<![CDATA[HC Tours - Deluxe Authentic Private Tours in Cuba - Blog]]>Fri, 17 May 2024 03:08:54 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Your Perfect Guide to Planning a Havana Excursion From Varadero]]>Mon, 18 May 2020 10:08:43 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/your-perfect-guide-to-planning-a-havana-excursion-from-varaderoAfter soaking up the sun at the pristine, 22-km long beach, and staying at a luxurious resort in Varadero, many travelers and tourists alike land in Havana for a night or two. Just 145 km away from Varadero, Havana is a popular destination in the Caribbean, best known for its colonial architecture, tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and rich culture.

Generally, people visit from Varadero to Havana for an overnight stay or two through a car tour, which is also sometimes known as Havana excursion. These types of tours may last for an afternoon to a week or more, depending on the tour operator, and may include everything from sightseeing to your stay in Havana. But if you are on a budget trip to the Caribbean and want to experience the warmth of Havana, you can also plan an excursion yourself.

Here’s your perfect guide to visiting Havana from Varadero:

Getting from Varadero to Havana
Traveling from Varadero to Havana and back again is easy if you choose the right transportation. The best bet is to take the Viazul bus, which is a national bus service charging only 10CUC to Havana. The Viazul office in Varadero is conveniently situated at the Calle 36 y Autopista, also known as the Omnibus Terminal. If your resort is close to the terminal, you may easily walk there. You can also hire a taxi from your hotel to the terminal. In Havana, the bus stops at Old Havana, followed by Vedado and its final destination, Western Vedado. Make sure to book your seat beforehand by either visiting the Viazul office a day before or through their website.

Another way to travel from Varadero to Havana is by taxi. It will be more convenient but costly. However, if you are a group of five or more, it may be economical to reach Havana. The usual taxi fare from Varadero to Havana is about 80CUC, but you can find a cheaper one after negotiation.

Spending a night in Havana
For an eventful night stay in the charming city of Havana, consider staying at the Hotel Paseo Habana. It’s quietly located in Vedado, offering a much more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere than any other hotel in Old or Central Havana. Besides, it is cheaper and gifts you with memorable moments once you check out. However, if you want a more upscale experience, the Hotel Ambos Mundos, Hotel El Comendador, and the Hotel Santa Isabel are where you should head.

Getting back to Varadero
To get back to Varadero, you can either take a taxi or the same Viazul bus from the station in Havana, which is situated near the Plaza de la Revolución, at Ave de La Independencia and Calle 19 de Mayo. The last bus to Varadero leaves at 5 PM from Havana and reaches its terminal at around 7:30 PM.

If you would like to add a night or two full of memories and experiences, consider traveling from Varadero to Havana by either planning an excursion yourself or through a car tour operator.

If you want to make the best of your Cuba vacation, let us provide you with the best car tour packages from Varadero to Havana.​​
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<![CDATA[Love Vintage Cars? Head To Cuba Now!]]>Thu, 07 May 2020 11:00:54 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/love-vintage-cars-head-to-cuba-nowIf you thought that Cuba is known only for its cigars, you are so, so wrong! The country has an envious fleet of vintage cars zooming across its streets. In fact, once you are there, you will feel like you are spectating a never-ending vintage car show. No wonder that the Caribbean island country is on every car enthusiast’s travel list!​

But first, let’s tackle the question that’s on everyone’s mind. Why are there so many old school cars in Cuba?

American cars were very popular in Cuba before the 1950s. People bought them in droves until the trade embargo and the import ban right after the Cuban Revolution. Now, American-made cars are not shipped to the country but the old ones still rule over the streets. Many collectors consider these cars as priceless because most of them are in excellent condition.

If you love cars and are passionate about traveling then you’ll love Cuba because car tours are really popular over there. A stay in the country is not complete without indulging in a Havana or Varadero classic car tour. Here, a car is not only a vehicle to help you get from one place to another. On the contrary, it is an integral part of the Cuban travel experience in itself.

