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HEED THE HINTS IN THIS FINE PRINT
::: Please write or phone a casa owner to cancel a booking. As late as it may seem, it allows them a chance to rebook. ::: Children under the age of 16 may share a bedroom with adults for free. Specify the child's age when booking. ::: Since October 2010, maximum bedroom capacity is not limited to two adults ::: Also, large casas are not limited to renting only two bedrooms per night. ::: At the end of the casa name, the V signals the casa was suggested by travelers or owners but not verified by the website staff. If you try it and like it, write us about it. ::: Unless otherwise mentioned, the average room rates and service prices are : 20-25cuc per bedroom per night [up to 40+ for 4 in a room]; breakfasts 3-5cuc, dinners 7-10cuc. ::: Any casa particular anywhere in Cuba must have a hot water shower, otherwise it cannot have a permit to rent ::: Please share your Complaints, comments & suggestions webmaster [@]cubacasas.net |
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Some 20 km's north of the autopista (at km marker 102) and some distance north of the entrance of Parque La Guira, between Soroa and Pinar del Rio, one can find this lovely village (pop. 3,220) nested in rolling hills. Some 15 km (9 miles) west of here is the much-visited Cueva de los Portales where the Che had his HQ during the 1962 missile crisis. Photos. San Diego had a golden era when its thermal and curative baths (baños) discovered in 1632 were fully exploited. In Fall 2011, the place still appears neglected by authorities which had to rebuild public services destroyed by hurricane Ike in September 2008. The town shows quiet country charm in its small central park. It's about 133 km west of La Habana. SEE.KNOW.DO • Regional map here. • Map of the Guahanacabibes Park here |
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The thermal baths building inaugurated in 1951 in this 2013 photo. Installations were closed for renovations. Now offering hydromasages (water temp 32-38 degrees C), therapeutic exercises, acupuncture, dermatology and rheumatism treatments. May accept foreign patients. On request, body massages for 13cuc/hour. Bassins and wading pools are empty; night watchman sleeps on reception desk, maybe waiting for a phone call (48) 54-8880 |
Hotel Union, once a lovely complement to the baths is now used for local housing. The Hotel Mirador (1949) tel (48) 54-8866 remains the tourists' other option with a nice restaurant : however, as in other empty Cuban budget hotels, the poolside music is annoyingly loud. © sogestour |
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Calle 29 goes up from the baths and passes in front of Hotel Union (yellow facade) © sogestour •[• Going down the 29 © sogestour |
Parque La Guira is a few kilometers away and spreads over 22 000 hectares of the original Hacienda Cortina. Its forests are home to many endemic species such as the creole stag which was on the endangered species list. Freshwater fishing (carp, trout) is an added attraction there, as is the original owners' casa which featured two pagodas filled with Chinese and Japanese art. |
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VILLA JULIO y CARY Calle 29, No. 4009, entre 40 y 42, facing small park and straight across from the thermal baths. Tel. (48) 54-8037 Lovely retired couple rents fromt their large open patio one bedroom with its own private bathroom. Julio, Caridad and us made a list of local freshwater fish : trucha (trout), aclaria, amura, tenca, tilapia and carpa china. Bon appétit ! Rates 20cuc per night; meals 8cuc. CASA DON PEDRO Pedro Ruiz Diaz Calle 29 No. 3800, e/38 y 40, right by the old hotel and the fabulous old general store still a general store with bargains galore. Pay in CUPS and get even more. Tel (48) 54-8022 |
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Playa Baracoa is a village in the Bauta municipio (pop. 36,500), 27 km west of La Habana. It's not longer than three blocks and maybe 2 km long. The area is site of the small airport (code UPB) handling Aerogaviota flights to/from Cayo Largo's all-inclusive resorts (east of Isla de la Juventud). Many young foreigners know of this beach because they attend courses at the Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina (ELAM) nearby in the Santa Fe sector of La Habana. For the Habaneros of the west part of the capital (Miramar, Playa, Cubanacan, Flores, etc) it's the local beach. Hence, during torrid summers, it's packed ! Cuban workers on vacation stay at its basico Campismo Victoria with 4-bed cabañas renting for 15 cuc a night. There are some restaurants (Restorante El Yunque serves grilled fare) and bars; locally, one can move around on bicitaxis.
