Lonely Planet Cuba

Book Description

Controversial and just a bit conflicted, Cuba is a nation like no other - rhythmic, colorful, sophisticated and whimsical all in one sumptuous breath. Unlock the syncopated beat of this island paradise, revel in Habana Vieja's culture and traditions, ramble along history's trail in the Sierra Maestra or simply sit back on a secret beach till maÃ±ana dawns with this unparalleled and comprehensive guide. WANNA CHA CHA? - the secrets of salsa, son, mambo and more are revealed in our special Music chapter GAPS ON THE MAP - informed do-it-yourself content, day tripper itineraries and more than 60 maps open the doors to Trinidad, Santiago, Cayo Coco and more TRAVEL BACK - the revolution didn't need to be televised, it comes to life with informed features and in-depth historic and cultural coverage QUÃ‰ BOLÃ ASERE? - learn what this phrase means and more with our authoritative Language and Glossary chapters

Customer Reviews:

great buy.......2007-05-14

Traveling without a lonely planet is a waste of time. I would rate this guides as the best. I love that you know what to expect when you arrive to a place which is listed in the guide. I like the extra reading about history, and facts of the country. Great buy!!

Not as good as Moon Handbook.......2007-01-27

I bought both the Moon Handbook (Christopher Baker, 4th ed.) and the Lonely Planet guide (Sainsbury, 4th ed.). I haven't been to Cuba, but the Moon guide is a pleasure to read, it's nearly twice the length of the Lonely Planet guide, the maps are better, it goes into more depth on places and also on the general history, the photos are better, etc.

Lonely Planet-Cuba.......2007-01-10

this is good for all-in-one book.
But several big mistakes...
You'd better to take another substitution guide book

Informed and indispensable travel guide to this island destination........2007-01-06

Long off-limits to American businesses and tourists, Cuba is now beginning to reemerge as a desirable destination for both. Brendan Sainsbury provides a superbly written and organized 520-page travel guide and manual to what Cuba has to offer. From the secrets of salsa to the rhythms of the mambo, from recommended places to see and suggested places to eat, Cuba is massively infused with 'traveler friendly' descriptions, directions, maps, history, culture and customs. Seasonal events and celebrations are chartered along with day tripper itineraries. Of special note are the sections devoted to Language and a Glossary. If you are contemplating a trip to Cuba, begin your planning with "Cuba", Brendan Sainsbury's informed and indispensable travel guide to this island destination.

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Havana
Scott Doggett , and David Stanley
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Caribbean | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1864502290

Book Description

Explore the complex heart of Havana from cathedrals to cigar shops, colonial city squares to Santería sites. Walk in the footsteps of literary legends Martí and Hemingway, immersed in the sounds of the city's infectious street music. This guide will lead you to museums, beaches, revolutionary forts and ultimately, the city's best mojito.

five neighborhood walking tours
notes on eateries from paladores to private restaurants
tips on staying in peso hotels, private rooms and (former) Mafia mansions
candid advice for US citizens
special color map section

Lonely Planet Enduring Cuba (Lonely Planet Journeys (Travel Literature))

Average customer rating:

The real thing
Objective, informative and EXCELLENT in all respects
A very sensitive and observant view of today's Cuba

Lonely Planet Enduring Cuba (Lonely Planet Journeys (Travel Literature))
Zoe Bran
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1740590678

Book Description

Intrigued by the many disparate views of Cuba, Zoë Brân visits the country of contradictions and, interweaving history and current events, personal and wider viewpoints, she paints a vivid and compelling picture of contemporary Cuba. She finds a land that has little in common with the tourist image of tropical paradise, encountering a different country whose people reveal an individuality and tenacity at once astonishing and humbling.

Zoë Brân has always been fascinated by the gap between the ideals of the world's socialist countries and the arduous hand-to-mouth struggles of the people who live in them. Castro's Cuba is one of the last such places on earth. Seeking to understand the realities of Cuba today, Zoë travels the length of this beautiful island. Beneath the surface of music and dancing, cockfights and animal sacrifice, she finds a land of complex ambiguities: a fertile land where many hunger; an educated country with scant knowledge of the outside world, a nation exhausted by socialism but proud of its independence and history of revolutionary struggle. From Havana to the pastoral hinterland, Zoë talks with writers and artists, with expatriates, with committed revolutionaries and those desperate to escape abroad. Enduring Cuba presents a kaleidoscope of Cuba and its people, whose tenacity and endurance is at once astonishing and humbling.

