Vacations in Eastern Cuba

Santiago de Cuba, located between the Caribbeanbloodstained uniforms, photographs, letters, and other
Sea and the Sierra Maestra mountain range, is thedocuments. There's also the Granjita Siboney
Eastern capital and home of the Cuban Son, which isMuseum, which was the place of gathering for the
the father of all Cuban rhythms of this century. It isattack of the Moncada garrison. It now shows
the capital of the Santiago de Cuba Province in thememorabilia of the assault.
eastern region of the island and the country's secondSantiago de Cuba was the homeland of many
largest metropolis. This city, rich in culture, tradition,notorious Cubans as well. That's why travelers can
and also in natural and architectural treasures,find in this city numerous museums that were the
provides travelers with amazing experiences in theirbirthplace of famed figures of the Cuban history. One
Cuba vacations. From hill-walking and mountaineeringcan visit the Native House of José
to historical and cultural tours, Santiago de Cuba is aMaría Heredia, one of Cuba's greatest poets;
destination that will not disappoint you.the Native House of Antonio Maceo, a leader of the
For those who love nature and who enjoywar of independence and the Native House of Frank
mountain-climbing and hill-walking activities, SantiagoPaís, a hero who fought against the
de Cuba offers several points of interest like: thedictatorship of the 1950's. Furthermore, there are
Sierra Maestra mountain range and Baconaoother historical sights to see in Santiago de Cuba such
Biosphere Reserve, where La Gran Piedra (The Greatas the Museum of Carnival, which aims to give an
Stone) stands out.overview of the great tradition of carnival in Santiago.
The rugged topography of the Sierra Maestra, withIt's also interesting the Emilio Bacardi Museum, one of
elevations of up to 1,300 m above sea level, is uniqueCuba's first museums that keep a valuable collection
in the island and famous for its landscapes ofcovering the period between the Spanish conquest
breathtaking beauty and unbelievable variety. Amongand the Wars of Independence (from Spain). Other
these elevations are the three highest peaks ofremarkable sights are the Museum of Rum that
Cuba: the Pico Real del Turquino with 1,974 m, theexhibits all about the great beverage and the
Pico Cuba with 1,872 m and the Pico Suecia withMuseum "La Isabelica", which shows some history of
1,734 m above sea level. This scenery gives thethe French settlements in the area and displays
visitor the feeling of being at the top of the island,farming implements and archeological objects.
and you can literally touch the clouds in the sky. It isOne more historic attraction is the Santa Ifigenia
an exclusive place where one can get the best viewCemetery. This large cemetery is a small city of the
of the rivers, forests, mountains and valleys thatdead, populated by elaborate marble tombs including
surround the region. It's also considered as one ofseveral spectacular mausoleums. One of these
the most important well-preserved areas in Cuba, duebelongs to José Marti, National Hero and one
to the great diversity of its flora and fauna. I highlyCuba's most lucid and visionary men of all times. This
recommend bringing your camera along to take somecemetery gathers tombs for such historic notables as
pictures of endemic flowers and animals of the zone.Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the "Father of
Bird watching is also a popular activity in this area.the Homeland", and Emilio Bacardi, including graves
Moreover the Sierra Maestra is an emblematic sitefrom those who fought for revolution, like Frank
where decisive moments of the Cuban RevolutionPaís.
took place. In an intricate zone of this territoryAnother world heritage site: The San Pedro de la
explorers can find the Comandancia de la Plata, theRoca del Morro Castle can be found on the outskirts
First Front of the Rebel Army, a place with historicalof this historical city. This fortress is one of the most
value.formidable defensive works constructed by the
If you are traveling with the whole family, BaconaoSpaniards in the island. It was inscribed on the
Park will be an excellent choice in your itinerary.UNESCO World Heritage List as "the most complete,
Located in the Sierra Maestra, the Baconao Park wasbest-preserved example of Spanish-American military
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Biospherearchitecture based on Italian and Renaissance design
Reserve List in 1987, including three well definedprinciples". From this fortification the visitor can see
biogeographic zones: the "Meseta de Santiago", thethe whole bay of Santiago de Cuba where took
"Sierra de la Gran Piedra" and the "Meseta Santaplace the famous naval battle in 1898 between US
Maria de Loreto". It incorporates beaches, mountains,and Spanish troops. The fortress now houses the
lakes, forests and ruins of French coffee plantations.Museum of Piracy.