Not convinced? We have more reasons why classic car tours are something that you must experience when you are in Cuba!
  • When in Cuba, do as the Cubans do. These vintage cars are now a part of their culture and there is no reason why you shouldn’t get a taste of it!
  • Let’s face it. Vintage, old school beauties are classy and elegant. New cars can't match up to the gorgeous Buick Roadmaster, the attention-grabbing Cadillac Eldorado or the Chevrolet Bel Air. There is no doubt that hopping on to one will make you feel amazing!
  • When you sign up for one of the private Havana or Varadero classic car tours, you will also have a designated driver as well as a tour guide who will acquaint you with the local culture, history, as well as spots that you shouldn’t miss when you are in the country. A cool ride and the best people to guide you around the region; definitely a win-win situation for you!
  • Why waste time in finding the right transport options when you can be chauffeured around in style? You can travel from one city to another in a flash without having to wait around! What more could you ask for?

Want a classic automobile to zoom around in Cuba? Then get in touch with us now! Whether you are traveling solo or in a group, we have vintage cars for all of you!
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<![CDATA[Fascinating Things You Must Know About Trinidad]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2020 07:29:10 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/fascinating-things-you-must-know-about-trinidadTrinidad is a Cuban wonder which makes you believe that magic exists. The town is nothing short of heaven on earth and never ceases to awe travelers with its gorgeous architecture, cobblestone streets, and serene beauty. There is a hint of sweetness in the air, probably because of old sugar mills that are scattered across this exquisite historic town. Trinidad tour in Cuba is a must whenever you are in the country! The town has a quaint charm about it which is worth a trip.
Did you know Trinidad is among the finest colonial sites in the country dating back to the Spanish era? The town boasts of rich history and here are a couple of interesting facts about it that are sure to blow your mind:

1. The town has a sweet history with the Valley of Sugar Mills or the Valle de los ingenios located on its outskirts. There was a time when Trinidad was the largest sugar producer in the entire region with a large number of sugar mills in operation. Once bustling with life, these mills are no longer functional and for most parts, just the ruins remain. The Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

2. Cuba has been influenced by the African culture to a great extent and this intersection of cultures comes to play beautifully in Trinidad. The town is a hub of delectable Creole cuisines and you get to savor succulent seafood. At some diners, you will even come across local musicians playing lively music.

3. Latin music is capable of getting anyone grooving and most Latin dance forms are seductive. Rumba involves movement of hips and is quite a saucy dance form. Watching skilled rumba dancers performing is indeed a visual treat. The dance form as we know it today evolved from dances performed by the African slaves who called this gorgeous town their home in the later part of the 18th century. The dance used to be an important courtship ritual for these Africans.

4. The Trinidad beach is beautiful and the sand on the beach is postcard perfect. Most Cuban beaches have white sand but the Ancon beach in Trinidad features beautiful yellow sand. The color is mainly because of Escambray mountain erosion. The beautiful yellow makes the Ancon stand out from other beaches in the country.

If you are planning a Trinidad tour in Cuba, get in touch with HC Tours. We help you plan the perfect vacation in Cuba.
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<![CDATA[Vinales Valley: A Lush Green Cuban Wonder]]>Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:37:47 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/vinales-valley-a-lush-green-cuban-wonder​While there is no denying the fact that Cuba is a tourist’s paradise with rich cultural heritage and history, Vinales Valley, a tiny town nestled between beautiful tobacco plantations, picturesque rock formations, and lush green fields has a charm of its own. It offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure that everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime! So, whenever you plan your next trip to Havana and Trinidad, make it a point to reserve a day to visit Vinales Valley too. You may even book vintage car tours to this gorgeously mesmerizing Valley!
​From breathtaking panorama to famous tobacco farms known for growing excellent quality tobacco leaves, Vinales Valley which is among the lushest parts of Cuba has a lot to offer! Just friendly advice, when you are in the valley, do smoke a cigar or two while you are enjoying the calmness that is sure to engulf you from all sides!

