Wakacje Cayo Santa Maria - holidays and trips

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In brief

white Caribbean beaches and beautiful coral islands
smiling residents, dancing to the rhythm of salsa
Havana's unique atmosphere
world-class UNESCO World Heritage Sites
the world-famous cigars and rum
a country where revolutionary slogans are still alive
Buena Vista Social Club – live in Havana

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Beaches with sand like a warm flour, coconut palm trees and sea in the colour of Caribbean blue. This is Cayo Santa Maria - a dream-like island. Luxurious all inclusive hotels, romantic sunsets – the new holiday resort in Cuba is more and more popular among tourists from all over the world. Cuba is a place that has always had a special place in the hearts of Poles.

Green oranges, Che and Fidel, rum, salsa have caused for decades that the "hot island" seemed both far away and close. After Varadero, the first international resort in Cuba, the time has come for more intimate places, where in the harmony between nature and growing tourism is the place to escape from daily routine and total relaxation. Cayo Santa Maria is an islet belonging to the Jardines del Rey Archipelago (Royal Gardens), which due to the natural values, is entered onto the UNESCO list. It connects with the mainland through a jetty with the length of about 48 km, which also runs through the neighboring islets: Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos. On the island, which is just approx. 16 km long and approx. 2 km wide, there are currently 12 hotels, the first of them, Cayo Santa Maria, was opened in 2001. All the hotels belong to the Cuban Gaviota Cuban Group, but are administered jointly with prestigious, international hotel chains such as Melia, Eurostars.

The famous white beaches lie to the north of the island, the south coast is mostly mangroves. The beach which is approx. 13 km long, is divided into several sections that are separated by rocks originating from corals, so enthusiasts of long strolls along the beach should take protection footwear with them. Next to the longest, over 6-km section of the beach - Playa Santa Maria, are the hotels: Melia Las Dunas, Starfish Cayo Santa Maria, Melia Cayo Santa Maria and Sol Cayo Santa Maria. All beaches are public. Wooden walkways lead from the hotels to the beaches, which were built to protect the sand dunes and vegetation. In the western part of the island are Playa Canyon (400 m), Ensenada Punta Madrugilla (200 m) and Ensenada Punta Matamoros (300 m). The neighbouring islet of Cayo Ensenachos may also boast some of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba: Playa Ensenachos and Playa Megano. Two tourist towns are a meeting point for tourists on Cayo Santa Maria: La Estrella and Las Dunas with restaurants, discos, shops, bowling and gyms.

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Pilot: tourists are looked after by a Polish resident, whose tasks include help upon arrival, departure and stay, as well as registration for local trips.

Visas: buying Tourist Card is required (Tarjeta de Turista), which is included in the price of the event. The card is valid for 30 days, to get before check-in at the airport in Warsaw. The card must be kept, because without it you cannot leave Cuba. In the case of losing, destroying or incorrect filling in the Tourist Card, there is a possibility of buying another one for the price of 200 PLN. Passport must be valid a minimum of 3 months, starting from the date of arrival to Cuba.

Flight duration: Poland-Santa Clara – approx. 12 h.

Local time: GMT - 5h.

Beaches: public, free entry.

Language: Spanish; communication in English is also possible.

Currency: Cuban peso (CUC). 1 CUC = 100 centavos. 1 CUC = approx. 1 EUR. It is worth taking euros with you, not dollars, because the exchange of dollars in Cuba is fraught with a 10% tax.

Capital city: Havana.

Voltage: 220 V, round (European) plugs.

International credit cards and paycards: are accepted, except for those issued by American banks, contactless payments are not possible.

Prices at the hotel and restaurants: lunch – from 10 EUR, dinner – from 15 EUR, bottle of mineral water – approx. 2 EUR, beer – approx. 3 EUR, coffee – approx. 2 EUR, bottle of rum (0.75 l) – from 5 EUR, soft drink in a can – approx. 1 EUR, cigars – from 70 EUR for 25 cigars (half the price of anywhere in the world).

Additional services: entry to Relax Lounge zone at the airport upon departure at a charge of approx. 20 CUC (payable at the airport). The price includes unlimited snacks, unlimited cold and hot soft drinks and selected alcoholic drinks (beer, rum, whisky, brandy, vodka, wine), possibility of using special route FAST TRACK – individual security control and check-in without queues.

Tips: it is a custom to tip waiters, bartenders, porters and chambermaids (approx. 5-10%).

Cuba online: www.cubaweb.cu

Local trips: organised by local tourist agencies on terms specified by them. There is a possibility that, if there is not enough participants, a trip may be canceled. Payment only in cash and in the local currency - Cuban peso (CUC) exchangeable.

You can always find up to date information about security in this country on your Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Havana - 1 day by coach — Havana in a nutshell. Visiting the most famous places in the capital, including the Old Town, the central part with the Capitol and the Revolution Square. Price - approx. 145 USD (includes lunch and dinner).

Havana - 2 days by coach — a pride and the most famous city of Cuba, which was once the Paris of America. Old Havana, entered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, surprises with its colonial authenticity, while the central part is the present-day face of the capital. The program includes the Old Town, the central part with the Capitol and the Grand Theater, the Revolution Square, a visit to the Nacional Hotel, the famous El Floridita bar, a ride through the Malecon, a market of local products and many others. A night spent in this city will be unforgettable! Price - approx. 220 USD (includes breakfast, 2 lunches and dinner).

Jeep Safari — a visit to a farm functioning in accordance with the principles of organic farming. Then Hacienda Los Álamos: milking of cows, feeding of birds, tasting of guarapo - a traditional sugar cane drink - and a truly creole lunch (baked pork). A stroll around the Rancho Querete and an opportunity to swim in the river and try horse riding. Excursion by jeep. Price - approx. 75 USD (includes lunch).

Sun Cruise - a catamaran cruise and a dolphinarium — a catamaran cruise along the beautiful coast and neighboring islands is a great opportunity to relax in the rays of the Cuban sun, while listening to the rhythms of salsa and rumba. It's time to relax on a wild beach and watch the underwater world while snorkelling. Then a visit to the dolphinarium, a show and playing with dolphins. Lunch (served lobster). Price - approx. 100 USD (includes lunch).

Trinidad and Sancti Spiritus — Trinidad - a jewel of colonial architecture, entered on the UNESCO list. The city, which has survived in almost unchanged condition since its foundation in the 16th century to the present day, delights with colorful streets, tiny bazaars with handicrafts and climatic pubs. Sancti Spiritus is an image of real everyday life in Cuba in a city founded by Diego Velazquez himself. Price - approx. 65 USD.

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.