As a Canadian tourist I have vacationed 65 times in Cuba over 30 years. If you haven't been there you are missing a safe, friendly people, exciting entertainment, beautiful beaches place to vacation. this video gives you many exciting things to experience.
Wow, you must sure love it in Cuba - and we can see why! We definitely agree with everything you said here, which is why it's important (in our opinion) to leave the resort and explore, as only then you'll really get to see how kind and down to earth people are :)
@@thatgirl5964 Hiya! It totally depends on the type of vacation you're looking for. There are so many hotels in Varadero to choose from. Are you a couple/ family/ friends?
We’ve been to Cuba twice now, in fact Varadero, the Iberostar, we have also done all these excursions/trips, absolutely brilliant 👍👍👍😎🏴cant wait to go back
I just booked the Iberostar Selection for January. Glad to get a good word for that resort on here! Looking forward to visiting and thanks for sharing all the things to do while there!
Ahhh, it's so nice to hear that it's gone on your list! We'd definitely recommend Varadero, especially if you fancy a more relaxing holiday. We absolutely adored the Cuban people 🧡
Amazing video, my mom is actually Cuban, she lived her whole life in Varadero until she met my dad and moved to Italy, I spending every summer up until I was 14 years old going to Varadero, it was the best childhood I could have ever asked for, the “Cueva de Saturno” was my favorite place, I noticed that you did dive in the cave, do they not allow you to anymore? I loved the freezing cold water of that cave, mis Varadero so much, I will always call it my second home.
Hey Dylan!! Ahhh how lucky were you spending your summers in one of the best beaches in the world!! You can swim in cueva de saturno but we didn't as we forgot our bathing suits 🤭 we loved everything about Varadero, and more broadly, Cuba. The people are so kind hearted and humble and it'll always be a place forever in our hearts 😊
@@ToucanTravellers that’s such a shame, I remember it was my favorite place to swim in, hope to go back as soon as possible, keep up the good work the videos are amazing🔥🔥
We had the entire cave to ourselves as well 😢 nevermind, at least we got to see it in its true glory with noone else there! Thank you so much for the kind words Dylan 😊
Is your dad Italian.? I was born in Havana, and my parents left to America, when I was 2 years old, because of the communist party, in 1968.. I don't remember Cuba, because obviously at that age few people remember much. I have never visited ever since we left..I heard, that Cuban had expats from all over the world. My paternal grandfather was half Italian. I am planning on visiting Cuba soon. I want my mother to give me a tour of where she and I where born, where she met my father, etc..
I was fortunate to visit Veradero cuba for my first time 2 years ago. I made frinds instantly, I have returned and am going back in a few months. I dont believe there is a better place to visit.
You're so welcome! Thank you for the love. Ps we visited your country this February and absolutely loved it. Don't forget to check out our video on the channel of you haven't already! 😊
Canadian Eh! We are visiting Cuba and staying in Varadero January 5th to 15th 2024. Toucan Travellers has given us some more choices of places to visit.
If you are going on an all inclusive, make sure you read reviews of the resorts. Cuba is hurting when it comes to food and it is worse than ever on the resorts. Resorts are also pretty empty with a lot of the buffets and a la cartes shut down on the resorts due to lack of food and people. Even downtown Varadero is hurting. A steak place didnt have steak and no fries to be found anywhere. Hard enough to find a can of beer in a liquor store. I couldnt find any. Had to buy it from a bar if I wanted one in town for $2.60 CUC.
Amazing description of this amazing city! We’re planning to spend my 10 days honeymoon there, in this august. I hesitate a bit about the weather in august, was told that it would rain a lot so we wouldn’t have the sunshine seen in this video .. What’s your thoughts on that please?
Hi there, congratulations on your honeymoon! :) August is rainy season in Cuba, so you can expect really high temperatures, along with heavy rain some days. The downpours never last too long, and you'll still get plenty of sunshine. Just be prepared for super hot weather in August!
