Anyone been to Varadero?

Zazie

Going in a couple of weeks. Would welcome any tips / advice from anyone that's been.

Any excursions worth doing?
Anythings you can't get out there that we need to take with us?

Thanks!

bernie115

Hello

This is not exactly up to date info but I went there about 15 years ago and it was fab. It was only up and coming then with only a handful of hotels but we did the excursion into Havana and it was absolutely brilliant.

We hired out a couple of scooters for the day to explore the beaches and again, it was brill. We really did get a taste of the place itself rather than in the hotel complex.

The Cubans are really friendly too.

Have a great time :j

markandkate

Hi we were there in December and the sea and beaches are beautiful. It is close enough to go to Havana for the day and you really should do that. Some tips are overnight to the capital and it is well worth it. Most of the hotels are of a high standard and all have beach front locations usually all inclusive with a beach bar open in the day. There is not really anything to speak of in the town itself just the stunning sun and sand

pc10

Take everything you think you might want because you probably wont be able to buy it in Cuba!

We stayed in the Blau Varadero in July and it was wonderful - beach was fantastic.

But theres not much to do in Varadero - theres a few 'shops' but basically you go there for the beaches.

We went on a day trip to Havana - interesting place - you can do an overnight trip taking in the Tropicana show if you want.

We also did an overnight trip to Trinidad (staying in a hotel that was still stuck in 1960s!) but again the beach was brilliant - that trip also took in Cienfuegos and Santa Clara and an eco trip to a nature reserve.

The coaches that you travel on for the trips are all modern with air con.

Our last trip was on a catamaran - it was great - we sailed out into the sea, stopped off to snorkel and then to a private island where once again the beach was beautiful - here we had lunch and loads of time to just chill.

We booked all the trips through the First Choice rep at the hotel but no matter which rep you use the trips are all the same price.

You can get an idea of the prices of various trips here http://excursions.firstchoice.co.uk/search-excursions/CUB/Cuba/001492/Varadero/all/All-resorts/all/All-activities.aspx

Most (if not all) hotels in varadero are all inclusive and you wont really find many places outside the hotel to eat.

One good tip we were given was to take an insulated mug for our drinks - great idea because the drinks are served in small plastic containers normally so you get more to drink at one time and more importantly it keeps the drinks cool! (Think we got 2 mugs in B&M Bargains for £3!)

Although we took loads of mosquito spray, it wasnt needed but plenty of suncream was.

Take English money (not poor quality worn notes as sometimes these can be refused) with you and it can be easily exchanged at either the airport or your hotel - dont change too much because you can't take the CUC home with you and although it can be changed at the airport before you fly home, you will lose quite a bit on it.

The trips can be paid for in sterling or CUC and I think they will also take cc bookings (as long as its not a card connected with a US bank as far as I know). Other than trips, you will prob just spend some money on gifts and some tips!

Take a look at tripadvisor if you havent already - theres loads to read there http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g147275-i99-Varadero_Cuba.html

Ask if theres anything else you need to know - have a great time!

Zazie

Lots of useful info, guys, thanks.

We'll be in Havana for 4 days before going to Varadero, so won;t need an excursion to there. Had heard there was a day trip that incorporated a steam train ride, but can't see it in the lists. Can anyone remember seeing that?

Also, I know Cuba is not a shopping destination but I do like to get some souvenirs. At markets, etc, is it the norm to haggle a bit, or should we just pay the price asked?

pc10

Hi

Theres a huge indoor market in Havana - somewhere near a river and a museum if I remember! It sells lots of souvenirs and fantastic art. The prices there are really reasonable compared to other places and although prices are marked on most items, if you walk away they will prob offer you a better price.

I recall reading something about the steam train trip being a bit rubbish - probably find out more about it on tripadvisor.

Party_Animal

There are plenty of places outside the hotel to eat. Just walk up the main drag. There's one excellent one right at the top. I can find the name, that does beautiful fish. Enjoy Havana. I didn't like Varadero, but loved the rest of Cuba.

Zazie

Any other suggestions of where to eat in Havana? And roughly how much they cost. Thanks.

catch_me_if_you_can

Hi OP - we're going to be there round about the same time as you!

Mine's a mohito... see you there!

Zazie

catch_me_if_you_can wrote: »

Mine's a mohito... see you there!

:beer:

Have a great holiday!