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OLIVIA y JUAN DANIEL RODRIGUEZ V Avenida Tercera (3ra) A, No. 14433, entre 144 y 146. Tel. (7) 680-6321 or 47-37-8231 @ Playa Baracoa " Olivia is a lovely hostess and a good cook. Her courtyard with its iron cast table under the bougainvillea tree was wonderfully peaceful and a great welcome after a long day's ride. Her rooms (one with kitchenette and private entrance) are very clean and have air conditioning. " Referenced by Kate Humble for Cuba by bike 2006 |
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MANUEL y NORALES V
Calle 166 #_Anchor_49575354 Playa Baracoa Cellular (5) 292-7028 Some say the best viewpoints in the village can be had from the rooftop apartment on third floor of this casa where two terraces can be enjoyed by travellers. The young couple can get along in Ingles. |
VIRGINIA y ROBERTO V
Avenida Tercera (3ra) A, No. 14813, entre 144 y 146. Tel. (7) 680-8268 Playa Baracoa The couple rents one mini apart with its own independent entrance, air-conditioned bedroom and own bathroom on the roof for 25cuc per night. |
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BARACOA BEACH 432 V
Calle 3ra B, No. 11432, residencial Hollywood (on the eastern end of town near ELAM school) Playa Baracoa Tel. (47) 37-8246, cell 52 92 95 05 @ Over a wide area, offered for rent are three bedrooms (the Queen Elizabeth, the Princess Diana and the Vista al Mar) in luxurious amenities close enough to the water. You can rent the ground floor only, the second or the whole lot. Reproductions of famous painters and Louis XV furnishings fill the lighted spaces. |
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CASA DE SUZY V
Avenida Primera (1ra) y Mar #_Anchor_4957516609 at the western end of Playa Baracoa. Tel. (7) 209-3642 @ Travellers can rent this two-bedroom casa with its shaded terrace terrace in the rear overlooking the local freshwater stream meeting the ocean. Large bathroom, complete kitchen, living and dining area; family across the calle can supply a phone. CASA DE SILVIO V "Two rooms available; about 50 CUC for 2 people, including dinner, breakfast and beer). There are no signs. You’ll just have to ask around. Any neighbour should be able to lead you to Silvio’s door. The entrance to the village where the casa is located is opposite the road sign saying Mariel, Caimito, Playa Salado". If you see the go kart track on your right, you’ve gone too far. source travellingtwo.com |
A space in the shade to enjoy a cool Cristal or Bucanero away for the burning sand © juan carlos almaguer, flickr |
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This famous (or infamous*) port town has gone through huge transformations since 2013 after the opening of a humongous container seaport built by Brazilian and Chinese money. It included a highway and a railway (no less!) linking it to La Habana, 50 km east. The billions of Chinese dollars were used to build one of the largest container ports in the Americas now in operation since July 2015 - with some Brazilian investments and managed by TCA from Singapore; not to mention a highway and a brand new double track (the first in Cuba for at least 50 years) in direct line with La Habana, 50 km. Officially called Zona Especial de Desarrollo Mariel (ZED Mariel), it covers 465 square kilometers (the size of the city of San Jose California or Québec City in Canada). As of June 2018, there were 36 clients from 16 countries in the zone who had invested over US $ 1.1 billion. 50 other proposals are under consideration in the areas of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, logistics, food, construction, transport and real estate. Source June 2018 update on click. For the record : the exodus of Mariel took place between April 5 and October 31, 1980. After the refusal of the Embassy of Peru to accommodate 10,000 fugitives and other criminals, Cuba allowed - with the agreement of US President Jimmy Carter - some 125,000 Cubans to emigrate without further formalities. Most were picked up by families of exiles, others boarded makeshift boats at the port of Mariel towards the coast of Florida. |
The famous castillo has its own history : go check it out © cagatay on tripad visor An Indian researcher said in July 2015 that Cuba could position itself - with this container port - as the Singapore (second largest container port in Asia) of the Caribbean © LadyrenePerez, CubaDebate Circuit & suggested itineraries : Oeste |
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ALICIA'S HOUSE Ave 5ta # 813 Vista del Mar, Quiebrahacha, Mariel, Provincia Artemisa - Find it some 6 km west of the bay of Mariel in the Vista del Mar neighbourhood (reparto) @ Cel. 52 81 29 47 Large facility near the sea with 4 bedrooms for rent including two with air conditioning and three with private bathroom; ranchon, swimming pool. Rates: 40cuc per night per room |
Alicia often greets cyclists who start their itin in La Habana and ride along the sea to the province of Pinar del Rio. Web site on click. |
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MAGDALENA Calle 132 # 8528 entre 85 y 87 @ Tel. (63) 39-8806 Beautiful casa, warm owner, clean place, breakfast served, individual entrance - Stefan Loose march 2015 |
FABRIZIO In the Cayo Lenin district of the city of Mariel, close to the playa. Cel. 52 37 32 22 Independent entrance for this casita in a vast garden - a bedroom air conditioning with private bathroom; kitchen, tv, fan, terrace, parking, sea view, safe. Rent only long term, for example: 500cuc a month. |
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This village is neighbour of the town of Bahia Honda and really at the limit of Provincia La Habana near that of Pinar del Rio; it's 72 km west of La Habana, 25 km west of Mariel (and part of its municipio) or 15 k from the autopista at the Cayajabos exit. |
Circuit & suggested itineraries : Oeste |
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VILLA LUIS MONTESINO y ANABEL V Calle 26, No 4714, entre 47 y 49, in Cabañas. Tel () 30-8655 cell 53 74 10 57 "The casa is good, with a small pool, a nice ranchon to stay at evening and a beautiful garden. From the rocking chairs in the garden you will find the best place to enjoy your beer at sunset. This is the best place for first night after Havana." Luca Mellano 160315 " Luis is an enterpreneur and has a number of business. The casa has a lovely pool and Ranchon for meals." Bill Smith 15 April 2014 " Lovely big shaded garden with a few small farm animals roaming around. Wonderful for getting out of the sun." Kate Humble for Cuba by bike 2006 |