The best and most enjoyable way to get to Vinales Valley from Havana is by booking a vintage car tour! Let the beautiful scenery sink in as you enjoy the ride, probably in a Classic Sedan or a Convertible. Be prepared for a fun road trip ahead!

Places to Visit In Vinales Valley 
  1. Did you know, Vinales Valley is not only a national park but is also a UNESCO World Heritage site? The valley has been awarded the honor because of the amazing limestone rock formations popularly known as ‘mogotes’. The traditional architecture of villages and tobacco farms in the valley is more than capable of leaving you awestruck! The Vinales town located in the valley is also worth exploring.
  2. Mural de la Prehistoria located just 4km outside the town demands a visit! You may cycle to this huge mural painted on a side of Mogote Pita. It was designed by Leovigildo González Morillo back in 1961 and took four years to be completed. The gaudy colors provide a drastic contrast to the natural landscape of the area. In case you are wondering what the painting represents, it is the theory of evolution!
  3. As you go up the mountain slopes, you will be greeted by the community of Aquaticos. It is believed that when the locals didn’t have access to proper medicines they used water’s healing power to cure certain diseases. The view from up the mountain is sure to take your breath away.
  4. Valle del Silencio is perfect for taking a relaxed evening stroll. Visit some tobacco farms with a local guide. On your way to the farms, you may even savor fresh fruits plucked right in front of your eyes and explore some never heard of flora! When you book a vintage car tour, make sure to ask if a tour guide is included in the package.
HC Tours, Havana is an acclaimed tour organizer in Cuba! Here at HC Tours, we provide customized vintage car tours to some of the most beautiful parts of the country. You even get to choose from your favorite Convertibles, Sedans, and Vans! 
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<![CDATA[3 Reasons Why Viñales Should Be On Your List While Visiting Cuba]]>Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:34:37 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/3-reasons-why-vinales-should-be-on-your-list-while-visiting-cubaHavana undoubtedly takes your breath away. The richness of culture and friendly smiles everywhere compel you to stay a few more days. But when you really want to experience authentic Cuban culture, without missing fun outdoor activities, be sure to add a couple of days to Viñales on your list of Cuban destinations.
Not more than a drive away from Havana, a trip to Viñales can be covered in a day; however, when you truly want to explore this majestic place, be sure to spare two nights of your vacation days. 
It’ll not be wrong to say, your Cuba trip is incomplete without visiting and exploring Viñales, and if you ask us why, find a few reasons below:

Because it’s the heart of Cuban culture
The Cuban culture is prominent in Havana but is surrounded by tourists, international influence, and of course, city energy. When you really want to dive deep in the Cuban culture, step aside from crowds, and experience the true Cuban culture and lifestyle in small towns, farms, and countryside. Besides Viñales valley is less polluted with little or no traffic than other Cuban cities. 

Because the tobacco farms are world-famous
Where would you find a hand-rolled, quality Cuban cigar? Viñales is your answer. Now that you’ve come to Cuba, wouldn’t want hand-on experience on Cuban cigars, recognized as the world’s finest cigars? 
Viñales is located in the Pinar del Rio region in Cuba that’s known for growing best tobacco to produce the highest quality cigars around the globe. From harvesting leaves to demonstration of cigar rolling to trying a few puffs of the final product, the whole process is worth experiencing.

Because prehistoric caves are mesmerizing
Viñales is popular for the hundreds of cave formations. While some are accessible to visitors, others are restricted due to precautionary measures. During your Viñales valley tour, you can ask your guide to show some famous caves like Cueva del Indio that has a beautiful underground river and Cuevas de Santo Tomas with impressive rock formations. If you happen to go on weekends, you can even enjoy disco nights at bars at the entrance to caves. 

