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Information and history of Cuba

Things you didn’t learn at school

Everything for your Cuba trip
Cuba travel expert since 1999

Cuba in a brief glance

Cuba is an island and also a state. When one speaks of Cuba, however, one usually means the main island. The northwest borders on the Gulf of Mexico, the rest of the north coast on the Atlantic Ocean, the eastern tip is close to Haiti and the Dominican Republic and the south coast opens to the Caribbean Sea.

The country boasts miles of beaches, turquoise blue lagoons. The geographic diversity, as well as variety of attractions, cultural and architectural history, and a combination of an educated population with very low crime rate propose Cuba as an internationally sought after and attractive destination.

The country boasts miles of beaches, turquoise blue lagoons. The geographic diversity, as well as variety of attractions, cultural and architectural history, and a combination of an educated population with very low crime rate propose Cuba as an internationally sought after and attractive destination.

11.4 M

Population

2.1 M

Capital Havana

473 K

Santiago de Cuba

304 K

Holguin

186 K

Pinar del Rio

Spanish

Language

Peso Cubano (CUP)

Currency

+53

Telephone area code

History of Cuba in numbers and keywords

Before ca.10.000-8000

First human settlements, proved by archaeological findings.

Around 1500 A.D.

Three major Indian populations about 300,000 people lived on the island. Traces in the language: Cubanacan is the indigenous name of Cuba and the Spanish word for hurricane huracan is of indigenous origin and means "god of the wind".

1492

October 27 or 28 — Christopher Columbus lands in the Bay of Bariay in the northeast of the island. "The island is the most beautiful that human eyes have ever have beheld."

1511-1515

Diego de Velazquez conquers the island on behalf of Spanish King Ferdinand and founds seven cities, including Havana, which later becomes the capital. The indigenous population is decimated by oppression, forced labor and introduced diseases.

16th/17th century

Cultivation of corn, manioc and bananas, later tobacco.

1523

Spaniards bring the sugar plant from the Canary Islands.

1603

Establishment of the first sugar plantations in Cuba, the foundation stone for the monoculture and the economic boom of the "sugar island" is laid.

1762

Great Britain conquers Cuba.

1763

"Peace of Paris" Cuba goes back to Spain

1790-1804

Slave uprising in Haiti, until then the largest sugar producer, the sugar industry in Cuba takes from the 19th century an enormous upswing. The wealth of the "sugar barons" is built on the backs of African slaves (about 1.3 million from the Congo, Angola and West Africa), without whom the work on the plantations is unmanageable.

1868-1878

1st War of Independence, Cuba was the last large Spanish colony to win its independence in over 30 years of conflict.

1879-1880

The little war

1886

Abolition of slavery

History of Cuba in numbers and keywords

1511 — 1515

First human settlements, proved by archaeological findings.

Three major Indian populations about 300,000 people lived on the island. Traces in the language: Cubanacan is the indigenous name of Cuba and the Spanish word for hurricane huracan is of indigenous origin and means "god of the wind".

October 27 or 28 — Christopher Columbus lands in the Bay of Bariay in the northeast of the island. "The island is the most beautiful that human eyes have ever have beheld."

Diego de Velazquez conquers the island on behalf of Spanish King Ferdinand and founds seven cities, including Havana, which later becomes the capital. The indigenous population is decimated by oppression, forced labor and introduced diseases.

Cultivation of corn, manioc and bananas, later tobacco.

Spaniards bring the sugar plant from the Canary Islands.

Establishment of the first sugar plantations in Cuba, the foundation stone for the monoculture and the economic boom of the "sugar island" is laid.

Great Britain conquers Cuba.

"Peace of Paris" Cuba goes back to Spain

Slave uprising in Haiti, until then the largest sugar producer, the sugar industry in Cuba takes from the 19th century an enormous upswing. The wealth of the "sugar barons" is built on the backs of African slaves (about 1.3 million from the Congo, Angola and West Africa), without whom the work on the plantations is unmanageable.

1st War of Independence, Cuba was the last large Spanish colony to win its independence in over 30 years of conflict.

The little war

Abolition of slavery

Experience meaningful and save travel in Cuba

To discover a new country is always something exciting and is able to enrich ones own vision of the world and it’s cultures. Experience the new and .. maybe unexpected. Whether it be a trip solo, with Friends and family or as a group, there are multiple ways to travel in Cuba.
Together we will find the right mix to make your trip an unforgettable memory.

We organize excursions and tours for just one person as well as for families, small groups of up to 12 participants or arrangements for a company incentive of 12 or more participants. If you prefer, make a choice of our selection of excursions and tours or explore Cuba on four wheels using a rental car, a limousine service or cruising in style in an American classic car of the 50s with driver.

Travel your way: individual and personal travel planning according to your wishes. Plan online - book conveniently! We have over 20 years of experience in planning trips. Together we will find the right mix to make your trip an unforgettable memory.

