Casa Particular / B&B Centro Habana For me Centro Habana is one of the best places to stay in Habana. This part of Habana is located right between the old town of Habana, called Habana Vieja and the newer part called Vedado. So it easy to do a lot of sightseeing just walking. Also it's cheaper to stay at Centro Habana compared with other places in Habana. The following three houses are certainly among the best of Centro Habana.   Elizabeth y Güicho Galiano #307, Apto. A_1 e/ Neptuno y San Miguel Centro Habana La Habana Tel.: (+53) 78 616 798 Mobile: (+53) 53 300 760 Price: Special Sommer-Price: 20 CUC/room, breakfast included Note: Just a few meters from Casa de la Música, in the downtown Elizabeth and Güicho rent six bedrooms; each one has two beds, a safe, a fan, air conditioning, and independent bathroom with hot and cold water. Bedroom numbers 1, 2 and 3 are in the first floor apartment of a building on Galiano Street. Room 4 is actually a whole, quiet and spacious apartment for your own. You have a room with two beds (if you like it's posible to put one more), a bath room, a small kitchen, a courtyard and a living room at your disposal. For this room/the apartment you pay 5 CUC more than for the other rooms - really fair I think. Rooms number 5 and 6 are in another building that is three minutes walk from the first building. This apartment is totally independent and completely restored. Hosts from rooms 1 and 2 share a living room with refrigerator, TV set, music player, a well equipped kitchen and a balcony with a good view to Galiano Street, one of the main and most commercial streets of Havana. Room number 3, though small, has its own entrance. With approval of guests from room 1 and 2 one may also use the living room, kitchen and balcony; this bedroom may be rented independently at a lower price (5 CUC less). Then, Elizabeth and Güicho rent two bedrooms in an apartment which is independent. This apartment with all its bedrooms is completely repaired all new at good standard; it has a living room and a small kitchen. Bedroom number 5 (a little bigger) has a small balcony too. If one rents the two bedrooms, then a wholly independent apartment is enjoyed at a price of 40 CUC a night; if you rent the entire apartment but using just one room, this one will cost 35 CUC while the other remains closed. For their guests Elizabeth and Güicho prepare an abundant and delicious breakfast with bread, eggs as one wills, fruits, fresh juice, plentiful and exquisite coffee, at a price of 5 CUC per capita. Highly recommended! This neighborhood is suggested for small groups of persons since up to 12 people may be hosted in all Elizabeth and Güicho apartments. Besides, some other neighbors also rent in this building. Reservation: It's highly recomended to make a reservation in advance. possible by phone, e-Mail or WhatsApp-Message to Mobile: (+53) 53 300 760.   Lic. Carlos Luis Valderrama Moré Neptuno #404, 2do piso e/ San Nicolás y Manrique Centro Habana La Habana Tel.: (+53) 78 679 842 Price: Special price für stays until end of Octubre 2018: 20 CUC/room (for 1 person, breakfast included) or 25 CUC/room (for 2 persons, breakfast included) the independent apartment 80 CUC/night Note: In Centro Havana, Carlos and his wife Maylin rent rooms, just 500 meters away from some interesting places such as La Habana Vieja, the Capitolio, the Central Park, the Malecon, the Barrio Chino and the Casa de la Musica, that is few meters from their renting rooms. Rooms #1, #2 and #3 are in the main apartment. Each room has a bathroom with hot and cold water (from a central water heater). Rooms #1 and #2 have silent air conditioning while room #3 has a normal air conditioning. All rooms have fan, safe, refrigerator and two single beds (in room #1) and double beds (in rooms #2 and #3). This apartment also has a dining-room, a small terrace, bedrooms and a family kitchen. On the top floor there is room #4, wide with a double and a single bed. This room has fan, air conditioning, safe and a bath with hot/cold water (through a central water heater). Since July 2016 in this floor, Carlos is renting a separate apartment which has a big dining room, a modest kitchen with refrigerator, a small terrace and two rooms well ventilated by windows and small decks. Rooms have silent air conditioning, fan and safe. Room #5 has a double bed