www.cubacasas.net •|• Puerto Esperanza

In this ugly time, the only true protest is beauty.

Tiny sea pueblo on coast north of Viñales, Puerto Esperanza is poor but no poorer than most, seemingly left on its own, hoping (esperando) for something, tourists or a great fishing day.

In verano, Cubans abound. Dipping their toes off the pier while waiting for the pescadores to return with the catch of the day, like pargo (sea bass), cubera, viajaiba, bonito (tuna) or albacora (white tuna). Officially, all fish is reserved for export and cannot be served in casas particulares. Officially.

A school or two, a clinic, a tiny shop selling recycled clothes for pennies, time has seemingly stopped here in the early Fifties.

Even with the best intentions, some travellers are inclined to let it be, because it feels like another island, so calm and soft, like a caressing breeze.

The only true protest, indeed.

DISTANCES
Cayo Jutias, 35
Cayo Levisa, 25 (via la Palma)
La Habana, via Pinar and the highway, 192
La Fe, 145

La Palma, 28
Pinar del Rio, 51
Santa Lucia, 25
Soroa, 151
Viñales, 24

MAPS & LINKS

Getting here : North Coast map including Viñales

Map of area with Cayos Ines de Soto

Map of Pinar to San Diego region

Text (Spanish) on Ines de Soto treasure

Daily exchange rates

All things natural in the province of Pinar del Rio

SEE
The sea, the coral banks, great for scuba diving around the keys which dot the azure-colored water, notably the cayos Ines de Soto (Arrecifes Colorados) where in 1992, divers from Carisub found artefacts and gold coins which can be seen in La Habana at the Fortaleza de San Salvador de La Punta. The Ines de Soto galeon sank in 1572.

PLAYAS
Playa de Pajarito, 20 km away.

Outstanding shells from nearby Playuelas, El Corralillo

OUR SUGGESTIONS
V = suggested by webbies, owners and travelers. Check by phone or in person. In Feb 06, the village numbered 6 casas which rented : here they is, ms. Children 16 and under may share parents' bedroom at no charge only if there is an additional bed available. Mention the age of your children when making the reservation.

Comments and suggestions
webmaster @cubacasas.net

Pier •|• & kids esperando better days © sogestour

Pier before the hurricane •|• © Jorge Tutor

Columnas y casita •|• © Jorge Tutor

Niña y algo mas + Studebaker © sogestour

Niña y algo mas •|• Studebaker on empty © sogestour

BOOK BY PHONE
• From Canada and the USA :
011 53 (add phone # preceded by the town's area code, 8). • From Europe, Great Britain, Scandinavia and Mexico : 00 53 (add phone # preceded by the town's area code, 8).

See casas in sequence.

Move to next casa by clicking this logo.

VILLA DOS PALMAS
Tony y Cary
Calle 13 de Marzo, near the school and the fisheries centre. Tel. (8) 79-38-65

We enjoyed a very warm welcome by this enthusiastic and talkative couple who rent since 2002.

Tony and his esposa Cary rent an aircon bedroom with private bath, private use of shaded ranchon and sunny flowery terrace.

Rates : 15cuc for bedroom (2 adults max.), breakfasts 3 cuc, dinners 6-10cuc, depending on the catch of the day.

Click for more photos © sogestour

VILLA DORA GONZÁLEZ FUENTES
Pelayo Cuervo #5, near Calle 13 de Marzo.
Tel. (8) 79-38-72

A popular haunt of sailors who throw anchor in the town's bay. Relaxed atmosphere, patronized by true travellers. Two small aircon bedrooms with shared bathroom. Planning to move these to a two-storey building on the lot, to be ready by the end of 06.

Dora's decoration includes graffitis in the bedrooms drawn by its clients. Meals served on the terrace in the back for 6-8cuc.

Rates : from 15cuc per bedroom per night (2 pers. max.); dinners 6-8cuc.

Click for more photos © sogestour

DEIVIS y AMARYLIS
Calle 4 A, No. 8, near 3a. Turn left at Policlinico. Tél. (8) 79-38-39 or (8) 79-38-74

Deivis is a cook. His sister Teresa also rents next door. Private entrance, owners live across the street. The young couple offers :

Three aircon bedrooms to choose from : indoors, two bedrooms with shared bathroom (15-20cuc) and a third, apart from building with its private bath (20-25cuc).

Dining area is a ranchon, open air, with teevee and ventilador. Could not take facade as it hides behind a flowery and bushy fence.

TERESA HERNANDEZ MARTINEZ
Calle 4 A, No. 7, near 3a. Turn left at Policlinico. Tél. (8) 79-38-39 or (8) 79-38-74

This lovely little house has its own private entrance for guests. The hostess is very nice and the cooking is great, as prepared by her fisherman husband.

Flowery veranda. Open dining/terrace area, ranchon style with bar, nice.

Two bedrooms (one double, one quad), bathroom with hot water. Privacy guaranteed, the owners live across the street.

Rates : 15cuc for each bedroom, breakfasts 3, dînners 8.

VILLA LEONILA BLANCO
Calle Hermanos Caballeros No. 41 Tél. (8) 79-36-48

Charming Leonila runs a fine casa : its living and dining rooms lead to a ranchon in the back. Also in back, a double-bedded room with a private bathroom.

Another double-bedded room and a third (ideal for kids) share a second bathroom.

Attentive hosts, excellent cuisine.

Rate : 15cuc per bedroom (2 adults max).)

VILLA MARIBEL CABANA DEL SOL
Calle Maceo No. 56 Tél. (8) 79-38-46

Remarkably friendly greeting. This young couple will do all you want to make your stay memorable.

Great food, huge portions. House was closed for a while, reopened in March 06. One aircon bedroom with private bath.

Fresh vegetables from their own garden in the back. Will the Chevy even run again ? Find out by yourself.

Rates : 15cuc for bedroom (2 adults max)

Updated 02.01.2009