Customer Reviews:

The real thing.......2003-02-17

This is one of the very few really good books on Cuba available right now, mostly because it's much much, more than just a travel book. Unlike many so-called experiences of the island, Bran's book doesn't sentimentalise but gives the real experience of someone visiting Cuba with a clear, unbiased eye. There's history here and personal experience and a whole lot of great description of people and places. Bran's range of knowledge is considerable and I particularly liked her Graham Greene-style meetings with the foreign correspondent who got thrown out of the country because he upset Castro by constantly referring to his age! I'd definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to know more about Cuba and what's it's really like in the dying days of a communist state.

Objective, informative and EXCELLENT in all respects.......2002-09-25

I agree with ginnymurphy that this is one of the very best books about Cuba and how the state is now that I've ever read. There's no propaganda (at least, that I could discern) here. Zoe Bran uses her investigative skills (in figuring out & explaining the lack of toilet seats, for example) and also her intense yet sensitive journalistic skills in interviewing (in Spanish) so many average Cubans, as well as several diplomats and Cuban officials, to get an all-around perspective of the situation there. She's very good at what she does, and she also sounds like the kind of person I'd like to be with on a visit to Cuba, a place that fascinates us norteamericanos, whether we admit it or not.

A very sensitive and observant view of today's Cuba.......2002-09-01

Ms. Bran's book so closely mirrors my own impressions and experiences in visiting Cuba with a natural history tour group in early 2001 that it is spellbinding. Her objectivity and the breadth of her experiences provide a reader with a more than reasonable facsimile for an actual visit to the island. The many small details that she notes are particularly noteworthy for a past traveler to Cuba: the lack of toilet seats, the rationing of soap and toilet paper, the constant search for food by the populace,the CDR painted on the cement residential buildings, the Chocolate Factory outside Baracoa, the intimate social activities along the Malecon, the political slogans, the presence of Che Guevara today, the furtive conversations, the marvellous music, the wonderful hopeful spirit of the population. If you read just one book about the current social experience in Cuba today, run to enjoy Enduring Cuba. I couldn't put it down!

Average customer rating:

A difficult country to write a guide for
Dont buy this one ...
Wait for the next edition.
my impressions after one week in havana sep 05
Candid Discussion - Bad on Entertainment & Hotels

Lonely Planet Cuba
Conner Gorry , and David Stanley
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Caribbean | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1740591208

Amazon.com

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years, and as a result has experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Break out of the package-tour bind with this important guide for independent travelers to Cuba. Lonely Planet includes in-depth coverage of Havana (from fortresses to nightlife); extensive background on history, politics and music; plus advice on finding the ocean adventure that's right for you. The guide includes information for U.S. travelers. --Kathryn True

Book Description

Features: the most comprehensive guidebook available for independent travellers; detailed information from the off-the-beaten track destinations to luxury resorts and everything in between; comprehensive historical and political background information; full-colour, easy-to-use country map highlighted with points of interest; and contains detailed advice for travellers of all budgets.

Customer Reviews:

A difficult country to write a guide for.......2006-07-28

Cuba is a fascinating country with a socio-political system all its own. Things also change rapidly, especially in the big urban centres such as Havana so it must be a difficult place to write a guidebook for.

Lonely Planet seems to give their writers pretty clear rein when it comes to putting down their thoughts on paper regarding travel in whichever locale. This can lead to sections of illuminating wisdom. Often however the smug, ever so friendly, bantering style of their correspondents makes me wonder if one could survive a week in their company without belting them one.

The Cuba guide doesn't fall into this category although a couple of the 'yeah baby' style sentences could do with being edited out. The information is generally accurate apart from currency and prices, then again this must be hard to get right in a country like Cuba where the economy operates on multiple levels. The maps at least broadly correspond to the actual terrain (not always the case in LP guides) and there are helpful sections on things like how to deal with Jineteros (a persistent problem for travellers to Cuba) and purchase cigars.

My main gripe about the contents of the book was that there wasn't enough in it. For every decent bar or casa particular listed, there were several more that weren't, especially in Havana. I know Cuba is a small country, but it contains so much that a longer guide wouldn't be excessive.