and room #6 has two single beds. Both rooms share a bathroom with hot/cold water (through a central water heater). This apartment was recently renewed and equipped with new furniture designed for it. The apartment has a direct access to a terrace that can be used by all guests. The renting of the whole apartment usually is about 80 CUC/night. As stated before Carlos house has a terrace that may be used by all guests; there is also a wide gym (built by Carlos) that is available for everybody. Carlos and Maylin prepare good breakfast (5 CUC/person) and if you wish they also prepare a delicious supper (from 10 CUC/person). For many years this house has been desired by all customers since it is well located, very warm and familiar. Carlos and Maylin are very kind hosts and Carlos speaks English so he may help his guests in any need. You are going to feel at home. But you have to book on time! Reservation: by phone or byby e-Mail   Lic. Marilys Herrera Gonzalez Concordia No. 714 (altos) e/ Soledad y Aramburu Centro Habana La Habana Tel. (+53) 78 781 653 / 78 700 608 Mobile (+53) 53 638 730 Price: 120 CUC/appartment Note: Marilys and her husband Miguel rent the whole floor above their flat. There are four rooms, two bathrooms, livingroom, diningroom, a kitchen with all the necesary things for preparing a good breakfast or meal - and very important - a huge terrace. At the terrace you will find a table and some chairs. A nice place for drinking a cold Cuba Libre or Mojito, enjoing the Sun, reading a book, playing a game or whatelse.It's a very nice and clean place. All rooms have aircondition, ventilator, fridge, TV. Room#1 has two twin beds. Room #2 and #3 have a double bed. Room #4 is downstairs at the owner's flat. Because of the near see you even can enjoy a sea brise in your room if the windows are open. Since April 2016 you only can rent the whole appartment for your own, for example for a family this is perfect. The price for the four rooms, two bathrooms, the kitchen, terrace and so on is 120 CUC a day. Although you've your own kitchen Marilys also prepars you a delicious breakfast if you want to - 5 CUC per person. Reservation: I recomend to make a reservation in advance. You can reserve also by e-Mail   Sra. Zeila Riverón Concordia #255, apto. 301 e/ Campanario y Perseverancia Centro Habana La Habana Tel. (+53) 78 625 492 Price: 25 CUC/room Description: For some years now Doctor Zoila Riveron is renting two bedrooms in her apartment of Centro Habana, near the Havana pier (el Malecon) and closed to the oldest part of the city, La Habana Vieja. Each room has a double and a single bed, its own bathroom and a small balcony. Both rooms have air conditioning, fan, TV set and refrigerator. Zeila prepares a delicious breakfast for only 4 CUC. If you are looking for luxury it is not your place, but if you wish honest Cuban hospitality this is the house to feel pleased. Zeila is a wonderful woman! Reservation: By phone or e-Mail   Alexis y Leydis San Nicolas 312 (bajos) e/ San Miguel y Neptuno Centro Habana La Habana Telf.: (+53) 78 785 217 / (+53) 78 648 794 Cel: (+53) 58 273 705 / (+53) 58 273 706 Price: 25 CUC/room Note: In Centro Habana, a couple of minutes walking from Casa de la Musica and ten minutes from Havana Vieja, there are 4 rooms rented by Alexis, son of Guicho (see first house of the list) and his wife Leydis. All rooms have air conditioning (modern and silent) and fans. Rooms in the second floor share one bathroom and the two rooms in the first floor have one bathroom for each room. All bathrooms have hot and cold water. This house has, in both floors, a place to stay. There is a small kitchen for you in the first level. Upstairs there are armchairs to read or talk. All is simple and clean. Due to the way of building two floors in one level it was not possible to build any window for rooms. Those looking for a centric and clean place where one may even talk with the host or other guests certainly will feel at home here. Reservaction: by phone or e-Mail (Spanish and a little English).   