Hey Thahmina! Thanks for your message. Cost varies depending on how you decide to travel to Havana. We opted for a guided tour and recommend Cuban Compass Tours: cubancompass.com/ We've also done a video on Havana if you want to check it out here: ua-cam.com/video/-wxave9VxYM/v-deo.html Hope this helps :)
Hi Keith, we stayed at the Iberostar Selection Varadero :) We've written a detailed guide on our blog here: worldtraveltoucan.com/iberostar-selection-varadero-review/
Thanks for the informative video. We are going to Havana for 3 days and Veradero for 11 nts beginning of November. Is that a nice time to go? Where is Ernest Hemingway’s bar? Can you recommend any good bars / restaurants in Havana?
Hi Nicole! November is Cuba's dry season, so you'll expect warm temperatures in the day that drop in the evening in November. Just pack a light jacket for the evenings. Ernest Hemingways bar is in Havana, just opposite Parque Central in old town. In terms of restaurants and bars, I'm not too sure as we only visited for the day, but we suggest looking on TripAdvisor and checking the reviews. If you're looking for a tour in Havana, we strongly recommend Cuban Compass Tours - cubancompass.com/ Enjoy your trip :)
Thank you for the love! Ah, don't worry! It's incredibly hot there but as long as you go in and out of the sun, it'll be fine. Just make sure to take lots of water especially if you're going on trips out of the hotel. It was around the same temperature when we visited in late April and we managed - it was just a bit difficult when we did our day trips to La Habana and Matanzas! Be as long as you're prepared, you'll be fine. Have a great break away! :)
Just a question,if I’m going to Cuba from the uk how do I get a visa(am I best off buying it at the Cuban airport & what should I do about money? Take all cash & if so what currency?
I'm from Canada. We just fill out the Visa on the plane. Check with them . And the $Euro is your best bet. Don't bring $US or US based credit cards. Bring sunblock and your bathing suit and have a blast.
Hey there, you'll need to get a Cuban tourist card (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/entry-requirements) that will need to be filled out before travel. In terms of money, as Doug correctly said below, euros are the best currency to take with you :) Let us know if you have any other questions. Susie
Hey Robin! Thanks for getting in touch. We wouldn't recommend hiring a car right now in Cuba as fuel is extremely hard to get hold of across the entire country. We'd stick to taxis / private tours if possible :)
an diedever rent a car or anything else on wheels. Communist country, get into an accident and hell is at your door. One man was in a small boat and hit another, a woman died and that man couldn't leave the country for over a year. You need a lot of money to stay in Cuba for a year! Just don't rent anything at all, I mean it! And if in an excursion (maybe a jeep) don't drive the vehicle, say you have no driving permit.
@@rosemarybell7681 When my mother visits, she said she hires a person who owns a classic car, taxi. She states, that if she rents a car, which is communist government owned the government keeps the money. And as Cubans who hate communism, would hate doing that. Just ask around to get information on who owns a personal taxi.
We would definitely advise booking. Not sure how busy it is over there right now, but highly suggest prebooking to avoid disappointment 😊 here's the link to the tour company we recommend : cubancompass.com/
It'd be great to have prices. How much was the taxi to Havana return? Where did you book it? How much was the river boat tour .? What supplier? What company to the island
Hi Debora, sure thing: 1. We opted for a full day tour to Havana from Varadero. We'd suggest booking with Cuban Compass Tours for this and they'll be able to give you more information on prices if you're looking for a guided tour. For taxis alone, I'm not too sure on prices. 2. You can refer to our in depth article on the catamaran boat tour to Cayo Blanco here, where we give in depth information about the excurison: worldtraveltoucan.com/cayo-blanco-guide/ Hope this helps
On resorts, I think you can get a tour for $70CAD each which gives you a tour of Havana, lunch and gives you some time to do your own thing. Bus usually leaves the hotel early morning and comes back in the evening. There is a bus station in downtown Varadero where you can get a bus. I think one person told me it was $9 CUC but not sure if that was just one way or not. This is info from Nov 2022.