You certainly will not regret the trip to Viñales valley during your Cuba visit. If you’re staying in Havana, either you can rent a vintage car to drive on your own or book a professional licensed driver at Havana Car
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<![CDATA[Varadero: A Gorgeous Beach Resort Town In Cuba]]>Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:28:53 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/varadero-a-gorgeous-beach-resort-town-in-cuba​Cuba is a beautiful country and is a big hit among travelers. From amazing architectures to lush green valleys, the country has it all! While places like Havana and Trinidad are on every traveler’s list when he or she plans a trip to this wonderland, Cuba has much more to offer. We suggest you include Varadero in your must-visit Cuban towns the next time you are in the country. Tours and transfers from Varadero are easily available like they are from Havana or Trinidad!
Varadero is among the largest Caribbean beach resort towns and makes for an attractive tourist destination. The town is separated from the mainland by a drawbridge and once you are over the said drawbridge, you leave behind the rich cultural Cuban side to give in to the extravagant world of sand, sea, and sun which is truly relaxing! The beautiful stretch of palm-fringed Varadero beach is also famous for water sports among other things. You may enjoy snorkeling, sailing or scuba diving. The mesmerizing hues of blue of the crystal clear sea are sure to lure you in for a swim! Before you start checking for tours and travels from Varadero already, take a look at some of the major tourist attractions which this gorgeous stretch of land boasts of!
  • Needless to say, Varadero Beach is a must-visit. Stretching for about 20 kilometers, the beach is undoubtedly among the best of the Caribbean! With palms rustling overhead and shoreline sloping beautifully into a gorgeous blue sea, the Varadero beach is sure to rejuvenate you. If you are a beach lover, this place is calling out to you!
  • Saturno Caves which is near to the town’s airport is another popular tourist attraction. The natural swimming pool is not only breathtaking to look at but also offers a much-needed respite from all the sun soaking at the beach! While exploring the azure hued freshwater of this subterranean swimming hole, you also get to admire magnificent rock formations. Do not forget to bring along your aqua shoes and snorkel!    
  • In the heart of the town rests Parque Josone, a peaceful oasis that was built back in the 1940s! Meander around beautiful gardens and gurgling fountains for a while! After all, nature walks have this amazing healing power.
  • Who doesn’t love dolphins, right? Delfinario in Varadero provides you this amazing opportunity to pet and play with these wondrous creatures up close in an enclosed saltwater lagoon. You get to cuddle and swim with dolphins and we think that is money well spent!
If a Cuban trip is next on your upcoming holiday calendar, get in touch with HC Tours, Havana. We offer affordable tours and transfers from Varadero, Havana, and Trinidad! Vintage cars and the option to customize the tour make us the best out there.
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<![CDATA[4 Must-Do Things When You Visit Old Havana]]>Wed, 18 Mar 2020 05:35:49 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/4-must-do-things-when-you-visit-old-havanaThere’s no place in the world like Old Havana, or La Habana Vieja, as it is called in Spanish. Filled with narrow streets and colorful buildings, it is the historical heart of Cuba’s largest city, and one of the oldest and most popular places to visit in the country. Old Havana is centered around five main plazas, with its rainbow facades proudly flaunting its rich and diverse cultural heritage. But Havana is more than just Instagram-worthy architecture, and there is a myriad of things you can do here.

1. Get a taste of some amazing Cuban foods.
Old Havana is a treasure trove of food lovers. Walk into one of the many paladares that line the streets and you will be treated to a smorgasbord of flavors, whether in the form of beans, meat, rice, plantains, coffee or fresh fruits. Some of the restaurants offer a finer dining-esque experience while others are cozier. If you are staying in a casa particular, you might also stumble across some of the best meals of the journey right there in the family’s kitchen.

2. Drink!
Some of the most popular cocktails around the world, such as the mojito and the daquiri, were born in Cuba, and Old Havana is the perfect place to taste their authentic flavors. La Bodeguita del Medio is famous for its mojitos, while El Floridita is where you need to be for the best daquiris. The latter is the spot where daquiris were first invented. If you love literature, it might delight you to know that these were popular haunts of Ernest Hemingway back when he lived in Old Havana.

