Cuba is a country filled with contradiction and I for one went with absolutely no expectations in my head!<\/p>\n
I was really excited about visiting Cuba. My initial reaction on landing was very mixed-expect the unexpected was more like it!<\/p>\n
I was ready for shocks and surprises all rolled into one. Cuba though economically poor, is culturally very rich<\/a>. The architecture in Cuba was magnificent, yet at the same time there were things that were infuriating and I was all geared up to enjoy my Cuban adventure!<\/p>\n Cuba is best know for the town of Baracoa, which sits in behind a curtain jungle of Cuchillas de Tao, a mini sort of Amazon that has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1987 and also incorporates the Alejandro de Humboldt World Heritage site. <\/strong><\/p>\n It is the largest rainforest in Cuba and I got to see a unique species of birds and butterflies and the flora and fauna was absolutely exquisite.<\/p>\n I was very keen on hiking up Cuba\u2019s highest mountain Pico Turquino. It gets its name from the turquoise hue that steeps its upper slopes.<\/p>\n I asked my guide to take me up the side of Fidel Castro\u2019s wartime jungle headquarters .It was a hard long trek but well and truly worth it.<\/p>\n For a true snorkelling experience I was told to visit the biosphere reserve Maria la Garda Guanahacabibes which is situated towards the western end of the island.<\/p>\n The sea bed at Maria la Garda being the most elevated was exquisite and rich in its marine life and had a wide range of corals. The coral reefs were stunning and the pristine clear water had thousands of schools of fish.<\/p>\n The other site for snorkelling in Cuba was Cayo Santa Maria and Kayo la Brujas.For 20 miles there was nothing but stunningly beautiful coral gardens and hundreds of colourful coral fish species. I got to swim alongside dolphins and turtles.<\/p>\n The shallow shores and crystalline waters made the experience totally unforgettable.<\/p>\n Coming all the way to Cuba I had to visit<\/a> a Cuban cigar factory and see how they hand rolled the cigars. Vuelta Abajo cultivates some of the best black tobacco in the world. I managed to stock up on some souvenirs and gifts to take back home with me.<\/p>\n To add to my luxury bag I also picked up some of Cuba\u2019s famous rum and coffee too!! I couldn\u2019t wait to try it all.<\/p>\n Hiking the province of Pinar Del Rio was highly recommended. The flora and fauna here is preserved and is one of the most frequented sites of the island. Pinar Del Rio has lots of interesting locations and was perfect for someone like me who enjoyed walking. The system of building houses on pilings above water is still practiced here.<\/p>\n Latin America has the largest system of underground caves. The Pinar Del Rio includes the Soroa Botanical Gardens which has a spectacular Orchid Garden with over 700 species of orchid and the Vinales Valley which UNESCO has declared as a World Heritage site. Walking through these areas was spectacular as the landscapes are untouched and unspoilt.<\/p>\n Exploring Cuba on horseback was another thrilling experience. The Vinales Valley and Trinidad were perfect for horseback riding. The scenic valleys of Cuba are one of the most beautiful<\/a> areas in the world and exploring them on horses was the ideal way.<\/p>\n Valle de los Ingenios is dotted with ruined sugar mills and the picturesque landscape surrounding it was stunning. Cuba\u2019s largest beach \u2013Varadero also offered horseback riding for 15 pesos an hour. Galloping along the silver sands alongside the Cuban water during sunset was splendid.<\/p>\n Cuba is excellent for water sports due to perfect weather conditions and calm waters. It is ideal for all kinds of water sports including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, jet skiing, etc. The dive sports are plenty and ideal for beginners and first timers. The Cuba waters are perfect for snorkelling due to crystal clear water on the coral reefs.<\/p>\n The diving activities are taken care by the German management with some of the best spots in the Caribbean islands like cayo coco, cayo largo, Playa santa lucia with centers at Varadero, which is considered to be the most essential center for water sports and tourism.<\/p>\n