Strategically located in the centre of Cuba, Villa Clara is a province that gives us thousands of reasons to stop in this part of the country. This province has one of the most influential cultures at a national level. Also, it stands out for the Parrandas Remedianas, a traditional festival over 500 years old, declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Known worldwide as the place where the Cuban Revolution of 1958 took place, Villa Clara has interesting cities that give great historical and artistic value to this destination. Also, beautiful lakes and pale sandy cays add to the wild and captivating charm that characterises this country. At Passporter, we encourage you to get to know the best of the province of Villa Clara. An incredible mosaic of colours, activities and landscapes that capture the essence of Cuba to perfection.
What are the best places to see on your trip to Villa Clara Cuba?
1. City of Santa Clara, Cuba
Santa Clara, capital of the province of Villa Clara, is a must-see on your visit to this region of central Cuba. The city was founded in 1689 by several families who are commemorated on a columned monument in the plaza of the Iglesia del Carmen church.
It is logical that for all its history of wars and guerrillas, this city is known by the nickname of “Liberal City”, because of its importance in the revolutionary history of the country.
2. Lake Hanabanilla
Lake Hanabanilla, ideal for nature lovers, is located in the municipality of Manicaragua, in the province of Villa Clara. Starting in the heart of the Guamuhaya mountain range, it flows southeast of the cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad. It is also an artificial lake of surprising beauty and impressive vegetation, ideal if you want to be in direct contact with nature. It has a surface area of 192 km2 and an average depth of between 30 and 40 metres.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities on offer here. From there you can access numerous spectacular trails, natural ponds and waterfalls, such as the Amor waterfall. The path of the Ferns is one of the most popular routes, which allows us to appreciate the beauty of this place. In addition, in the mountains surrounding the Hanabanilla reservoir you can find some of the most representative examples of Cuban wildlife.
3. City of Remedios
Remedios is a colonial land of traditions and legends. The historic centre, declared a National Monument, is one of the most visited places by travellers. Its Parish of San Juan Bautista is one of the best preserved religious buildings in Cuba. It is a very calm and radiant city, a place full of life. It has exquisite buildings, promenades, parks, monuments, and popular festivities.
Las Parrandas, the most renowned festival of the city and the whole province of Villa Clara. Here the locals enjoy floats, fireworks and dance contests. It is a phenomenon that attracts people from all over the country and has its own museum dedicated to the memory of these celebrations.
4. Elguea
The Baños de Elguea, 136 km northwest of Santa Clara, is a rest centre with, according to its regulars, waters of excellent healing and rejuvenating powers. The fundamental reason for this is its high mineral content, including chlorine, sodium and bromine salts, which contribute to general health and quality of life. Also, being prescribed even for relaxation, stress, revitalisation, respiratory, circulatory and neurological problems. The tradition of coming here for health purposes dates back to 1860.
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5. Topes de Collantes
The Topes de Collantes Natural Park is a natural paradise located in the Sierra del Escambray, at an altitude of 800 metres above sea level. This beautiful park has a wide natural heritage that is also protected due to its high scientific value for botany and ecology. Topes de Collantes is home to numerous endemic species such as pine, bamboo and eucalyptus forests.
However, this great place is best known for its hiking trails, namely the Vegas Grandes trail. The Vegas Grandes Trail is the most popular trail among visitors to the region as it runs through coffee plantations for about two and a half kilometres. This trail also crosses paths surrounded by traditional houses and cliffs. It ends at the Salto del Caburní, a spectacular waterfall where you can admire the scenery and rest after a long walk.
6. Las Brujas Key
Part of the archipelago of keys and islets known as Cayerías del Norte de Villa Clara, this is one of the most beautiful natural spaces in the Cuban geography. Unspoilt beaches of fine white sand, in conjunction with magnificent coral reefs. Also, a strip that serves as a refuge for the second most diverse marine wildlife in the world after the Australian reefs, make up this tropical paradise. It is also one of the country’s top sport fishing destinations.
