On your trip to Cuba, you can’t miss out on all there is to see in Holguín, also known as the City of Parks, because of its incredible green spaces. Holguín is also a city with some of the most striking architecture.
Being right on the coast, in this city you can enjoy its different beaches and marvel at the purity and nature of its surroundings. It was the province where Columbus landed when he discovered America. If you want to find out more about this Cuban destination, keep reading our post!
What are the best things to do in Holguin Cuba?
1. Calixto García Park
Holguín is a city characterised by its wide distribution of parks. The most famous is definitely the Calixto García Park. It is the central park of the municipality, part of Holguín’s identity, because it is the meeting point for all Holguineros. Around it are some of the most important buildings in the city, as well as commercial buildings, cinemas, theatres and hotels. It also serves as a stage for all kinds of local activities: fairs, festivals, carnivals, student events, workers’ demonstrations and political meetings.
Inside you will find the marble statue in honour of Major General Calixto García, one of the most important generals who fought for independence against the Spanish crown. Located in the centre of the rotunda, it was imported from Italy and unveiled in 1916. This imposing monument is accompanied by a second statue at the feet of the general symbolising freedom.
On the other hand, there is the Monument to the Mothers by the sculptor Mario Santi, awarded the first prize in a provincial competition at the time of the Republic.
2. La Periquera
You can’t miss a visit to La Periquera, one of the most symbolic places in Holguín. The name of this curious building comes from the hiding place of the Spanish troops of the mambises (Cuban revolutionaries), who called the Spaniards “pericos” because of the colours of their uniform. Since then, this place has been called La Periquera.
The building is small but ideal for those who want to learn more about the history of Cuba. Inside you will find historical and informative articles that will allow you to learn more about its history and culture.
3. San Isidro Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral of Holguín, this colonial structure has three large doors and recessed columns; its central door is the widest and gives the cathedral a colonial style.
The façade of this cathedral is really stunning, but its interior will impress you even more. Once inside, you admire its imposing architecture and design, with a high cultural value, and details that are sure to impress. 100% recommended visit!
4. La Loma de la Cruz
From the Loma de la Cruz you can enjoy spectacular views. Although it can be reached by car, we recommend walking, as this is what really gives the place its meaning. The ideal activity for those who love sport and the outdoors, as the experience of climbing and reaching the summit is truly impressive.
It is also famous for its pilgrimage during the May pilgrimages (2-8 May) which is one of the most important cultural-religious events in the province.
5. Peralta Park in Holguin Cuba
The Peralta Park, also known as the Park of Flowers, is one of the main places to see in Holguín. It is an iconic place in the city of Holguín, as well as being one of its busiest parks.
The name of this park comes from the fact that flower sellers used to be located every day around the square, especially on Sundays, making it look like a flower fair.
Peace is the main characteristic of this park that attracts visitors. It is surrounded by centres and facilities of cultural and social importance, such as the San Isidoro de Holguín Parish Church, the Music School or the Tele Cristal Television Studios. Don’t hesitate to take a stroll around the area.
Organize your travel itinerary with Passporter totally free, easy and functional. Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers and choose the places that interest you the most, adding them to the route map.
6. San José Park
This is one of the oldest parks in the city. It has a church in its center, also with the Angelote monument, and one dedicated to Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, who is considered the father of the homeland.
This park is a quiet place, surrounded by vegetation where you can enjoy the shade and the fresh air that the city offers. It is also surrounded by interesting architecture that must be visited when strolling through the city.
7. Museum of El Chorro de Maíta
El Chorro de Maíta Museum is one of the museums you cannot miss in Holguín. There you can learn more about the very interesting history and culture of Cuba.
In this museum you will find archaeological pieces of great historical value, as well as photographs of the place where they were found. Just 50 metres from the museum is the Taino Village, where sculptures tell the story of the social life of the tribes that inhabited the area.
8. Rocazul Biopark
During your visit to the province of Holguín, you can’t miss a visit to the impressive Rocazul Biopark, located in the Bay of Naranjo. It is a natural park that has a wide variety of fauna and flora so that you can immerse yourself in a completely natural environment.
Among the most famous activities to do in this park, you can rent a bike, as well as take a boat ride or simply stroll around the park. You will be amazed by its abundant nature.
9. Salto del Guayabo
If you feel like having a different experience on your trip to Holguín, you can’t miss a visit to the municipality of Pinares de Mayarí. There you will find an impressive natural environment, its most characteristic feature being an impressive waterfall where you can jump from two different areas: the first at a height of 85 metres and the second at 127 metres. Pure adrenaline!
