When most people think of Cuba, Havana’s vibrant streets and Varadero’s beach resorts come to mind. But head west and you’ll discover Pinar del Río, a province that feels like another world – quieter, greener, and deeply rooted in Cuba’s heritage. Why Visit Pinar del Río? Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss A Journey Back in Time Unlike…
Category: Guide to Cuba
US Trade Embargo & Cuban Cigars History
On 7 February 1962, U.S. President John F. Kennedy signed one of the most consequential executive orders in cigar history — the United States trade embargo on Cuba. The embargo was meant to punish Fidel Castro’s communist government. Instead, it gave birth to a myth, elevating Cuban cigars from prized luxury to forbidden legend. But before he reached for his pen,…
Cuban Cigars and The Music of Cuba
Few places in the world embody culture as vividly as Cuba. The island is not only the birthplace of the world’s finest cigars but also of some of the most influential and recognisable music ever created. From the rolling fields of Pinar del Río to the lively streets of Havana, cigars and music share a deep cultural…
Touring Cuban Cigar Factories: A Journey Through Havana’s Living Heritage
Step through the wide doorway of a Cuban cigar factory and you enter more than just a workplace—you step into a living tradition. The cracked marble beneath your feet carries the echoes of countless workers who have walked these halls, while the tropical heat follows you inside. The air is alive with sound: a call…
What’s the Weather Like in Cuba?
Cuba’s irresistible charm isn’t just found in its music, history, and cigars—it’s also blessed with a near-perfect climate. Thanks to its tropical location and the cooling influence of the Caribbean trade winds, Cuba enjoys warm sunshine almost all year round. Unlike other tropical regions, the island avoids extreme heat, making it one of the most comfortable destinations…
The History of Cuba’s Cigar Industry
Cuba enjoys one of the strongest reputations in the world for consistently producing high-quality cigars. Whatever one’s personal views on whether Cuban cigars are the very best, there is no denying that Cuba grows some of the finest tobacco on earth. The Early Roots of Tobacco in Cuba The origins of Cuban tobacco stretch back…