Chilling chez Luis in Cabaña © Cuba by bike 2006 |
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It's about 40 km from the autopista central (by way of Soroa) or 25 km west of Bahia Honda, 26 km east of La Palma or 54 km from Viñales; main attraction is a trek up the high mountain peak of Pan de Guajaibon. |
Circuit & suggested itineraries : Oeste |
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VILLA JOSÉ OTAÑO y MARIA V Playa La Mulata is some 20 km east of La Palma and 500 m north of the main road; casa is at the turnoff to Mulata beach. Tél. (7) 66-8474 Cell 52 54 98 10 Rates : 25cuc for bedroom per night @ "Jose and Maria are good people. Maria is also a good cook who prepared the best fish we had in Cuba. Playa La Mulata was a nice sleepy place to get off the bike and spend a day or two wandering aimlessly." Web page Referenced by Kate Humble for Cuba by bike 2006; Lonely Planet 2012 - José can organize horseback excursions up the Pan de Guajaibon |
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It's on the province of Pinar del Rio's north coast, about 57 km from Las Terrazas, 20 km west of Bahia Honda and 37 km east of Palma Rubia - departure dock for Cayo Levisa. Locate on this map |
Circuit & suggested itineraries : Oeste |
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ABELLA HOSPEDAJE V Playa La Altura Off the beach and overlooking the playa, Abella (spelled with a bee...; ) and her family rent one bedroom with ac and private bathroom. No known fone, Joan. |
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CAYO LEVISA & CAYO PARAISO Cayos (keys or small flat islands) offshore, some 160km west of La Habana or 60 from Soroa, located near the access town of Palma Rubia (35 km west of Bahia Honda), between the small towns of Manuel Sanguily and Las Pozas. Hyper-slow ferry for the crossing to the cayo. One-day (9h-15h), excursion to Cayo Levisa will cost you 35cuc including lunch. Big queues on to and off the boat. Bit of a cattle market. Apart from Cayo Levisa, there are one-day 25cuc excursions to Cayo Paraiso 10 km northwest : only a shack, a bar & grill by a bust of Papa Hemingway, who "discovered" the cayo in the 40's. Not to be confused with playa Paraiso located on Cayo Largo, way south of Cuba. Snorkel & palms will cost you 5cuc. Check with a Cubanacan office. GulfBase link here. SEE.KNOW.DO • Regional map here. • Map of the Guahanacabibes Park here |
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GUSTAVO y MARY, FINCA DE FRUTALES Two ac bedrooms, ensuites, seaview, fruit farm Malgajita, La Palma - On the main road from Playa Mulata just before you turn down right to Palma Rubia/Cayo Levisa departure. Cel. 53 18 88 51 or 55 77 57 51 Fotos @ « A bit basic but kind and the food was fantastic. They are trying to make something of their house and deserve to have guests. Negotiate down to 20CUC or less as we did and they will reward you if you are complimentary and nice to them. » Janet Dunnett NENA y OSIEL V Carretera Palma Rubia, 10 mins on foot from the dock of the boat to Cayo Levisa. Fotos @ "We love this casa… The owner, Nena, lives apart of the house and is a lovely girl. (Iraida runs the res thing.) You will enjoy good and plentiful food and it’s a very nice place in the countryside from where to see sunset and sunrise." Luca Mellano 160315 + "Nena was the warmest hostess you could ask for! " stefanloose, May 2018 MARIO y ANTONIA V About Maria y Antonio 500 m from the pier of the boat to Cayo Levisa: 'This is one casa that you need to remove from the website. This woman is NOT to be trusted at all. I have since seen feedback on her on other web sites which says the same thing.' Janet Dunnett 17.04.2017 |
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This lovely large bay (bahia) is no doubt hidden (honda) as it was when pirates and corsarios navigated the seas west of the (then) capital of the Americas. On Punta Piedra from where one has unimpeded and unforgettable views, there is only a small desperately run-down budget state hotel and a ranchon (thatched roofed) ranchon with a restaurant (panoramic, below). The government has long-term plans (in 2009) to invest massively (no doubt with foreign input) into four large resorts including at least two golf courses. This coast town (albeit 1 km from water) is only 28 km northwest of Las Terrazas; 36 km east of the launch to Cayo Levisa near Palma Rubia; 30 k's from the autoroute which links Pinar del Rio to La Habana. Pop. 45,000 (municipio) SEE.KNOW.DO • Cuba and Raul's plans for golf - blog article here • Regional map here. • Our page on Guanahacabibes here • Villa Cabo San Antonio on western tip of Cuba here |
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© robin thom, panoramio |
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VILLA VIVI PANDIELLO V Calle 32, no 1920, entre 19 y 21, facing the local Casa de la Cultura. Tel. (86) 66-82-00 This casa is for sale for 150,000cuc since Fall 2012 Looky here A cyclist says the lady is grumpy and the food is not better; another says their couple were had and so on ... If you find something better, let us know. |
The camino which goes down to the bahia © Robin Thom, panoramio |
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68km southwest of Pinar del Rio, on the way to Maria La Gorda (scuba divers paradise of the West), another 75km away : in other words, the halfway point between Pinar and Maria La Gorda. Got that right ! It is a town borne of sadness and frustration as this was the destination of the early Revolucion's deportee ("if you're not with the Revolucion, you're against it") program. Those who had been denounced as (or found guilty of) having aided the counter-revolutionnaries in the Escambray mountains (near Trinidad) in the early Sixties were deprived of their homes, kicked out of the Sancti Spiritus province to end up here, "way out in the boondocks". Nowhere, really. SEE.KNOW.DO • Casa de cultura Leonel Rugama • Map of Guanahacabibes Park here SEE OUR FULL GUANAHACABIBES PAGE AQUI |
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OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