Save travel on an island as huge as Cuba, is one of our priorities on organized excursions, day trips and tours. Before the time of the corona pandemic this was an issue and we keep an eye on it towards the future.

History of Cuba in numbers and keywords

1895-1898

The 2nd war of independence (leader Jose Marti)

1898

After fighting between Spain and the USA, Cuba becomes a protectorate of the USA

1902

Estrada Palma becomes the first Cuban president, there is a constitution, but the USA secures the right of intervention through the so-called Platt Amendment and takes Bahia Honda (1912 returned) and Guantanamo as military bases.

1906-1919

The "pseudo-republic", the U.S. intervenes several times due to internal unrest.

1925-1933

Dictatorship of President Machado y Morales, who is overthrown by a broad popular movement after a general strike.

1934

Repeal of the Platt Amendment, the U.S. continues to exert its influence, and various vassal presidents take turns.

1952-1958:

Dictatorship of General Batista

1950-1953

Fidel Castro's storming of Moncada Barracks, imprisonment of the Castro brothers Fidel and Raúl.

1955

Pardon of the Castros, who go into exile in Mexico, where they meet Che Guevara.

1956

Landing of the yacht Granma in Cuba, with the Castros and 80 other guerrillas.

1959

With the capture of the city of Santa Clara by Che Guevara, the last defense of Batista falls, who flees out of the country to the United States. Fidel Castro takes over as prime minister. U.S. Vice President Nixon receives Fidel Castro for talks in New York; President Eisenhower excuses himself and goes golfing.

1961

CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion by Cuban exiles fails.

1962

President Kennedy imposes trade and economic blockade that remains in place today. Nuclear missiles stationed in Cuba by the Soviet Union trigger the Cuban Missile Crisis.

1965

Cuba's Communist Party is founded.

1967

Che Guevara, fighting in Bolivia for its independence, is captured there and shot without trial.

1980

Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez, on a Soviet Union flight, is the first Latin American cosmonaut in space.

1981

More than 125000 migrants leave the country, mostly for the USA.

1991-94

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba plunges into its worst crisis since the Revolution, known as the "Special Period."

1993

Reforms legalize the U.S. dollar as the currency on the island and permits are issued for self-employed workers.

1994

After riots, about 30000 people leave the country on homemade rafts and boats across the straits to Florida.

History of Cuba in numbers and keywords

1511 — 1515

The 2nd war of independence (leader Jose Marti)

After fighting between Spain and the USA, Cuba becomes a protectorate of the USA

Estrada Palma becomes the first Cuban president, there is a constitution, but the USA secures the right of intervention through the so-called Platt Amendment and takes Bahia Honda (1912 returned) and Guantanamo as military bases.

The "pseudo-republic", the U.S. intervenes several times due to internal unrest.

Dictatorship of President Machado y Morales, who is overthrown by a broad popular movement after a general strike.

Repeal of the Platt Amendment, the U.S. continues to exert its influence, and various vassal presidents take turns.

Dictatorship of General Batista

Fidel Castro's storming of Moncada Barracks, imprisonment of the Castro brothers Fidel and Raúl.

Pardon of the Castros, who go into exile in Mexico, where they meet Che Guevara.

Landing of the yacht Granma in Cuba, with the Castros and 80 other guerrillas.

With the capture of the city of Santa Clara by Che Guevara, the last defense of Batista falls, who flees out of the country to the United States. Fidel Castro takes over as prime minister. U.S. Vice President Nixon receives Fidel Castro for talks in New York; President Eisenhower excuses himself and goes golfing.

CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion by Cuban exiles fails.

President Kennedy imposes trade and economic blockade that remains in place today. Nuclear missiles stationed in Cuba by the Soviet Union trigger the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Cuba's Communist Party is founded.

Che Guevara, fighting in Bolivia for its independence, is captured there and shot without trial.

Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez, on a Soviet Union flight, is the first Latin American cosmonaut in space.

More than 125000 migrants leave the country, mostly for the USA.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba plunges into its worst crisis since the Revolution, known as the "Special Period."

Reforms legalize the U.S. dollar as the currency on the island and permits are issued for self-employed workers.

After riots, about 30000 people leave the country on homemade rafts and boats across the straits to Florida.

Service and Quality

We are deliberately specialized in Cuban trips. We believe that only in this way it is possible to plan the best trips. We are regularly on site, know the conditions, are constantly looking for interesting services for our customers and strive to optimize the existing offers. Travel consulting has a particularly high priority for us. We know from our own experience how important competent advice from travel professionals is when preparing for a trip.

We strive to offer an authentic experience of Cuba and it’s people off the beaten tracks, getting to know locals and have meaningful conversations. Long lasting memories will be the reward of an intense and joyful experience.