7. Santa Maria Key
Situated in a nature reserve in Buenavista Bay is Cayo Santa Maria. This is the largest key in all of Cuba, and possibly one of the most popular. Cayo Santa María can be reached by car via a causeway that goes all the way to Cayo Ensenachos, making the journey a fun adventure. It has a great number of activities where you will not only enjoy its incredible beaches, but also its imposing seabed. The seabed of Cayo Santa María is home to 24 dive sites, ideal for discovering the flora and fauna of this key. It is also home to a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and even a dolphinarium.
8. Ensenachos Key
This key is located very close to Cayo Santa María, and its humble size makes Cayo Ensenachos one of the most respected and beautiful keys in Cuba. As well as offering incredible green and blue waters, this cay offers unparalleled scenery due to its wide range of flora and fauna. It is the perfect place if you prefer to escape from the heavy tourist influx and enjoy a day of total relaxation on the beach.
9. Ernesto Che Guevara Monument
On the Avenida de los Desfiles, the huge Plaza Che Guevara is guarded by a bronze statue of the Comandante, the Monumento a Ernesto Che Guevara, erected in 1987 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Che’s assassination. Behind the statue is the sublime mausoleum, a complex containing 38 niches carved in stone as a tribute to the guerrillas who died in the revolution. The museum also collects various artefacts about the life and death of Ernesto Che Guevara, and was awarded the Provincial Conservation Prize in 2011.
10. Leoncio Vidal Park
In the historic centre of the city of Santa Clara is the Parque Vidal. It is a very important place that is always in the memories of several generations of Santa Clara residents. It is home to several historical monuments, including a wooden replica of the Parisian Eiffel Tower. Its famous Glorieta, built in 1911, was until recently a reserved space for the municipal band, with its incredible acoustics.
The bronze sculpture of the illustrious patriot Marta de los Ángeles Abreu de Estévez stands out in the centre. The bust of Colonel Leoncio Vidal, made in Italy, also stands out.
11. Loma del Capiro
This is a place where you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the city of Santa Clara. At the top of this hill is a monument that commemorates the victory of the rebels in 1959 and represents the defence of the sky of the homeland. Its author was José Delarra, who sculpted it in 1988.
The Loma del Capiro and the Tren Blindado (Armoured Train) were declared National Monuments in 1990. Also, the Capiro Natural Park is a recreational project destined to the protection of nature, which contrasts with the urban environment of the city of Santa Clara and is certainly a worthwile stop to make in Villa Clara, Cuba.
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 to see in two days in Villa Clara, Cuba?
Villa Clara offers multiple destinations and places to visit and enjoy. However, for a two-day route around this province, we have selected the most interesting points.
Day 1:
- Santa Clara City
- Habanilla Lake
Day 2:
- City of Remedios
- Santa Maria Key
What to see in 3 days in Villa Clara, Cuba?
If you have one more day in this region of the country, during your last day we recommend visiting the Topes de Collantes, a natural paradise that is home to a multitude of endemic species and dreamlike landscapes that will make your visit a beautiful experience.
Tips for your trip to Villa Clara, Cuba
- Firstly, don’t forget cool clothes, swimming costume and comfortable shoes.
- Remember to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
- It is essential that you book travel insurance before you leave home.
- We recommend that you bring an adaptor for the Cuban plugs.
- Finally, it is advisable to stay in private homes to appreciate the real Cuban culture.
Frequently Asked Questions about your trip to Villa Clara, Cuba
Villa Clara can be reached by plane at Abel Santa Maria International Airport. Also, Villa Clara is located in the centre of the island of Cuba, making the province a bridge between western and eastern Cuba.
You can move around the different destinations of Villa Clara by road, (both by car and bus), specifically by the central road and the National Highway that crosses the whole province.
In Villa Clara you will find throughout the region, many quality restaurants where you can try typical Cuban food. Here is a selection of the best restaurants in Santa Clara, the most important city of Villa Clara.
– Florida Center Hostel
– La Aldaba
– Also, la Bodeguita del Medio Santa Clara
– La Marquesina
– Hostal La Casona Jover Restaurant
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