Cuban Cigars, What’s the Big Deal?
Cuban cigars are widely considered the best cigars in the world. This can be attributed to two factors: the environment and the people’s skill. Cubans have grown tobacco for hundreds of years. The soil produces very high quality tobacco leaves and the humidity is ideal for both growing and drying them. According to Alan Dye, professor of economics at Columbia University, the tobacco leaves obtain a perfect shape in Cuba. The people use these perfect leaves all in the same direction to wrap the cigars, creating a smooth, shiny wrapper. Cigar aficionados consider the wrapper to be the most important part of the cigar. The factories wholeheartedly welcome visitors making them the perfect place for Havana, Cuba excursions!
Which Factories Can I Visit and What Will I See?
There are many cigar factories in Havana, however three welcome visitors:
- Partágas
- Romeo y Julieta
- La Corona
You will see rows and rows of torcedores (cigar rollers) making cigars by hand. The traditional process used today is very similar to the process used for the last few hundred years. Unlike other countries, each worker in Cuba makes the entire cigar themselves. The factories also house shops where you can purchase a variety of different brands of famous cigars.
What Else Can I See Nearby in addition to these Havana, Cuba Excursions?
Certainly it is a worth a visit to the nearby region of Pinar Del Río. You can easily make it a day trip from Havana. Pinar Del Río grows 70% of the tobacco used in Cuban cigars. Although not official tours, many of the farmers welcome guests to their tobacco plantations. Some of them even cook for their visitors! If you visit anytime between October and January you will be able to see the leaves still growing in the ground.
Combine Your Love of Cigars with Your Love of Old Cars in Cuba
VC Tours will help you make the most of your time in Havana and elsewhere in Cuba. Our top-rated guides are more than happy to share their in-depth local knowledge with you. Choose a classic convertible or an air conditioned hard-top and let us taking car of the driving while you take care of the touring. Book a car today!