Hi, we didn't see tonnes of mosquitos around the resort and Varadero area, no. But as with many destinations, mosquitos thrive in humid temperatures, so as long as you bring high quality bug spray (with deet) you'll be just fine :)
Hi Nirav! What is it that you're after? We've highlighted the top things to do in the video, but if you have any specific questions, then please let me know :) Susie
@@niravpatel8590 Are you staying at a hotel, or a casa? When you mean food, what do you mean? With regards to restaurants in Varadero, you can check these out on TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g147275-Varadero_Matanzas_Province_Cuba.html) have a look and depending on what you're after, I'm sure you'll be able to find something. In terms of the hot weather - just make sure to drink lots of water as June is extremely hot. Take plenty of sun screen (and pack extra, as you won't be able to find these in Cuba) lots of after sun. We'd recommend packing more than necessary in terms of essential toiletries too.
@@howzejanae I asked my mom who was born, and lived there, until the age of 29, and she said, that those days of the month of June don't have rain, and the temperature are mild. After the 20th of June, the temperature starts to rise, and it's very hot, in the month of July, and August, in Havana. No rain in April, May, and June. For some reason it does rain on June,13Th, in Havana. She doesn't know about other provinces, though. I asked about October, which someone posted as a nice time to go, and she stated, that there maybe hurricanes, during that month, since it's hurricane season from August-October. I hope that helps. 🥰
Hey Georgios! We didn't rent a car in Cuba, we just went on private tours outside of Varadero (eg to Matanzas and La Habana) We wouldn't recommend renting a car due to the ongoing situation of gas shortage in the country. Susie
It's a shame that cuban people can't enjoy their country! The communist regime! Goal is to keep them as poor as possible, average salary 15 dollars a month. Left cuba 20 years ago looking for Freedom! Freedom! Is what my cubans brother need!
That is true. This chanel not is interested by cuban people. 1058 prissioners in jail just for ask freedom and they doing propaganda to left money to the military, owners of this hotels.
Tours vary depending on the packages, where you want to go and the company. We went with Cuban Compass Tours and our guide, Alejandro was incredible. You can enquire about costs etc on their website here: cubancompass.com/ Here's the link to their TripAdvisor page so you can see their reviews: www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g147275-d4961057-Reviews-Cuban_Compass_Tours-Varadero_Matanzas_Province_Cuba.html
As a Canadian tourist I have vacationed 65 times in Cuba over 30 years. If you haven't been there you are missing a safe, friendly people, exciting entertainment, beautiful beaches place to vacation. this video gives you many exciting things to experience.
Wow, you must sure love it in Cuba - and we can see why! We definitely agree with everything you said here, which is why it's important (in our opinion) to leave the resort and explore, as only then you'll really get to see how kind and down to earth people are :)
What are some of the good resort with great beaches would you recommend?
@@thatgirl5964 Hiya! It totally depends on the type of vacation you're looking for. There are so many hotels in Varadero to choose from. Are you a couple/ family/ friends?
@@ToucanTravellers couple. Looking for something with good beach and food.
How’s the food
Varadero is my preferred place to visit always when i goes CUBA!!!!!!!!
Que lindo Varadero verdad! ojala y muchos cubanos puedan vivir esa experiencia en su país como la vivió usted 👍🏾
Eso espero yo también. Todo el mundo merece lo mismo 🙏
😢
I have been to Cuba 16 times and Cuban people are fantastic friendly and very honest
Mi tierra mi cultura mi madre patria mi todo mi ser!!! Es y sera' hasta la muerte!!!❤😊 Lo máximo!!!!
We’ve been to Cuba twice now, in fact Varadero, the Iberostar, we have also done all these excursions/trips, absolutely brilliant 👍👍👍😎🏴cant wait to go back
It's a very interesting country and I really hope the situation in Cuba improves for its people really soon. Thanks for the comment :)
I just booked the Iberostar Selection for January. Glad to get a good word for that resort on here! Looking forward to visiting and thanks for sharing all the things to do while there!
Glad to hear it - you'll have a great time :)
Going in November. Thanks for all the suggestions! Much appreciated.