::: Make sure that in your first email or phone call you specify that you want to book a room in that particular casa and that you will reconfirm your booking on arrival in Cuba. Unless you only want a room in any house which may be of the same quality, not the specific casa you booked through photos on these websites ::: So as to not abandon expecting owners with empty rooms, reconfirm (or call ahead to cancel) your booking by phone as soon as you can after arriving in Cuba ::: Please write or phone a casa owner to cancel a booking. As late as it may seem, it allows them a chance to rebook. ::: Children under the age of 16 may share a bedroom with adults for free. Specify the child's age when booking. ::: Since October 2010, maximum bedroom capacity is not limited to two adults ::: Also, large casas are not limited to renting only two bedrooms per night. ::: At the end of the casa name, the V signals the casa was suggested by travelers or owners but not verified by the website staff. If you try it and like it, write us about it. ::: Unless otherwise mentioned, the average room rates and service prices are : 20-25cuc per bedroom per night [up to 40+ for 4 in a room]; breakfasts 3-5cuc, dinners 7-10cuc. ::: Any casa particular anywhere in Cuba must have a hot water shower, otherwise it cannot have a permit to rent ::: Please share your Complaints, comments & suggestions webmaster [@]cubacasas.net |
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MOTEL ALEXIS Carmen Cordero Zona L 33, one block east of the main road that runs through Sandino Tel. (48) 42-3282 or 42-3557 Carmen, the next-door neighbour and an experienced casa owner herself, took over when Alexis and Nelyda went to live abroad. This casa the town's best-known is your best overnight bet if you're making the long trip to Playa Maria La Gorda or Cabo San Antonio Carmen rents one large bedroom with private entrance on the side; aircon and private bathroom. If need be, there is a smaller bedroom in front which can share the bathroom. Rates : 20cuc for room for night |
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VILLA EDILIA A three-bedroom apartment for 30cuc Located near Policlinico; attractions nearby : Playa Punta Colorada 25 mins; freshwater fishing in Río el Salto at 20 mins, Scuba Diving Centre at María la Gorda 40 mins away by car - Tel. (48) 42-3843 or cel. 52 63 73 59 email : @ Three aircon bedrooms, each with private bath; living/dining area. Terraza with DVD, fridge, TV, música cubana etc. Laundry service, bar, taxi; excursions to Playa Bailén, Boca de Galafre, Cortés, playa Hubero Quemado, playa Francesa, playa de Punta Colorada, camping Salto de los Portales, Port la Fe, Laguna Grande. Rates : 30cuc per night for 3 bedrooms; laundry, Internet, parking iincluded. |
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MOTEL SUNSO y GINA Zona O - Casa 22 Tel. (48) 42-3131 If you're really in a bind and have to sleep in this town and Carmen's place is full and her friends' as well, then, only then, look for this casa belonging to the guy who chases after travellers already commited elsewhere. The couple rents two basic bedrooms each with private bath and ac; mini patios, dining area, etc. Yada, yada, yada. Rates : 25cuc per bedroom for night |
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There are about 16 km between the village of Santa Lucia and the installations on Playa Jutias (reconstructed restaurant and bar under a thatch; washrooms; no showers which is a bummer) all on the cayo of the same name, beyond the pay toll gate. The village rather anonymous is all hills (not to be taken for Santa Lucia near Guardalavaca at the other end of the island). One can go on driving (as we did in 2009) west along the coast road but it's so full of holes, it becomes a true challenge (too far to turn back, etc) to get to lovely Mantua then Sandino, Maria la Gorda and the extreme west of Cuba. From here, Viñales is 60 km away, on the other side of the ridge and Minas de Matahambre. Regional map here. |
Circuit & suggested itineraries : Oeste |
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VILLA MARY V Rolando Sanchez Perugorria "In La Sabona, about 10km from Cayo Jutias, at the intersection of the Carretera Norte and the highway to Minas de Matahambre : a few km east of Santa Lucia. Cell 52 42 99 02 in-house (48) 64-8782 @ "A nice casa with great food. Luis (Mary's son) has left the IT business and runs a photography business out of the casa with his wife." Bill Smith 15.04.14 ”… and this is the best casa we found on our trip. The food was the best. We tried pork and lobster at evening: both lovely and enough to make you drive to Vinales without a stop ! The other two houses renting are right after this one and the last is at the beginning of the pedraplen (causeway to the cayo). Luca Mellano 16.03.15 |
Lighthouse Cayo Jutias © sogestour |
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22km from the city of Cienfuegos, passed the famous Playa Rancho Luna and Villa Rancho Luna beach resort hotels, passing by the turnoff to El Jardín de Los Botánicos, a botanical garden once run by Harvard University with 1,400 species of trees. A small passenger ferry almost in front of Hotel Pasacaballo runs from Pasacaballo to Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles de Jagua or Castillo de Jagua (a fortress which can be visited) where you can get off and board the larger ferry to the port in the city of Cienfuegos. At the end of the road, passed Rancho Luna and the lighthouse and the finca below. Passed the guagua bus stop and the ferry dock for Castillo de Jagua across the strait. Passed the large Hotel Pasacaballo, you arrive in a 10-casa caserio named Milpas. Can't miss it, it's at the end of the road. Maybe 30 people live here. Tel. (43) 54-81-81 |
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VILLA D'LIRIOS V
Full three-bedroom casa, two baths At the end of the road (carretera de Faro Luna), 22 km from Cienfuegos by road, in Punta La Milpa (or Milpas), near (and passed) Hotel Pasacaballo and 6 km from Playa Rancho Luna; get there by ferry which stops also at Castillo de Jagua. Tel. (43) 60-5143, cel. 53 12 59 88 @ Abdel Chao Rosello and his esposa Anaili rent three br's, two baths, living, kitchen, garden with bayview and Cienfuegos on the horizon. Meals on request. Details on photo click. |
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GUÀIMARO This town now has its own page. Click logo below. |
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45 km west of Matanzas, on the sea coast. Although an industrial center (paper and cigar factories, a large power plant and a center for oil fields), the town harbours a distinct and hospitable "village" feeling. It boasts the oldest rum factory in Cuba, Ronera Santa Cruz, started by the Arrechabala family in 1878 and a stop on the Hershey train line (Havana-Matanzas). From town, drive through the disaffected sugar mill Camilo Cienfuegos to, 6km beyond, lovely park named Escaleras de Jaruco |
