Attractions Nearby Santiago de Cuba, Day Trips and Excursions

(Santiago de Cuba, Cuba)



Many of the attractions around Santiago de Cuba focus on the sites of famous battles for either independence or the establishment of the present Cuban regime, and may therefore not be of essential interest to foreign visitors. However, the spectacular landscape surrounding the city is another matter, with its national parks and UNESCO biosphere reserve, towering mountains and stunning seascapes.

The country's colonial past is displayed in the number of coffee plantations founded by the French, using slaves from Africa and Haiti. Most are derelict, but La Isobelica is in fine condition and gives a chilling glimpse of the lives of the plantation owners and their slaves. Other attractions nearby Santiago de Cuba include the village of El Cobre, the town of Chivirico and the island of Cayo Granma, as well as the beaches of Siboney.


French Coffee Plantations

Address: Santiago de Cuba Province, Cuba, CU
The archeological landscape of the French Colonial Coffee Plantations, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as a Cuban National Monument. The listing involves some 100 different plantations, with La Isobelica being the most-visited, since it is perfectly preserved and hosts an ethnographic museum.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

La Gran Piedra

Address: Sierra Maestra National Park, Cuba, CU
This massive stone monolith is located within a national park in the nearby mountains, where it enjoys its own cool micro-climate and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Ferns and orchids thrive here and many bird species can be seen in this rather diverse mountain range. Close to La Gran Piedra and some 16 km / 10 miles from Santiago de Cuba is the rather unique Prado de las Esculturas, where approximately 20 unusual sculptures reside. The steep road leading up to the mountain range is especially scenic and passes by a high concentration of mango trees.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

National Sanctuary of the Virgin

Address: El Cobre, Cuba, CU
Located just 19 km / 12 miles from Santiago de Cuba is the highly venerated shrine of the Virgin Mary, patron saint of Roman Catholics in Cuba. Set above the Chapel of Miracles, the image of the Virgin Mary was crowned by Pope John Paul II during his visit here in 1998, and Ernest Hemingway donated his Nobel Prize medal to the shrine in 1956.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parque Baconao / Baconao Biosphere Reserve

Address: Parque Baconao, Cuba, CU
The Parque Baconao covers a vast area comprising approximately 800 square kilometres / 310 square miles, and lies between the Rio Baconao and Santiago de Cuba. This reserve is an enormous natural park listed as a UNESCO site, with hiking trails through pristine rainforest and cultural exhibits. Eco-tourists, birders and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the remoter areas, where the indigenous Cuban flora and fauna is a major draw. More commercial tourist attractions come in the form of an open-air Land Transportation Museum (Museo Nacional de Transporte Terrestre), an aquarium and the extremely family friendly Prehistoric Valley (Valle de la Prehistoria). Cuba's answer to a dinosaur park is set in 27 acres / 11 hectares and features almost 250 prehistoric beasties, which have been recreated in concrete and scattered across a stark landscape. Also within the Valle de la Prehistoria is the Museum of Natural History (Museo de Historia Natural).
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

El Cobre

An extremely alluring outlying tourist destination, El Cobre comes with a small selection of attractions to choose between, all of which are highly suitable for a day trip. Located roughly 20 km / 12 miles to the north-west of Santiago de Cuba is the village's famed Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Cobre, which is regarded as the leading pilgrimage site on the entire island and stands out against the lush hillsides behind. This is what most visitors come to see, although the Monumento al Cimarron may also be of interest and commemorates the former 16th-century copper mine and its famous slave revolt.

Chivirico

Situated just over 70 km / 43 miles to the south-west of Santiago de Cuba, Chivirico is by far the most important town connected by the south-coast highway. Those taking an excursion to Chivirico will find that this town is very much set in the past and offers an undeniable historic atmosphere. That said, attractions are fairly thin on the ground, with the neighbouring beaches and nearby hiking trail at Calentura being the most obvious.

Pico Turquino

Close to Las Cuevas, the Pico Turquino area is home to some unusual and appealing sights to see. Near the highway is the Museo de la Plata, where the history of the Cuban Revolution is clearly documented for all to follow. Others come to Pico Turquino to enjoy a spot of snorkelling, with the late 19th-century shipwreck of the Cristobal Colon remaining well preserved and easily visible, being just a matter of metres offshore and next to La Mula.

Cayo Granma

This tiny and beautiful island, just off the coast of the bay, is home to a traditional fishing village and much charm. Cayo Granma has also become a notable resort destination for wealthy Cuban families and is favoured by locals from the province.