Excursions
For a Half Day
Finca La Vigia: While in Cuba, Hemingway usually stayed at this rented farmhouse some 15km (nine miles) east of Havana close to the village of San Francisco de Paula. Peeping in the windows it is hard not to think that this enthusiastic hunter, fisher and writer has just popped out because the house and its contents are preserved exactly as he left them. Finca La Vigia (tel: (7) 332 047 or 910 809) is open Monday to Saturday 0900-1600 and Sunday 0900-1230 and admission costs US$3. Close by is the village and small harbour of Cojimar, founded in the 17th century and captured by the British in 1762. Here, Hemingway kept his boat, El Pilar, and it is thought that the sleepy fishing village inspired his book, The Old Man and the Sea. The hotel tourist desks can arrange Hemingway Trail tours by minibus but Finca La Vigia is only about 20 minutes from Havana by car.
East Havana beaches (Playas del Este): Just 25 minutes from Havana, the Playas del Este stretch along the north coast from Bacuranao (18km/11 miles east of Havana), to Guanabo (27km/17 miles east of the city). The entire stretch of this long coastline consists of fine, white sandy beaches. Visitors should note, however, that except in the tourist hotels, the area has very few facilities – other than glorious beach – and is usually absolutely packed with Cubans escaping the city, especially at the weekend.
For a Whole Day
Viales Valley: The scenery in the Viales Valley is very dramatic with mogotes (limestone hills) rising up from the lush green valley floor, reminiscent of the Guilin area of Chinese painting. This fertile province is where the best tobacco is cultivated and most tours (during the week) include a visit to one of the local cigar factories. Alternatively, the Guayabita del Pinar Liquor Factory, which produces a liqueur exclusive to the region, can be visited and bottles purchased. Lunch is normally taken outdoors besides a pre-historic mural depicting man’s evolution, before taking a boat trip on the subterranean San Vicente River, which passes through the El Indio Cave System. All tours also stop by the hotel Los Jazmines for a breathtaking view of the Vinales Valley. Tours by minibus can be arranged at hotel tourist desks.
Varadero: For those who need reminding that they are on a Caribbean island, a trip to Varadero, Cuba’s premier beach resort, is a must. Probably the island’s best-maintained road leads from Havana along the north coast to Varadero, situated on a 16km-long (12-mile) isthmus that reaches out into the Atlantic. It only takes two and a half hours from Havana to reach powder soft sand and turquoise, warm sea. There is also no shortage of facilities for refreshments, entertainment and watersports. A daily tourist bus goes from Havana to Varadero –the hotel tourist desks can provide more information.
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Excursions