3. Visit museums.
For the history buff, Old Havana has quite a lot to show off. Visit the Museo de la Revolución, which is located in the former presidential palace, where the exhibits tell an enthralling story of the Cuban Revolution. There are also a host of other places with interesting historical photos, paintings and objects, such as the Granma Memorial, Museo de las Bellas Artes and Museo de las Orishas, among others.

4. Go on a walking tour.
The best way to experience the charm of Cuba is on foot and Old Havana is filled with promenades where you can simply sit and take in the beauty of the place, its people and its gorgeous architecture. Visit the plazas. Go to Parque Central. Take a stroll around El Paseo. And how can you forget the famed Malecón? If you feel like you are not well acquainted with the place to check all these places out on your own, you can always join an Old Havana walking tour by a local tour company.

If you want to book vintage car tours or Old Havana walking tours, get in touch with us today!
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<![CDATA[The Wanderlust Guide to Havana: Non-Touristy Things to do while In the City!]]>Fri, 13 Mar 2020 09:01:14 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/the-wanderlust-guide-to-havana-non-touristy-things-to-do-while-in-the-cityHavana, the capital city of Cuba is a ridiculously unexplored territory. While tourists usually make a beeline to the museums, grand palaces, and beautiful churches, most of the treasures that the city has to offer have been left untouched by backpackers. In this blog, we will cover some of the lesser-known haunts that will make your trip to L'Avana an experience of a lifetime:
1. Fusterlandia
Who would have thought that a dull, impoverished neighborhood could be transformed into an artistic masterpiece? But that is what Fusterlandia is. Cuban artist José Fuster made his entire neighborhood his canvas and painted its homes, clinics, playgrounds, streets, and offices in colorful mosaic. The area is a sight to behold, with some of the artist’s renditions being compared to that of Picasso’s. Few guided tours of L'Avana actually have this beautiful site on their itineraries. If you do plan on giving it a visit, then make sure that you support the upcoming artists by purchasing their artworks.

2. Old Havana Perfume Museum
Cubans are known for their love for perfumes and this is what led to the creation of a museum. The Old Havana Perfume Museum offers an olfactory treat to curious travelers who wander in. The museum houses perfumes-related artifacts and has an envious collection of internationally-acclaimed fragrances.

3. Coppelia
Although Cuban streets are littered with ice-cream joints, the Coppelia is a state-run establishment that has made a name for itself for its “Ensalada” — 5 ice-cream scoops in a bowl. Started in 1966, the modernist, UFO-like building continues to serve thousands of ice-cream seekers every day. The dairy parlor was actually the brainchild of Fidel Castro who loved dairy products and wanted Cuba to offer more ice-cream flavors than America!

4. Callejon de Hamel
Havana’s alleyways can never bore you. Take Callejon de Hamel, for instance. The bright murals and beautiful sculptures made from everyday items offer the perfect backdrop to rumba dancers and musicians who perform to entertain the locals and the crowd. Designed by the Cuban artist Salvador Gonzáles Escalona, street art shows an unmistakable influence of surrealism and abstract art. If you are planning to go on a tour of L'Avana, then this alley shouldn’t be missed!