Circuit & suggested itineraries : Centro |
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ARTURO y MARITZA V On the playa in Frayle sector. Cell 52 81 28 37 The couple rents two bedrooms with modern bathroom. Fans throughout the house. Small pool with play area. Barbecue and solo on the second floor, very private. Fully equipped kitchen / dining room. Fully fenced and entrance for cars. DR. LUIS y NELIE (ODALIS) V In reparto El Frayle, 2 km from Playa Jibacoa and 4 km from town centre. Other beaches nearby : rocky Literal Norte, El Abra and Arroyo Bermejo. Relatively new house with two bedrooms, a living room, shared bathroom and kitchen. Recommended by Magdalena Olimpia Teter (mot3@columbia.edu) |
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Located 54 km southeast of Matanzas, the city of Jovellanos represents the Cuban identity, the mixture of traditions, origins, sugar and santeria (worship of the saints). There are many interesting places in Jovellanos, starting with main street calle Real, with horse-drawn carriages, old and modern cars, bicycles and pedestrians of all ages, at Parque Domingo Mujica, meeting point and place of romance for Cuban youth. You can visit the Domingo Mujica Museum in the town center, the art gallery, where local artists have their works on display or the Casa de la Cultura. |
Circuits & Itineraries : Centro BOOK BY EMAIL : Click on logo to open a message addressed to that casa in your email application; or right-click to copy address showing at bottom of browser window. Spanish vocabulary here. BOOK BY PHONE • From Canada and the USA : 011 53 (add phone # preceded by 45 for Matanzas) • From Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Mexico : 00 53 (add phone preceded by 45 for Matanzas). HOW TO DIAL A CUBAN PHONE NUMBER HERE |
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FINCA LUNA V
Luis Correa, Nancy, Maira y Lazaro Rodriguez In the town of Jovellanos, take avenida 10, the road (3-141) to Carlos Rojas : it's about 10 blocks north. Tel. (45) 81-3986 cel 58 06 55 20 or 52 44 07 55 Itin from Matanzas to Finca Luna here. Locate on openstreetmap here. The familia rents out three aircon bedrooms (Amarillo, Violeta, Familiar) each with ensuite; meals, parking, activities, pool. Finca Luna is 22km from San Miguel de los Banos (see below) which is 8 km south of the carretera central at Coliseo. Itin here. Our photos on Particuba.Net. |
Finca Luna, site on click |
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The farm (finca) is 22km from San Miguel de los Banos and its Balneario, an almost-mythical ghost town where its mineral water baths were famous all over North and South America. Now "it's a curious mix between an architectural time capsule from a bygone era and the boarded-up mansion in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations." (Lonely Planet). |
robin thom photos here |
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40km west of Camaguey and 70 km east of Ciego de Avila. Viazul bus routes always make a stop for a sandwich lunch at the always empty Hotel Florida with its inviting swimming pool. As that hotel is generally too loud, better to lunch at the nearby Cafeteria Caney. Hunting (pigeons, quail, duck) and fishing attract aficionados [Cubans and foreigners] who drive to three regionals areas in season : Mañana de Santa Ana, Porvenir and Muñoz; local base and hq is the Casona de Florida. |
Circuit & suggested itineraries : Oriente BOOK BY EMAIL : Click on logo to open a message addressed to that casa in your email application; or right-click to copy address showing at bottom of browser window. Spanish vocabulary here. BOOK BY PHONE • From Canada and the USA : 011 53 (add phone # preceded by 32 for Camaguey) • From Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Mexico : 00 53 (add phone preceded by 32 for Camaguey). HOW TO DIAL A CUBAN PHONE NUMBER HERE |
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Edificio de Telefonos •]• Estacion de ferrocaril © jesusromerop, panoramio |
Casa de la Cultura (Casino Español) •]• Parque Central © jesusromerop, panoramio |
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NELSON CRUZ PÉREZ V Castellanos 711, entre Gonzalo de Quesada y Linea Norte Tel. (32) 51-3457 cell 52 82 49 62 Two aircon bedrooms with ensuites, meals served. His sister Niurvis Cruz Perez lives next door and also rents; same phone. Suggested by Eldri, march 2011; dec. 2011 in Camaguey. |
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CASA DE TERESA V Calle Maximo Gomez 503 Tel. (32) 51-61-89 Two aircon bedrooms with ensuites; the one in the back has the patio advantage. Owners boast a fascinating clock and watch collection; meals served. SONIA ALVAREZ V Rivero 505 Mapa Tel. (32) 51-4839 EL CASTILLITO V Maximo Gomez 504 Mapa Ordullo Hernandez Tel. (32) IDALIA V Lambary 508 Mapa Tel. (32) CASA GLORIA - FAMILIA HERNANDEZ AVILA V Agramonte 514 Tel. (32) |
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The town's central park : a church at one end and La Casona (casa of the sugar mill boss) at the other © sogestour |
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The town is located 76 km northwest of Camaguey via Cubitas, 66 km north of Florida or 87 km east of Moron. Esmeralda, 18 km west is the administrative municipio in the region. It's yet another "used-to-be" town to be "discovered" ... on the island. You will find the sugar mill, aka Central azucarera de Brasil still in operation, 24/7. In its golden era, when it was named Jaronú, some 10,000 obreros worked in the main buildings right in town and in the dozens of sugar cane fields in the region, all the way to Esmeralda - the town which supplies and rules the area. It is still the most productive sugar mill on the north coast of the island. The ever-present purring of the cane becoming sugar (and molases, etc) lulls everyone to sleep. Oiste? During the 40's, the US-based company which owned its twin mill in Bolivia near Moron had built the Jaronú "batey" (workers quarters and stores) with identical cement homes whereas in Bolivia, there are in wood. All in a row, well-kept by the local population, they are an architectural oddity for Cuba. Go see for yourself. The village of Jaronu and the casas can be found on this map. An unforgettable excursion, 125 miles from Camaguey, an easy drive by rental car or taxi and even by train - from Nuevitas. Both Avalon (Italy) and Flora y Fauna (Cuba) are running the old sugar mill manager's house La Casona, steps from Silvia's casa, Tel. (32) 60-6380 - they offer expensive ($5000/week) catch & release fly fishing packages which can only be booked via the Web and operating from Cayo Cruz (which was badly hit by hurricane Irma on September 9 2017). |