Visitors can appreciate a high biodiversity in flora andSantiago de Cuba is also a centre of great religious
fauna, being a wonderful experience for natureimportance. Located about 20 km far from the city
lovers. Moreover, there is an International Divingthe Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad
Center and the Land Transport Museum, which(Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre Sanctuary) is the
exhibits over 2,000 miniature vehicles along with anmost important shrine in the island. The walls of the
exposition of vintage cars. Also, one can enjoy a visitchurch are laden with gifts from people that were
to the Aquarium where dolphins and seals put anhealed or asked for the Virgin's blessing. Many are the
excellent show for both children and adults, exhibitingvisitors who come to Santiago to climb the hill of this
their abilities.sanctuary dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cuba.
One of the main attractions of this zone is La GranSome of them come to keep a promise, others take
Piedra (The Great Stone), a majestic and magnificentofferings which are added to the hundreds of pieces
rock formation. This enormous rock of volcanic originand objects that have been dedicated to the Virgin
is on the top of a mountain at 1,125 meters. Due toamong which, is Hemingway's Nobel Prize medal.
its gorgeous sceneries, this place constitutes a naturalSome people often collect copper stones from the
viewpoint. It is said that in the clear nights the lightsmine close to the church.
of Jamaica can be seen from there. It's alsoFinally, a journey to Santiago de Cuba would not be
considered one of the largest rocks in the world.complete without sampling its cultural activities.
Have children? Take them to the Prehistory Valley,Santiago de Cuba is famous for its celebrations,
an amazing collection of reproductions of dinosaursincluding the Festival of Caribbean Culture sometimes
and other prehistoric animals made of stone in almostknown as the Feast of Fire, and the popular Santiago
their natural size. These fantastic creatures areCarnival which takes place every July. With the many
disseminated on a wide valley surrounded byfestivals it holds, the city is called the cultural capital
mountains, in the same places where the legendaryof the Caribbean.
animals should have lived. This valley is a great venueEven though July in Santiago de Cuba tends to be
for photography. Kids will love it!extremely hot, it's probably the best time to enjoy
On the other hand, Santiago de Cuba is an artisticits famous festivities. When the carnival begins in
and cultural centre of great prominence in the historySantiago the whole city turns into one big party.
of Cuba. Visitors have the chance to enjoy historicalWhat most characterize the carnival are the congas,
tours in the midst of marvelous natural landscapes.which can be heard in areas such as Trocha or on
Characterized by a solid historical background andany street. Contagious drum rhythms draw local
cultural traditions, this city offers a wonderful displaypeople and visitors alike into one long flowing dance.
of historic sites such as the Cathedral, the first one inPopular orchestras make their way to Santiago for
Cuba (1522) and the Casagranda Hotel which can bethe festivities. For the locals: music to dance to and
found in the city centre: by the Céspedesplenty of beer is enough to make the carnival a
Park. Santiago de Cuba is the home of Cuba's oldestsuccess.
palaces and museums, including the Casa de DiegoFor those who appreciate other cultural pursuits and
Velázquez also located in thethose who favor music and nightlife, Santiago de
Céspedes Park area. This zone continues toCuba has its share of things to offer. Many music and
be a large part of the city's social life and it is knowndance venues exist such as the Casa del Caribe
as Céspedes Park in honor of Carlos Manuelwhere tourists go for authentic Afro-Cuban shows
de Céspedes, a national hero also called theand lessons; but Tropicana Santiago deserves a
Founding Father or Father of the Homeland.required visit. It is called the Cabaret of the Caribbean
Among other significant buildings situated in the heartand it is considered one of the largest nightclubs in
of the city is the Nuestra Señora deCuba. The fame of Tropicana Santiago's shows has
Asunción Cathedral. The Tour of thegone beyond Cuban borders, thus is a popular place if
Revolution Square is also recommended. Bestyou are seeking night-time entertainment. However,
explored by foot, on your own or with one of thethere are other trendy places like the Trova House, a
many guided tours available, Santiago de Cuba alsobar club where visitors can enjoy Cuban and
has numerous museums and art galleries. One of theSantiago's traditional music. Furthermore, the Heredia
most popular museums is the Cuartel Moncada, theStreet, very famous for its intense cultural and social
yellow barracks whose exterior is marked withlife, leads visitors to better discovery of the best
carefully re-opened bullet holes, remindings of the Julyexponents of "son", bolero and a unique movement
day in 1953 when Fidel Castro and a group of rebelsof troubadours.
launched an assault. It treasures the rebels' weapons,