Top Things to do in Santiago de Cuba Province
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Santiago de Cuba Province, Santiago de Cuba Province
Discover the best top things to do in Santiago de Cuba Province, Cuba including Sierra Maestra, Jardin Ave del Paraiso, Salto del Guayabo, Jardin de los Helechos, Comandancia de la plata, Playa El Verraco, Cespedes Park, Parque de Baconao, Granma Island (Cayo Granma), Plaza de Marte.
Restaurants in Santiago de Cuba Province
1. Sierra Maestra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By LindaA104 - Winnipeg, Canada
Anyone interested in Cuban history (and who is physically fit) should visit the Comandancia, nestled in the Sierra Maestra. Getting to La Plata presents its own challenge. This is not a well travelled area (for now) although excursions by some tour companies, via Santiago or Bayamo, are offered, as well as from the tour office in Santo Domingo. The steep roads from Santo Domingo to Parque Pico Turquino necessitate off-road vehicles, requiring pre-arrangement. There are restrictions on hours of access because of the length of the trek – arrival at Alto de Naranjo before 10:00am is crucial. Competent guides lead you through the 3km trek, with a mid-stop for orientation (and bathroom breaks) – ours, George, was a life saver. Bring water, snacks if needed, and repellant. It’s important to know your limitations here. In my group of 17 travellers of 30-to some really buff 70-year-olds, we were all challenged by the ungroomed trails. Wear reliable hiking boots or walking shoes because the terrain is gruesome: mud, clay, small rocks, huge boulders, no railings but frequent sheer drops on the side. (The air was tainted by many of my curses by the time we’d finished!) Now for the rewards. It’s hard not to be impressed by the amount of fortitude required by Castro’s rebels to exist for a few years in this difficult habitat, or by the clever strategies used to remain hidden from Batista’s forces (such as keeping buildings spread apart, and even the growing of beards to identify infiltrators). A small wooden museum shows artifacts and displays about the rebels’ campaign, but elsewhere building reproductions are amazingly primitive, including the hospital. A read of some of Ché Guevara’s diaries provide a lot of insight into living conditions during this time. As if this isn’t enough, there is also lots to see in this area besides the Comandancia. Wonderful flora and fauna abound everywhere, ..a Cuban Trogan, the national bird, perched in a tree near Fidel’s cabin while I was there – does it get more perfect than that?
2. Jardin Ave del Paraiso
3. Salto del Guayabo
4. Jardin de los Helechos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By dianedinky
I wasn't expecting much from this visit as I wondered how much could grow at such a height up - but how wrong I was! It is a truly magnificent place with an abundance of ferns and orchids to see, all beautifully laid out and cared for. The views of the surrounding mountains were also breathtaking and the whole experience was further enhanced by a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable English speaking guy. One of my favourite days in my 2wks in Cuba. I wondered when I got back why so few people seem to have been here as it should be a top attraction...but then I remembered it is quite a bit out and involves a very bumpy ride in a 4x4 to get there. Well worth it though if you can do it.
5. Comandancia de la plata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By world_S_masterking
The visit to La Comandancia was great. the guide was had lots of stories and information to give and answered all the questions we asked. We must thank Anley Rosales from Bayamo Travel Agent for all the efforts they did. We loved the stop at the coffee farm where we made coffee ourselves intead of paying for it. The view from there is mazing, I highly reccomend it. Miguel de farmer is a great person
6. Playa El Verraco
7. Cespedes Park
8. Parque de Baconao
9. Granma Island (Cayo Granma)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By traveler_traveler215 - Zug, Switzerland
Come here to see how Cuba was about fifty years ago! Veranda-houses, few restaurants and a lot of flowers! You have to take the ferry from the mainland.
