I had Cuba on my radar for some time now, but Brazil and the Philippines pretty much kept me entertained and busy.

In October while planning out my remaining trips for the year I realized I would fall short of my 100K required to maintain my Executive Platinum Status by a little less then 2000 miles. I was hoping for some double elite mile promotion from American Airlines, but it looked like there would be no special promotions this year (which ended up being a correct assumption). I knew I wanted to visit Cuba, but the connection through Cancun would certainly not be enough miles (I live in Miami) so decided to check out a flight via Panama (just a little above 2000 miles round trip). I decided on one of the twice daily Copa flights from Panama to Havana.

When I looked for the flight from Panama to Havana I could not find it via the standard Copa Airlines website accessed from the US, so I just added the .br for the Portuguese version and sure enough there were a couple of daily flights. Since I have a Brazilian issued credit card I was able to purchase the flight directly on the site.

The flight from Miami and subsequent connection to Havana in Panama City went smooth. While in Panama I was able to obtain the Tourist Card (i.e. Visa for Cuba) directly at the counter after paying $20.00.

Arrival into Havana was smooth. Immigration was not much of a hassle, nor customs. Really just like flying into any other latin american country.

Unfortunately, however, the casa particular I had set-up and pick-up at the airport fizzled out. The information desk right outside had a pretty and friendly english speaking girl that tried to call the rental agency, but had no luck. Time to re-group, starting with getting some CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso). The exchange rate is 1:1 for the USD, but as already mentioned in many posts there is a 10% tax bringing the effective exchange rate to .90 CUC to $1.00 USD. I had explored bringing other currency, like Euro's, but I would have gotten hosed on the exchange rate from USD to Euro's and in the end the little gain it would have gotten me was not worth the hassle.

Right inside the arrival hall is a small tourist agency which offers assistance with casas or hotels. Not many options at this point, since I only had a short weekend and did not want to waste to much time. I clearly explained to the lady that I wanted a Cuban visitor friendly private home, which did not make her blink twice and referred me to a casa particular in Old Havana (Habana Vieja). I had to pay the first night directly to her, 35 CUC.

A taxi to the casa particular was 25 CUC and I was met by a young guy with a name of Pavel. His family rents out two of three rooms at 35 CUC. I explained the need for a chica friendly casa to which he reassured that this would be no problem. I would be staying with his mom and dad, both who are understanding of the needs of certain tourists. I felt re-assured enough and decided to try it one night. I got two keys, one to the door downstairs and one to my room. To get into the apartment, however, I would need to ring the doorbell to be let in. Since I knew I would be coming back very late each night with a lady I again asked him if that would be a problem - again, reassurance that hour of night did not matter but the girl would have to leave her ID with his mom while she stayed for everyone's mutual protection. If she stayed the night, his mom would even make breakfast - ok, let's see if this all true.

That night I walked about 10 minutes towards the beach, where I started my night listening to some live music and drinking Cristal (a light Cuban lager beer, kind of like Corona or Miller Lite) then decided to head to La Cecilia (CH Link) in Miramar. It was a 10 CUC taxi ride from where I was (close to the Caribe Hotel) and when I arrived at around 11:30 there was already a line. A bunch of hustlers offered their services to get me in quickly, but why bother - I waited and after 15-20 minutes got in after paying 10CUC.

La Cecilia is quite nice - a large outdoor club, with lots of tables. I have seen many places in my travels, but never such a collection of absolutely beautiful women available for take-out. This was actually not a plus at first, since it put me into a type of paralysis in being able to pick one to be with - one better then the next seemed to pass me by. I decided to wait until it got later to have more bargaining power and also not to waste money on drinks for whatever girl I picked. Just like I had read, girls start quotes at 100 CUC, but I ended up paying 60 CUC. She had a fantastic attitude, kissed and hugged, quite nice until the place closed at 3:00am. Initially she was worried about taking the same taxi in case of police, but in the end we just rode one taxi back to my casa (This time it was 15 CUC).

At 3:30am in the morning rang the doorbell and as promised there was no hassle in being led in. The lady of the house (an older lady, a retired doctor) was quite nice to the girl - asked her for her ID, reassured her in some way (I did not understand all the Spanish) and a littler later it was on in the room. After about an hour of a good session, BBBJ, kissing, 69, but covered sex, I decided to send her home even so she had offered to stay the night. I just needed the rest as I was dead tired.

The next day, Saturday, slept late and walked around the neighboorhood and beach area. Ate dinner, before deciding on my next club to visit that night - I decided on Galiano casa de la musica (there are two Casa de la musica, one in Havana close to where I was staying, i.e. "Galiano" (CH Link), and one in Miramar). Again hustlers offering to get you in the club quickly, which I blew off and about 15 minutes entered into the club. Got a small table close to the bar and started to drink a few beers. Girls started to collect close to me and make contact with me. A couple rubbing up against my arm, one asking if I wanted company (at the time the answer was no), until one persistant 20 year got my attention. What a hottie......white skin, with long black hair, high heels, short skirt with panties visible, and spoke very good english. Obviously a young pro, but she gave me a boner - good enough for me. I asked her how much she wanted for her continued company and she in returned asked me how much I was willing to pay. Remembering 60 from the night before, I offered 50 knowing she would counter with 60 - which she did. Ok, I should offered 40 and gone to 50 but the Cristal and her incredible legs had me off balance. She made great company and like the girl from the night before kissed and made out and was very affectionate. She only drank two red bulls (which only cost 3 CUC each), so I was happy.