MAP OF JARONU (BRASIL) HERE. Centrale Azucarera Brasil © luis alberto perez garcia, © otmaro rodriguez, oncuba Fishing for langostas off cayo Cruz © cfo Ciné Jaronú (cap. 410), behind the church - cinematreasures |
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Circuit & suggested itineraries : Oriente |
BOOK BY PHONE • From Canada and the USA : 011 53 (add phone # preceded by 32 for Camaguey) • From Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Mexico : 00 53 (add phone preceded by 32 for Camaguey). HOW TO DIAL A CUBAN PHONE NUMBER HERE MAP OF JARONU (BRASIL) VILLAGE HERE. |
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CASA SILVIA Three ac bedrooms, ensuites, patio Silvia Maria Delgado Herrera Calle B #20, e/ 5ta y 7 (Quinta y Siete), facing central park, steps from la Casona. Tel. (32) 60-6248 Cel. 53 33 60 16 There are two large bedrooms with 5 beds each and a third with a double and a single; all have an internal shower room, table and chairs and minibar (refri). Lounge, dining room, interior patio, charming hostess. Rates: 25cuc per room per night, including breakfast; 10cuc dinners; parking in front; laundry service. |
SILVIA - Click for more photos © sogestour |
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CASA ALEXEY Three ac bedrooms, two ensuites, patio Alexey Cabrera Garcia Tercera (3ra), #37, e/ C y D, steps from Casa de la Cultura, 5 blocks from central park. Cel. 54 24 75 01 He works at the hospital and his wife takes care of the travelers. Lounge, dining room, patio. The couple rents three air-conditioned (new split) bedrooms with three single beds each, two bathrooms. Rates: 25cuc per room per night, breakfast, 5cuc; 10cuc dinners; parking on the street; laundry service |
ALEXEY - Click for more photos © sogestour |
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DOÑA BLANCA Three ac bedrooms, ensuites, patio Blanca Nieves Montero Calle A #83, e/ 5ta y 6ta (Quinta y Sexta), facing Central Azucarera Brasil, one block from central park. Cel. 54 77 11 39 This former school administrator is dedicated to renting and offers three air-conditioned bedrooms (split type), each with an indoor bathroom and three single beds - which can join together to become doubles. A living room the entrance, the patio at the back, a dining room, complete the offer. Rates: 25cuc per room per night including breakfast for two; 10cuc dinners; parking on the street; laundry service |
DOÑA BLANCA -Click for more photos © sogestour |
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LA CASONA DE ROMANO Upstairs, eight ac br's, ensuites, bar, terraces Accommodation reserved exclusively for Cuban EcoTur guests (Flora y Fauna) and since 2013, the Italian Avalon which organizes one-day fishing trips (5h-18h) from Cayo Cruz, 45 minutes north of Jaronu. Facing Jaronu central park, built in 1919, the former house of the first head of the sugar factory - Don Miguel Mendoza - is an 8-bedroom hostal. Tel. (32) 60-6380 Erlan Benavente, manager Rates : One week all inclusive: ± US $ 5000 |
La Casona de Romano on central park© sogestour |
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CAMPISMO LAS PALMAS Bungalows, pool, excursions to Jaronu, et al At the entrance of Esmeralda, Jaronu side. Open to tourists; swimming pool. Playa Jiguey is 27 km north : itin here. Tel. (32) 67 4881 or (32) 67 4745 @ Located in the village of Esmeralda, north of Camaguey province and surrounded by palm trees to which it owes its name, is in a region formerly populated by Indians, Spaniards and Haitians and near the plains of the Caonao river. Near the pedraplen that connects the island to Cayo Romano and Cayo Cruz. Rates: 24cuc (2 pers.) to 96cuc (8 pers.) |
One of the Las Palmas buildings © campismo |
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GUARDALAVACA This town has its own page. Click logo. |
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The seaside town is about 11 km from La Habana and also 11 km from Playas del Este and Guanabo or two km from the Via Blanca highway which runs from Old Havana, past the tunnel and the huge Estadio Panamericano along the sea between the capital and Matanzas. See a detailed map here. The town was made world-famous by Ernest Hemingway's "The old man and the sea". The Nobel Prize winner used to tie his boat, the Pilar in its sheltered bay in the 40's and 50's; his captain, Gregorio Fuentes lived on calle 98 (photo at right) to the venerable age of 104 and died in 2002 A local beach by Candida's casa is perfect before settling for the evening at La Terraza's for its daiquiris, mojitos and great seafood and a view of the small bahia. Still open, La Terracita, Calle Villanueva e/ Concha y Pezuela tel (7) 765-7118 is a fine local food venue; so is the Allegro, ave 78, e/ 5C y 5D for pizzas and Italian fare. It's located on busy avenida 78 near the Cadeca (exchange), bank, local pharmacy and medical center. This paladar might still be open : Yemaya on calle 98 No. 224: closed is Claro de Luna on the bay, 3 blocks from the Hemingway monument as it is now a casa particular (see below). Known in the area : the Torreon (below : official name Fuerte de Cojimar is and always was a real military outpost since its construction by the Brits in 1762); a mini-golf (go for it) and this edificio (below) abandonado which was maybe Hotel Campoamor during Hemingway's era. N.B. Do not confuse the town with Villas Cojimar located on Cayo Guillermo, 485 km east of here. |
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Manfred's girl is looking at the Fuerte de Cojimar, named the Torreon (a military outpost still today) from the Malecon © Manfred panoramio.com |
This is not Alejandro's place, but Papa Hemingway's local drinking spot, La Terraza. It is a hugely popular bus-tour stop and a fine seafood restaurant. © JBouts, panoramio |
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Dutch TV host Lien Van De Kelder under Hemingway's bust in the glorieta honouring Papa, near the Torreon during her 2008 show on Cuba • source : youtube |
If it's Hemingway's casa you are looking for, you have to go to San Francisco de Paula (11 km southeast of La Habana, 17 from here) where you will find the museum occupying his house "lookout farm", Finca Vigia. Our page en français here. © Dufaux/Malès, panoramio. Great photos of Hemingway's Havana by Robin Thom on Flickr |
