What I did on my Cuban vacation

[Ojibear]

I just want to give you guys a head's up about the scene in Havana. I got there on February 13. I had dinner with a young Cuban guy I met on Bearwww.com. He wasn't a rent boy. He turned out to be more feminine in person. He was very pretty, but not my type. Also it was difficult getting to know him because he had no English and I have very little knowledge of Spanish. I felt sorry about letting him down as he was very sweet, but I felt no chemistry there.

Saturday night I went to Humboldt 52 with the owner of Casa Arian. It was fantastic. Great entertainment and cheap booze. There were plenty of boys/men to be had. Some were obviously gay, others were young macho guys. The majority were available for sex. I was forewarned to tuck my money away and to bring only enough for the evening. There I met the most gorgeous young twink ever. Sorry I have no contact information; he lives with his family. The prices range to 25CUC ($1.00CUC=$1.00USD) to 45CUC. I also gave him toothbrushes, hair products, and small bottles of cologne. Bring some extra toiletries along because they are hard to get in Cuba and very appreciated.

The boys are very nice and not at all dangerous, but are not averse to lifting a few items when you're back is turned, so put all your valuables in the safe.

Another caveat, do not buy food on the street. I bought a fruit juice from a street vendor and had 24-hour bug. So bring Immodium and any other over the counter meds you need. I drank the tap water and had no ill affects. However, there are no convenience stores there, so you have to buy bottles of water in restaurants. I ate several times at the Hotel Park Centrale which is very modern and has reasonable prices. The owner of Casa Arian also suggested some good Cuban restaurants.

I met some guys from Amsterdam and after recuperating from my stomach ailment I went with one to Cabaret Las Vegas. There were about 50-75 rentboys there. The majority were black or mulatto and between 20-30 years old. I didn't see any twinks that night.

The Dutchman and I proceeded to get inebriated and we left the bar with two guys. My guy was a black dude around 23 with a big pinga. Most of the boys are "activo" only.

My last night I went back to Humboldt and once again the show was fabulous. One of the dancers was extremely handsome. I was mesmerized. As I had an early flight back to Toronto I left early with a tall handsome mulatto guy in tow. When I got to the airport I was still tipsy, but got a few winks in the waiting area.

Some overall comments. It was my first time in a third world country and it took a bit to get used to the sadly run down buildings. However, I didn't see any panhandlers and the people were healthy and well-dressed. There were many many handsome Cuba men on the streets and sidewalks. Make sure to bring a Spanish phrase book because almost no one speaks English or any other European language. Beware to taxi drivers overcharging you. Negotiate your price before getting in the taxi because they are unregulated. I liked using the bicycle taxis for short rides. My ankle was still healing after a break in December. For souvenir shopping go to old Havana.

I was told that the Malecon was dead because of the cold winds there at night so I didn't bother going there. The weather in February in Havana is not very hot and some nights I wore a jacket when I went out. The hottest day I was there it was about 29 Celsius and almost no humidity.

Many of the Cuban guys want you to fall in love with them. I believe it's because they are desperate to get to a first world country. But there are some sincerely nice guys who are very romantic.

I'm definitely going back, but I'm going to learn more Spanish before I do so. Being able to communicate with the locals really adds to the enjoyment of the holiday. I think the next time I go it will in March because the cool sea winds precluded going to the beach.

My rating is 3 1/2 stars out of 5!

[msclelovr]

Thanks for the detailed report. It's very interesting. Please may I ask you to comment on where you stayed, how you found it and whether it was upto reasonable first-world standards.

[Ojibear]

Thanks for the detailed report. It's very interesting. Please may I ask you to comment on where you stayed, how you found it and whether it was upto reasonable first-world standards.

I stayed at Casa Arian which is in Central Havana (La Reina and Angeles). It was very clean. Plenty of hot water. Each room at a safe which is indispensable. It was 30CUC a night (=$30USD). The advantage is that the owner is gay and will give you advice the gay night life and the boys. Breakfast is 5CUC. It was about 10 CUC taxi ride to the bars. Like most buildings in Havana it was run down.