You're very welcome! :)
I have never been to Varadero but after this video it goes on the list. I have traveled to Cuba and it is a really beautiful Country and people.😍💯⌚
Ahhh, it's so nice to hear that it's gone on your list! We'd definitely recommend Varadero, especially if you fancy a more relaxing holiday. We absolutely adored the Cuban people 🧡
Paraíso . Cuba é FANTÁSTICA
Amazing video, my mom is actually Cuban, she lived her whole life in Varadero until she met my dad and moved to Italy, I spending every summer up until I was 14 years old going to Varadero, it was the best childhood I could have ever asked for, the “Cueva de Saturno” was my favorite place, I noticed that you did dive in the cave, do they not allow you to anymore? I loved the freezing cold water of that cave, mis Varadero so much, I will always call it my second home.
Hey Dylan!! Ahhh how lucky were you spending your summers in one of the best beaches in the world!! You can swim in cueva de saturno but we didn't as we forgot our bathing suits 🤭 we loved everything about Varadero, and more broadly, Cuba. The people are so kind hearted and humble and it'll always be a place forever in our hearts 😊
@@ToucanTravellers that’s such a shame, I remember it was my favorite place to swim in, hope to go back as soon as possible, keep up the good work the videos are amazing🔥🔥
We had the entire cave to ourselves as well 😢 nevermind, at least we got to see it in its true glory with noone else there! Thank you so much for the kind words Dylan 😊
Is your dad Italian.? I was born in Havana, and my parents left to America, when I was 2 years old, because of the communist party, in 1968.. I don't remember Cuba, because obviously at that age few people remember much. I have never visited ever since we left..I heard, that Cuban had expats from all over the world. My paternal grandfather was half Italian. I am planning on visiting Cuba soon. I want my mother to give me a tour of where she and I where born, where she met my father, etc..
Yep my dad is Italian and my mom Cuban, they met when my dad went to Cuba on vacation with his friends
I was fortunate to visit Veradero cuba for my first time 2 years ago. I made frinds instantly, I have returned and am going back in a few months. I dont believe there is a better place to visit.
Been there it fantastic beautiful loved every moment
Awesome beach. Thanks for sharing with us. Peace, love and harmony from Iceland.
You're so welcome! Thank you for the love. Ps we visited your country this February and absolutely loved it. Don't forget to check out our video on the channel of you haven't already! 😊
Ty will be travelling there in a few days
How was it
Canadian Eh! We are visiting Cuba and staying in Varadero January 5th to 15th 2024. Toucan Travellers has given us some more choices of places to visit.
We wish you a fantastic vacation!
If you are going on an all inclusive, make sure you read reviews of the resorts. Cuba is hurting when it comes to food and it is worse than ever on the resorts. Resorts are also pretty empty with a lot of the buffets and a la cartes shut down on the resorts due to lack of food and people. Even downtown Varadero is hurting. A steak place didnt have steak and no fries to be found anywhere. Hard enough to find a can of beer in a liquor store. I couldnt find any. Had to buy it from a bar if I wanted one in town for $2.60 CUC.
So amazing,give some love
Thanks very much! :)
Bellissimo posto❤
Grazie mille!
Amazing description of this amazing city!
We’re planning to spend my 10 days honeymoon there, in this august. I hesitate a bit about the weather in august, was told that it would rain a lot so we wouldn’t have the sunshine seen in this video ..
What’s your thoughts on that please?
Hi there, congratulations on your honeymoon! :) August is rainy season in Cuba, so you can expect really high temperatures, along with heavy rain some days. The downpours never last too long, and you'll still get plenty of sunshine. Just be prepared for super hot weather in August!
Very informative📝
Very insightful and it looks stunning. What was the cost and means of travel to Havana return journey ? Xxx
Hey Thahmina! Thanks for your message. Cost varies depending on how you decide to travel to Havana. We opted for a guided tour and recommend Cuban Compass Tours: cubancompass.com/
We've also done a video on Havana if you want to check it out here: ua-cam.com/video/-wxave9VxYM/v-deo.html
Hope this helps :)
Good 👍
Hi Toucan, can you tell me which Hotel you stayed at in Varadero, did not get the name. Thanks .
Hi Keith, we stayed at the Iberostar Selection Varadero :) We've written a detailed guide on our blog here: worldtraveltoucan.com/iberostar-selection-varadero-review/
Thanks for the informative video. We are going to Havana for 3 days and Veradero for 11 nts beginning of November. Is that a nice time to go? Where is Ernest Hemingway’s bar? Can you recommend any good bars / restaurants in Havana?
