Santiago de Cuba
Eco-friendly travel guide to Santiago de Cuba advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
- Air quality: 3 / 5
- Exploring by foot: 4.5 / 5
- Exploring by bicycle: 4 / 5
- Public transportation: 4.5 / 5
- Parks: 3 / 5
- Outdoor activities: 3/ 5
- Locals' English level: 3 / 5
- Safety: 3 / 5
- Accommodation: US$60 - $300
- Budget per day: US$80 - $200
Contents
Responsible Travel
Santiago De Cuba is one of the most beautiful cities in Cuba, and this city is the second-largest city of Cuba based on the surface area. Santiago De Cuba is a tourist spot as it has so many sightseeing spots where tourists can visit and experience the beauty of this city. It is significant for the tourists who are on a trip to this city to follow all the guidelines that the tourists need to follow, and they should not do anything against the guidelines.
Air Quality and Pollution
The air quality of Santiago de Cuba is moderate. The quality of air of this city can cause health complexities amongst the sensitive groups. Sensitive groups can use masks so that the harmful air particles present in the air do not cause any health issues, and people can also opt for air purifiers in their homes to filter the harmful pollutants. The pollution levels of this city are also under control now, and there is not much pollution in the city of Santiago de Cuba.
Respect the Culture
It is extremely important for tourists visiting the city of Santiago de Cuba to respect their culture. Tourists should not say anything which is inappropriate for the culture of this city, and tourists should not disrespect the culture of this city as strict rules are being made of the government of this city for the people who will disrespect the culture of this city. Tourists should involve themselves in the cultural activities which are being carried out in the city of Santiago de Cuba.
Top 10 Places to Visit
In the city of Santiago de Cuba, there are many places where tourists can visit. All the places of this city are best in their own ways and have their own significance and specialty. The top 10 places that tourists should definitely visit in Santiago de Cuba are mentioned below.
- Museo de la Lucha Clandestina - This is a very beautiful museum present in General Jesus Rabi No 1 of Santiago de Cuba, where people will get to know so many things regarding the history of this city. This museum is maintained very nicely by the local staff and is in excellent shape.
- Museo del Carnaval - This museum gives information about the costumes that the local people of this city used to wear. This museum also has photos displaying the history of this city. This museum is present in Calle Heredia No: 301 of the city Santiago de Cuba, people, can reach very easily in this place.
- Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca del Morro - This beautiful fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortress is considered as one of the finest fortresses of Cuba. This fortress was constructed in the seventeenth century and is considered the best-preserved Spanish fortress.
- Santa Ifigenia Cemetery - This cemetery has tombs for so many historic notables who sacrificed their lives during the revolution. This place shows the glorified past of this city and shows the notables' dedication who tried their best during the revolution. Tourists should definitely visit this place as they will get to know so many things regarding the past.
- La Gran Piedra (The Big Rock) - This place is very picturesque which is present in the city of Santiago de Cuba, people can get some good clicks of nature in this place. This place is good for adventure lovers as here they can go gogo hiking and climb the mountain to reach the top.
- Revolution Plaza (Plaza De La Revolution) - This plaza has statues of soldiers riding horses; this plaza is present in Upper Vedado of the city Santiago de Cuba. People can reach here very easily as there are so many modes of transportation which will help them reach here.
- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption - This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals present in Felix Pena E/ Heredia y San Basilio of the city Santiago de Cuba, the architect of this cathedral is very fascinating and attractive for all the visitors. This cathedral was constructed in 1526, and it is in excellent shape as it is maintained very nicely.
- Parque de Baconao - Parque de Baconao is the most interesting place for tourists to visit as it has statues of so many varieties of animals. This place also has statues of different species of dinosaurs, which are fascinating for the children.
- San Juan Hill - San Juan Hill is a perfect place for people who want to relax themselves as this place is very relaxing. The place is very well maintained and immaculate and clean, the people are strictly requested not to throw anything here and there in this place, they are asked to use dustbins.
- Moncada Barracks - This is a very informative place for the people as it has so much information regarding the military. This place is present in General Portuondo y Avenida Moncada of the city Santiago de Cuba. This museum depicts the story of the first revolution which was carried out in this city.
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Explore
The city of Santiago de Cuba has so many beautiful and interesting places to visit for the tourists; tourists should definitely pay a visit to this place as they will definitely have a great trip to this city. The landmarks present in the city of Santiago de Cuba will definitely fascinate the tourists as they are historical, and it describes the past of this beautiful city. The museums present in this city are also an excellent option for the tourists if they want to gain more information about this city.
City Parks
The local people of this city love to spend some time in the city parks, which are present in the city of Santiago de Cuba. Names of city parks which are present in this city are mentioned below.
- Céspedes Park - This is a gorgeous colonial-style park which is present in the city of Santiago de Cuba. So many historic buildings and cathedrals surround it, and tourists should definitely visit this park.
- Jardin Ave del Paraiso - This is a gorgeous nature park which is present in the city of Santiago de Cuba. This place is perfect for nature lovers as the atmosphere of this place is very pleasant and relaxing for anyone.
