Hi Gene, your hotel in Varadero should have a car rental service: If not one other hotels on the strip will have one, so there shouln't be a problem. Like a lot else in Cuba, booking in advance doesn't really count for much so don't bother, but as long as you're not too fussy about your transport it should be a fine. A little bit more expensive than it is to rent in Europe, but for two days it'll be well worth it.
I rent a car for 12 hours because I drive in in the AM and out in the PM. 100 to 130 CUC cash. Cash is of course prefered. Rental for three days. I estimate it will be almost 300 CUC.
QM Quality does not occur by chance. It is the result of intelligent activities.
Posts: 8033 | Location: Cigar land | Registered: March 10, 2003
If you've never been before, it would probably be best to take a tour bus to Havana and once there use taxi's. Navigating Havana is very difficult...the streets are not marked clearly, vandalism and theft are rampant, and the cops that are there are more prone to hassle you for a payoff than to prevent crime. Be careful...especially where you intend to park your car. There are several people who travel regularly to Cuba and have reliable people who have cars that can take you around and be a guide...and I would HIGHLY suggest that you do something like that. Otherwise, you are at the mercy of a very aggressive population who prey on tourists.
The drive from Varadero to Havana is nothing extraordinary. But if you take a bus that drops you at a hotel, it would be the perfect place for a trusted person to meet you and have your back, as they say.
I might have some suggestions. You can reach me at: ryj7x47 at hotmail dot com
___________________ Santa Cabilla...patron saint of Quericæstan. VIVE COULTER (not Ann)! VIVE CPD! Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go...(Oscar Wilde)
Posts: 10308 | Location: Avenida de las Nalgas, Quericæstan | Registered: May 02, 2002
I have been to Havana before...I know where to go, I just want to make a quick cigar run & take in a evening.
I was considering just hiring a taxi. Renting a car is a bit expensive & once in Havana, I'll mostly just walk around...besides, from what I can remember, this hotel has no parking.
Take the Viazul bus. It's only 10CUC and they will drop you off close enough that you can walk to Villanueva. Or you can grab a cab anywhere near the Capitolio for about 6CUC. Taxi from Varadero will run about 80CUC but maybe more.
to me, the best way to go (if you don't want to drive) is to ask the hotel to get you an Air conditioned taxi for the day. 150-200 CUC, depending on the person, and what you ask him for.
he'll take you anywhere you want.. and he'll stay for as long as you want...
I susally inform them that it's cigar that I'm looking for, and give them the list of stores I plan on visiting... sometimes, i make them go around twice, as I want to check the inventory in all the stores before buying anything...
Originally posted by chineromine: Take the Viazul bus.
I think that's what we'll do...sounds more economical to me.
I've found the bus schedules, just checking on the pickup/drop off locations.
Thanks again guys....appreciate the help.
I'll post a trip report in December.
Gene L
The driver will usually drop you off at any major point in Havana- no extra charge. When you settle in, go to the Viazul office, located in Old Havana and ask if you can get a small car or mini-bus transport to Varadero. If you are lucky they will accommodate you, depending on who you speak to, and arrange for pick-up at your hotel. The cost is minimal. Viazul runs the same service from Trindad to Havana, i.e. small car transport, for the same cost as the Viazul bus. Very few people know about it, including Viazul reps and tour operators (Cubanacan, etc.). Otherwise you will have to go to the station in Nuevo Vedado and catch the bus to Varadero from there. Cab ride is about 6CUC from Old Havana. BTW you will need to book your return trip in advance because the seats can fill up quickly, even on the big bus.
Originally posted by Gene L: Chineromine....excellent info, thanks...this will help a lot, appreciate it.
Do you happen to know where the pick up location in Veradero is for the Viazul?
We are staying at the last hotel on the Peninsula...Barceló Marina Palace I think?
Out of the way I know......
Gene L
Pick up is at the Viazul station. Can't remember the exact street. I think it's 45 Ave y Autopista? Something like that. 1/3 of the way into town, turn left and it's beside the highway. From Barcelo, it's about a 15-20CUC cab ride.
Not so logical if you don't know your way around. Ignorance can be bliss, but the risk in Cuba these days is quite profound. Not so simple, then, either...and that's not very effective.
___________________ Santa Cabilla...patron saint of Quericæstan. VIVE COULTER (not Ann)! VIVE CPD! Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go...(Oscar Wilde)
Posts: 10308 | Location: Avenida de las Nalgas, Quericæstan | Registered: May 02, 2002
Originally posted by QM: Rent a car. Drive in. Simple. Effective. Logical.
But I agree with an earlier poster, that the locals will eat you alive without a guide. I have done this 3x times and the guide has saved my ass.
My biggest regret is not listening to the women who ran one of the LCDH's I visited, as I should have bough the cigars they recommended. Instead, I bought some mediocre cigars.
"Bud spelers of the word unight, and remumber: cabron is most abundent elemant in hte youknwverse"