Hi Nicole! November is Cuba's dry season, so you'll expect warm temperatures in the day that drop in the evening in November. Just pack a light jacket for the evenings. Ernest Hemingways bar is in Havana, just opposite Parque Central in old town. In terms of restaurants and bars, I'm not too sure as we only visited for the day, but we suggest looking on TripAdvisor and checking the reviews. If you're looking for a tour in Havana, we strongly recommend Cuban Compass Tours - cubancompass.com/ Enjoy your trip :)
Can you swim in the first cave you showed? Also what time in the morning did you go into it? Thank you ☺️
Hey Eleanor, yes you can! We went first thing for 930am. We'd advise going as early as possible before all the tourists arrive 😊
what is the best way to travel from havanna airport to varadero? thanks?
Hello, i'd suggest opting for a private transfer. Have a look online and enquire so you get an idea of prices :)
Nice video! I’ll be there this friday and i’m worried about the weather..
Thank you for the love! Ah, don't worry! It's incredibly hot there but as long as you go in and out of the sun, it'll be fine. Just make sure to take lots of water especially if you're going on trips out of the hotel. It was around the same temperature when we visited in late April and we managed - it was just a bit difficult when we did our day trips to La Habana and Matanzas! Be as long as you're prepared, you'll be fine. Have a great break away! :)
@@ToucanTravellers thanks for the advice! Can’t wait to be there… i’m so excited…🥰 anyway is it better to pay cash or credit card?
Just a question,if I’m going to Cuba from the uk how do I get a visa(am I best off buying it at the Cuban airport & what should I do about money? Take all cash & if so what currency?
I'm from Canada. We just fill out the Visa on the plane. Check with them . And the $Euro is your best bet. Don't bring $US or US based credit cards. Bring sunblock and your bathing suit and have a blast.
Hey there, you'll need to get a Cuban tourist card (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/entry-requirements) that will need to be filled out before travel. In terms of money, as Doug correctly said below, euros are the best currency to take with you :) Let us know if you have any other questions. Susie
Thank you very much for the video the best country Cuba
Thanks for the video! would you recommend renting a car while in Cuba?
Hey Robin! Thanks for getting in touch. We wouldn't recommend hiring a car right now in Cuba as fuel is extremely hard to get hold of across the entire country. We'd stick to taxis / private tours if possible :)
an diedever rent a car or anything else on wheels. Communist country, get into an accident and hell is at your door. One man was in a small boat and hit another, a woman died and that man couldn't leave the country for over a year. You need a lot of money to stay in Cuba for a year! Just don't rent anything at all, I mean it! And if in an excursion (maybe a jeep) don't drive the vehicle, say you have no driving permit.
No because roads are bad and ypu must book before you leave, its hard to find a car once you ate there
@@rosemarybell7681 When my mother visits, she said she hires a person who owns a classic car, taxi. She states, that if she rents a car, which is communist government owned the government keeps the money. And as Cubans who hate communism, would hate doing that. Just ask around to get information on who owns a personal taxi.
Thanks))
What mode of transportation did you use to travel
Hi! We got taxis and did private tours to Matanzas and Havana :)
@@ToucanTravellers thank you , going there next week is the private tours readily accessible or we need to book it online
We would definitely advise booking. Not sure how busy it is over there right now, but highly suggest prebooking to avoid disappointment 😊 here's the link to the tour company we recommend : cubancompass.com/
It'd be great to have prices. How much was the taxi to Havana return? Where did you book it? How much was the river boat tour .? What supplier? What company to the island
Hi Debora, sure thing:
1. We opted for a full day tour to Havana from Varadero. We'd suggest booking with Cuban Compass Tours for this and they'll be able to give you more information on prices if you're looking for a guided tour. For taxis alone, I'm not too sure on prices.
2. You can refer to our in depth article on the catamaran boat tour to Cayo Blanco here, where we give in depth information about the excurison: worldtraveltoucan.com/cayo-blanco-guide/
Hope this helps
On resorts, I think you can get a tour for $70CAD each which gives you a tour of Havana, lunch and gives you some time to do your own thing. Bus usually leaves the hotel early morning and comes back in the evening. There is a bus station in downtown Varadero where you can get a bus. I think one person told me it was $9 CUC but not sure if that was just one way or not. This is info from Nov 2022.
how is the food ?
how is the food is it good?
