Santiago de Cuba

 

Santiago de Cuba is the most exotic city of Cuba. It has lots of different etnic groups having settled themselves in this city. Santiago is the second biggest city, after Havana. Santiago de Cuba is a city full with history of the revolution, the fight against dictator Batista. That excellent site close by the Caribbean sea, with a backdrop of mountains and terrain which determined that none of the city's street would be absolutely level is the setting of one of the most beautiful and joyous of Cuba's cities, filled with a mixture of architectural styles which run from the baroque to the neoclassical. In total, about 500.000 people live here. Explore its narrow, winding streets, that are filled with both history and music streets bordered by large windows and crowded balconies overflowing with flowers. This is a place where you have to get within touching distance and where you won't feel let down if you follow the golden rule that every minute of a vacation should have a surprise, something to admire or a good place to explore. Add to this the tropical climate and you have a perfect cocktail for a holiday.

 

Santiago de Cuba with the best authentic Cuban salsa

 

The salsa holiday in Santiago de Cuba is the best of the best. Santiago de Cuba is the perfect place to learn Cuba’s national dance – Salsa. The programme includes a Santiago de Cuba city tour and several optional excursions to the beach, a castle, museums, and local beautiful spots.

The programme includes 9 days with 7 nights with accommodation. Our authentic Cuban style salsa classes are facilitated by top dance instructors. All of them are certified. Each participant is offered a local Cuban dance partner who will always be there to mentor each person’s progress and ensure a high quality of learning experience. You will dance the salsa on your own level, whether you are beginner, intermediate, advanced or master class.

This holiday can be booked by singles, as well as partners, or friends. Whether you are travelling by yourself or come with a partner – each person will get their personal Cuban dance partner for the whole course, making it a far more intensive and rewarding learning experience. It is our experience that you will improve your salsa dance level with 1-2 years of taking lessons once a week in your own country.

 

What is the difference between Santiago de Cuba and Havana

 

Music is a vital element of people’s life in Santiago, even more than in Havana. This second city is not as big as Havana and as a result, all interesting spots are within walking distance. Houses and buildings are in a better condition. Salsa in Santiago de Cuba is a bit different from Salsa in Havanna. Santiago de Cuba, about 1000 km east of Havana in Oriente, is the cradle of the traditional Son. The teachers in Santiago are also carefully selected and professional, and their repertoire is interesting for beginners as well as for advanced dancers.

 

Hotel or casa particulares (bed and breakfast)

 

Hotel or casa particulares (Bed & Breakfast)

 

You can stay in the ** Hotel. Hotel Libertad  is nicely located in the center of the Santiago de Cuba. From the hotel, you can quickly get to Santiago de Cuba’s old and modern sections. All comfortable rooms of this ** star air conditioning, a bath, and satellite TV. The hotel has a nice bar and restaurant with an advisable kitchen. The hotel is at walking distance of the most important spots where you can dance. You can book a double or single room. The standard of hotel room might be different compared to what you are used to in your own country.

 

A "casa particulares" is a bed and breakfast in a private home in Cuba. Private citizens are allowed (meeting certain conditions and paying the required tax) to rent out rooms to tourists. They can offer both lodging and meals. The "casa particulares" offers a nice way to see Cuba and provide you a quality service while allowing you to get in close contact with the Cuban people. Most casas are English spoken. Most casas have air-conditioning, private bath/douche, and breakfast is included. We have several casa particulares with all very friendly people, were a perfect and fresh breakfast is served. One of them is casa particulares Sra Ana Romeo.

 

Traveling

 

Our holiday package is flight-exclusive. This allows you to choose your flight when and with the company you prefer. There are several (charter) companies flying to Holguin or Santiago de Cuba. Also check out the offers of travel agents specialized in Cuba. When traveling to Santiago de Cuba, a flight to Holguin or Santiago de Cuba directly is recommended.

