Cuba, regarded as the most dynamic tourist area in Latin America, extends its portfolio of options beyond the traditional sun and beach offers in order to meet the demands from the sector.

Dozens of excellent beaches are distributed along the national territory complemented by cities which also play an important role in the tourist industry.

In this sense, Havana stands out as a city rich in traditions, architecture and culture, within a Caribbean climate; including facilities related to the tourist activity.

Among these facilities, the Hotel Nacional de Cuba, owned by the Gran Caribe group and declared as National Monument, stands out as a kind of city guardian.

Meanwhile, Havana's historic heart includes several museums, churches, cultural centers and buildings from colonial times; with 33,000 constructions, most of them dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the country’s central area, the city of Cienfuegos stands out for its two dozen libraries, 11 museums, over 30 movie theaters and five theaters; all complemented by cultural institutions, art galleries and monuments which reflect the Cuban traditions for the enjoyment of domestic and foreign visitors.

In addition, the western city of Matanzas, capital of the province by the same name and also known as the Athens of Cuba or even as the Venice of the Americas, due to its rivers and canals, has shown a dynamic commercial and cultural life since colonial times.

Santiago de Cuba, in the eastern region of the island is regarded as the second most important city in the island and, by many, as the capital city of the Caribbean due to its geographical position and its ancient history.

Meanwhile, the central area of the city has an extraordinary number of museums, as well as the former Plaza de Armas (Arms Square) which is in the city’s heart, and it is known as Céspedes Park as a tribute to the Father of the Cuban Nation, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes.

Several options like parachuting and diving are offered in different Cuban tourist destinations thus contributing to strengthening the interrelation of these activities and leisure.

Three dozen specialized diving centers operate in the territory, including facilities for basic diving courses, as well as diving in coral reefs and caverns always under the international standards for such activities.

Close to 6,500 species of fish, crustaceous, sponges and mollusks; accompanied by several coral varieties, make the island into one of the best preserved underwater ecosystems in the region.

Likewise, protected areas, biosphere reserves, swamps and regions of endemic flora and fauna can be fully enjoyed, through accesses provided by specialized paths designed for those visitors who arrive in the island, with an interest in nature.