Hello, I am leaving for Varadero the first week of Feb 2005. I would like to take a day trip to Havana... I heard there is a bus. Does anyone know the name of the bus line or where I could find a schdule/price? Thanks!

last we were in Varadero we took the Bus tour it was excellent just about 10 all English speaking. we left very early in the morning ,took us everywhere the Cathedral,. Old Havana, modern Havana the Necopolis this was fantastic)? we had a lovely leisurely lunch and free time then to a hotel for dinner where we could shower and change and go to see the Tropicana Show (SUPERB) WE GOT BACK REALLY LATE but a marvellous trip one of the best we have taken anywhere and worth every penny or should I say peso ENJOY

Your hotel should have information on day trips. We rode the tour bus there and got off to do our own touring. $40 convertable pesos. Not sure how much the whole tour was. The tour will seem like you are rushed through it. We should have taken a taxi and did our own thing with out being in a rush to catch the bus back by 3:30PM.

I'm planning on spending 2 nights in Havana during my trip. Is there a non "tour" bus that we can take easily and safely from Varadero? There's only two of us so we certainly don't want to take a taxi.

Here's a possible option.... take a cab. My brother in law and I (both from Ottawa) just got back (16th). The Havana trip from our hotel in the bus was 69 pesos. You're in with 30 other people and travelled as a group. We... went in a 2000 Mercedes and our guide brought us to all the spots but also some other good stuff. It cost us 80 pesos. He spoke excellent English and was very well versed in the history. For the extra bucks we got a personalized tour. It was the best money we spent while there. We were so impressed we got his card and let him know we would pass on our great review. His name is Manuel M. Fuentes Castro and his c-phone # is 8927980.......private # 266894 these are local calls from Varadero. It is well worth it. If you're going with another couple you may even get a better rate.

Hi! I have just read that there is a visit to Matanzas and a museum visit. I went two years ago and the tour did not include this. However, it did include a visit of the cemetary, the place where Castro addresses the nation and old Havana. Could there be two different tours? If there is, please give me the information! I won't do the same one twice in 2 years!!!



Thanks!

hi, take the tour bus, it's easier and you will stop to matanzas to take pictures and after you go to visit a fort. Also you have an animator in the bus. After you have a lunch there and you follow the guide, you visit a museam, and after you can have a little bit of time alone.. but not enough for me! that's the problem when you are a group!! get the info. at your hotel.

We just did a day tour with cubacan tours on a bus with a tour guide. $67 pesos (equivalent to USD) per person. Probably the same type of tour as the 40 peso trip, prices have really jumped in the last 1-2 years. Sort of a city tour by bus. The guide was quite informative, we stopped for approx. 20 minutes at the cemetary, and for pics at where Castro addresses the nation. We had a lunch in old Havana, quick walking tour (15 min or so) and then 2 hours free time from there....all near flea market, old havana square, 'Mojito' bar where Hemmingway went, etc. I beleive this tour normally includes a tour of the Cigar factory however they were closed for vacation time while we were there. If you are the bus tour type, it is fine. Another option is to try and hook up with a local and they can give a tour that way there is more flexibilty and personalized for your interests, what you want to see. I was told approx. 100-200 for a day is the average (not bad if there are say 2 couples) or you can also hire a taxi for the day I believe that is around 150-200. We met a couple who was going the taxi route but when he showed up in the morning to pick them up he didnt speak any english! (they didn't go!) Anyway if you are in a resort you can book through their tour desk. We left the hotel around 8am and were home at 630pm.

Hola Gingertwist. My husband & I are travelling to Cuba Jan 21 to Feb 4. We are very interested in the trip to Havana. So many travellers have indicated it is much better to try doing something independant of the usual bus trip so that we aren't so rushed. You mentioned that you were able to arrange for a van with a group of others from your resort and that it was done through your hotel. Which hotel did you stay at? Was it the hotel staff that made the arrangements or was it the Travel Company rep who helped you out (Sunquest, Signature or Air Transat)? Did you stay into the evening to see the Tropicana show? Can you list a few must see spots in Havana? We would appreciate all tips & comments. Thanks a bunch. KAL

Yes, Shelley there is a regular Viazul bus into Havana. It leaves from the main bus depot in V at 8:00, 8:30 and 4:00. There are daily returns about the same times and the cost is only $10 each way. The buses are air conditioned, have bathrooms and snacks are available. Trip takes about 3 hours. I think the web site is viazul.cu or perhaps .com.