History of Cuba in numbers and keywords

1996

U.S. President Clinton signs the Helms-Burton Act, which allows all companies and countries that trade with Cuba to be sanctioned by the United States.

1997

Transfer of the remains of Che Guevara from Bolivia and solemn burial in Santa Clara.

1998

Pope John Paul II visits the country.

2004

President Bush tightens sanctions, after which Cuba replaces the U.S. dollar with the peso convertible.

2006

After a serious illness, Fidel Castro temporarily hands over all offices to his brother Raúl.

2008

As the new president, Raúl Castro legalizes the purchase of cell phones and computers. Cubans are allowed to use hotels as well as rental cars.

2013

A new travel law allows Cubans to travel abroad for private purposes for the first time.

2013-2014

The largest container port in the Caribbean is built in Mariel, also with Brazilian participation. The huge free trade zone allows not only storage of goods but also the assembly of machinery.

2014

President Obama and Raúl Castro announce the resumption of diplomatic relations.

2015

Both countries open embassies, in Havana and New York.

2016

Barack Obama becomes the first U.S. president to visit the island in 88 years. Trade expansions occur but embargo remains in place. The Rolling Stones play to an enthusiastic crowd of about 500,000. The French fashion house Chanel with Karl Lagerfeld as designer presents the Cruise collection on the Paseo del Prado in Havana. The Hollywood studio Universal shoots the movie "Fast and Furious 8" in Havana with well-known actors. AUDI presents the compact SUV Q2 with its first outing not in Germany, but in Havana.

Nov. 26

The day of Fidel Castro's death and proclamation of a nine-day national mourning. Castro is buried in Santiago de Cuba.

2017

President Trump restricts trade and travel facilitation measures initiated by Barack Obama.

2018

Parliamentary elections. Raúl Castro, who did not run for re-election, gives way to new head of state Miguel Díaz-Canel.

2019

Manuel Marrero becomes prime minister. For the first time since 1976, Cuba has a head of government who is not also president of the Council of State.

History of Cuba in numbers and keywords

1511 — 1515

U.S. President Clinton signs the Helms-Burton Act, which allows all companies and countries that trade with Cuba to be sanctioned by the United States.

Transfer of the remains of Che Guevara from Bolivia and solemn burial in Santa Clara.

Pope John Paul II visits the country.

President Bush tightens sanctions, after which Cuba replaces the U.S. dollar with the peso convertible.

After a serious illness, Fidel Castro temporarily hands over all offices to his brother Raúl.

As the new president, Raúl Castro legalizes the purchase of cell phones and computers. Cubans are allowed to use hotels as well as rental cars.

A new travel law allows Cubans to travel abroad for private purposes for the first time.

The largest container port in the Caribbean is built in Mariel, also with Brazilian participation. The huge free trade zone allows not only storage of goods but also the assembly of machinery.

President Obama and Raúl Castro announce the resumption of diplomatic relations.

Both countries open embassies, in Havana and New York.

Barack Obama becomes the first U.S. president to visit the island in 88 years. Trade expansions occur but embargo remains in place. The Rolling Stones play to an enthusiastic crowd of about 500,000. The French fashion house Chanel with Karl Lagerfeld as designer presents the Cruise collection on the Paseo del Prado in Havana. The Hollywood studio Universal shoots the movie "Fast and Furious 8" in Havana with well-known actors. AUDI presents the compact SUV Q2 with its first outing not in Germany, but in Havana.

The day of Fidel Castro's death and proclamation of a nine-day national mourning. Castro is buried in Santiago de Cuba.

President Trump restricts trade and travel facilitation measures initiated by Barack Obama.

Parliamentary elections. Raúl Castro, who did not run for re-election, gives way to new head of state Miguel Díaz-Canel.

Manuel Marrero becomes prime minister. For the first time since 1976, Cuba has a head of government who is not also president of the Council of State.

Your free travel planning starts here

    1. How long should the trip last?

    2. When should the journey start?

    3. How far is your travel planning?

    4. Which experiences and parts of the country inspire you?
    Multiple selection is possible
    West of the island: Havana - Pinar del Rio - Viñales - Isla de la Juventud - Cayo Largo
    Center of the island: Cienfuegos - Trinidad - Santa Clara - Cayo Santa María - Cayo Coco
    East of the island: Camagüey - Holguín - Santiago de Cuba - Guantánamo - Baracoa

    5. Which type of accommodation should it be?
    *Casa is the Cuban private homestay and offers different quality levels

    6. What type of transport do you prefer?

    7. What is the planned travel budget per person without flight?
    2500
    "Note: you can specify a flight request in the Comments field afterwards".

    8. Your travel planning from the Cuba specialist
    Adults 18+
    Teenagers 12-18 years
    Children 2-12 years
    Infants 0-24 months
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