Holguin airport is an international airport serving Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. The airport is situated 3 hours drive from Santiago de Cuba. Santiago de Cuba airport handles not so many international flights and several national airlines serving domestic destinations. Antonio Maceo Airport is an national airport serving Santiago de Cuba. The airport is situated 7 km and about 15-20 minutes’ drive from Santiago de Cuba. It is a small airport located in Santiago de Cuba.

 

Flight book service of Dance4two

 

To find a plane ticket, Dance4two can help you. We offer the “flight book service”. There are many airlines with flight to Santiago de Cuba, and Holguin. To find a cheap plane ticket, we'll discover 2-3 attractive plane travel solutions that will fits to your wishes. Our main goal is to help our visitors finding the lowest airfares possible.

 

How does it work?

 

You send us preferred day and place of departure and arrival. You send us your passport name and number. Based on the available airlines, we select 2-3 plane travel options. You make your choice and you pay the exact price of the ticket. We book the flight and send you the e-ticket. Cost for this service is €35. The cost of the flight ticket is not included.

 

Airlines and destinations: International flight

• American Airlines flight to cuba from Miami
• American Eagle flight to cuba from Miami
• Continental Airlines flight to cuba from Miami
• Continental Connection operated by Gulfstream International Airlines flight to cuba from Miami
• Sky King, Inc. flight to cuba from Miami, New York-JFK
• Air Canada flight to cuba from Toronto-Pearson
• Aeroflot flight to cuba from Moscow-Sheremetyevo
• Air Caraibes flight to cuba from Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre
• Air Comet flight to cuba from Madrid
• Air France flight to cuba from Paris-Charles de Gaulle
• Air Europa flight to cuba from Madrid
• Air Europe Italy flight to cuba from Cancun, Milan-Malpensa, Montego Bay
• Air Jamaica flight to cuba from Kingston, Montego Bay
• Bahamasair flight to cuba from Nassau
• Blue Panorama flight to cuba from Cayo Largo Del Sur, Milan-Malpensa, Rome-Fiumicino, Santiago de Cuba
• Cayman Airways flight to cuba from Grand Cayman
• Condor Airlines flight to cuba from Frankfurt
• Copa Airlines flight to cuba from Panamá City
• Corsairfly flight to cuba from Paris-Orly
• Cubana de Aviación flight to cuba from Bogotá, Buenos Aires-Ezeiza, Cancun, Caracas, Córdoba [seasonal], Guatemala City, London-Gatwick, Lisbon (starts July 2008), Madrid, México City, Montréal, Nassau, Paris-Orly, Rosario [seasonal], San José (CR), Santiago de Chile [seasonal], Santo Domingo, St. Lucia, Toronto-Pearson – see T1 for domestic destinations
• Dutch Antilles Express flight to cuba from Aruba, Curaçao -Soon
• Iberia Airlines flight to cuba from Madrid -LAN Airlines flight to cuba from Santiago de Chile
• Livingston flight to cuba from Holguin, Milan-Malpensa
• Mexicana flight to cuba from Cancun, México City
• Neos Airlines flight to cuba from Milan-Malpensa
• TACA
• Lacsa flight to cuba from San José (CR)
• TAM Airlines flight to cuba from São Paulo-Guarulhos [begins July 2008]
• TAME flight to cuba from Quito
• Virgin Atlantic Airways flight to cuba from London-Gatwick

Domestic Flights

• Aerogaviota flight from Baracoa, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco, Montego Bay(international), Holguin, Nueva Gerona, Nassau(international), Santiago de Cuba, Trinidad, Varadero
• Cubana de Aviación flight from Baracoa, Bayamo, Camaguey, Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, Ciego de Avila, Cienfuegos, Guantánamo, Holguín, Manzanillo, Moa, Nueva Gerona, Santa Clara, Santiago de Cuba, Varadero, Victoria de las Tunas
• Aerocaribbean flight from Cayo Coco, Cayo Largo del Sur, Holguín.

 

See also our guestbook:

Wat is included / what is not included?

