Visiting Cuba - Suggestions for holidays, trains, itineraries, day-trips, and sightseeing from someone who has lived and traveled extensively in Cuba
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Varadero is a stronghold of tourism in Cuba. Originally this was a private hideaway for American millionaires in the early 20th century. After the Cuban revolution in 1959 Varadero became the resort for the party elite, and only recently has Varadero has become open to the masses.
Varadero today holds some of the most popular resorts in Cuba, which focus on Europeans and Canadians and rarely Cubans.
Varadero is a relatively small town, so the cost of a taxi from the hotel to any of discotheques not exceed $5. In the evening, there are special buses on the route from the hotel to discos.
La Rumba is the most popular one in Varadero. It has a cover charge of $10 for open bar where all drinks are free.
On Friday nights, this is considered one of the best in Cuba. On Fridays, it’s better to come as early as possible since they tend to fill up and not allow more people in.
On other days in the club it is less ful, so the atmosphere is not quite as vibrant.
Cubans themselves are not very welcome in Cuba. Ask any Cuban of Varadero and they will say “Varadero is not Cuba. ”
Hotels range from at least $100/night to $300 a night at all inclusives.
If you are mainly interested in beach recreation and day trips, Varadero is an excellent option. If you are interested in something more, it is worth it to spend at least a few days in other towns like Havana or Santa Cruz.
