| The name Cuba (cubao) means 'where fertile land is | | | | look like a 1950s movie. Meanwhile, the art of cigar |
| abundant' and this fertile land has kept Cuba | | | | making can be seen in the Havana factories such as |
| self-sufficient since the 1959 Cuban revolution and | | | | Partagas, La Corona and Romeo and Julieta. Plaza de |
| the consequent 40-year American trade embargos. | | | | Armas in Havana is the city's museum with areas |
| The island of Cuba has over 11 million inhabitants and | | | | dedicated to covering the Cuban wars for |
| is the 16th largest island in the world. Due primarily to | | | | independence. |
| embargos this insular nation has retained its old world | | | | Cuba's ecosystem, including its protected coral |
| charm of old cars, architecture, traditional cuisine and | | | | waters over Isla de la Juventud, is a big draw - a |
| music. Beautiful untouched landscape un-polluted from | | | | plethora of exotic fish such as tarpon, barracuda and |
| globalisation has been retained with lush rainforest, | | | | angelfish await. Lush rainforest can be seen off the |
| rolling plains and deserted hotel-free beaches in | | | | town of Baracoa, with the Jungle of Cuchillas behind. |
| abundance. | | | | The area has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve |
| This socialist country under Fidel Castro and more | | | | since 1987 and plays host to many unique species. |
| recently his brother Raul Castro has kept capitalism | | | | Cuba is driving the idea of ecotourism and its |
| at bay, while being a forerunner in developing first | | | | importance to the world, from its international |
| class health, agricultural and education systems. The | | | | ecotourism summit in 2001 to working with Ghana in |
| island, with its tropical climate and dry season from | | | | developing ecotourism there. Ecotourism has come |
| November to April, is perfect for a winter getaway. | | | | naturally to the country via the need to be |
| The capital, Havana, and the town of Trinidad are | | | | self-sufficient. An example of this can be seen in the |
| UNESCO World heritage sites; they're currently being | | | | development of the Havana Urban farms, an urban |
| restored due to crumbling architecture, which has not | | | | garden development for food production. From the |
| been updated since Castro's arrival in 1959. | | | | rainforests to the wetlands of the Montemar Natural |
| The local culture of Spanish and African roots is | | | | Park on the Zapata Penisula, Cuba is awash with |
| steeped in music; Cuban music forms the basis which | | | | ecotourism potential thanks to its beautiful untouched |
| many other styles followed, including Salsa and | | | | landscapes. |
| Rumba - sipping cocktails and dancing the night away | | | | The peninsula of Montemar, 75 miles from Havana, is |
| in the 'musical houses' as they are known around | | | | an array of forests, marshes, lagoons and canals. |
| Havana is a must. Until recently Cubans were not | | | | From crocodile farms to bird watching centres and |
| allowed to stay in the few hotels on offer but Raul | | | | nature trails to flooded caves for divers, Cuba has it |
| Castro has lifted this law, meaning interaction with | | | | all. Cuba is an alternative destination - an alternative |
| the few locals who can afford to stay in the hotels is | | | | world, even - which has to be seen to be believed. |
| easy. | | | | And with cheap flights to Havana available from online |
| Cuba is renowned for its cars and cigars. The cars - | | | | travel agencies, there is no excuse not to book the |
| 60,000 old Buicks and Pontiacs - beeping their horns | | | | trip of a lifetime. |
| are part of the charm of Cuba, making its streets | | | | |