How to plan a trip to Santiago de Cuba?

Santiago de Cuba is a destination that captivates with its music, rich history and festivals that fill the streets with colour. We fell in love with it on our visit, and we want you to have the same impression. That’s why we’ve prepared this post where we’ll help you plan your trip to Santiago de Cuba with numerous tips and recommendations that will surely be very useful before and during your stay.

We understand that organising a trip can be overwhelming, so we want to make things easier for you with essential tips such as the best time to visit, how to get around the city efficiently and the best areas to stay. Santiago de Cuba, like any major tourist city, has a range of prices, but with some advance research you’ll be able to find great deals. In addition, we will provide information on practical aspects such as public transport, currency, language, and other important details that will ensure your experience in Santiago de Cuba is an unforgettable one.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Santiago de Cuba

Before you set off on your trip, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa that will allow you to stay in the country for 90 days with the possibility of extending your stay for a further 30 days. There are two types of visa depending on where you are travelling from, the Pink Visa to travel from the United States, and the Green or Blue Visa for all other countries.

Both can be applied for at the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country or on their website. To apply, you’ll need to present a copy of your passport valid for at least six months from the start of your trip and travel insurance, as well as paying the corresponding fees, which vary depending on the country of origin. For travel from the US, the visa costs $103, while from Europe it costs $35.

Once granted, the visa is valid for 6 months, which means that, depending on how long you plan to stay in the country, we don’t recommend applying too far in advance. In this post you can read more about visas for Cuba: Travel visas to Cuba: How to obtain a visa to travel to Cuba.

Something important to keep in mind is that if you decide to travel from the USA, you will need to prepare certain extra documents as we tell you in this post: What do I need to travel to Cuba from the United States?

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Santiago de Cuba

Although any time of year is a good time to visit Santiago de Cuba, it’s generally recommended to visit between November and April to avoid the summer heat. During these months you’ll be able to enjoy the beach and explore the streets in the sunshine without worrying about the rain. The only downside is that it also coincides with the high season and prices can be higher. That’s why we recommend looking in advance so you can make your choice.

If you’re travelling in summer, don’t miss the Carnival of Santiago, which takes place in July. During the event the streets are filled with colour, live music and dances that reflect the city’s African and Spanish heritage. It can definitely be an unforgettable experience, although you should be prepared for the heat and humidity.

3. Find out how to get to Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is located on the eastern tip of the island, and to get there from abroad, you’ll most likely (though not from all destinations) have to fly to Havana first. Once you’ve arrived in the capital, here are the options for travelling to Santiago de Cuba:

• By plane: this is the fastest way to get directly to Santiago de Cuba. Antonio Maceo International Airport receives flights from Havana and other international points. Airlines such as Cubana de Aviación operate here.
• By car: you can rent a car in Havana or other major cities and drive to Santiago. The road takes long but offers beautiful scenery during the approximately 12-hour drive.
• By bus: Viazul is the most popular option for bus travel from Havana and other Cuban cities. Buses are comfortable and relatively inexpensive, although if you’re travelling in high season you’ll need to book in advance.

If you are travelling to Santiago de Cuba airport, the city centre is about 7 km away and can be reached by:

• Taxi: this is the fastest and most direct way to get to the centre. The approximate cost is 10-12 CUC.
• Public transport: there are local buses but they can be complicated for travellers due to their irregularity and low capacity for their high demand.

For getting around Santiago de Cuba, the options include:

• Local buses: these are cheap but can be unreliable in terms of timetables and availability.
• Taxi: available and more reliable for specific journeys in or around the city. It’s fairly inexpensive, but you’ll have to negotiate the price.
• Renting motorbikes or bicycles: a popular and convenient way to explore more freely

You’ll see that getting around Cuba is generally cheap, but there aren’t many options, so it’s best to get everything booked and planned before you go.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba offers a wide range of accommodation, from historic hotels to cosy ‘casas particulares’ (private properties). Depending on your interests, you can choose from a variety of areas to stay in, each with its own charm and characteristics. And once you choose the area you like best, you can book your accommodation directly through the Passporter App on Booking.

Here are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Santiago de Cuba:

• Historic Centre: the heart of the city, ideal for those who want to be close to the main attractions and enjoy the historic atmosphere. The price is medium to expensive due to its proximity to the main tourist sites and better services.
• Tivoli: known for its steps and views of the bay, it’s perfect for those looking for a quiet atmosphere with a touch of local architecture. It’s mid-range in cost, but offers good value for money with access to stunning views.
• Plaza de Marte: very close to the centre, this area is convenient for access to transport and services, ideal for practical travellers. It is much cheaper than the centre.
• Ferreiro Park: Although less touristy, this is a good option for those who prefer a more relaxed, residential atmosphere. It is inexpensive and ideal for longer stays or for those travelling on a tight budget.
• Punta Gorda: although further away from the centre, it offers tranquillity and beautiful sea views with options to suit all budgets.

