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Varadero

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Varadero, Cuba is a popular vacation spot not only for international visitors but also among Cubans themselves! Offering Cubans some of the best entertainment and nightlife that can't be found anywhere else in the country and offering tourists from other countries complexes and resorts that offer everything you could want out of your vacation make this a spot that no one can resist! Not only can you spend plenty of time in the water here swimming and playing but you can also view some of the rarest wildlife, birds in particular that are considered to be extinct in other parts of the world.

Areas

The island of Varadero is a tiny section of land that is distinctly divided into two different areas. One district is for the tourists and it is here that you will find the hotels and fine restaurants, and other amenities and the other section is for the locals who live there and the Cubans that come to visit the island. Generally, Cubans are not allowed to enter the hotels and although tourists are not restricted from visiting where the locals live, many choose not to do so.

Weather

The climate in Varadero, Cuba is tropical but is very mild as well. There is an intense heat and humidity but there are many winds and breezes to bring the temperature down. The temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year and remain around approximately twenty-five degrees Celsius. There is a slight increase in temperature in August but it should not be enough of an increase to keep you from going. Hurricane season is also the rainy season and lasts from May to October although generally hurricanes are not seen until the beginning of August.

Average Temperatures

F/C	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
F	72	73	75	77	79	81	82	82	82	80	77	74
C	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	28	28	27	25	23

Getting There

Because Varadero is an island, most tourists come by air and land in the Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport directly in Varadero. From there you can take a taxi into town and that usually costs approximately 25-30 pesos. If you're feeling adventurous, it's sometimes possible to barter with the driver down to 20 pesos.

Getting Around

Visitors to Varadero often do not explore any further than what is offered within their hotel complex, which is usually quite a bit. However, if you choose to see the island at its fullest, there are a few different modes of transportation that you can use to get around.

Public Transportation

Looking around Varadero you will see blue signs that indicate a bus stop and pickup/drop-off time. These signs are meant for the open top, double decker bus that moves through the city and stops at the major shopping center, most hotels, and many other eating, shopping, and entertainment venues within the city.

By Car/Taxi

You can also drive to and through the town either by renting a car at the hotel or hailing a taxi. Taxis will charge by a meter or a flat rate according to distance. Another way to travel by taxi is to take a Coco Taxi. These taxis look like large balls that move through the city and can be a great way to experience Varadero or simply get from one spot to another. Horse-drawn carriages are also available to you so that you may tour through the town and your hotel will probably arrange one for you at your request. Mopeds are also a very popular way of travelling around the island and these are also available for rent.

Food & Dining

Because visitors to Varadero are usually staying in a resort, they are often offered cuisine that is not unlike what they would find anywhere else although it may include some of the fine tropical fruit and fresh fruit that is found throughout the island. Even those that do enjoy the catered room service, it's worth venturing out into the city of Varadero to experience some of their open-air market spaces to the fast food that Varadero serves. This fast food is unique to other parts of the country and although it is still prepared fast and greasy, it tastes marvelous and just as though it was prepared by chefs in a restaurant. Try Pollo Loco, otherwise known as crazy chickens; harmburgeusas con queso, which are cheeseburgers; and pressed Cuban sandwiches in any of the fine cafes, restaurants, and street vendors offering these cheaper delicacies.

Beaches

Varadero Beach (Sand beach) Location: Varadero This beautiful beach in Varadero is enough to serve the entire area with all that it has to offer. The shallow waters envelop you as you wade out 100 feet and still the water is only 4 feet deep! The water that will surround you can only be described as surreal as the swirling colors of blue and aqua green are a very refreshing sight. The sand on the beach can only be described as icing sugar and you can meet up with any of the vendors that line the beach if you see something you like. Don't worry if you're not interested, you won't be hassled unless you talk first!

Sights & Activities

Magical History Tour

This tour will take you on a tour of the town where you can see bits and pieces of the town's history. This will include a stop to the San Ambrosio and Musulmanes 1 & 2. These caves were discovered in 1961 and are fascinating sites as you will be able to see cave drawings that were there more than three thousand years before the Spanish came and took over.

Mansion Xanadu

This fine restaurant was once the home of magnate Du Pont, who was responsible for buying much of the land in the early 1920s and is known in the area for being credited with the industrial development of the country. This is another fine piece of the country's history if you can make time for it. The building itself is stunning and is one of the finest examples of early Spanish architecture.

Establecimiento Tabaquero

This is a very interesting cigar factory that makes genuine Cuban cigars. After taking a stroll down the Avenida Playa, visitors can take a tour through the factory and not only pick up a few as souvenirs but they can also actually see the cigars being made! Of course anyone that thinks of Cuba thinks of cigars so it's worthwhile to come see how it's done even if you have no interest in smoking them!

Bellamar Caves

Although there is nothing particularly adventurous about this excursion in Varadero they are certainly a site to be seen! These caves have been around literally since the beginning of time and have been open to the public since the 1860s. First there is a small building that shows mining artifacts and then there are 159 steps leading down towards the caves. Down there you will find the main chamber and the oldest caves in Cuba! There may be water on the floor that causes slippery conditions and the ceilings are very low so be sure to watch your head! There are also many other areas of these caves that are thought to be undeveloped and so construction is continually being done to expand the caves. Watch for any work being done in the area while you are there. Not only for safety reasons but you may also be one of the first to see a piece of history!

Delfinario

This is located in Punta Hicacos National Park and is one of the most beloved tourist attractions in Varadero! Here you will be able to catch a show with eight dolphins, five of which were born right in the park! These dolphins work with their professional trainers to perform a series of tricks and there is even an option for you to swim with the dolphins here! With three shows a day, you're sure not to miss one!

Seafari Cayo Blanco

This is a catamaran trip like you have never taken before - if you've ever taken a catamaran trip! On this tour you will snorkel among some of the most beautiful coral you can find on the planet as well as enjoy music, dancing, cocktails, and lunch in Cayo Blanco. From there you will be taken to Delfinario, where you can choose to swim with the dolphins are partake in a sunset party as well as watch the dolphin show.