Conquering and Colonization

The conqueror of the island was Diego Velazquez in 1510, also founder of the first seven villas, which in chronological order were founded as follows:

* Villa de Nuestra Señora de Baracoa ( Baracoa )
* Villa de San Salvador de Bayamo. (Bayamo)
* Villa de Santiago de Cuba
* Villa de la Santisima Trinidad. (Trinidad)
* Villa de Sancti Spiritus
* Villa de Nuestra Señora del Puerto del Principe (Camaguey)
* Villa de San Cristobal de la Habana.

Santiago de Cuba was the first capital city of the country but due to the economical importance that Havana earned in the 17th century, the title of capital was awarded to Havana in 1556 and the Captain General of the Island moved to Havana.

Cuban history is continuously marked by wars for independence, first from the Spanish colonizers in the 19th century and later on during the first half of the 20th century the battles for liberation, against different regimes imposed by the United States, this wars finished in 1959 with the triumph of the revolution led by Fidel Castro.

Cuba is increasingly one of the most popular holiday destinations and this is no surprise to people who have been in the island before, the Cuban locals are hugely friendly and give a warm welcome to all every visitor, and it is not only the locals who make you Cuba Easy Travel package a special one.

The warmth of the local people, the intrinsic culture, the magnificent beaches and the tropical surroundings of the perpetual summer found in Cuba; create the magic atmosphere that you can only enjoy in this fascinating island.

Location and size

Cuba, known as the largest of the Caribbean islands, stretches to a length of 1,250 Km in a crocodile formation that goes from East to West in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cuba calmly rests in crystal waters that shares with well known destinations that include, Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, Jamaica and the Florida coastline.

Tararaco is its widest point with 191 Km of this narrow island and it’s the 15th world’s largest island.

With a population of about 11 million, there’s plenty of space on Cuba’s beachfronts for tourists and locals to enjoy, the island has a breathtaking 5,760 Km of coast with many magnificent white stretches of beautiful sand that together with approximately 4,000 offshore islands make Cuba an ideal location for sun worshippers and scuba diving enthusiasts.

If that is not enough, Cuba has plenty of historic places and museums in cities like Havana with its Museums and Squares or Trinidad and Guardalavaca Resort.

Traveling to Cuba is becoming easier and more popular, with airlines increasing the number of flights to the island.

Health and Vaccinations

Cuba has a very high standard of healthcare and doctors and medical facilities are within easy access if they are required during your holiday. This is a secured country in terms of health safety.

Currently, there are no essential inoculations or vaccinations needed before you travel to Cuba .If you are in doubt, please check with your own doctor before booking.

Language

Oye amigo, habla Español ?

Hey friend, do you speak Spanish? It is common to hear this phrase along the island.

Spanish is the main language and locals enjoy chatting with the visitors so take your Spanish phrase book with you on your holidays. However you will commonly find that English is spoken through the island.

Telephone services

Telephone and Communication Services The Empresa de Telecommunicaciones de Cuba S.A., ETECSA, is the organization which is responsible for providing basic national and international telephone service to the entire country, cellular phones as well as radio and television transmissions, data transmission, telex services, phone booths, value-added telecommunications, and future interactive and multimedia services. ETECSA introduces new technology in order to provide the country with efficient means of communication, in accordance with international standards and their own development goals. a) To make direct international calls, dial 119, the country code, the area code, and the number required. The basic tariffs (CUC per minute) for international calls are as follows: North America $2.45 Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean $3.40 South America $4.45 Rest of the World $5.85 b) International Operator Service is available 24 hours a day. This service is only available for reversed charge calls and can be accessed via the following numbers: 012 For Havana 180 For all other areas Reversed charge call agreements have been established with the following countries:
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Spain
• United States
• France
• Italy
• Mexico
• Panama
• Puerto Rico
• United Kingdom

Cell telephone services are offered by the Unidad de Negocios Móvil de la Empresa de Telecomunicaciones de Cuba S.A,and are provided in a strictly confidential manner, in addition to sales of equipment and accessories. They also offer International Roaming service at GSM 900 MHz throughout the country. To make direct national long-distance calls, dial 0, the area code, and the number required.

Electricity

The voltage in Cuba is generally 110 volts, even though in some outlets you may get 220 volts, and they will be signed as such.

US two prongs thin plug is the one used in Cuba, English and European plugs are, unfortunately, very hard to find.

Due to fuel saving programs, electricity is sometimes cut, but most hotels have their own generators powerful enough to allow lighting.

What to Wear and Take

Lightweight clothing is recommended in Cuba and the usual standard of dress around the island is casual.

Linen and cotton garments are ideal and it would be advisable to take a light jacket and a warm pullover for the evening. When you get to your holiday destination, the hotel resort or staff can advise you if there is any dress code. For example many of the hotels do not allow shorts in the restaurant area .Be prepare and take a few items of smart but casual evening items.

We also recommend that you take your camera films, cosmetics, mosquito’s repellent and toiletry requirements with you these items can be in short supply and they can also be expensive.

Essentially take plenty of sun cream, sunglasses and good walking shoes.