If you want a first world hotel try the Hotel Parque Central. A standard room runs about $200USD a night and is very modern. It includes breakfast. There is live entertainment in the evenings. It's about $10CUC on way the gay bars (where the boys are). I am not sure if the security will allow you to bring boys back to your hotel room.

[Suckrates]

Thats a great report, and I truly hope Mr Axiom got to see it before he leaves on his trip....

Sadly, Grandma doesnt travel anymore. She always hated flying, and now the process is just so cumbersome that she just doesnt want to deal...

Back in the day, when she did travel, her pre-trip research was always on the culture and non-sexual aspects, because it was always assumed a hookup would happen randomly, and from some gay bar.... Kudos on the tenacity of the "sexual" research... Wish i had the patience to do it, and ponder all the missed opportunities.....

But as they say, whatever your travel experience is, you "always have the memories".............

[Theolover]

Thanks for the report!

[Guest thetimeisnow]

Thanks for your report. For those of us who travel to Rio and love the guys at 117. Can you give us details of what the guys looked like at Humbolt 52 and Cabaret Las Vegas.

My interest is tall muscular activo in any flavor. If there is a good selection of that type of guy it would help me to make a decision to go to Havana.

Had a close friend tell me once when I started to travel to Latin America "stick with what you know". So any help you can give would make sure I am not wasting any vacation days.

[Ojibear]

Thanks for your report. For those of us who travel to Rio and love the guys at 117. Can you give us details of what the guys looked like at Humbolt 52 and Cabaret Las Vegas.

My interest is tall muscular activo in any flavor. If there is a good selection of that type of guy it would help me to make a decision to go to Havana.

Had a close friend tell me once when I started to travel to Latin America "stick with what you know". So any help you can give would make sure I am not wasting any vacation days.

The guys at Humboldt 52 and Las Vegas were mostly mulatto. On average they're about 5'10" to 6'. There were tall muscular guys to be had. The pinguero I picked up at Humbolt was about 6 foot, 160 lb, lean muscular with about 9 thick inches. He was activo. He did everything with gusto including kissing. I didn't see any heavily muscled guys, but they are all fit and go to the gym. You'll have fun.

[Ojibear]

A note about credit cards. You can use Visa at most bank machines. My Visa card is with a Canadian bank, so I'm not sure if American Visa cards will work in Cuba. Cuban banks are hell on earth. I felt sorry for the Cubans who have to use them on a regular basis. I used Cadeca in old Havana (http://www.tripadvisor.ca/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g147271-d149029-i97633790-Old_Havana-Havana_Cuba.html) to exchange money (I used Mastercard). However, for Americans hoping to go there I am not sure if the Cuban banks accept American currency. I would check with other Americans who have traveled there and see what they did. You don't want to get stuck down there with no cash. I'm not sure if there is an American embassy there. If not, I'm pretty sure the Canadian or Australian embassy would help you.

[MsGuy]

I'm not sure if there is an American embassy there. .

The American Embassy shut down in 1961. It sat empty until 1977 when the State Department moved back in under the fiction that it was the United States Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy. The building is located on the Jose Marti Anti-Imperialist Platform on the bay, near the Cuban Foreign Ministry complex.

I suspect that functionally the US Interests Section is not that much different from a regular Embassy but I don't know that for a fact. It could be that they are under special restrictions about what they can do to help you if you get your ass in a crack. I'm sure the Section will send you some pamphlets explaining their situation if you e-mail them.

[AdamSmith]

It could be that they are under special restrictions about what they can do to help you if you get your ass in a crack. I'm sure the Section will send you some pamphlets explaining their situation if you e-mail them.

No doubt!

[axiom2001]

I stayed at Casa Arian which is in Central Havana (La Reina and Angeles). It was very clean. Plenty of hot water. Each room at a safe which is indispensable. It was 30CUC a night (=$30USD). The advantage is that the owner is gay and will give you advice the gay night life and the boys. Breakfast is 5CUC. It was about 10 CUC taxi ride to the bars. Like most buildings in Havana it was run down.

If you want a first world hotel try the Hotel Parque Central. A standard room runs about $200USD a night and is very modern. It includes breakfast. There is live entertainment in the evenings. It's about $10CUC on way the gay bars (where the boys are). I am not sure if the security will allow you to bring boys back to your hotel room.