The only way to get to this waterfall is on foot, so we recommend you take advantage of your visit and take a trip to La Mensura National Park, where you will find the famous Salto del Guayabo waterfall.
In Salto del Guayabo you will find breathtaking landscapes, as well as unique fauna and well-kept vegetation. In addition, the climate is truly idyllic.
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.
What are the best beaches to visit in Holguin Cuba?
In addition to the parks, the beaches are the hallmark of Holguín. Below you can find our list of the best beaches in Holguín.
1. Pesquero Beach
Pesquero Beach is considered by many travellers as one of the best beaches in Cuba. In addition to swimming in its waters, you can take a long walk along the sandy expanse and even play a game of volleyball or other sport. A true Caribbean paradise.
On this beach you will also find a famous snack bar, better known as Jardín de Cerveza (Beer Garden), where you can enjoy a great meal or a drink while the sun goes down. A natural jewel to enjoy in Holguín.
2. Guardalavaca Beach
Guardalavaca is another beach you can visit on your trip to Holguín. As well as enjoying stunning waters and sands, in this area you can find a wide range of restaurants serving typical Cuban food, such as criolla. If you prefer, you can also order some fast food, such as pizzas at very good prices.
3. Esmeralda Beach
Playa Esmeralda, also known as Playa Estero Ciego, is one of the most symbolic and popular beaches in the area. It is located in the Ciego Caleticas delta, 5 kilometres west of Guardalavaca, and is characterised by its warm, emerald green waters.
This paradise is full of cliffs, steep slopes and a great variety of plant species, making it a unique space. Furthermore, its waters have different coral formations that will leave you fascinated.
Route map for Holguin Cuba
Here is a map of the places you should visit in Holguín, so you can organise your trip easily and quickly. You can also add important documents such as travel tickets, hotel reservations and even invite your friends to be part of the itinerary organisation. Using Passporter is free of charge and will help you travel in a more organised way. You can organise your trip by registering on the website or by downloading the app so you can have everything in your pocket 🙂
Things to do in Holguin Cuba in 1 day
- San Isidro Cathedral
- La Periquera
- Calixto Garcia Park
- Guardalavaca
Things to do in Holguin Cuba in 2 days
- La Loma de la Cruz
- Las Flores Park
- San Jose Park
- Pesquero Beach
Things to do in Holguin Cuba in 3 days
- Museum of El Chorro de Maíta
- Rocazul Biopark
- Salto del Guayabo
- Esmeralda Beach
How to plan your itinerary of the places you want to visit in Holguin Cuba?
Download the Passporter app and plan your trip in the most organized way and according to the days and places you want to visit in Holguin Cuba.
With the app you can:
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Save important information about the destinations you want to visit that you have found on the internet. Just install the Chrome extension and save everything useful for your trip.
- Save your tickets and reservations.
- Organise your route on Google maps with your accommodation as the starting point or any other that you indicate.
- Find out the best travel option for each place.
- Save and publish your own photos and experiences as you go along, so that when someone asks you “How was your trip to Cáceres?” you can reply “Visit my traveller profile on Passporter!”
If you want to learn more about how to get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to holguin Cuba
It is Frank País International Airport, served by the following airlines:
– Cubana de Aviación
– Sun Wing
– Condor
– Neos
– Copa Airline
– Air Transat
– Nordwind
Car rental agencies also operate at the airport. You can find them in the arrivals area or in the parking lot; such as Cubacar, Rex, Havanautos, and Via Rent-a-Car Transgaviota. You can also find other agencies located in the center of the city.
Renting a car is a very simple task, you just have to go to the agency or otherwise communicate with them through a telephone line or through their web page where you choose the date of pick-up and delivery and the type of car, finally how you want to pay, that is to say, which method of payment.
As Holguin is only 58 km from Guardalavaca, you can get to Guardalavaca by different means of transportation such as buses, trucks and collective cabs. It takes approximately 1 hour.
In Holguín you can find a wide variety of hotels and lodging houses, depending on your interests. Here are a couple of places you might find interesting.
Hostal Refugio de Reyes is a house with modern architecture that offers air-conditioned rooms, extra long beds, cleaning service and free wifi. It also offers a restaurant service, where the food is exquisite.
The Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa is a five-star all-inclusive hotel within walking distance of Playa Esmeralda.
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