Overall, not bad, but a new edition is due out soon and for the time being travellers to Cuba may consider purchasing something more recent.

Dont buy this one ..........2005-12-26

... the following letter was sent by us to LP after using the (then) fresh off the press LP Cuba in July 2004. We still did not hear from them.

-A.

Dear Madam/Sir:

We have been avid travelers for the most part of our lives and cumulatively have entry stamps from over 140 countries to boast. For the past 10 years, we have primarily used Lonely Planet to aid travels around the world (see attached picture of subset of LP library).

Imagine our surprise and disappointment when we toured Cuba in June with the LP Cuba (2004 edition). We have never been let down more by a travel guide in our entire lives. Of course, things change ... prices go up ... schedules evolve; but never have we seen a guide so off the mark. Here are a few reasons why LP Cuba is simply the worst guide we have ever used:

1/ Biased Politics -

Authors love for Cuba makes them overlook many negative aspects of both Cuban society and travel in Cuba. Neither of us are Americans and we do not support the American government sanction on Cuba or Americans traveling there. However, we fail to see the need to vilify each U.S. government action while simultaneously painting a picture of the perfect socialist State. True, Cuba has some of the best social indicators in the Americas - but please also point out the "Dollar is King" economy, the sad "apartheid" regime, which allows clubs/bars/cafés/restaurants and even whole islands with some of the country's best beaches to be exclusive domain of just tourists. How could the authors marvel at social indicators when you could sit at Hotel Inglaterra's patio, sip a mojito and gaze at the Cubans who cannot enter?

2/ Biased Interpretations of Dangers -

The section on Warnings, Scams, and Travel Advisory is the skimpiest we have ever seen. Why? Cuba still might be the safest destination to be in the Americas, but that's not saying much is it? Both my friend and I (and an informal survey pointed to over 70% of the tourists) were subject to daring robberies by some very skilled "jintero's" (our advice: please do NOT give rides to anyone - other than old people or women with small children - especially if crossing the circumference of metro Havana going from A1 to A4 highway). We never thought it would happen to two skilled travelers - but it did. As our informal survey indicates, our later conversation with many travelers indicated many who had been robbed, mugged, conned, etc. during their travels and almost all agreed to have let their guards down due to the lax coverage of security by the authors. In future editions of LP Cuba, PLEASE do not call "jintero's" as charming Cubans who need to be told off and do not write that the best solution is to become friends with one! Perhaps the author's personal experience(s) with a "jintero" clouded their ability to make rational judgements? "Jintero's" are EXTREMELY dangerous!

Furthermore, the authors fails to point out the many tourist traps in most of the tourist towns - especially in Trinidad.

3/ Biased Interpretation of Bureaucracy -

Why is their no comprehensive section which deals with the level of bureaucracy and corruption that each tourist must face while vacationing in Cuba? In our experience, we were stunned at the need to pay bribes at the airport, at the car rental place (our advice: please plan from before and avoid the Transtur car rental agency in Copacabana Hotel near Miramar or going through Canadian agent A. Nash Travel Inc. in Ontario). After our robbery, we spent many hours in a police station trying to get a report done but it seemed that no one was willing to help. After having spoken to more than 10 officers over the period of 2 days, our report miraculously appeared when a $10 bill was slipped between our passports. I mean, don't get us wrong - from extensive traveling and by the virtue of one of the letter writers being from India, we KNOW bureaucracy and corruption - but Cuba took the game to a whole new level. Again for some reason, the authors were completely off the mark.

4/ General Info, Maps, Prices, Numbers, Layouts -

Prices go up; inflation is a part of daily lives. But how do you explain almost 200% price hikes between what's printed and the reality? These numbers are especially depressing given a/ this edition was hot off the press b/ the official inflation was running below 5-10% band c/ we traveled in low season and the prices listed were for high season. Our hunch that the authors never actually checked the prices and conduct the required background work was confirmed as we asked all the places we stayed at and NONE had the authors visit them in over 4 years!

Worse than prices are phone numbers and access codes. I challenge the authors to call the numbers in the book - I am willing to buy them a plane ticket if calling the numbers gives the right destination more than 50% of the time. I know that's a low expectation rate to give someone a plane ticket, but that is exactly how inaccurate this guide is. E.g. try calling the numbers in Cayo Santa Maria. We asked the Department of Telecommunication if there had been any recent systematic changes in the telephone numbers and they answered in the negative.