I decided to call it quits a little earlier that night, at 2:30, and she called over a bicycle taxi and we rode together back to the casa. We both had agreed on short time, so she told the guy to wait until we were finished. Once again, no hassle entry into the casa - this girl was great, with a tight 20 year old body, good sucking technique, overall excellent session. About an hour later it was time for her to leave and go to sleep.

Sunday I wanted to visit the beaches on Santa Maria, as well as walk around some more in Havana. There is a tourist bus that leaves from the "Inglaterra Hotel" and provides transportation to the beaches for 5 CUC round trip (the beaches are far, about 30-45 minutes). I spent the afternoon reading a book, relaxing, drinking some beer, then was trying to decide what do to at night. I had to wake up early on Monday for my return flight so decided not to session. At the bus stop started talking to a fellow traveler who was German. Since I am also German (but live in the US) it was great talking in German. We ended up hanging out for the night in downtown Havana drinking lots of beer.

Monday was check-out time and my flight back home to the US was uneventful.

Here are some observations from the trip:
- Entry into Cuba is no problem. Tourist Cards can be obtained from the Air carrier at the Airport of departure.
- Health Insurance. One of the requirements of entry into Cuba is proof of Health Insurance, but US insurance is not accepted. I was not asked for this upon my entry (I did not purchase any in advance)
- Exchange of money: If you are on a short stay over the weekend, then it is best to exchange the amount you expect to spend during your stay at the Airport currency exchange office. There are exchange houses in the city, but they have limited hours of operation. The only alternate option if the official currency exchange house are closed is exchanging money at a Hotel - the exchange rate will be less favorable, about .87 CUC to $1.00 USD.
- Internet access is challenging. It is only offered at the National Hotels. On Sunday, all the Internet cards were sold out at multiple hotels. Internet cards sold only appear to work at the hotel sold.
- Your passport will not be stamped!
- I felt safe walking everywhere. Never did I feel threatened, or overly hassled.

Staying with the Cuban family was a great experience and they were very welcoming.

Here is the contact information for the Casa Particular (CH Link) I stayed at which is chica friendly in Centro Habana

e-mail address: pavel10hernandez@hot.tergos.net
Home Phone: 011 53 873-8471
Mobile: 011 - 53- 05-291-4548

So if Cuba is on your Bucket list.....just go!!!!

and...again, the girls at La Cecilia were absolutely AMAZING!!! Brazilian Centaurus X 100 girls quality type of girls....WOW! Congratulations to Cuba for producing soooooo many fine girls!

Excellent report. Thanks.

Nice report, LM. While I haven't been to Cuba in over 10 years, I think it's about time for a return trip.

Think I might have to take a look at Cuba.

Very very nice!

I will be looking into this to fill the travel calendar for next year.

Thanks for a very nice report!

CC

LM, if you don't mind, what would be a ballpark round trip fare a person from the US would pay without any frequent flyer stuff figuring in? Let's just say New York to Havana. Is Cancun probably the easiest place to fly out of or Mexico City maybe?

Interesting report, LM!

The Economist said that the U.S. will allow tourist travel to Cuba in 2014.

If more people start going, prices will rise.

LM, interesting, thanks.

Quilombo, intrajet.com, daily mex city to la habana flights

It certainly would make sense if tourist travel is allowed from the US to Cuba - the entire ban make absolutely no sense. You can travel to other Communist and repressive countries, why not Cuba? But I have a feeling that the South Florida Cuban community will make quite stink! I heard reference to the embargo and the "Miami Cuban Mafia" on a couple of occasions. But the hand shake between Obama and Raul Castro appeared to be encouraging to the Cuban people I spoke to (This is not meant to kick-off a political anti-Obama conversation, please!!!!)

There are direct flights to Havana for eligible travelers - how sweet would it be to jump on a plane in Miami and be in Havana in less then an hour IF the travel restrictions are ever lifted???

Quilombo - In your case you need to factor in two tickets and then price out your cheapest combined option/combo. You cannot book a flight legally from NYC directly to Havana. Check on the cheapest flight from NY to Cancun, Mexico City, Panama City, or even from Canada. From Panama City it is pretty much Copa Air, which was pretty expensive for me - around $600 R/T. Had I flown from Cancun it would have been cheaper, around $300-$400 on Aeromexico and Cubana. Then also factoring in connections and time to get there - so it does take some research to find your particular best option.

Just a little tip on finding these flights - select another country from the Airlines website (i.e. Brazil, etc) to make the flights to HAV visible. If you stay on the US oriented website of the foreign Airline, Havana will not be an option to select.