I just arrived back in California about 2 hours ago and am tired but thought I'd come here before retiring for the eve. I'm all "wacked" because of the time difference and now we're on daylight savings time! In response to having guests in your room at hotels. Count it OUT! Your guests can meet you in the lobby once the personnel ring your room. From there it's off to a place where sex happens. I'll write about my "LIMITED" sexual experiences later this week, plus. I'll title it "Axiom's One Week Visit in Habana!"

[axiom2001]

A note about credit cards. You can use Visa at most bank machines. My Visa card is with a Canadian bank, so I'm not sure if American Visa cards will work in Cuba. Cuban banks are hell on earth. I felt sorry for the Cubans who have to use them on a regular basis. I used Cadeca in old Havana (http://www.tripadvisor.ca/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g147271-d149029-i97633790-Old_Havana-Havana_Cuba.html) to exchange money (I used Mastercard). However, for Americans hoping to go there I am not sure if the Cuban banks accept American currency. I would check with other Americans who have traveled there and see what they did. You don't want to get stuck down there with no cash. I'm not sure if there is an American embassy there. If not, I'm pretty sure the Canadian or Australian embassy would help you.

Citizens of the U.S. will be able to use credit cards within the next few months, but to date, we "cannot!"

[axiom2001]

Thanks for the report!

Ojibear, I, too, thank you for your trip report. I am just reading it at 11:15P on 03.08.15. ...just returned to the States yesterday and back in California around 5P today.

[AdamSmith]

Welcome back, axiom! Eagerly awaiting your stories.

[Alaskabear]

I would like to add that you can find guys at Micayito beach as well. There is a bus in old city that will take you there. I think it's about 30minutes away. Very handsome boys in underwear and speedos advertising what they have. the quality of the guys is incredible. I think around 30cuc was the going rate.

[axiom2001]

I stayed at Casa Arian which is in Central Havana (La Reina and Angeles). It was very clean. Plenty of hot water. Each room at a safe which is indispensable. It was 30CUC a night (=$30USD). The advantage is that the owner is gay and will give you advice the gay night life and the boys. Breakfast is 5CUC. It was about 10 CUC taxi ride to the bars. Like most buildings in Havana it was run down.

If you want a first world hotel try the Hotel Parque Central. A standard room runs about $200USD a night and is very modern. It includes breakfast. There is live entertainment in the evenings. It's about $10CUC on way the gay bars (where the boys are). I am not sure if the security will allow you to bring boys back to your hotel room.

Hotel Roc Presidente is where I stayed during my week's stay while in Habana. But again, as Oji mentioned, "...the security at the hotels throughout the city will NOT allow you to bring boys back to your hotel room." The boys have your room rung; you come to lobby to meet and greet and then leave!

[handlebreak]

Hello guys,

This is my first post at this forum. Hope my previous experience could be of any help.

Cuba is a paradise for meeting awesome men. I mean AWESOME. I have been traveling to Cuba in the last five years, about twice per year. I don't want to write a long post; just some advices:

1. If you want to meet a lot of Cuban men, DO NOT stay at a hotel. Use "casas particulares". You can find decent places for about 30 CUC (45 USD) very well located, and you can do anything you want.

2. Expect to pay about 20-40 CUC per man. Mulatos and black guys are cheaper. White and muscled, expensive. If size does matter for you, check it before close the deal. It is a myth that all the Cuban guys are well endowed.

3. If you want wild experiences, don't lock with a guy in particular. They are very territorial about their "yumas" (foreign customers) and you don't want a scene.

4. Having said that, you can go with confidence. It is one of the safest places in Latin America. Just use your common sense. You're not in a runway showing luxury jewelry, expensive clothes, etc. Don't temp them.

5. If you don't speak Spanish well, I highly recommend you hire a companion for the trip. Someone confident will be escorting you to the hot places, keep an eye in your belonging, helping with the restaurants, etc. It is one of your wisest investments. I still hire the same one since years ago, just to make everything easier.