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CANDY HOUSE V Candida Becerra Calle Santa Rita 9807, entre Real y Pezuela, 250 meters from Monumento Hemingway Tél. (7) 766 2698 Cell 52 92 89 82 In this large property (used to be a paladar), with a seaside entrance for guests Claro de Luna Candida, a retired chemical engineer cum writer and poet has been renting since early 2011 a kitchenless apartment facing the sea. Daily rates : 30cuc per day; breakfasts, 4cuc ; dinners, 6cuc minimum, up to 12-15cuc depending on main course chosen. |
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CASA FERREIRO V Alejandro y Fara Ferreiro Calle E - Los Pinos #315, entre 29 y 30. Small panoramic view of the bay here. Tel. (7) 765-0876 A large and lovely casa for rent which boasts an apartment-like installation with one bedroom, bathroom, living and dining area and a large terrace. Updated by Bill Smith/Barbara Cousins 160414 190914 @ Suggested by El Cubanito Suizo on kubaforen.de 090109 and Cuba Cycling from Lonely Planet 2002 and BC journalist (Canada) Ulrike Rodrigues |
The veranda at Ferreiro's © Ulrike Rodrigues, cyclist |
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CASA VICKY V Vicky y René Calle F #509, entre 28 y 29 Tel. (7) 766-0108 Vicky rents two aircon bedrooms with shared bathroom; dining and living rooms, large partially shaded patio; fully-equiped kitchen. Private parking available. |
Vicky's nice patio is shaded by the front orange wall on street © |
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VILLA ESTRELLA V Calle Martí 460, entre 32 y 33 Tel. (7) 765-2975 Raquel rents separately or in whole a large casa with three bedrooms, two bathrooms a newly-appointed kitchen adn a swimming pool. One of the bedrooms has its own bathroom ensuite; each has a/c, phone, tv and stereo unit; meals and laundry available. |
© theperfect.com casas |
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VILLA AZUL V Calle Real 12, corner calle Rita, ideal to see the sea. Tel. (7) 766-8921 @ Large casa rare location overlooking el mar. Upstairs two ac bedrooms with ensuite. Views of the sea from the terrace; owners offer scuba outings incl. equipment for 30 cuc per person; parking on premises. Rates : 30cuc per bedroom per night; breakfasts 5, dinners 12cuc Also in the neighbourhood: CASA HOSTAL MARLINS V Calle Real 128A, e/Santo Domingo y Chacon Tel. (7) 765-3261 cell 58 91 48 99 Rents an upstairs appt with kitchenette, mini-patio, aircon bedroom with ensuite bath; sun spot on roof. Rates : 20-25cuc per noche YOHANA FERRA VELOSO V Calle 30, # 96, entre E y F. Tel (7) 793-3907 Two a/c bathrooms each with ensuite; kitchen and living room for guests only; interior patio-garden. Footprint Havana, sept 2011 VILLA LENNON - SONIA y JOAQUIN V Calle E - Los Pinos #302, entre 27 y 28 Tel. (7) 765-0557 Couple rents mini-apart with its own private entrance, one aircon bedroom, private bath, 20-25cuc per night |
Travellers should not come to Cojimar without making at least one stop at La Terraza to look for some of the spirit of the second best-known Ernest in Cuba, Hemingway (Papa for his friends) © Robin Thom, panoramio The other two famous Cuban Ernests were Lecuona and Guevara, but you knew that already, didn't ya ? |
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MAP OF AREA here |
Circuit & suggested itineraries : Oriente BOOK BY EMAIL : Click on logo to open a message addressed to that casa in your email application; or right-click to copy address showing at bottom of browser window. Spanish vocabulary here. BOOK BY PHONE • From Canada and the USA : 011 53 (add phone # preceded by 24 for Holguin) • From Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Mexico : 00 53 (add phone # preceded by 24 for Holguin). HOW TO DIAL A CUBAN PHONE NUMBER HERE |
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The village of Mayari is about 88 km southwest of Banes in the province of Holguin and the nicest close beach is 45 km away in Cayo Saetia by a helluva bad road from the main highway without any public transportation worthy of the name. Most famous regular resident of the cayo at Villa Cayo Saetia a very quiet and rather modest resort goes by the name of Raul ... Castro and he prolly gets there by helicopter so he does not care that the road is pock-marked with Mars-size craters. The Pinares de Mayari mountain chalets (bucolic with fresh air, a swimming pool and lovely views) are also close by (sort of, like 60 mins.) through a seemingly endless dusty climbing road. Mayari sits across the bay of Nipe where, in late 2017, authorities were building the first of many beach resorts located on El Ramon peninsula, north of the town of Antilla. Eventually, some 19,000 bedrooms will be built. |
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Guatemala (?), the sugar mill on the horizon; may also be a fuel-powered power plant © sogestour |
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Playa Corintia © sogestour |
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Virgin beach on peninsula El Ramon, north of Antilla © 2017 Juan Pablo Carreras, ACN |
Virgin beach on peninsula El Ramon, north of Antilla © 2017 Juan Pablo Carreras, ACN |
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CASA ELIN Ilcia Rodriguez R. y Elio A. Fernandez Calle Moncada 89, at the entrance of the village, to the right, a couple of blocks after the cemetary entrance Tel. cell 52 91 08 45 home (24) 50-2781 The couple and their son rent two aircon bedrooms one above the other overlooking a patio and ranchon. Meals served, enclosed parking. |
© sogestour |
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VILLA YOYA 1901 V Moraima Mosqueda Sanchez Calle 4ta, No. 3 - Chavaleta Norte Mayari Abajo, Mayari Cell 54 42 76 19 @ Getting there is half the fun. Off the Baracoa-Holguin road 123 : into the town of Mayari Abajo, ride directly through Aguilera until its very end. Left on Leyte Vidal. Straight until the end. Right on Valenzuela Chavaleta road. At 200m, cross Rio Mayari. Some 300 meters, left into a narrow passage to a small hamlet that will lead you directly. |
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CASA EL CHANCHAN V Lliana y Cuquito Avenida Maceo 65 Cell 52 61 51 92 Couple rents one aircon bedroom with a double bed with its mosquito net. Lovely ranchon with plants to enjoy meals and cocktails. |
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CASA BLACK & WHITE V Sr. Raubel Y Sra. Belky Guiteras 40F home (24) 50-3428 All brand new, owners very helpful but not intrusive, terrace available, watched car park for free. jurgen w., stefan-loose 050916 |
Iglesia local © alecu, panoramio |