 

Services included:

 

- 7 nights in Hotel/casa particulares including breakfast

- Welcome and briefing with our local representative

- Multilingual speaking tour guide (English spoken)

- 6 days of dancing course (3 h.) with personal qualified dancing partner (small break in between)

- salsa dancing at (absolute) beginners, intermediate, advanced, or masterclass level

- Guided tour and excursions (at least 4)

- Entrance fees on matinees and partys

- Exclusive party with dance teachers

 

Services not Included:

 

- Flights (see flight book service)

- Transfers from and to airport (can be booked)

- Additional drinks and meals

- Optional excursions

- Departure Tax 25 CUC (when leaving the country)

- Travel insurance

 

Santiago de Cuba: day to day

Day 1   (Fri 01-Jun-2012)

	Arrival at airport After controlling passports, a transfer service is waiting for you (if ordered).
	Dance4two and the local representative is waiting for you (with Dance4two logo) to bring you to the hotel/casa particulares (Bed and Breakfast).
20.00	Warm welcome and introduction After checking in, the first introduction with the local organization/ dance teacher will start. You are offered a diner and drinks. For those without an jetlag and enough energy, there is the possibility of having the first impression with one of the finest salsa dance locations.

Day 2   (Sat 02-Jun-2012)

9.45	Briefing about the programme and salsa lessons There will be a briefing at 9.45. You will be introduced to the programme, and your professional Cuban dance partner. There are different dancing levels, from beginner to advanced.
10.00-13.00	Salsa lessons at different levels   Salsa lessons will take 3 hours, including 2 small breaks of 10-15 minutes. The third hours, for intermediate and advanced dancers, you can dance Rueda de Casino. The location where will be danced varies from day to day.
	Lunch You can have lunch in one of the numerous typical Cuban restaurants in the city (not included).
15:00- 17.30	Guided tour around Santiago de Cuba   You will visit the beautiful old part of the city Santiago de Cuba. This old city has numerous beautiful spots. Walk around and enjoy one of the several live music shows playing Cuban music.
22.00	If you have some energy left, Casa de la Trova is a nice place for salsa dancing.

Day 3   (Sun 03-Jun-2012)

10.00 - 13.00	After breakfast salsa lessons.
14.00	Bacardi Museum You can optional visit the Bacardi Museum (Calle Aquilera, open every day 9-20, not on Monday 12-21, entrance 2 CUC, making pictures 1 CUC.
22.00	In the evening, we join a private party together with the Cuban dance teachers at the roof terrace of Hotel Libertad.

Day 4   (Mon 04-Jun-2012)

9.30	Transfer to one of Santiago's most dramatic and popular sights, the Castello del Morro San Pedro de la Roca, a fortress on the high cliffs. It was built between 1633 and 1639 to ward of pirates.
10.00 - 12.30	Salsa lessons are given in restaurant Ciudar. ending in a nice lunch at the beach. There is time to relax and swim. After lunch you can relax on the beach. Just before sunset we leave for Castillo el Morro for the daily ceremony. The sunset is a true experience at the impressive Spanish fort Castillo del Morro (CUC 4). The construction of the Castle began in 1638 and is largely preserved. The building consists of a magnificent maze of drawbridges, canals, alleyways, and stairs. Outside the Castle, there are many stalls where you can buy souvenirs. You have a fantastic view from the Castillo.
22.00	In the evening, we will go to one of the best places in town to enjoy one of the best salsa groups In Santiago de Cuba.

Day 5   (Tue 05-Jun-2012)

10.00 - 13.00	Salsa lessons
14.00	The afternoon is at leisure.
22.00	In the evening, we join a private party together with the Cuban dance teachers at the roof terrace of Hotel Libertad. Here you can practice the learned salsa steps and figures.

Day 6   (Wed 06-Jun-2012)

09.30	Transfer to Playa Siboney
10.00 - 12.30	Salsa lessons and Rueda de Casino in Club La Rueda in Siboney.
13:30	Lunch together at Restaurant La Rueda
15.00	Time to relax at the beautiful beach. This perfect spot is visited by many Cuban people.
20.00	We visit the best place in town for the best salsa. You will for sure enjoy a great evening dancing and having fun.