5. Where and what to eat in Santiago de Cuba?

The gastronomy of Santiago de Cuba, along with that of the rest of the country, is characterised by its Spanish, African and Caribbean culinary heritage, giving rise to delicious dishes based on corn, coconut, pork or seafood with a lot of flavour thanks to the herbs and spices with which they are seasoned.

In Santiago de Cuba the dishes are rather hearty, hearty stews and powerful sauces that flood the streets with aromas. Here are our favourite dishes in Santiago de Cuba:

1. Oriental congrí: rice cooked with beans and pork chunks.
2. Bacán: plantain tamale with pork.
3. Cucurucho: a mixture of coconut, sugar and fruit in a palm wrapper.
4. Carne con papas: Beef stew with potatoes and spices.
5. Pernil relleno: Stuffed and roasted leg of pork, typical for festivities.

Among the drinks, the locally distilled Ron Santiago is a flagship of the city. It can be drunk neat or in cocktails, and it’s a regular drink at celebrations and social gatherings.

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba, Cuba’s second largest city and a perfect mix of Afro-Caribbean history and culture that will take you at least 3 days to discover. Here are the must-sees so you can start preparing for your next holiday today with the Passporter App:

1. Castillo del Morro: this 17th-century fortress offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Price: 4 CUC.
2. Cemetery of Santa Ifigenia: here rest figures such as José Martí and Fidel Castro. It’s a place full of history with free access.
3. Céspedes Park: this is a lively public space surrounded by important buildings such as the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.
4. Diego Velázquez House: the oldest house in Cuba, now a museum showing life in the colonial era. Price: 2 CUC.
5. Moncada Barracks: the site of the assault led by Fidel Castro in 1953, which has been transformed into a museum on the history of the revolution. Price: 1 CUC.
6. Carnival Museum: Explore the rich tradition of Santiago’s carnival, one of Cuba’s most famous. Price: 2 CUC.
7. Calle Heredia: one of the most picturesque streets in the city, ideal for enjoying the colonial architecture and local life.
8. Gran Piedra: a huge volcanic rock accessed after climbing 452 steps, offering spectacular views. Price: 1 CUC.
9. Balcon de Velazquez: is a viewpoint offering an impressive panoramic view of the port and the city.
10. Basílica del Cobre: located about 20 km from the city, it is an important pilgrimage site for many Cubans.

In this post we tell you much more about Santiago de Cuba and our own experience: Things to see and do in Santiago de Cuba?

7. Organise a trip with friends to Santiago de Cuba

Cuba is a country to be experienced. Beyond the tourist sites, the main attraction lies in its streets and its people, and there is nothing better to experience it than with your best friends. However, after many trips we know that travelling with friends can sometimes present some challenges. That’s why our recommendation is to prepare well in advance and discuss your preferences and expectations.

Download the Passporter App and start organising trips with your friends together today. Create an itinerary for Santiago de Cuba, invite your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and create your ideal tour together. You can also share your experience through the pictures you take during your trip. To help you even more, we have prepared an article with useful tips for travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Santiago de Cuba

• To travel to Cuba it is necessary to apply for a visa, which can be processed online: Cuba travel visas: How to obtain a visa to travel to Cuba?
• Remember that if you are travelling from the United States you will need to apply for a different visa and request travel authorization from the Office of Foreign Assets Control: What do I need to travel to Cuba from the United States?
• The currency used in Cuba is the Cuban peso.
• Although Spanish is the predominant language, English is also widely understood.
• It is advisable to carry a first-aid kit with essential medicines, due to possible shortages in pharmacies.
• Remember that credit and debit cards issued by US banks are not accepted in Cuba; therefore, it is necessary to carry cash for exchange into local currency.
• Be covered for medical emergencies with compulsory travel insurance. Choose a good travel insurance, for example, Mondo.
• To avoid health problems, drink only bottled water and avoid ice.
• Sun protection is a must, along with appropriate clothing for the heat that also protects you from sun exposure, and staying well hydrated is vital.
• Keep your travel documents accessible at all times.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Santiago de Cuba

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Santiago de Cuba.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Santiago de Cuba