seen either fort, do check it out.I was using my telephoto lens for this shot (no digital cameras for me). I did not go inside the castle, but to make the experence bearable, talk to the people who are guiding you, you may actually learn something. There is always something to be learned from visiting historical sites, so enjoy the experience and take what you can from it.

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Strolling the Malecon

by YanetT

Everyone has to go to the Malecon at least once. I found it to be different than the glamorous photos I always see on Cuba websites, but still a neat place.What struck me were the decaying buildings, but they are being restored now. Yes, I got splashed by the surf, and had a great view of El Castillo. You cannot see Havana without strolling the Malecon. I was able to go with friends, as I strolled the Malecon, but didn't get a chance to see it at night, although my casa was not far from there, pity!! Next time. I suggest you really see the Malecon at night and in the daytime. Check out any local bars along the way. There just isn't enough time in the day to see it all and I wish I had. Just means I need to get back there.

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airport

by frasab.lui

when you get to check in desk, be careful when clerk weights your suitcases. Sometimes they say "suitcases are overweight" (it can really be) and may charge you a superfee. Often it is because they want a tip. As soon as you give it, suddenly "overweight disappears"!!!!

Jinateras (translated to jockeys)

by K1W1

Jinateras and jinateros are local girls and guys who ' ride the tourists'. Otherwise known as prostitutes and touts. These can be found in any area where tourists are concentrated. They will try to befriend you and offer to show you around, or show you a bar or restaurant in return for a drink or a meal. I know this is common in a lot of countries but fortunately these people are friendly, non violent and will normally leave you alone as soon as you request it. Sometimes these people can be genuinely helpful and you will both benefit. Listen to what they have to offer and politely say no if you're not interested. These people are poor but friendly, and are just trying to get ahead.

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Don't square to send away the people hanging on yo

by acebiker

A doctor get something like 35 dollars a month, that means that the one hanging arround you all day, if they get 2 dollars from you, they win more money than a doctor !!!! don't square to send them away, or make some noise, the police is everywhere, and they don't trust each other

Do not buy exotic souvenirs as...

by rachel_sun

Do not buy exotic souvenirs as you will be helping endangered plants and animals to survive if you do not buy them.This includes shells ,cacti,orchids and hardwoods,so think before you buy.Do travel the Island and go on a few trips.A boat trip is a great way to see the coastline.Do watch out for people selling things on the beach.They will try and sell thier bodies as well(prostitutes)so do be aware.I went on a plane trip to a Island which was a great day out.We had lunch on the Island and had a few hours on the deserted beach,it was like no-one else igsisted,you must do this,it was fantastic.It cost around £50,but it was worth every penny.HERE ARE SOME GOOD WEB SITES ON CUBA THAT ARE VERY HELPFUL,ENJOY... ...http://www.cubaweb.cu/Cub_ing/index.aspTHIS PAGE IS GREEAAT......http://www.travel.yahoo.com/t/Caribbean/CubaTHIS PAGE HAS USEFUL TIPS TOO... THIS GREAT WEB...

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The sailing tours put on by...

by jenniferhen

The sailing tours put on by the hotel. LAME!I hated the tour that we went on, it was through Jolly Roger, and the men were SLIME!!! This is the only bad experience that I had in Cuba, the men on this ship were pigs and I think that it was a complete waste of my time and my money, I would never go on this tour EVER again. We went on another tour called the 'Jeep Safari Tour' and were treated with respect and had an amazing time.

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In the cigar factory in Pinar...

by kwanou

In the cigar factory in Pinar del Rio, the cigars aren't much cheaper than in Europe. If you want to buy cigars on the black market, you have to be a bit of a connoisseur. Some are the real kind, but sometimes they're just cheap cigars in a classy box.

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Do not buy cigars from street...

by nunanewf

Do not buy cigars from street venders, buy them from a tobacco store. Street venders and market cigars are often counterfeit. If your luggage is checked at the airport and you are carrying cigars which are suspected of being counterfeit, the officials will seize them. So keep your receipts just in case.

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Top 3 Hotels in Cuba

Villa Las Brujas  Cuba

 2 Reviews and 51 Opinions  I could have chosen Okay but some problems, but I still think it falls too short to express how... 

 Hotels in Cuba

NH Parque Central  Havana

 8 Reviews and 1269 Opinions  This is a jewel of a hotel, located just a block or two away from Old Havana, and the shops of Calle... 

 Hotels in Havana

Iberostar Varadero  Varadero

 5 Reviews and 1871 Opinions  great food gained 5 lbs on the french sauces whatch out for the car rental guy Frank , he takes the... 

 Hotels in Varadero

Questions and Answers

Elgreco77 profile photo

Q:  We're hoping to do Eastern Cuba in December, we've already done the west. I'm trying to book flights, ideally from Manchester. I... 

gwened profile photo

A: flights domestically it is, aerocaribbean do it, as you are in Manchester check the Cuban tourist office http://www.travel2cuba.co.uk/ hope it helps cheers 

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