Day 7   (Thu 07-Jun-2012)

10.00 - 13.00	Salsa lessons
14.00 -19:00	Preperation of farewell dinner with all Cuban dance teachers/friends. Diner at a casa particulares.
22.00	Farewell dinner with all Cuban dance teachers/friends.

Day 8   (Fri 08-Jun-2012)

The transfer. The transfer will take you to the airport of Holguin in time for your flight back home, or you continue with your own holiday arrangements in Cuba. We hope you appreciated the salsa dance holiday and wish you a nice flight back or further stay in Cuba.

Day 9   (Sat 09-Jun-2012)

Arrival in The Netherlands

General Information Cuba holiday

The Cuban factor

When you think of Cuba, you probably imagine the passionate rhythms of old soneros and the big heavy Cadillac´s rushing through the streets of Havana´s old city. However, Cuba is not only about nostalgia, tobacco and rum. It is a fascinating country that also stands for passion, temperament, endless joie de vivre and sincere, warm hospitality. You easily get in contact with the Cuban people. They might ask you to have a drink or to pay diner for them. It is up to you whether or not you will do that. European people, both women and men, are very attractive to Cuban people. They like to dance closely and in a romantic way. Normally, this is a nice experience. In case you don´t like it, feel free to regret with a glance. The culture of Cuba is a complex mixture of different, often contrasting, factors. You easily make friends in Cuba, their hospitality is great. However, Cuba is the country where not everything goes according to plan. Go with the flow, and accept cultural differences. The programme might be different or changed because of the Cuban factor. In case of change, smile and think of the Cuban factor.

Passport and entry requirements

Citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months, a tourist card (tarjeta de turista) and an onward ticket. Tourist cards are valid for thirty days and although you can buy one from Cuban consulates you can also will get one from your tour operator or travel agent.

Money

Cuba's national unit of currency is the Cuban peso (CUP), or peso cubano in Spanish; it's referred to also as the national peso, and it's divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1. Whilst Cuban citizens are paid in national pesos, the currency used by the vast majority of foreign visitors is the convertible peso (CUC), or in Spanish the peso convertible. Credit cards – Visa and MasterCard – are accepted at some places, especially around the large tourist resorts. In most small to medium-sized towns plastic is absolutely useless as a method of payment. You will also incur an extra 11% charge on top of your card issuer's charges. ATM machines in Havana don´t accept foreign credit and debit cards, very few take anything other than Visa, and  none accept cards issued by American banks. The best way is to take cash money with you. The Banco Financiero Internacional is one of the most efficient and experienced at dealing with foreign currency transactions. Also generally reliable is the Banco de Crédito y Comercio, which has a larger number and wider spread of branches. Most of the larger hotels have cambios where you can exchange money, with more flexible hours than the banks. Commission for changing foreign cash to convertible pesos ranges from 2 to 4 percent. You can easily change money in Hotel Deauville.

Costs

What are the likely costs when I´m out there? The amount of money you'll actually spend on holiday, that you'll have to bring along with you, depends on your spending pattern. This can vary depending on taste and comfort. We suggest that at least you'll spend about €25 per person, per day for food, and drinks. In general, prices in restaurants are lower than in Europe. Taxis are a little bit cheaper and internet is expensive at 6CUC per hour. Museum entrance fees range from 2 - 5CUC.

How to tip people?

People will want tips for every small service, it is just the way it is in Cuba. People rely heavily upon tourists in order to gain access to the convertible peso as they are paid in moneda nacional and 24 = 1 CUC. Prepare to spend a few CUC´s a day in tips including at live music venues for the musicians.

Insurance

Since 2011, the government announced that all travellers to Cuba need to show a valid travel insurance policy which is valid in Cuba and covers them for medical expenses upon their arrival. You must purchase a policy in your own country and ensure that it covers the cost of repatriation back to your country in the unlikely event that it is necessary. Medical supplies are scarce in Cuba and hospital stays are expensive and although healthcare in Havana is good, evacuation by air may be necessary and the Cuban government will not allow you to enter the country without proof that you are covered for this. Ask your insurance company to provide you with an English document to show you authorities on arrival. It is your responsibility to provide adequate insurance to cover health so you must thoroughly check that Cuba is included and exactly what is covered.

