runningdog Posted February 23, 2006 Posted February 23, 2006 Hey, I'm considering heading down to Cuba for a couple weeks of climbing and traveling...real soon like. Sounds great, right? But, I was just wondering how easy it is to hook up with climbers around Vinales once you're down there. Is it as easy as it is in Thailand(doubt it!)? I'm going down solo and don't want to waste any days milling about w/o a partner. Thanks! Quote
MountaingirlBC Posted February 23, 2006 Posted February 23, 2006 You should talk to Dave Way. He did a presentation at a BCMC meeting last year about his experiences climbing in Cuba. He was just heading down again before Christmas but he should be back now. I'll send you a pm with his info. Quote
Kitergal Posted February 23, 2006 Posted February 23, 2006 HOW ARE YOU GETTING INTO CUBA??? I am soo jealous!! I've wanted to go there my whole life!! YOU SO SUCK!!! Send lots of pics!! Lots of TR's! Quote
syklone Posted February 24, 2006 Posted February 24, 2006 Getting into Cuba is not hard at all. You can get flights from Mexico City, and from major Canadian hubs. The Cubans love American money, so they really want you to come. They don't even stamp your passport, so there isn't really any trouble there either. I've really wanted to go for the past few years, but just never enough time... Quote
islandclimber Posted February 24, 2006 Posted February 24, 2006 i'm gonna phone up Bush and tell on you! Maybe I'll get a medal or something... Quote
MountaingirlBC Posted February 24, 2006 Posted February 24, 2006 If you're climbing in cuba... they REALLY need gear down there. Dave took a load of donated gear down with him when he went in December. Shoes, for example would cost the equivalent of a year's salary or some crazy stat like that. I can't remember exactly but it was bad. So if you have any gear you can afford to leave behind they'd really appreciate it. I'm sure Dave can give you more info and hook you up with the people you need to talk to down there. And the good karma might help you to avoid the GeeDubya police Quote
Dechristo Posted February 24, 2006 Posted February 24, 2006 DO NOT climb the fence around Gitmo. Quote
Photojosh Posted March 1, 2006 Posted March 1, 2006 Yes, there is little to no gear in Cuba as far as I could tell. The good climbing seems to be in the Pinar Del Rio area. Specifically around Vinales. Vinales is a nice little town. I could probably dig up the address of the place we stayed (a private residence that rents rooms, common in cuba) which was decent. I didn't actually climb in Cuba. But I talked to a couple locals there who do. I also took a horseback ride out into the country and checked out some of the rock, looks like there are a lot of interesting possibilities there. Also, shortly after we got back (Dec 02 I think), there was an article in one of the climbing magazines about cuba. Quote
crazy_t Posted March 1, 2006 Posted March 1, 2006 You should talk to Armando (cubaclimbing.com). He's a really nice guy and is into supporting exchange and developing climbing there. I'd ask him for some local contacts. Quote
Kitergal Posted March 1, 2006 Posted March 1, 2006 are you kidding me?? It's that easy? I heard there's all kinds of new laws and reg's as of '05 thanks to our fav prez that make it even harder to get in? or actually to get back..getting in isn't the prob..coming home is where there are issues?? right? Or am I just a niave little gal listening to the law and afraid for all the wrong reasons? Quote
Photojosh Posted March 1, 2006 Posted March 1, 2006 Yes and no. Do some google research on the subject. There is lots of history and information out there. Drop me an email if you still can't find what you are looking for. Quote
Kitergal Posted March 1, 2006 Posted March 1, 2006 yeah..just spoke to Armando....dudes a freak'in studd!! Quote
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