Mabel Hernandez Industria #270, 8vo. Piso, Apto. 803 e/ Neptuno y Virtudes Centro Habana La Habana Tel. (+53) 78 635 706 Price: 25 CUC/room Note: Just a few minutes from the Parque Central, near the old town Mabel rents a nice room in her flat in the 8th floor. If you don't have fear entering a Cuban elevator or if you like stairs, then it's very recomendable place. From the balcon you have a good few over Centro Habana and even the sea you will see. The room has the usual amenities: ventilator, air condition and a small fridge for you own use. The bathroom is just opposite your room. It's modern and with the usual hot and cold water. Normally Mabel rents the room with a matrimonial bed. If you want rent the other room with a big and a small bed (have a look at the fotos, room #2) just ask Mabel when you reserve your room. Normally Mabel rents just one room. If in any case they rent both, you will have to share the bathroom. So if you don't like this I suggest to ask her when you make your reservation. Mabel will prepare you a breakfast if you like. Reservation: by phone or by e-Mail (spanish and english).   Casa Particular / B&B Vedado Vedado is a part of the city with a lot of nightlife, hotels and nice old house. Before of the Cuban Revolution the hotel National was the place where the Mafia and a lot of famous people of this times where staying at. The rich people prefered to live in this, rather quiet part of the city with its old trees. Who's looking for a silent room in a nice old villa but also want's to be near important places of Habana is at the Vedado on the right place. But the rooms here are a little bit more exepensiv and for example to go to Habana Vieja, the old town, you have to catch a taxi - or walk a lot. Sra. Zoila Zayas Ulloa Calle K #254 bajos, apto. 1 e/ 15 y 17, Vedado La Habana Tel. (+53) 78 311 764 Price: 30-50 CUC/room Note: At Zoila´s place you feel back in the Havana of the 1950s. The apartment with classy antique furniture is located in a stately home in a quiet side-road just a few minutes´ walk away from the Hotel National and Habana Libre. There is a large room with a double and a single bed waiting for you, which provides all the accustomed comfort – such as fan, air conditioning, mini bar and on top French windows. Subsequently a bathroom was installed. Zoila also rents a small room. If you don't spend a lot of time in your room, and if you like to enjoy the good location, the nice house and Zoila's hospitality you will feel good here. The small room also provides you a double bed, a fan, air conditioning and a bathroom with hot and cold water. All guests have the the dining room, the living room and the spacious terrace at their disposal. Upon request Zoila prepares a tasty breakfast for you. Reservation: by phone or by e-Mail (spanish and english).   Casa Fina Calle K #256 e/ 15 y 17 Vedado La Habana Telf. (+53) 78 320 620 Mobile (+53) 52 840 118 Mobile (+53) 58 184 180 Price: 40-50 CUC/room (50 CUC during high season from November to March and 40 CUC for the rest of the year). Note: ANext to Zoila´s, Fina and her son Pepe rent two rooms in a colonial house of El Vedado. This house is located in a quiet though centric street. In few minutes one may reach, on foot, the Hotel Nacional, the Habana Libre Hotel or the Malecon. The "yellow" room has a double bed, a small sofa-bed, closet, safe, air conditioning, refrigerator and its own bathroom with hot/cold water (by central heating system). The "green" room has the same conditions but instead of a sofa-bed it has two armchairs and a small table; that is a sitting room. Both rooms are furnished and decorated with epoch style. These rooms have independent access. The family space may also be shared by guests. The house porch is the perfect place to relax in a rocking chair after a long walk by the city. Fina can prepare a delicious breakfast (5 CUC/person). Pepe has a car that is always ready for any taxi service you may need. He may pick you up at the airport and take you wherever you want. In fact, this is a quiet, stylish, and well situated house. Finally you decide how much you want to share with this family!   Eddy Gutierrez Bouza Calle 21 #408 bajos e/ F y G, Vedado La Habana Tel. (+53) 78 325 207 Price: 30-35 CUC Note: 35 CUC are rather expensive but it's really comfortable, better than many hotels. For exemple they will clean the room everyday, you´ve got even a small kitchen for preparing a coffee or something else. Air Condition. The room has to matrimonial beds, so there can live up to four people in the room. The security is an other reason why it´s worth to pay this price. Reservation: only by phone

