The name Cuba (cubao) means ‘where fertile land is abundant’ and this fertile land has kept Cuba self-sufficient since the 1959 Cuban revolution and the consequent 40-year American trade embargos. The island of Cuba has over 11 million inhabitants and is the 16th largest island in the world. Due primarily to embargos this insular nation has retained its old world charm of old cars, architecture, traditional cuisine and music. Beautiful untouched landscape un-polluted from globalisation has been retained with lush rainforest, rolling plains and deserted hotel-free beaches in abundance.

This socialist country under Fidel Castro and more recently his brother Raul Castro has kept capitalism at bay, while being a forerunner in developing first class health, agricultural and education systems. The island, with its tropical climate and dry season from November to April, is perfect for a winter getaway. The capital, Havana, and the town of Trinidad are UNESCO World heritage sites; they’re currently being restored due to crumbling architecture, which has not been updated since Castro’s arrival in 1959.

The local culture of Spanish and African roots is steeped in music; Cuban music forms the basis which many other styles followed, including Salsa and Rumba - sipping cocktails and dancing the night away in the ‘musical houses’ as they are known around Havana is a must. Until recently Cubans were not allowed to stay in the few hotels on offer but Raul Castro has lifted this law, meaning interaction with the few locals who can afford to stay in the hotels is easy.

Cuba is renowned for its cars and cigars. The cars - 60,000 old Buicks and Pontiacs - beeping their horns are part of the charm of Cuba, making its streets look like a 1950s movie. Meanwhile, the art of cigar making can be seen in the Havana factories such as Partagas, La Corona and Romeo and Julieta. Plaza de Armas in Havana is the city’s museum with areas dedicated to covering the Cuban wars for independence.

Cuba’s ecosystem, including its protected coral waters over Isla de la Juventud, is a big draw - a plethora of exotic fish such as tarpon, barracuda and angelfish await. Lush rainforest can be seen off the town of Baracoa, with the Jungle of Cuchillas behind. The area has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1987 and plays host to many unique species.

Cuba is driving the idea of ecotourism and its importance to the world, from its international ecotourism summit in 2001 to working with Ghana in developing ecotourism there. Ecotourism has come naturally to the country via the need to be self-sufficient. An example of this can be seen in the development of the Havana Urban farms, an urban garden development for food production. From the rainforests to the wetlands of the Montemar Natural Park on the Zapata Penisula, Cuba is awash with ecotourism potential thanks to its beautiful untouched landscapes.

The peninsula of Montemar, 75 miles from Havana, is an array of forests, marshes, lagoons and canals. From crocodile farms to bird watching centres and nature trails to flooded caves for divers, Cuba has it all. Cuba is an alternative destination - an alternative world, even - which has to be seen to be believed. And with cheap Cuba holidays available from online travel agencies, there’s no excuse not to book the trip of a lifetime.

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Sarah Maple is writing for Gohop.ie who offer city breaks and cheap sun holidays.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com

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