Cayo Levisa Beach

Cayo Levisa, and its marvelous 2 km long beach, is located on the northern coast of Pinar del Río, just a few kilometers from the mainland. One of the few places that can be considered a natural paradise, Cayo Levisa boasts translucent turquoise, pollutant-free waters, and is relatively isolated since travel from the main island is only possible via marine transportation.  From the coastline, in the afternoon, spectacular sunsets can be admired, and when the night comes, the island becomes a natural shelter for beautiful migratory and local birds. 

To get to Cayo Levisa, a boat should be boarded in Palma Rubia, in the municipality of La Palma, in Pinar del Río. After a pleasant 20 minute ride, the raw beauty of the beach becomes apparent; the island hasn’t suffered from any alterations or urbanization, appearing like a deserted island. Along with the inviting beaches of the cayo, two thousand meters to the north one of the world’s largest barrier reefs awaits exploration.  Replete with an immense colony of starfish and gorgonians, the healthy coral reef makes for great snorkeling and scuba diving.  The international certified diving center on the island runs regular trips to 15 established diving spots.

Cayo Levisa is considered one of the most natural touristic attractions in Cuba and it’s protected by Cuban laws in order to preserve and handle its resources in a sustainable way. Fishing, hunting and camping is prohibited on the Cayo and its surroundings. The Hotel Cayo Levisa, the only building on the islet, is made up of rustic cabins sread out in a forest of coconut palms and pines that cover the Cayo. The hotel offers all the services and facilities needed for a comfortable stay, including the ability to organize all excursions to the coral reef. As you’re packing your bags to head off to Cayo Levisa it’s important to note that credit cards are not accepted on the Cayo.

Although visiting Cayo Levisa is relatively easy, it’s recommended to reserve an excursion with a Cuba Travel service provider to coordinate your trip with the long road to Palma Rubia and the particular boat schedules.

The Santiago Carnival has its origins in Colonial times, around the Cathedral.  By the end of the 17^th century, a procession was going around the streets to celebrate the City’s Patron Saint, Santiago Apóstol. The Santiago people have always found in the carnivals a way out for their tensions, dispelling their doubts in the sane joy of their walks and congas that are the deepest roots of their popular idiosyncrasy.

Initially held during the Epiphany Days, the festivals were called mamarrachos for the use of masks and comic floats.  Currently, Carnival takes place in July as an extension of the Fiesta del Fuego (Fire Party), a traditional festival of Afro-Caribbean cultures which is annually held in Santiago de Cuba.

The main feature of the Santiago Carnival is the vital time the comparsero (comparsa player) devotes to achieve a final position that guarantees the prestige of his comparsa and showing it to the community as an element truly representative of the neighborhood.  By the early 20^th century, comparsas started parading, in a competitive way, representing the different quarters previously authorized by the city hall. The traditions have been preserved, and over time acquired new characteristics according to the historic and social context.

For two centuries, the parades have been organized into Paseos, Congas and Centenarias, in about 17 groups. The carnival dances originated in the 1920s, and they became popular with time. The so called Piquetes Soneros (traditional music pickets) joined them later. A few months before the carnivals, the quarters start choosing the comparsa players or dancers, the music, the dancing groups, the choreographies, and the elemental secret work with the gallo tapao.

During nights, it’s almost impossible to join the Conga Santiaguera, which goes arrollando everywhere (they use this term “arrollar” to refer to the bustling people following the comparsas singing, playing, and dancing the conga). It marks the end of the Santiago Carnivals, a unique experience to enjoy the burning Caribbean summer in this Cuban city.

Due to the poor conditions of the roads and the railroad tracks, it’s recommended to take air transport when going from one end of the island to the other, or to get to the cayos even though they have land access. All the touristic spots and main cities have airports and air connections with Havana through the airlines of Cubana de Aviación, AeroCaribe, and Gaviota. What is more, there is an air taxi service available throughout the country. Flights are regular and on time and it’s important to point out that Cuban airlines are highly safe with first class qualified pilots and technical staff. The planes though, mainly old Russian ones, are outdated. 

Maritime transportation is seldom used in a country totally surrounded by water. It’s just regular in the trasportation of people going to the Isle of Youth (La Isla de la Juventud or de Pinos), with ferry service (including car transportation) and rapid motorboat service which make the trip very pleasant. For the tourist packages among cayos and for scuba diving services, modern motorboats are used.

Bus is the most commonly used means of transportation in Cuba. There are few lines, and again separate ones that are paid in Cuban pesos, the local currency, and only one paid in CUC, which is, by far, the most recommended for tourists: Via Azul. Its terminal is located on 26^th Street, in Nuevo Vedado district, Havana City), and they have routes to every touristic destination in Cuba from Havana at quite exact times. The buses are comfortable and their prices, economic. ASTRO, Cuba’s biggest bus agency, also travels to most parts of the island. It offers services to either Cubans or foreigners, and it’s much more economic than Via Azul, although less comfortable. Their offices are located near the Plaza de la Revolución.

Taxi service is pretty good as well and it’s available throughout the island with relatively reasonable prices. On long trips, the price can be arranged directly with the driver so as to get a better rate. The majority of taxi drivers expect to be tipped for each ride. There are also private taxis which can be more economic, but less comfortable. Price should always be arranged before taking this service.

Travelling by rail is not advisable. The railroad track and the trains are antique and not so comfortable. It’s almost a rule to break the schedule. The only line providing a “special” service Habana-Santiago de Cuba can be delayed for hours on its route. The rest of them are avoided even by Cubans. 

Renting a car is recommended if you are willing to travel on your own, since, apart from being slightly expensive, it’s a good way to get to know the island and its people. There are car rental agencies in all touristic spots, airports, and hotels throughout the country. Except for the national highway that runs from west to central Cuba, the majority of the roads are not well asphalted, and have numerous potholes. In rural areas, particularly at night, you’ll have to be very carefull with cyclists, cattle, and horses. Due to the lack of repair and the complicated network of roads in the Eastern region, additional caution is warranted.  Moreover, during the high season, it gets fairly difficult to find an available car to rent, so it’s recommended to reserve in advance.