If you go to Cuba you have to go to Habana, that is right. I was more than three months in this city and I never felt boring. Havana is the best place to begin a trip. From the capital are leaving train, bus and airplane to all parts of Cuba. For discover Habana I recomend the same I recomend for every city: walking, walking, walking. Look into the shops, houses, get into touch with the people, feel, enjoy Habana.

Eat out - Recommendations for a good lunch / dinner in Havana

In no other place of Cuba you can find so many good restaurants and special paladares (private restaurants) as in Havana. While in many places of the island it is better to eat at the house you are staying, here in the capital it is more advisable going out to restaurants. Some changes in Cuban law at the end of 2011 brought about the opening of many private restaurants in a growing number all over the country. However, differences concerning prices, quality and environment are significant among restaurants of Havana and the rest of the island. That´s why I prepared a list of very especial restaurants that I enjoy very much whenever I visit the capital of Cuba.

Habana Vieja / Old Habana

• An innovative, fresh, international and Cuban cuisine
  Iván Chef Justo Iván, the owner of this paladar (private restaurant) is a chef, a passionate cook with more than twenty years of experience in Cuba, Mexico, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Germany. Here you are in the kitchen of an internationally awarded chef. In this restaurant you may enjoy a sincere, varied and fresh-grocery cookery. Every morning Ivan and a group of his workers go shopping to several markets. He is a special client in a famous vegetable garden in Alamar. There he may find common vegetables and some others very unique. All farming is completely organic. At Ivan Chef Justo´s one may enjoy dishes like chicken salad with mango and arugula, fresh cannelloni made at home, pancakes stuffed with black beans and vegetables, traditional roasted pork, fish fillet on mash of taro and much more…Due to its exclusive ingredients in the country (such as zucchini and mushrooms), prices here are higher than in any other restaurant. Main dishes cost 10 to 15 CUC.
  I recommend this restaurant to enjoy a special meal in an elegant environment. Ivan Chef Justo´s is located near the Museo de la Revolución: Iván y Justo, Aguacate#9, Esquina Chacón, Havana. Phone: (+53) 78 639 697. Open from 11:30 to 24:00.

• Cuban cuisine
  Doña Eutimia A classic well known paladar in Havana Vieja, that is near La Catedral. This paladar exists since 1998 and was reopened in February 2012 after a complete renovation. Everything was made new but the old concept was kept: Cuban traditional dishes well prepared. All main dishes come with rice and beans, fried viands and some seasonal salad. In spite of that they serve plenty of food and, though this site is in the old downtown, prices are quite reasonable. Main dishes cost around 7 CUC. Furthermore the slogan of the owner is that of a good service in a friendly atmosphere; and this is felt here. This works very well since the restaurant is always full. It is better making reservations two days before. Without a reservation it will be almost impossible finding a table during peak hours; yet it is always worth to check whenever you pass by the place.
  I recommend Doña Eutimia to enjoy some traditional dishes very well prepared. This paladar is very near La Plaza de la Catedral: Doña Eutimia, Callejón del Chorro #60 C, Plaza de la Catedral, Havana Vieja. Phone: (+53) 78 611 332. Open from 11:30 to 24:00.

• International cuisine
  Restaurant Imprenta One of the few state restaurants I usually visit in Havana. This restaurant has a very special environment because it is located in the place of an old printing house, partially to open air. Printing machines are now used to decorate a restaurant that takes you to some past time; and this goes very well with a walk through Havana Vieja, that will make you feel too in another epoch. Here one may eat international dishes, special roasts (like lobster), though one can also eat tapas like in Spain (small servings of diferent dishes). Offers include fine wine, not common in Cuba. Waitresses are generally very kind.
  In short, it´s a good chance to stop during a walk by Havana Vieja and enjoy a good meal in a pleasant environment. La Imprenta is located in the restored part of Havana Vieja, between La Plaza Vieja and La Plaza de Armas; both well known. Calle Mercaderes #208 –near El Museo del Chocolate.

