A Canadian’s musings on Varadero

[riderpride]

To start, I would like to thank the forum and its members for the news and advice regarding life in Cuba, especially with the currency situation. Mods, please feel free to move to the travel section, but I thought I would post it here as there have been some questions regarding Covid tourism.

Our fifth trip to Cuba, and second to Var:

My wife and I originally planned to visit Varadero on January 11^th, but the results of a PCR test received the day before our departure said otherwise. There had been speculation at the time that a PCR test would be required, but we couldn’t find any documentation stating that. We ended-up taking it out of peace-of-mind as we didn’t want to risk an elongated stay even though we purchased supplemental insurance that would cover our accommodations for the additional 2 weeks for a paltry $70.

Our original plan was to visit the family of a friend who live just outside of Varadero in the city of Matanzas. Unfortunately we were not able to meet given the delayed timeline, so we delivered a care package to a friend of theirs who was able to meet with us. Hopefully they got it in its entirety.

Much of Varadero remains unchanged since we were there 13 years prior. There are some new developments further down the peninsula, and there is construction being done on a new resort that will include a mall that was just west of town. Interesting as it doesn’t appear to have much beachfront. Many resorts appear to have temporarily closed due to reduced tourism, primarily from Canadians. The flight we took down comprised of people from Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary; in prior years this would have been 2.5-3 plane loads. It appears the Russians never stopped coming which was confirmed by our Hotel GM. The rest of the people we met were Central/South American as well as a few Brits and Germans.

Covid Travel – as mentioned, no PCR test is required though one must be fully vaccinated. Our temperatures were taken prior to seeing the customs officer, and we did notice a few people being taken aside for further evaluation. The temperatures were taken again prior to entering the airport for departure. Our positive test 4 weeks prior to arrival was of no concern for either entering or departing Cuba as long as we had our PCR results as proof that we do not need to take the otherwise mandatory test withing 48-72 hours of leaving the country. This was strictly enforced, though this may no longer be required starting March 1^st.

LCDH related: As posted in another thread, the LCDH on calle 63 was well stocked, though there were no ELs. Sales of singles was kept to about 8-10 types, which fortunately included both the REs from 18/19. The LCDH in Plaza America had considerably less on-hand though they did allow sales of singles from ~15 different boxes. All regular-production stock that I checked the box dates on was 2018/2019, so the turnover must be ridiculously slow. I always grab some Mag 46s, and they were usually boxed within 6 months of purchase. This box was Sept ’19. Brace yourselves for this - we saw no JLPs the entire trip.

I was able to meet with a hotel executive almost daily and we were able to discuss a lot of things happening in Cuba. Cohiba and others are still available, though essentially restricted to those with Ambassadorial/VIP status; a quick review of his supply on the first day was all the evidence I needed. We spoke of staffing difficulties due to emigration, and about tourism on the island, not just in Varadero. Something of interest to note, there was a manufacturing upset of sorts last week due to limited staff shortages at a cigar factory – his understanding is this was at El Laguito staff leaving the country. It was not known what role these employees had.

Grocery/items: this country has everything you could possibly want as long as your desires are limited to Havana Club. No cans/bottles of local beer were seen anywhere, and only Crystal was available on tap anywhere we went. We did see some cans eventually, but they were of Canadian and Danish manufacture. The stories of a coffee shortage are true indeed. We were fortunate to find a few bags for sale at Casa de Ron and there was also a decent supply at the duty-free section of the airport on departure. Every store had bare shelves and the only things that appeared available was soup stock, cocoa powder, and root vegetables. My GM friend called around town for us to see what restaurants were open or had stock; the steak houses were only serving shrimp or lobster.

Currency – the unofficial exchange rates were all over the map, though the best seemed to be with the ‘professional’ crowd – teachers, doctors (yeah, I made a trip) and tour guides. For the most part, there was little difference between the CAD, Euro, or USD as they seemed to be treated as being on-par.

Each time we leave, we are always amazed at the locals we meet. Generous, open, and positive no matter what challenges they face. We have been in contact with several of our new friends in the two days since we have left, and we look forward to seeing them all again in the near future – no matter which country they may reside.

Cheers!

[Corylax18]

Thanks for posting! I'm planning to be in the country for about a week early next month. 

30 minutes ago, riderpride said:

Something of interest to note, there was a manufacturing upset of sorts last week due to limited staff shortages at a cigar factory – his understanding is this was at El Laguito staff leaving the country. It was not known what role these employees had.

I have a friend that I will ask about this while I'm there. 

[riderpride]

33 minutes ago, Corylax18 said:

Thanks for posting! I'm planning to be in the country for about a week early next month. 

I have a friend that I will ask about this while I'm there. 

Much appreciated! 

Are you going to Havana?

Cheers

[El Presidente]

Great write up. Thank you! 

[Corylax18]

23 minutes ago, riderpride said:

Much appreciated! 

Are you going to Havana?

Cheers

For most of the Trip. I'm also planning to spend a night in San Juan y Martinez and a a day Scuba diving at Playa Coral. Flexibility is going to be key though. 

[El Presidente]

1 minute ago, Corylax18 said:

 Flexibility is going to be key though. 

...the best and only way you should experience Cuba 

Have a great time mate!

[riderpride]

16 minutes ago, Corylax18 said:

For most of the Trip. I'm also planning to spend a night in San Juan y Martinez and a a day Scuba diving at Playa Coral. Flexibility is going to be key though. 

Enjoy the trip!

I'm looking forward to hearing about it - I haven't been to Havana in 10 years or so and I'm hoping to make SJyM on the next trip out. I need to romanticize it a bit to convince the wife 😆

Cheers

[Corylax18]

19 minutes ago, riderpride said:

Enjoy the trip!

I'm looking forward to hearing about it - I haven't been to Havana in 10 years or so and I'm hoping to make SJyM on the next trip out. I need to romanticize it a bit to convince the wife 😆

Cheers

Im planning several thorough writeups, with plenty of photos. I'll do my best to grab some sunset shots and the like. 😁

[riderpride]

5 minutes ago, Corylax18 said:

Im planning several thorough writeups, with plenty of photos. I'll do my best to grab some sunset shots and the like. 😁