As far as payment - I can't speak to safety of using an American issued credit card to buy the ticket, but I know other board members have traveled there as well and maybe can give some guidance on safely buying the Cuba portion of the ticket without leaving a trace for US officials on the travels. In my case, it was easy since I used a foreign credit card.

If there is a chance that the travel embargo is lifted at some point in the future, then I think now is the time to go. There are plenty of tourists already (Canadians and Europeans) and with the US so close by I think there will be an initial rush of curious travelers, then surely followed by Cruise Ships. It was refreshing not to run into a McDonald, Subway, or other American brand on every corner like you do in most other countries - for now it still feels like a place stuck in time, so close but yet so far!

As a side note - how they keep those 50-60 year old American cars running with such limited resources is another amazing sight.

"The Economist said that the U.S. will allow tourist travel to Cuba in 2014. "

The Economist also said there was no real estate bubble in the US back in 2007. I would absolutely NOT count on US tourist travel to Cuba this coming year.

LM. Thanks for the interesting report.

For the uninitiated: what Bwana said about the Economist is correct. When they report on a topic other than economics (such as the above), they can be wildy full of s***! Completely wrong. (But no examples here; this is Marvin's Cuba report.)

So don't pack your bags yet. I just thought it was worth mention.

What I found especially interesting about Marvin's report was whether or not they stamped the passport. I was scouring for that information because I've heard so many different stories over the years regarding handling of U.S. passports there, bribes, stamping a separate slip of paper and stowing it within your passport, etc.

I have traveled to Cuba both with US and Mexican passports (I'm a dual national)over the years and they have never stamped either passport. It is the tourist card that is stamped. It is kept with your passport and is turned in on departure from Cuba. As for payment, I typically buy my ticket through the Copa Airlines website using a US credit card. I access it by choosing the Mexico Copa web page. I've never had any issues with US authorities. In my view, the US does not make enforcement of the embargo a priority unless you travel publicly to make a point against the embargo. This was certainly the case under the Clinton and now the Obama administration. It was more touchy under the Bush administration, since they really catered to the south Florida Cuban-american right-wingers.

I thought I would add one more thing....To find some of the places full of working girls, Tripadvisor can actually be helpful as well :-) Look for the nightlife and bars listed, and select the bad reviews:

Here is why I picked "Galiano casa de la musica " as a result of a couple of reviews I read :-) It also helped it was close to my casa and not too much hassle to get there.

".....An absolut fiasco! Full of working girls..."

and I liked this bad review especially

"Just before the matinee ends at around 10:30 you will notice that there are an increasing number of young - perhaps late teen to early 20s - girls wearing very skimpy clothing arriving.and hanging out together. These are las chicas or prostitutes who are generally very attractive but soon you will feel them prodding you in the back and stroking."

Certainly sounded like a good place to me!!!!!!

(Message edited by lovingmarvin on December 23, 2013)

lol

LM...Good point on Trip Advisor. I've used hotel reviews complaining about guys bringing hookers to their rooms to help me determine if a place is guest friendly or not.

Enjoyed the report, glad you had a chance to make it down there.

LM
Thanks for a great report. I am going back to Cuba next week for the first time in 13 years and your write-up has me encouraged.

great informative report. I've been toying with the idea for years but afraid of the passport thing; so thanks for that.
I thought they'd actually be a little cheaper.
re: the 2014 alleged legal travel. I agree that is wishful, but, there have been strides. many more volunteer groups can legally go just in last 2 years (not just churches anymore).the only reason the ban exists still is becuaswe of the electoral college. no one wants to lose florida in the electoral college. that is it completely. maybe Obama doesn't care now, but they said the sma ething in 2000 and nothing happened. probably the death of the castros will move more mountains than u.s. politicians.

Definitely put the passport stamping worry to rest - I can confirm that it will not, plus many other travelers (Including in replies to my post) have confirmed that passports are not stamped. Only the Tourist Card.

I am sure cheaper girls can be found, but from what I gathered in all my prior researching leading up to my trip "La Cecilia in Miramar" was ground zero for the most beautiful hookers in Havana. '10's know they are a '10' and will demand the applicable premium, plus demand drives the prices - European's and Canadian's have been traveling there all along with a few American's mixed in. So there is demand for these hot ladies and they know it. The only reason why it is not more expensive is that there is not more tourism..... Thinking back to the days of "Help' in Rio, the girls in quoting 100CUC (And mostly can be talked down to 50 or 60) were girls that would have asked and gotten R$400 - R$500 ($200-$300 during the low days of the dollar). I am talking about those incredibly hot girls from Sao Paulo or South of Brazil, on short holiday trips to Rio.

If the embargo is lifted - I see those prices in Cuba shooting up the same way.

LM Nice report, you lit the fire for me to go to Cuba.
AZGuy Jag and Hdogger R U Ready?

As an alternative to Copa (Panama) or Aeromexico (Cancun), look into Cayman Airways. A lot closer than either destinations. Only 40 minutes away from Havana and 1 hour away from Miami.