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Travelling In Cuba Transport For Adventurers Car buffs And Athletes
hen you travel abroad in services. The truth is that the
most countries, the majority of the trains are
question of the best way unreliable, and many locals
to get around isn’t really actually find hitch-hiking in a
addressed before you leave… but Cuban car a more reliable option!
it should be when travelling to That said, those that are not
Cuba. A hire car, or a well easily frustrated and want to
worked public transport system explore Cuba’s rail network,
would usually make transportation unperturbed by unexpected
concerns an afterthought for when breakdowns can find approximate
you get there, but with its less schedules under different city
well developed road network, descriptions at the stations.
travelling in Cuba can be a real
experience – and a crucial part The one exception to the
of any tailor made holiday! unreliable rule is the Tren
Cuba’s transport is a real Francés service between Havana
adventure – here’s a guide to and Santiago de Cuba. This is
some of the ways you can get considerably more reliable than
around: the other services, due to being
donated by France just a few
The City Hopper – Cuba travel by years ago. The service runs on
Train alternate days and is a good bet
to get you between two of the
In theory there are trains island’s biggest cities for those
between a handful of the island’s not wanting to chance Cuban car
major destinations, including rental.
Havana, Santiago de Cuba,
Cienfuegos, Pinar del Rio and The Adventurer – Government
Santa Clara, negating the need Hitch-Hiking Service
for one of Cuba’s car rental
The Cuban government has Yank Tank
initiated a novel state run
system of allowing visitors to Cuba’s car rental services offer
travel the island by road without a day’s usage from CUC 65
using a hire car in Cuba. “El (£35.80) including insurance,
Amarillo” (“the yellow guy” – a plus the cost of a full tank of
reference to their uniforms) petrol. Most of the available
administrators run stretches of cars for hire in Cuba are modern
road where certain vehicles are European and Asian models, but in
required to stop and pick up certain quarters, car buffs will
hitchhikers. During the day, this be able to catch a ride in a
will set you back around 20 pesos classic yank tank – cars from
from one city to the next, making before the revolution kept in
it by far the cheapest way of tip-top condition due to the
getting around Cuba. trade embargo preventing newer
models flowing in. As these are
As well as being cheap, this is privately owned, this is usually
an exciting system. As most of negotiated with the owner, but
the hitchable rides will be on its not unusual to negotiate a
the back of large trucks, basking private ride in a classic
in the sunshine may sound like American car.
the most romantic way to see the
Cuban countryside. Some may think Those who are tempted in by car
it sounds a little dangerous, but travel on the island should be
thrill seekers will delight in aware that car hire in Cuba is
the experience – especially as (comparatively) expensive, the
the roads are almost completely roads are not well sign posted,
deserted by Western standards! and confusing one-way systems can
make driving a real challenge for
The Car Buff – Catch a ride in a visitors. That said, most car
enthusiasts will probably see nowhere, with nowhere stocking
this as part of the fun, and the spare parts you need to get
anyone with an interest in cars moving again!
owes it to themselves to hire one
for at least a day and enjoy road Cyclists are often treated as a
transport in an entirely curiosity by locals, so don’t be
different environment on their surprised to be approached by
tailor made Cuba holiday. Just some enthusiastic Cubans
don’t forget that your Cuban car intrigued at your mode of
must be driven on the right! transportation!
The Athlete – Cuba travel by Bike The Sailor – Cuba travel by Boat
If you’re feeling fit, and like Finally, if you’re looking to
seeing the real beauty of the explore some of the islands off
island, you’ll find travelling in the southern shore of Cuba, you
Cuba by bike pretty hard to beat. have little choice but to set
The calm roads and stunning sail from one of the two main
scenery make Cuba a perfect and bases – Cienfuegos or Trinidad.
safe place for cycling – outside Cuba’s waters are calm and
of Havana, you’ll hardly see any tranquil, and this is a
Cuban cars! The only problem is delightfully relaxed way of
that you may be best off bringing getting to your destination –
your own bike into the country, very much in the spirit of the
as the bicycles readily available Caribbean lifestyle!
on the island aren’t really
suitable for off-road trekking. However you choose to travel in
And of course, the same goes for Cuba, you’re guaranteed a unique
spare parts – you don’t want to holiday experience. The best
break down in the middle of option to get a good feel for the
island is to mix up a few, and align="center">
About the Author:
Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can offer advice on every aspect of your tailor made Cuba holiday from accommodation to the best diving sites. Published At: www.Isnare.com |
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