Cayo Largo es el extremo oriental del Archipiélago de los Canarreos, una larga franja de 350 islas e islotes al sur de Cuba, a 144 Kms. de la Isla de la Juventud y 80 Kms. al sur de la Península de Zapata.

Getting There Cayo Largo is 177 km away from Havana. Daily flights from the capital or from Varadero are made every day while flights from Camagúey and Santiago provinces are weekly. International charter flights land in Cayo Coco with connections mainly from Canada, Germany and Italy.Cubana de Aviación has international flights to Cayo Coco. Aerogaviota flies from Baracoa and Havana. From the Isle of Youth, the access can be by small planes and by boat. An excursion of one day from Havana may cost US$94, including the ticket and meals. Extra activities of water sports are not included in this package.

WAYS OF PAYMENT Prices are set in USD. A branch of the National Bank of Cuba offers: exchanges of travelers' checks and foreign currencies, cash withdrawals, credit card services: Visa and MasterCard. For payments, cash, traveler's checks and credit cards, not issued in US banks are accepted. Coins of 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents are available, convertible in many places at Cayo Largo.

Where to sleep Cayo Largo hotels are in harmony with the surroundings, the majority is located along the south coast, linked with the airport. A road gives access to them all and a bus ("guagua," the local term for bus) picks up passengers at no cost. There is a wide range of accommodations, from standard rooms to rustic but very comfortable cabanas. Its first hotel, Isla del Sur with 59 rooms, was inaugurated in 1982. Phone: 535 48 111 - 118. Now Isla del Sur Hotel belongs to Gran Caribe chain, followed by Pelmcano Hotel with rooms and suites, more secluded. Phone: 535 48333-6. Villa Capricho and Villa Iguana are a group of 75 beautiful cabanas and bungalows, respectively attended by the surrounding hotels. Hotels and cabanas have air-conditioned rooms with gardens, private bath, phone and satellite TV. The rate is US$400 for every 4 nights, the package includes transfer from Havana, breakfast, buffet dinner and all services included, from water sports, tennis, horse riding, medical services, laundry, mail and fax.

Where to eat: The most attractive offers are food prepared with shells and fish. Several buffet restaurants and ranchones near hotels are available as Los Canarreos, Medusa Bar and Ranchsn El Conuco, the latter has a style similar to a large aboriginal construction, close to Isla del Sur Hotel.

SERVICES FOR TOURISTS CUBATUR

makes the reservation for local and international flights. It has a representation service and extends assistance to the agencies hired by visitors. It also offers a wide range of excursions, hotel reservations, car rental and tourist-card sales. ASISTUR is in charge of expenses in terms of urgent medical care, hospitalization, repatriations, financial aids, location of lost equipments, travel document arrangements and legal counseling.

Amusement Balls and fiestas are arranged at hotels. Some have discotheques as El Marinero by Pelmcano Hotel, "Top Caribe" Night Club or Lago Azul Discotheque, located at the airport, offering a minibus service until 11 p.m. These facilities contribute to shape a perfect end of the day.

Diving: There are two main diving areas and over 30 immersion points: on the south of the island, along Los Ballenatos and Cayo Rosario reefs, on the north, at Cazones Gulf, there are deep precipices and caves, but sea currents are frequent thus is only recommendable for expert divers. There is a sailing school that organizes courses for beginners and they go to the depth in all levels. Sailing: Cubanautica has a charter yacht fleet. Phone: 48220 in Havana. La Marina Cayo Largo del Sur in Combinado has 50 bollard points for tourist yachts. Other enterprises offer boat rides with glass bottom. Fishing: An international fishing championship takes place along the coastal line. Water Sports: Windsurfing, kayaking and jet skiing can be enjoyed.