Colombia, pearl between the Caribbean and the Pacific, fascinates with its varied flora and fauna between the Andes and the Amazon lowlands, colonial gems such as Cartagena and up-and-coming cities, with the lively capital Bogotá in the first place.
Costa Rica / Panama
Pura Vida! This is the Ticos' attitude to life, as the Costa Ricans call themselves, and also the relaxed togetherness that tourists enjoy during a visit.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC / PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico - "rich port" - is Latin American way of life mixed with American Way of Life.
Cuba
The largest Caribbean island is known for its way of life with music and dance. Santiago de Cuba is a must here, not only in the famous Casa de la Trova.
But Cuba is also a paradise for nature lovers, because it has an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna. Numerous national parks invite you to trek in unspoilt natural landscapes.
But also the colonial history enchants visitors: Besides La Habana, Trinidad on the south coast of Cuba takes visitors back to the time of the sugar barons.
The world-famous white sandy beaches of Varadero or Playa Maria La Gorda invite you to swim and discover the underwater world.
TRAVEL TIPS
Culture:
Havana (old town and fortress UNESCO World Heritage Site), Santiago de Cuba (Castillo San Pedro de la Roca UNESCO World Heritage Site), Trinidad and Valle de Viñales (both UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Nature:
Zapata Peninsula with the Montemar Nature Park, Alexander von Humboldt National Park (UNESCO World Heritage)
Sports:
surfing, fishing, scuba diving, horse riding, trekking, swimming, golf, rafting
Festivals:
Cultura-Caribeña Festival every June and July, Carnival from 18 to 27 July. Day of Lazarus or Babalu Ayé on 17 Dec.
Reading:
Leonardo Padura: "Adiós Hemingway"
Culinary:
Creole cuisine with Indian, African and Spanish influences. In addition to meat, fish and seafood, rice, banana, cassava, pumpkin and sweet potatoes are often used as a basis. Typical single-drop dish: Ajiaco.
Tip:
Book a dance course! Dance and music offer the best conditions to get to know the country and its people. Everywhere on the island there are opportunities to practice what you have learned.
DATES AND FACTS
Country and people:
11.2 million people live on an area of 110,860 square kilometres, 65% of whom are white, 10% agro-Cubans and 25% mulattos or mestizos. The capital Havana has 2.1 million inhabitants.
Currency:
Cuban Peso (CUP) for tourists; Peso Cubano Convertible (CUC)
Language:
Spanish
Entry:
At least 6 months valid passport and visa ("tourist card") for stays up to 30 days
Climate and travel time:
All year round destination with tropical humid sea climate. Rainy season: May to Oct
Ecuador
Ecuador is authentic and breathtakingly beautiful. The small country on the equator captivates with its diverse indigenous culture and spectacular Nauter experiences from the Amazon lowlands over the Andes highlands - the Ecuadorian "Andean highlands".