Internet

Internet is available at most hotels and many principal Etecsa offices internet cafes, including hotel Deauville. Skype is not allowed, internet connections can be very slow and costs about 6 CUC per hour. You can buy cards at the reception.

Phone

You can use your mobile phone (dual band), however it can be expensive. SMS is much cheaper. Phonecards for both internal and external calls are readily available from shops and kiosks.

Vaccinations

By a journey to Cuba on less than 1 month recommend protection against the following infections: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis), Tetanus, and Yellow fever – transit. Contact your local organization.

Electricity

Although the power supply in Cuba is mainly 110 volts, most of the modern hotels have dual voltage with all the sockets in the room being 220 volts. A flat 2 pin is used. You might need a converter to reduce the voltage down from 220 volts to 110 volts. Most computers and digital cameras chargers these days will work on both voltages. Check your charger and if it says: Input: AC 110V-240V~50Hz/60Hz it will be OK to plug into the 220 volt socket.

Clothes

In this sub-tropical climate, lightweight natural fabrics such as linen and cotton work well, although Jeans and T-shirts also work. In wintertime, the island is cooled by the trade winds so pack a lightweight jacket or shawl for the cooler evenings. For your own safety, leave your expensive jewelry at home.

Tipping

Tipping is very welcomed as salaries in the service industry are small. A 10% tip is appreciated in restaurants and by taxi drivers. Small amounts are appreciated by all service staff.

Safety

Cuba has the lowest crime rate in the area. You will be surprised by the visible police presence in Cuba. They are there specifically to protect and help tourists.
Foreign currency and/or convertible pesos (CUC) are vital to their economy, they bend over backwards to make sure everyone has a safe and pleasant stay.

Can a woman travel alone?

Yes, no problem. As everywhere, don't go down dark streets at night, the same streets you wouldn't go in in your own hometown. In general, all cities, even the bigger ones are safe at night for female travelers, you can just walk home.

Gifts

Cuban people will always appreciate gifts. There is shortages in Cuba of everything. Cubans are not embarrassed by gifts. They like things like shampoo, conditioner, cleansing creams, panadol, aspirin, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Children´s clothes are also appreciated.

Water

Drinking bottled water is recommended because unfamiliar bacteria can cause diarrhea and other stomach problems for travelers. Eating salads in restaurants and brushing your teeth at the sink does not normally present a health concern, but each person will need to decide how careful they should be based on their own sensitivity. You might consider taking ORS (Oral Rehydration Salt) or Immodium with you in case of diarrhea.

Language

Will anybody speak English? Most Cubans are very well educated and in the cities you will find many friendly and helpful English speaking people. In the more rural areas however there is less English spoken. We recommend taking a phrasebook. You can always fall back on universal body language too!

Embassy

If you are looking for detailed information about requesting a visa, how to extend your stay in Cuba, etc., please contact the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country or the official authorities in Cuba:

• Cuban Embassies listed by the Foreign Ministry of Cuba: embacu.cubaminrex.cu
• List of Cuba embassies and consulates: cu.embassyinformation.com

Weather

Average climate in Cuba	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average air temperature	26	27	28	29	31	30	30	32	31	29	27	26
Average water temperature	25	24	24	26	27	27	28	28	28	28	27	27

Cuba generally has a hot and sunny tropical climate. While the average annual temperature is 24°C (75°F), temperatures can drop to 15° (59°F) or lower in January and February (considered winter), especially at night and in the mountains. These months fall in the dry season, which runs roughly from November to April. May to October is considered the wet season, when you can expect it to rain at least a couple of days during a two-week holiday. Downpours don't usually last long, however, and are quickly followed by sunshine. September and October are the most threatening months of the annual hurricane season that runs from June to November.

Prices / Booking