Cuba is quite unlike anything in the democratized Western world, a socialist country at our doorstep, whose people have figured out that socialism does not ideally work and have found brilliant ways to create an underground economy, while the government that owns virtually all businesses turns a blind, perhaps winking eye. Indeed, the government is beginning to privatize many businesses- evidenced giving latitude to the tobacco farmers, paladar operators (private restaurants) and owners of well appointed, luxurious private homes and apartments for short term tourist visits. 

You will find that the Cubans are friendly, well educated, and generally pleased with the standards of health care and education, all free.

The Revolution  in the late 1950s destroyed the US backed Batista government. Fidel Castro opposed corrupt government and dictatorship and was able to overthrow the government by enlisting the peasants in the 1959 coup. Cuba was not communist until late 1962 when the Soviet Union saw an opportunity to place missiles off the U.S. coast. Argentinian Che Guevara’s influence on Fidel Castro led to Russian’s support of the Cuban economy.  The 70s-80-early 90s was boom time with the Soviet support. The collapse of The Soviet Union had a devastating effect on the economy. 

Cuba’s main trade partners today are Canada and China. Tourism with non U.S. countries has been steady. Westernized hotels exist, but are few, and service and amenities are generally not up to U.S. standards. U.S.  citizens under current restrictions, since 2019, are required to have a special visa called “support for the Cuban people” which limits the choices with regard to accommodations and the inability to explore on their own. A guide is essential and the properties to stay in our private homes and apartments that actually provide a much better choice than the hotels.

To say the least, guide selection is very important so selection of the right operator is paramount.  

Cuba is perfect for a long weekend, ideally 3-5 days. Havana is the prime destination, with day trips to the countryside.

Other stops could include Cienfuegos- 3 hours by car from Havana, a French founded city with castles and an eclectic nightlife, or Trinidad, a colonial city with history in regard to the slave trade or Varadero beach, 2.5 hours from Havana.  Private accommodations in these destinations are limited.