www.cubacasas.net •|• Puerto Esperanza [Pinar del Rio]

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

Also in the Occidente

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.

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

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

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

8a Frank Pais © robin thom, flickr.com •|• & kids esperando better days © sogestour

Pier before the hurricane •|• © Jorge Tutor

Villa Sol © robin thom, flickr.com •|• © Jorge Tutor

Mercado Ideal #1 © robin thom, flickr.com

OUR SUGGESTIONS
V = suggested by webbies, owners and travelers. Check by phone or in person. 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

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
Calle 13 de Marzo, near the school and the fisheries centre. Tel. (8) 79-38-65

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

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

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

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

Rates (15-20cuc) or (20-25cuc).

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

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

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

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

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

Rates : 15cuc for bedroom (2 adults max)

Updated 22.07.2010