Outside these 2 main sub thematic issues, the maps in LP Cuba were highly inaccurate. One of our favourite reminders of Cuba was coming across many tourists at major junctions looking at the maps from LP Cuba trying to make some sense. Another was when we were driving through Santa Clara for one hour in search for a recommended wellness/massage place that does not exist anywhere close to where it is marked on the map (actually, none of the Cubans we have been asking has ever heard of the place). Furthermore, the new layout made it VERY hard to find things. Please go back to the old layout - it made more sense. I don't know if other readers had gripes but it was very complex going back and forth as opposed to the ease of the last format.

Our hope from this letter is to encourage Lonely Planet to conduct a systematic review of their guide to Cuba. Moreover, it is to remind to LP that irrespective of their disclaimers, tourists do depend on them and basic expectations warrant the authors to conduct thorough investigations before sending a book to print. If there are any other questions, both of us are available via the internet to answer them. We sincerely hope LP takes our feedback into consideration and incorporates them into the next edition of its travel guide to Cuba.

Warm Regards,
MO, AD

Wait for the next edition........2005-10-11

This particular edition of LP Cuba will do you little good in the year 2005 and it's not necessarily all LP's fault as Cuba undergoes a metamorphosis every other day or so. So, go with another guide for more up to date information on currency and prices in general as well as legal casas.

And specifically for the Hotel Lido: whomever wrote up the little ditty about how only the brave should stay there does a great disservice to that hotel.

Finally, it would be nice if the author could actually stop blaming the US for 2 seconds and perhaps hold Castro accountable for something other than nothing.

my impressions after one week in havana sep 05.......2005-09-13

In the LP, the layout for Havana/suburbs/outlying areas is very difficult to follow. maps aren't consecutive, and the division of restaurants vs paladars divided by neighborhood and separated by pages of other stuff is hard to manage when you just want to know "where to eat". However, if you're just visiting Havana, i suggest another guidebook: the Time Out Guide. the maps are in color, easy to access (at the back of the book), and there is much more up to date stuff on current events, social attitudes/mores, clubs etc.

Candid Discussion - Bad on Entertainment & Hotels.......2004-11-11

While Lonely Planet Cuba does a good job of discussing the country and its culture in an objective way, its discussion of hotels and entertainment is way off. Prices for hotels listed is correct, but reviews of the property and the surrounding area is terrible. In addition, the discussion of nightlife is ridiculously off - Cuba has very little nightlife!!!

Cuba - Lonely Planet En Espaol (Lonely Planet Cuba)

Average customer rating:

Usefull

Cuba - Lonely Planet En Espaol (Lonely Planet Cuba)
Conner Gorry
Manufacturer: Geoplaneta
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Caribbean | Travel | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Lonely Planet Mexico

ASIN: 8408050516

Book Description

61 Maps

Customer Reviews:

Usefull.......2005-08-22

I liked te book a lot! i'm traveling to Cuba in a couple of weeks and the book helped me to decide where to go and how much money do i need. I think it's gonna be really usefell wehen i get there because it has a lot of maps and it explains clarely all the important spots you have to visit.

Average customer rating:

a heads up about Cuba

Lonely Planet Cycling Cuba (Cycling)
Rosa Jordan , and Derek Choukalos
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1864502495

Book Description

This essential guide steers you along 42 of Cuba's best cycling routes: climb the weirdest mountains this side of China, see ancient cave paintings on a pristine beach, or do a day trip on Havana's historic boulevard.

76 days of Cuba's best cycling
where to stay- from campismos and private homes to beach resorts
where to eat - dining out and pannier fillers for every budget
maintenance tips, plus how to pack and transport your bike
what to see and do, in and out of the saddle
Spanish language guide

Customer Reviews:

a heads up about Cuba.......2006-03-07

I took a cheaper mountain bike that was fixed up for riding on the road to cuba. No doubt that riding around havana is a pleasant way to go. However on the longer one day rides(Veradero to Cienfuego) I found the bike allot less appropriate to the airconditioned buses zooming by. There were moments riding eastward towards Trinidad that justified this style of traveling, however whichever direction I went there seemed to be a headwind. The local kids know this and rode my back wheel whenever they could. I saw one other cyclist on the road with a high end bike. No doubt they intended to take their bike back home. I elected to give it away before returning, I hope you do the same.

Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Cuba (Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Guides)

Average customer rating:

Heavy on Photos - Short on Information.

Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Cuba (Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Guides)
Diana Williams
Manufacturer: Pisces Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

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Customer Reviews:

Heavy on Photos - Short on Information........2007-05-16

The first thing that struck me when a copy of this book arrived through my letterbox was how thin it was. This is a paper-back book measuring 9" x 6" (23cm x 15 cm) containing 92 pages. With 20 of those pages taken up with such information as; Title of the book (again), publisher's information, contents, acknowledgements, how to use the book, overview (history) of Cuba, geography, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, index, etc, etc, there is precious little room left for the diving information - for which we purchased the book in the first place.

For much of the content we are then treated to one specific dive site per page each of which is headed with the following information; Typical depth range, Typical current condition, Expertise required, Access, Site No. After this we are treated to a short dialogue which, in many cases, fails to describe the site adequately and in some cases is exceedingly short. And the shorter the dialogue, the bigger the picture which takes up the rest of the page.

Of course the underwater pictures are all of typical Caribbean flora and fauna and the many species of available are almost all mentioned (somewhere!) in order to pad out the text.

In short, could have done much better!

NM

Lonely Planet Cuba (Lonely Planet. (Spanish Guides))

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Cuba (Lonely Planet. (Spanish Guides))
Brendan Sainsbury
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Caribbean | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Havana
Brendan Sainsbury
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1741040698

Book Description

Havana is a cultural powerhouse. A delightful and at times wicked set of contradictions, she is proud and boastful, unabashed and raw. Unlock the doors to the city - the Havana of delectable mojitos and proud intellectualism, of salsa and Santeria - with this comprehensive guide: cruise through Havana Vieja ona tailored walking tour, find romance along the Malecon, or simply puff knowingly on your Cohiba as you marvel at this cosmopolitan city on the verge of international stardom.

Discover Havana - dedicated Arts, Music and Architecture chapters reveal the culture, history, spirit and pathos of this Caribbean dynamo.

Find Yourself - detailed full-color maps guide you through Havana Vieja's narrow streets to her revolutionary monuments and neighboring beaches.

When Night Falls - immerse yourself in Havana's mambo rhythms or find that perfect hostel with expanded sleeping, eating and entertainment listings.

Under The Skin - comprehensive language and cultural coverage, and candid local interviews take you beyond the tourist trail.

Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Cuba (Diving & Snorkeling Guides)

Average customer rating:

Waste of time & money
Heavy on Photos - Short on Information.

Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Cuba (Diving & Snorkeling Guides)
Diana Williams
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Lonely Planet Cuba

ASIN: 0864427735

Book Description

Discover abundant marine life and world-class dive sites in Cuba's reefs, wrecks and walls. From the underwater valleys of Cuba's most popular dive destination, Isla de la Juventud, to the playground of wrecks off the coast of Varadero, there is something for divers of all abilities. Even Castro and Cousteau were lured by the island's warm waters and exceptional visibility. This guide describes 61 of Cuba's best dive sites with background briefings on its history, culture and complicated politics, illustrated by full-color photos throughout.

You'll get specific information on:

Dive site depth range, access and water conditions
Common and hazardous marine life
Topside activities ranging from hikes to nightclubs
Comprehensive list of dive services
16 easy-to-read maps

Customer Reviews:

Waste of time & money.......2004-12-31

I agree with NM's review. This book is a complete waste of time and money. You can get more useful information talking to your local diveshop or dive travel agent. Over a third of the book gives very general tourist information that you can get from any guide to Cuba. At the back, there are the usual pages of Carribean Fish ID and some more padding.

I expected a thorough guide to most if not all, diving sites in Cuba. I have bought other books in this series (Thailand & Belize) and have found them extremely helpful and informative. This book on Cuba is severely lacking in any useful diving information.

For example under the Cayo Largo section, the author writes "Cayo Largo has around 30 sites. 3 described below...." What about the rest? The state-owned Puerto Sol diving centers around Cuba are extremely friendly & helpful and each one has a huge board with a geograpically correct map showing all the dive sites in the surrounding area. Would it be that much effort to even photograph those maps and add them to the book?

Heavy on Photos - Short on Information........2004-08-28

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