• Cuban and international cuisine
  Los Mercaderes: Almost in front of the restaurant La Imprenta (check above advice) you find this Paladar (restaurant) in the first level of a colonial house. A professional service in a colonial atmosphere with pleasant and delicious cuisine, influenced by the style of Cuban and international foods, awaits for you here. A perfect scene for a romantic dinner. Prices are not so romantic, however. In fact they are very high. Address: Mercaderes No. 207 altos e/ Lamparilla y Amargura. Habana Vieja. Tel. (+53) 7861 2437. Open Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 23:00.

Centro Havana / Chinatown

• Chinese cuisine
  Restaurant Tien Tan Located in El Barrio Chino, it is a restaurant where Chinese dishes are very well prepared. In many ¨Chinese¨ restaurants of El Barrio Chino in Havana they usually offer Cuban food and a couple of Chinese dishes. But in Tien Tan you will enjoy real Chinese meals. Menu contains about 100 delicious dishes. Prices are widely varied. Most dishes costs from 4 to 10 CUC; though some specialties like shrimps may cost 20 CUC, which are some exceptions. Here you will eat good and pay 10 to 15 CUC per person. Address: Boulevard of El Barrio Chino. Cuchillo #17 e/ Zanja y San Nicolás. Phone: (+53) 78 615 378. Open from 11:30 to 24:00.

• Swedish cuisine
  Miglis It sounds somehow weird, that of Swedish cuisine in Havana. Anyway, if you want to taste something different, I advice to visit El Miglis. In a modern environment you enjoy delicious food with a tasty Cuban cocktail, a magic combination. For me, one of the few restaurants in Centro Havana worthy a visit. Address: Lealtad No. 120 e/Animas y Lagunas, Centro Habana. Tel. (+53) 78 641 486. Open Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 0:00. Internet: http://www.casamiglis.com/

Vedado

• International and Creole Cuisine
  El Cimarrón In the modern neighborhood of El Vedado the paladar El Cimarrón (once known as Paladar Juana la Cubana) is always attractive for me, due to its folkloric atmosphere and good Creole food prepared with natural and fresh ingredients. Of course, the name of the place matches the environment around. In fact a cimarrón was a slave (in colonial time) that succeeded in escaping to the mountains inland where he managed to survive hidden in caves surrounded by wild nature. Decoration in this restaurant reminds of that cimarón world. This outdoor site provides artists, reflecting those times in their works, a perfect place to display their exhibitions. Alexis (the owner) economically helps a group of dancing kids from San Miguel del Padrón; besides, one Sunday each month he offers free meals for a group of elders from that community. So there are always opportunities to enjoy dance or music shows. If somebody surprises because there are always some Europeans dancing very well there, it is because Alexis lives in Sweden where he owns a dancing school in Zurich (Salson). And, of course, his European pupils visit his paladar while staying in Havana. When Alexis is not in Cuba, his sister Teresita takes care of customers very well. In El Cimarrón one can eat plenty of meat, fried fish and very delicious vegetable rice. You can always choose between a main dish and a main dish with accompanying dishes. Just a main dish is about 6 CUC, while accompanied by other dishes it costs around 9 CUC.
  I suggest El Cimarrón to enjoy a lunch or dinner, while surrounded by an artistic, natural and friendly atmosphere. This paladar may be found on: Calle 19 #1101, Esquina 14, Vedado, Havana. Phone: (+53) 78 319 968. Open from 11:30 till the last customer leaves. Cuban and international cuisine.

• International Cuisine
  El Decamerón It is a classic restaurant for many years ago. They offer Cuban food and well prepared international dishes; some very special for Cubans as the case of roasted fish fillet. This place is decorated with many antique watches. A main dish is around 15 CUC. I recommend El Decamerón to have a dinner with style. At noon I do not like it so much because there is no terrace, so light is poor. This restaurant is located on: Línea #753, entre Paseo y 2da, Vedado. Havana. Phone: (+53) 78 322 444. Open from 12:00 to 24:00.

• International cuisine
  Cafe Laurent A real classic in El Vedado. Few steps from Habana Libre and Hotel Nacional you just take an elevator to the Penthouse. This restaurant has a modern look whereas you find special and spicy dishes. The service is highly professional. There are tables in the restaurant and also in the terrace. The menu is diverse and prices are high. Address: Calle M No. 257 e/19 y 21, Vedado, Habana. Tel: (+53) 78 312 090 / 78 326 890. Open Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 00:00.