6. I know a lot of people love the "local" places, the "paladares". Keep in mind some of these are really a scam. I have had very mixed experiences of these. If you want a decent (I said decent, not a 3-star Michelin experience) there are restaurants that, for about 20-30 CUC, you will have a different level of service. Yes, these are run by the government.

7. If you expect the typical shyness and service attitude found in other countries in Latin America, in Cuba, forget it. Most of the Cuban guys don't have a sense of prudence and they will ask for things without hesitation. In this sense, a local guide make all these things clear.

8. There are parties all the week long. Ask the guys where is the "fiesta" today.

Anyway, if it happen you go to Cuba soon, let me know. It is in my short-term agenda!

[axiom2001]

Hello guys,

This is my first post at this forum. Hope my previous experience could be of any help.

Cuba is a paradise for meeting awesome men. I mean AWESOME. I have been traveling to Cuba in the last five years, about twice per year. I don't want to write a long post; just some advices:

1. If you want to meet a lot of Cuban men, DO NOT stay at a hotel. Use "casas particulares". You can find decent places for about 30 CUC (45 USD) very well located, and you can do anything you want.

2. Expect to pay about 20-40 CUC per man. Mulatos and black guys are cheaper. White and muscled, expensive. If size does matter for you, check it before close the deal. It is a myth that all the Cuban guys are well endowed.

3. If you want wild experiences, don't lock with a guy in particular. They are very territorial about their "yumas" (foreign customers) and you don't want a scene.

4. Having said that, you can go with confidence. It is one of the safest places in Latin America. Just use your common sense. You're not in a runway showing luxury jewelry, expensive clothes, etc. Don't temp them.

5. If you don't speak Spanish well, I highly recommend you hire a companion for the trip. Someone confident will be escorting you to the hot places, keep an eye in your belonging, helping with the restaurants, etc. It is one of your wisest investments. I still hire the same one since years ago, just to make everything easier.

6. I know a lot of people love the "local" places, the "paladares". Keep in mind some of these are really a scam. I have had very mixed experiences of these. If you want a decent (I said decent, not a 3-star Michelin experience) there are restaurants that, for about 20-30 CUC, you will have a different level of service. Yes, these are run by the government.

7. If you expect the typical shyness and service attitude found in other countries in Latin America, in Cuba, forget it. Most of the Cuban guys don't have a sense of prudence and they will ask for things without hesitation. In this sense, a local guide make all these things clear.

8. There are parties all the week long. Ask the guys where is the "fiesta" today.

Anyway, if it happen you go to Cuba soon, let me know. It is in my short-term agenda!

handlebreak, thanks for your post and advice. I found it quite helpful and plan to use on my third trip to this island nation later this year. Would you be so kind as to give us the specific name and contact information of your guide? That would be most helpful. Also, give us some specific recommended particulars. Again, this would be helpful to us all. We have ojibear's in his post and mine in my long post here, but we need specifics in order to navigate easily and successfully.

And as far as private restaurants go, consult http://www.tripadvisor.com;do the required, easy navigation, and you'll receive a plethora of restaurants along with some very salient reviews. I used some of the information cited at these two websites prior to my most recent, short journey to Habana, Cuba.

Again, thanks! Your additional, yet specific information would be most appreciated!

[axiom2001]

Men, I am starting a running list of websites one should consult and read and view prior to visiting this once "forbidden island nation."

I'd like to direct your attention to: http://www.cubaabsolutely.com http://cuba-junky.com and http://www.havanatimes.org

These 3 sites have a distinct and authentic Habana connection, and if I manage to return to Habana and a few towns steeped in history, I will definitely use the above sources.

[axiom2001]

Thanks for the detailed report. It's very interesting. Please may I ask you to comment on where you stayed, how you found it and whether it was upto reasonable first-world standards.

This casa particular can be found at http://www.cuba-junky.com. There are reviews for it along with one or two other gay-friendly lodging.

But after I read Oji's take on this place and the reviews and ad, I'm enthusiastic about staying here once we Americans can travel freely after the restrictions have been lifted. (I've been twice previously but on People-to-People programs!)

[firecat691614502759]

I look forward to someone finally posting photos of these Gorgeous Cuban Boys.

Di they ban cameras in Cuba???