Havana - 5 Days / 4 Nights
About
Get ready for Cuba – a wonderful exotic country but still a third world, developing country. Cubans are generally extremely friendly and warm people but not yet exposed to international standards of customer service especially punctuality. A smile and a “Buenos dias!” goes a long way. Every day will be an adventure, and that is part of the charm and beauty of seeing Cuba today before it changes. Be prepared to enjoy the unexpected, and in the case of delays or queues/lines, just remember you are visiting a place that had been closed off to the rest of the world for over half a century. Bienvenidos y disfruten!
Day 1 - Arrival Day
Upon arrival in Havana, immediately look for VIP airport staff at the gate with your name on a sign. You will be escorted through an expedited immigration line, then taken to the VIP Lounge in baggage claim for a welcome drink. Please give your baggage tags to VIP Staff who will assist in finding your baggage and then escort you through an expedited customs line.
After you clear customs, there will be counters for currency exchange. You can choose to exchange money here, at 4-star/5-star hotels, or the few government currency exchange shops around town (called a cadeca). Rates are regulated by the government so it is practically the same regardless where you exchange. If you are staying in a guesthouse, we recommend changing money at the airport as you may not have time to stop by a hotel or cadeca.
Once outside of baggage claim, you will meet your guide who will take you to your boutique hotel for your stay.
After you get settled, unpacked and refreshed you will head for dinner this evening at a private paladar restaurant - La Guarida. This was the setting for Fresa y Chocolate, the Oscar nomination for best foreign film in 1994. Once known as the Mansion Camaguey, you can clearly see the former grandeur of this humongous Central Havana residence.