Looking to tour around Cuba in style? We provide vintage wagons and modern vehicles for private tours in and around L'Avana, Get in touch with us for a complete Havana experience today.
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<![CDATA[Trinidad: A Traveler’s Paradise]]>Tue, 03 Mar 2020 09:50:15 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/trinidad-a-travelers-paradiseWhen in the Caribbeans, visiting Cuba is a must. With some of the most aesthetically pleasing towns which welcome you with mesmerizing views and grand architecture, Cuba is a traveler’s paradise. Talking about planning a trip, sometimes it may seem like a task! If you feel the same way just get in touch with a Tour and Travel company and let them do the boring part for you while you get to focus on having fun! Havana may be the first city you want to explore but your Cuban adventure will be considered incomplete without stopping for a day or two in Trinidad! If you are crazy about vintage cars and are an admirer of colonial architecture, Trinidad is your dreamland. A plus point is that you get to witness live music at city squares on your Trinidad tour in Cuba!
  • Trinidad offers a fantastic mix of extravagant palaces, colonial homes and airy squares where locals often gather to have a good time. The city is a maze of fabulous restaurants and cobbled alleys which add up to awesome pictures and tons of memories. With a couple of gorgeous beaches and hiking trails that are within easy reach, Trinidad offers something for everyone. Honestly, it is the perfect destination for lovers of nature, culture and history alike.
  • To make the most of your Trinidad tour in Cuba, make sure to visit Plaza Mayor, Palacio Brunet and National History Museum along with some of the beautiful churches and lively cafes!
  • Plaza Mayor is the heart of the city of Trinidad and has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. This historic center is surrounded by colorful buildings that housed the wealthy landowners back in the 18th and 19th centuries. Most of these buildings now have been turned into museums. Museo Historico Municipal, housed in one of the Plaza Mayor’s mansions, is a must-visit. The view from the tower is breathtaking and leaves you awe-struck!
  • Palacio Brunet was home to the Spanish count Nicolas Brunet. It now houses the Museo Romantico or the Romantic Museum which authentically brings to life the 19th-century atmosphere! It boasts of an amazing decorative art collections that let you experience the splendor surrounding the social elite of Trinidad back in the colonial times.
  • The church of the Holy Trinity or Iglesia de la Santicima overlooking the Plaza Mayor is among the largest churches of Cuba. It stands on the ruins of another church that was destroyed by a hurricane back in the 18th century. The church houses “El Señor de la Vera Cruz” or the “The Lord of the True Cross”, a wooden sculpture of Christ which is a major attraction.

If a trip to Trinidad, Cuba is on your holiday calendar and you are looking to get in touch with a tour and travel company, do checkout Hc Tours, Havana. They offer the best planned and fun private tours at affordable prices. Vintage cars and professional guides are included in their packages! So, choose Hc Tours to make the most of your Trinidad tour in Cuba. 

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<![CDATA[Why Should Cuba Be Your Next Dream Destination?]]>Wed, 26 Feb 2020 07:25:14 GMThttps://mytriptocuba.com/blog/why-should-cuba-be-your-next-dream-destinationWhen you’re bored of eye-rolling on every other travel destination, there is one country that could fixate your eyes with its breathtaking beaches and landscapes - Cuba. In this culturally rich island, you can stroll around the bustling city streets, learn about the world-famous Cuban cigar and history, go hiking in scenic mountains or simply soak up the warmth by the sea.

Besides, there are lots of places to explore and things to do that we have mentioned here.
Let the time pass by at Varadero
Not more than 2 hours away from Havana Airport, Varadero is a mesmerizing beach town, known for its most beautiful beaches in Cuba. Spend some time sipping pineapple drinks while appraising the breathless view of white sandy beaches full of palm trees, surrounded by crystal blue water.

Wander in vintage cars
When you in Cuba, especially in Havana, the most unskippable thing to do is riding vintage cars. There are endless options to choose from. Either have a stroll on the Cuban streets while admiring how gorgeous your ride is or plan a Varadero tour from Havana.

Book your stay at Casa Particulars
Why spend a lot when you have options to stay at locals? Casa particulars allow tourists to live in houses alongside Cuban families. You feel more connected to the country and get insight into what’s like living a Cuban life.

Forget your life back at your place
In Cuba, getting access to the Internet is a little difficult. You would need to buy a card first, available at specific places only. Count this as an opportunity to disconnect from the social world and enjoy your trip. You can completely focus on your vacation days while forgetting about posting Instastories and maintaining Snapchat streak.

If you have made up your mind, explore your options and bookings at HavanaCar. From private transfers between different locations like Havana and Varadero to walking tour with a professional guide, you’ll find everything to experience the best of your trip.
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