Depends on your expectations. On the resorts, its plain, but good. There are very good restaurants if you venture out. Veradero, Havana, Mantanzas
Did you have any issues with respect to mosquitos in Varadero?
Hi, we didn't see tonnes of mosquitos around the resort and Varadero area, no. But as with many destinations, mosquitos thrive in humid temperatures, so as long as you bring high quality bug spray (with deet) you'll be just fine :)
@@ToucanTravellers Perfect, thank you!
I will be there this Friday any suggestions for that?
Hi Nirav! What is it that you're after? We've highlighted the top things to do in the video, but if you have any specific questions, then please let me know :) Susie
@@ToucanTravellers which food must bring there? Which restaurant and cafe is well known? Any travel tips regarding hot weather
@@niravpatel8590 Are you staying at a hotel, or a casa? When you mean food, what do you mean? With regards to restaurants in Varadero, you can check these out on TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g147275-Varadero_Matanzas_Province_Cuba.html) have a look and depending on what you're after, I'm sure you'll be able to find something. In terms of the hot weather - just make sure to drink lots of water as June is extremely hot. Take plenty of sun screen (and pack extra, as you won't be able to find these in Cuba) lots of after sun. We'd recommend packing more than necessary in terms of essential toiletries too.
@@ToucanTravellers thanks for help, I will be coming from air Canada package at iberostar bella visa at varadero.
Which hotel?
Iberostar Selection Varadero
Great video. I’m sold! Is the start of October a good time to go? Or is there a lot of rain ?
Hey Kevin! October is actually a great time to visit. It's slightly cooler and there's little rain fall too 😊
For sure do not visit in December, March. It rains much during those months.
@@eva5601 what about early june I was going to go June 1st-5th
@@howzejanae I asked my mom who was born, and lived there, until the age of 29, and she said, that those days of the month of June don't have rain, and the temperature are mild. After the 20th of June, the temperature starts to rise, and it's very hot, in the month of July, and August, in Havana. No rain in April, May, and June. For some reason it does rain on June,13Th, in Havana. She doesn't know about other provinces, though. I asked about October, which someone posted as a nice time to go, and she stated, that there maybe hurricanes, during that month, since it's hurricane season from August-October. I hope that helps. 🥰
How did you rent a car in Cuba??
Hey Georgios! We didn't rent a car in Cuba, we just went on private tours outside of Varadero (eg to Matanzas and La Habana) We wouldn't recommend renting a car due to the ongoing situation of gas shortage in the country. Susie
@@ToucanTravellers how did you booked the tour with the boat?could you please give me some information please?it will be helpful
It's a shame that cuban people can't enjoy their country! The communist regime! Goal is to keep them as poor as possible, average salary 15 dollars a month. Left cuba 20 years ago looking for Freedom! Freedom! Is what my cubans brother need!
Lol maybe US sanctions to blame? They want to keep anyone who doesn’t want to be their slave as poor as possible.
That is true. This chanel not is interested by cuban people. 1058 prissioners in jail just for ask freedom and they doing propaganda to left money to the military, owners of this hotels.
I have been to Cuba a few times . It is perfect for a single man . Why take sand to the beach . Lol.
Idiot
You need special medical coverage in Cuba and it can be fairly expensive, I think that will hurt their economy a lot.
How much tours in varadero?
Tours vary depending on the packages, where you want to go and the company. We went with Cuban Compass Tours and our guide, Alejandro was incredible. You can enquire about costs etc on their website here: cubancompass.com/
Here's the link to their TripAdvisor page so you can see their reviews: www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g147275-d4961057-Reviews-Cuban_Compass_Tours-Varadero_Matanzas_Province_Cuba.html
@@ToucanTravellers muchos gracias
Cuba is my destination this summer so Im trying to get the more information so I can enjoy my trip this summer , 🤍
Hope you have a wonderful time - if you have any further questions, or would like to know more, then do let us know :) Susie