Hi all,

After three years, I'm heading back to Cuba....and back to Holguin.

I took a bus tour last time, where we went to a cigar factory, but where it was a stop on the tour, I do not recall how far it was from the resort (Paradisus Rio de Oro).

I'll try and take a local taxi to a cigar store this time, and would like to know of where the best places to buy are. My cigar preferences would be PSD4, R&J No.2 (had only one of those...but whoa, was it nice) and Cohiba Robustos, but I'll likely try something new from them.

Any suggestions on my best bets for purchase?

Thanks in advance, I appreciate any helpful info such as factroy names and locations.

He asked about Holguin, not Varadero.

I am aware of that but i saw if you scrolled down their forum responses references to Holguin are made as well. I did not really stop and read it but then again i am not the one looking for a place to purchase. How about you Bassman you have any input to help this member. Or are you here to correct me.

Thanks, Sheepy..

More specifically, the resort is in Guardalavaca, if that helps anyone offer some info.

I *think* I recall that I can do a 10 minute horse and buggy to the "town center" of Guardalavaca, but not sure if there's a legit store there.

I'll keep a googlin', but any help is appreciated.

There was a shop at the front of the lobby of the Atlantico in Guardalavaca with a limited selection when I was there a few years ago. Down the street from the Brisas Guardalava to the left facing the ocean there was a smallcomplex of stores and there was a small shop that also had cigars, it might still be there. Every resort in that area have tiendas with CCs but use care as fakes are rampant and you should under no circumstaces buy singles since they are 99.9% sure to be fake.
Ocaisionally some resorts have a flea market night when a torcedor is brought in to roll and sell his product, worth a try but the leaf they use is not top grade
The cigars sold at Frank Pais (HOG) are probobly fake and should be steered clear of.

Thank you.

I was planning on bringing about 75 sticks back with me....Maybe another 25 box of Cohiba Robustos, 25 MC No 2's.....and a variety of 5 packs (Siglos or something)....no singles though.

Maybe I'll just taxi into the factory that was on the tour. Resort prices were ridiculously close to Canadian prices (brutal)...

Even 5 packs are iffy, you want to make sure that you buy only cigars that come with the "Factura de Venta de Habanos"
That is an official government document that acompanies only genuine Habanos cigars. It requires your passport number, and must be presented at time of purchase, so make sure you take it with you are buying cigars. Singles and 5'rs sales do not need to be recorded and are most assuredly fakes, one of the many ways enterprising Cubans supplement their meager wages.

Great advice....I wouldn't have thought about bringing my passport with me...

The very latest news on the "Facturas" is that they are no longer a requirement although they still will fill them out for you if requested. I would make a point of getting one even if the merchant tries to talk you out of iT. Remember the Factura is poof positive that the box you buy is the real deal, it keeps the vendor honest. Wierd things can happen at the airport and the document is proof positive for you and the customs agents.
Have fun

Please dont confuse facts and information shemp is the best helper and is really good with google and always has something to say about everything.

That's funny Ryj i mean hetch you both use the same terminology.
As if lock down is not enough banishment is what you seek.

Im actually coriolanus or kechke or ligero you dolt.

Marty`s store list

quote:

Originally posted by hetch:
You sure are.

Yeah you would know P O S.

quote:

Originally posted by hydragoat:
Marty`s store list

Thanks! Looks like i have to get to La Cohiba Caracol Store: Plaza De La Marketa in Hoguin