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Nearby beach resort playa of Marea del Portillo |
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Pilon is a tiny village (gas station, convenience store or two, tiny community center) located 91 km southwest of Manzanillo. [Routemap]. Could be a mountain trek stopover near black sand beach resorts on the way to the 185-km great seaside road going to Santiago. [Routemap] It's about 40 km southwest of Media Luna (its casa museum in memory of Celia Sanchez : routemap) and also 40 km east of Niquero (hotel, museum, sugar plant) and some 15 km from the mid-range beach resorts of Marea del Portillo (photos above and below - routemap); in between, off the shore, Cayo Blanco makes a nice one-day excursion. From Marea del Portillo, a newly-finished (in 2011, not yet on routemap) mountain road cuts across the range to reach Bartolomé Maso and the foot of the Sierra Maestra national park. One can thus shorten the ride from Bayamo to Marea del Portillo which is 157 km via Manzanillo. The only casas particulares may seem expensive for what they offer; for a prolonged stay, better off at one of the nearby properties : Hotel Farallon del Caribe (23-59-7081), Club Amigo Marea del Portillo (23-59-7102), Motel Mirador de Pilon (23-59-4365) and, not all-inclusive Villa Turistica Punta Piedra (23-59-4421) They're all mostly low-budget, hence more affordable. Across the road from the mirador, down to the sea, a rental casa, Casa Diego has been catering to travellers for a while. |
Circuit & suggested itineraries : Oriente |
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Cayo Blanco as seen from shore © 3scotts, ta |
BOOK BY EMAIL : Click on logo to open a message addressed to that casa in your email application; or right-click to copy address showing at bottom of browser window. Spanish vocabulary here. BOOK BY PHONE • From Canada and the USA : 011 53 (add phone # preceded by 23 for Granma) • From Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Mexico : 00 53 (add phone # preceded by 23 for Granma). HOW TO DIAL A CUBAN PHONE NUMBER HERE |
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The surroundings : nothing but wilderness as yet untouched © louisel, ta, dec 2014 |
With the Sierra Maestra mountains in the background © izagabor, feb 2014, ta |
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SONIA V Calle Secunda (2da), reparto El Huerto in Pilon, 12 km from playa Marea del Portillo. Cel 52 94 35 03 Two aircon bedrooms with ensuites in a calm and well laid-out environment Rates : 25cuc per night per bedroom; breakfast, 5cuc, dinners -8-14, parking, laundry. |
Other photos on click |
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CASA LA PALMA V Maiyumio Reyes Calle Secunda (2da) # 41, reparto El Huerto in Pilon, 12 km from playa Marea del Portillo. Cel. 58 57 40 93 or in-house (23) 59-41-92 One aircon bedroom with private bathroom; breakfasts 5cuc, dinners 8, parking, lavanderia. Rates : 25cuc per night for bedroom. |
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CASA MARALIS Maralis Lisse Diaz y su esposo Urbano Calle Julio Antonio Mella 14, in Pilon, 12 km from playa Marea del Portillo. Tel (23) 59-48-45 Two aircon bedrooms with ensuites; meals served, laundry service, enclosed parking. Rates : 25-30cuc per night per bedroom; meals extra |
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CASA ARJEO y HERMIDA V Antonio Guiteras #836, behind the gas station in Pilon, 12 km from playa Marea del Portillo. Cell 52 61 67 87 or 52 22 31 72 " This is a lovely casa particular, they call it cabana romantica. It is very private, not just separate entrance, but as a separate guest house. It includes : Air Conditioner, private washroom with hot shower, TV, DVD, refrigerator, bar and amazing breakfast. Yes, it is bed + breakfast. If you like, they will cook you lunch and dinner at very reasonable price." grig2020, Toronto |
Click for casa's web page © cuba2pilon |
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CASA HUMBERTO V Humberto Almeida Sanchez Avenida Camilo Cienfuegos # 76 in Pilon, 12 km from playa Marea del Portillo. Tel. (23) 59-43-84 Cell 53 21 15 61 "We just returned from cycling trip on the south s/w coast of Cuba. We found casa acommodation in area are few. We stayed in 'Casa Humberto' in Pilon, a double-bedded aircon room with private entrance and terrace with good food and people. We met another cyclist who stayed there as well who recommended it. Your website is great for off the beaten track travellers." Lynda Goddard, Halifax, NS Canada 12.01.14 |
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PIQUITO y LISBET V Reparto Cine, # 28, between fishmonger's shop and post office in Chivirico, 75 km West of Santiago or 112 km East of Pilon Cel. 58 24 99 88 or 58 24 99 89 "In the center of Chivirico, near all services and beach, nice studio with private entry, confortable bedroom, air conditioner, tv, DVD, kitchen with freezer. Family environment, security, peacefulness. 25 CUC daily for the studio. Mario Bourassa (Canadian), specialist of Oriente cubano" 05.05.16 |
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BOOK BY EMAIL : Click on logo to open a message addressed to that casa in your email application; or right-click to copy address showing at bottom of browser window. Spanish vocabulary here.
BOOK BY PHONE • From Canada and the USA : 011 53 (add phone # preceded by 31 for Las Tunas) • From Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Mexico : 00 53 (add phone # preceded by 31 for Las Tunas). HOW TO DIAL A CUBAN PHONE NUMBER HERE |
Circuits & itins : Oriente |
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It can be found 19 km from Puerto Padre, 46 km from Las Tunas, 49 km from Nuevitas, 65 km from Guaimaro or 102 km from Gibara. Beach closest is Los Pinos near Puerto Manati 18 km northeast. Locate (upper left) of this map. |
Durable development in the area |
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Enjoying the happy moment |
Casa de la Cultura Graduation day for Art teachers |
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LAS PALMAS Yennis Campos y Ricardo Garcia Calle 27 no 3, e/calle 22 y Jesus Menendes in the town of Manati, about 18 km from the sea at Puerto Manati Tel. (31) 22-1375 "A change of scenery and relaxation. The plus, the pool and, for fans of deserted sandy beaches, playa Covarrubias or playa Santa Lucia either at 40 km. We shall return. " Alain 69690, tripad visor 190813 |
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Content & photos © sogestour Updated |