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Varadero, Cuba.
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On Dec. 17, the US announced major policy changes that will move toward normalizing relations between the US and Cuba.
These changes will make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba , and that's great news for Americans, because Cuba is full of gorgeous beaches, historic architecture, and incredible natural landscapes teeming with wildlife.
Habana Vieja (Old Havana) is filled with colorful old buildings.
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The capital city's Malecón, or esplanade, stretches along the harbor and is the perfect place for a stroll.
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It's particularly beautiful at sunset.
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In many ways, the city feels like it's stuck in a time warp. There are classic American cars all over Havana that date back to the 1950s and '60s.
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In fact, these cars are all over the country — and are mostly in terrific shape. Tourists can rent the cars for fun.
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And let's not forget about salsa.
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The colonial city of Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Located in the mountains of central Cuba, the whole city of Trinidad is a gem.
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Even taxis are charming here.
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There are also some incredible waterfalls nearby, like the Vegas grande waterfall in Topes de Collante park.
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Cayo Largo is a small island off the southern coast of Cuba — and it's sheer paradise.
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Varadero is a resort town that has spectacular white-sand beaches.
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The beaches here are truly gorgeous.
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Baracoa is another tropical haven.
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Unlike the ones in Varadero, the beaches in Baracoa feel completely secluded.
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Visitors can get fresh coconuts on the beach.
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You can also get fresh fish almost anywhere near the water.
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Go bird watching, hiking, or rock climbing in the Viñales Valley.
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Viñales is full of tobacco farms. This is the place where are all those great cigars originate.
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But in many ways, this region is also stuck in a time warp. Farmers here use animals, rather than trucks, to plow their fields.
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There's plenty of wildlife all over Cuba. Look for flamingos, crocodiles, and hundreds of species of birds in the Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata.
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Now see amazing photos of another country.
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