• Cuban and international cuisine –line of seafood and fish
  El Litoral Today one of the best restaurants in Havana and therefore almost always full. El Litoral is located in El Malecon (the pier). One may stay into the restaurant while enjoying a pleasant ambient or sit outside to enjoy the sea breeze. The menu is really diverse though fish and shellfish are recommended. Many clients go for the rich buffet of Antipasti where you always find what you like. Better to enter with a reservation. Address: Malecon No. 161 e/K y L, Vedado, Habana. Tel. (+53) 78 302 201. Open Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 24:00. Internet: http://www.ellitoralhabana.com/

Playa

• Italian Cuisine
  Pizzeria El Diluvio If you want to enjoy well elaborated Italian cookery, then I suggest this restaurant in Playa. One may eat indoor or outdoor. There is also a very good bar. Of course, in El Diluvio a pizza is more expensive than in any other restaurant; it is to say that instead of 5 or 10 Cuban pesos you will have to pay 10 CUC for a fine, crispy pizza made with very good ingredients in a firewood oven. A good option to change your diet. El Diluvio is located at: Calle 72, #1705 entre 17 y 19, Playa, Havana. Phone: (+53) 72 021 531. Website.

At night

A selection of bars, discoteques and places for enjoy the Night in Habana. There are always places for going out. Here I offer you a small list with new and well known places, most of are open every day.

• HFÁBRICA DE ARTE CUBANO (F.A.C.): Let's start with a brand new place - the old factory of oil in El Vedado is opened again in an amazing fashion. The Cuban artist X Alfonso has arranged a very nice location where one can enjoy expositions, listen to concerts, watch a film or simply drink a mojito while chatting with friends. Visitors are from Havana high society, their children indeed. If you arrive with closed eyes to that Cuban Art Factory, eventually you will not know whether you got to London, Paris, Barcelona or Berlin. I think this is, so far, the most international place of Havana. Admission is 2 CUC or 50 CUP. Drinks are at fair prices and all you consume is paid when leaving the F.A.C. It is opened from Thursday to Sunday since 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. (till 2 p.m. on Sundays). Cuban Art Factory opened last February 14th this year and maybe some taxi drivers do not know this place yet, so the address is: Calle 26 e/11 y 13, Vedado. Current schedule you will find here. I strongly suggest this site for those interested on Contemporary Cuban Art.

• Habana Cafe. Coffee theatre in the ground floor of Melia Cohiba Hotel. It's open till 4'o clock in the morning. The entrance cost 5 CUC and this includes a consumption. It's a very popular place with very good shows included dancing performances. For enter to these place you need some other clothes than the one you use to go to the beach...

• Cafe Cantante. It's located in the National Theatre near the Plaza de la Revolution. The entrance cost 10 - 15 CUC. Humoristic and dancing performance and a lot of salsa music for you to dance.

• Dos Gardenias. The best Bolero playing groups from all over the world had visited and visit this place. It's located in 5 Avenue, Miramar, next by the Algive restaurant.

• Bar Cafe Ambos Mundos. It's just a place for drining some coffee in a very nice place. With the simplicity of the good sound of a piano which is accompanied by a clarinet. Obispo Street #153, Havana Vieja.

• Bar el Patio. A clasic place for tasting a good drink in the open air. Accompanied by a salsa or son music playing group you can enjoy the relaxed but rather touristy atmosphere of Habana Vieja.

• Tropical. Here you can always find a concert, a place especially for cubans. (I know, it sounds somehow strange, but there are a lot of night places very you find mostly tourists. This is a consequence of the politic to renovate old, from cubans frequented places and offer afterwards only in CUC) At the Tropical tourists has there own place, a balcon which is reserved for CUC paying people. The entrence costs 10 CUC. You can also go to the place where Cubans enter paying with Pesos (But you as a tourist also have to pay 10 CUC). It can be more Cuban style but somehow dangerous for valuables things and something more, because music, rum, heat and calor can be a dangerous mix.

