DK Travel - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Cuba

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t The beguiling colonial city of Trinidad

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t Cruising along the Malecn in Havana.

With its bottle-green mountains, diamond-dust beaches and perfectly preserved colonial cities, Cuba is enchantingly picturesque. It also boasts a fascinating history, enthralling museums and a lively culture of music and dance. Whatever your dream trip to Cuba includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion.

The largest of the Caribbean islands, Cubas diverse landscape spans the pristine coral reefs at Jardines de la Reina to cloud-draped mountains in the Sierra Maestra, and everything in between. Dive in tropical seas, cycle through the Valle de Viales or look for birds in the Parque Nacional Cinaga de Zapata. Postcard-pretty villages throughout the island still resound to the crowing of roosters and clip-clop of hooves, made even more romantic by a lack of commercialism.

Island-wide, it is possible to trace the footsteps of conquistadors or follow the revolutionary trail, from Che Guevaras visage in Havana to Fidel Castros grave in Santiago de Cuba. Indeed, Cubas homegrown brand of Caribbean Communism is as colourful as its pastel buildings and vintage American cars. Havana is one of the most exciting cities in the Americas, offering superb art galleries, a rising foodie scene, and a nightlife that encompasses ballet and moody hole-in-the-wall bars. To the west, with a vibrant art scene and bustling nightclubs, Trinidad is more than just its colonial faade, while Santiago de Cuba moves to the beat of Afro-Cuban culture.

With so many different things to discover and experience, Cuba can seem overwhelming. Weve broken the island down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colourful maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a weekend, a week or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best that Cuba has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Cuba.

A mural featuring Che Guevara in Baracoa.

The Saltn falls of the Manantiales river at Soroa.

Daiquiri cocktails, made with flavourful Cuban rum.

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The scenery is spectacular. It has a profound history. Its vibrant energy is contagious. Ask any Cuban and youll hear a different reason why they love their country. Here, we pick some of our favourites.

t From colourful colonial mansions and beautifully restored cobbled plazas to raucous 1950s-style cabarets, the past is everywhere you look in .

Discover Reasons to Love Cuba

t Rent a room in a private B&B and become an adopted member of a Cuban family. Its a great way to learn the local lifestyle and the food is always deliciously authentic.

Discover Reasons to Love Cuba

Fascinating History

t The crystal-clear turquoise waters off Cubas Caribbean shore teem with tropical fish. Head to for the best snorkeling spots.

Discover Reasons to Love Cuba

Traditional Trinidad

t Few colonial cities in the Americas can rival for its authenticity and near-perfect state of preservation.

Discover Reasons to Love Cuba

Sensational Beaches

t Cubas pure white beaches, shaded by lofty palms, are perfect for recharging. Some of the best stretches of sand are found on the cays of the .

Discover Reasons to Love Cuba

Sipping Cocktails

t Renowned for its rum, youre spoilt for choice when it comes to bars on this island. Historic favourites in Havana include .

Discover Reasons to Love Cuba

Revolutionary History