Cuba Travel Guide: Here's What You Need to Know Before Visiting the Caribbean Country

Traveling to Cuba should be reconsidered with the ongoing pandemic, just like in any country dealing with a high level of COVID-19.

But if you decide to see the country's tourist attractions, there are some precautions that every traveler should know, such as the safety guidelines and travel restrictions.

Cuba Travel Advisory

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Cuba, meaning the agency is advising tourists to reconsider traveling to the Caribbean country.

In its advisory, the State Department said tourists should exercise increased caution in Cuba due to demonstrable and sometimes debilitating injuries to members of the U.S. diplomatic community resulting in the drawdown of embassy staff.

The department noted that many U.S. Embassy Havana employees suffered demonstrable and sometimes debilitating injuries during their service in Havana.

Affected individuals reported physical symptoms such as ear complaints and hearing loss. Embassy staff also complained of dizziness, headaches, fatigue, cognitive issues, visual problems, and difficulty sleeping.

The State Department urged travelers to consult a medical professional if they have personal health concerns or believe they have suffered similar symptoms upon return to the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Cuba due to a high number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

According to the World Health Organization database, Cuba has reported 1,088,638 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 8,510 deaths, as of March 30.

The CDC urged travelers to be fully vaccinated before traveling internationally.

Tourist Attractions in Cuba

Cuba has been known to be rich in culture, large islands, history, and its famously known cocktails. The island has more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline, much of which are beaches.

It has been a refuge for hosting presidents during their visits, with the remembrance of its revolutionary history. Cuba has also been home to famous writers, including Ernest Hemingway.

Old Havana is a must-see in Cuba, being part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a well-preserved slice of Cuban history. Tourists can see Baroque and neoclassical buildings while strolling around the cobbled streets, according to Planet Ware.

Major attractions in Old Havana include Plaza de la Catedral, the iconic restaurant and Hemingway hangout Bodeguita del Medio, and the military fortress Castillo de la Real Fuerza.

Beach life can also be found in Cuba, particularly in Varadero. It stretches along the Peninsula de Hicacos, with a drawbridge that connects it to the mainland. Varadero also has the Bellamar Caves, which have the most extensive cavern systems. It is about 150 years old.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Parque Nacional Viñales, which has steep limestone hills called "mogotes." Parque Nacional Viñales have agricultural areas where tobacco, fruit, and vegetables are grown. The park offers hiking and horseback riding in the hills.

If you want to know more about the revolutionary history of Cuba, the Che Guevara Mausoleum is a must-visit. It is the famous site of the last guerilla battle led by Che Guevarra in 1958. It also contains his mausoleum and monument. Personal items of Guevarra can be seen in Museo Historico de la Revolucion.

So, Cuba can be a perfect destination if it is a relaxing lounge at the beach, a nature trip, or a quick history lesson.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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