For more places consult the cartelera ().

Excursiones

From Habana you have many possibilites for making excursions. Impossible to describe everyone. So I only give you some ideas for leaving the city for a few hours or one or two days. Have also a look to the travel suggestions which normally starts and ends in Habana.

• Playas del Este. Go by taxi, a Cubataxi will cost you about 10 to 13 CUC one way. By regular bus you will need a lot of time for your trip to the beach. In summer there is also the possibility to go by truck or by train. The cheapest way to go to the beaches. In 2003 Via Azul started with a new offer - three buses daily from Habana to Playas del Este - 3 CUC one way.
  At Playas del Este I prefer a beach near Santa Maria, called "mi cayito". It's a quiet place, with some palms giving shade. You can rent at the beach for 2 CUC a day a sun-lounger. Near the road you have the possibility to buy some food or drinks. Nearby is a small island where you can also eat and drink. There they rent some water-sport equipment.

• El Rincon. A place 20km from the city, famous for it's church of Saint Lazaro. It's not just a place for religious people. I think it's a very interesting and unforgetable place (and also the way if you don´t go by taxi). You can get there by using M2 Camel (a kind of bus. look also the transport page) to Santiago de las Vegas and there you take a thrown by horses. If you want to go in a faster but also expensiver way you can take a Cubataxi which cost about 35 CUC (retourn journey). It is important to carry some flowers which you can buy at the market in Santiago de las Vegas or on the way to the church. It's a place only 20km from the city, as I mentioned, but it's worth to try because the country of Habana is very diferent than the city!
  

• Soroa and Artemisa. Go by bus (Viazul) to Candelaria, then with some transport to Soroa. It's a very calm place, there's a waterfall and because of this is worth the trip. You can stay at the hotel, at a camping place o like I did at a privat home (there's no an oficial one, have a look at the Soroas' page). For going to the waterfalls there are also some organized tours. At the waterfall are some times organised tourists, too. The next day go to Candelaria and from there by train or truck to Artemisa. It's a untouristy place, here you can use your Cuban Pesos, and you can find very kind people. Ask for a casa particular, there's one, but normally it's for Cubans. (But they stay an hour or so and not the whole night...). Enjoy the city and visit the old coffee plantations a few km out of the city (see also Lonely Planet, Cuba). You can go there by truck. To go back to Havana the train will be the easiest way and it exists the possibility to pay in pesos. The train leaves at about 12:30.

- Recommendable Taxi-drivers in Havana

Vidal Company: Cubataxi (private) Language: Spanish, English Car: Hyundai, Air-conditioned Capacity: four passengers Details: Vidal is a very trustful and kind taxi driver. He can take you to any part of the city. His car is technically ready to go any further, if required. I recommend Vidal for trips to airports (Havana/Varadero) or to other sites such as Viñales, Varadero, Trinidad, Cayo Santa Maria, etc. This car has a big trunk, good for people travelling with heavy luggage. Contact: Cell phone (+53) 52 681 009
Norberto Company: Cubataxi (private) Language: Spanish, English Car: Gely 2010, Air-conditioned Capacity: four passengers Details: Details: Norberto, I think, is a courteous, punctual and kind taxi driver. But it has a price. If you are looking for a 100% safe modern car I suggest you go with Norberto who will take you safely to any part of Havana, airports or any site within Cuba. Contact: cell phone (+53) 52 827 568 fixline (+53) 72 070 641 E-Mail taxinorberto@nauta.cu
Narciso Company: independent driver with taxi licence Language: Spanish, some English Car: Renault, air-condition Max. pasengers: 4 Details: Narciso is a very reliable and corect driver. His car is in good conditions and I recomend Narciso specialy for longer rides. He picks you up at every place in Habana, bring you to the airport or to any place in Cuba you want to go. And always reliable, punctual and for a fair price. Contact: Mobile +53 52 61 26 08 E-Mail narciso.alvarez@nauta.cu

In Habana you can always call also an oficial taxi directly to Cubataxi calling to 78 555 555.