National Parks
National parks are the best places for nature lovers, where people get to see various species of animals. Tourists should definitely visit national parks to see the animals which are found in this city. Names of national parks that are present in the city of Santiago de Cuba are mentioned below.
- Parque de Baconao - This is a unique place in the city of Santiago as it features different kinds of animals. There are so many statues of different animals that will definitely fascinate kids.
- Turquino National Park - This national park is one of those places where tourists should definitely visit, and this National park is trendy in Cuba's whole country. This national park is present in the southeastern region of the country Cuba and has daily visitors.
Beaches
In the city of Santiago de Cuba, there are various beaches where the local people can be seen visiting on off days, here they can do so many outdoor activities. Names of the beaches which are present in this city are mentioned below.
- Siboney Beach - This beach is one of the most beautiful beaches present in Santiago de Cuba, the water body is not at all polluted, and the visitors are asked to keep it clean.
- Playa El Verraco - Playa El Verraco is another beach present in this city. The beach is immaculate and is very well maintained by the local staff. People can do so many outdoor activities on this beach, and the beach is perfect for a family outing.
Landmarks
Landmarks are the favorite places to visit amongst the tourists. In the city of Santiago de Cuba also there are various historical landmarks where people can visit. Names of the landmarks present in this city are mentioned below.
- Castillo del Morro - Castillo del Morro is a very famous and fascinating historical landmark present in Santiago de Cuba, a fortress made in the seventh century. However still, it is in perfect shape.
- Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption - This is a magnificent cathedral that was built in 1526. Still, it was destroyed four times by the earthquakes, and this cathedral is present in Felix Pena E/ Heredia y San Basilio of the city Santiago de Cuba.
Museums
Museums are the best places to gain information regarding the local place, tourists can be seen visiting the museums present in the city of Santiago de Cuba to know more regarding the culture of the city. Names of museums which are present in this city are mentioned below.
- Diego Velázquez Museum - This is a top-rated museum present in Felix Pena 612 of Santiago de Cuba, and this museum displays Cuban furniture of the sixteenth century.
- Emilio Bacardi Moreau Museum - This is another top-rated museum which is present in Esquina Aguilera y Pio Rosado of the city Santiago de Cuba; this museum has a brilliant art collection.
Eat
There are so many popular dishes of this city that tourists should definitely consume when they are on a trip to this city. Ropa Vieja is named the national dish of Cuba, and every tourist should consume this dish as it is very delicious; this dish is made from crushed beef tomato paste with onions and garlic. Congress is another very famous dish which is consumed by so many local residents of this city, this dish only has beans and rice in it, and it tastes really good.
Traditional Local Restaurants
In the city of Santiago de Cuba, there are so many good traditional local restaurants that serve Cuban cuisine to their visitors. Tourists can visit any of the traditional local restaurants of this city to consume this city's local and traditional dishes. These restaurants serve quality food to their customers at very affordable prices. Names of some of the popular traditional local restaurants which are present in the city of Santiago de Cuba are mentioned below.
- Salon Tropical
- Hotel Casa Granda Restaurant
- El Barracoon
Vegetarian and Vegan
In the city of Santiago de Cuba, some excellent restaurants are mainly made for people who are either vegetarian or vegan. Some restaurants in Santiago de Cuba serve totally vegetarian food, and vegetarian people can eat food here without any second thought. There are some vegan restaurants also in this city which serve completely vegan food, and vegan food is completely free from any kind of animal derivative. Names of some vegan and vegetarian restaurants in this city are mentioned below.
- El Palenque
- St Pauli
Street Food
The street food of the city Santiago de Cuba is extremely famous, and tourists from all over the world love to taste the street food of this city. The food served over these street stalls is ready to make, and it tastes extremely good, but the quality of food material being used in cooking the food is not good compared to the food material which is used in the local restaurants. Names of some of the places where people can eat street food in this city are mentioned below.
- A taste of Cuba
- El Morro
Drink
In the city of Santiago de Cuba, the local people are very fond of consuming drinks, whether it be an alcoholic or non-alcoholic; people who are below the age of 16 are not allowed to consume alcoholic drinks in the city of Santiago de Cuba. The local people of this city, like daiquiri, which has a mixture of rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar, are key ingredients in this cocktail. People who want to consume drinks can visit any of the bars present in Santiago de Cuba's city.
Tap-water
The tap water of Santiago de Cuba is not safe to consume. People should strictly avoid drinking tap water directly as it has so many harmful chemicals, compounds, and microorganisms, which can cause so many adverse effects on the human body. Local people of this city use water purifiers to purify the water and remove all the chemical compounds and microorganisms present in tap water. Packaged drinking water is also available in this city, and people can opt for packaged drinking water if they are not having the resources of the water purifier.
Organic Cafés
The local people of this city are very fond of consuming caffeinated drinks. Whenever they get free time, they always like to pay a visit to the organic cafes present in Santiago de Cuba. Inorganic cafes, tea and coffee, are made from completely organic products free from any harmful chemical compounds. In the city of Santiago de Cuba, there are so many organic cafes that are always filled by people, the names of some of the organic cafes of this city are mentioned below.
- Café Íntimos
- Cafe La Isabelica
Breweries
The local residents of Santiago de Cuba are also very fond of consuming beer, and most of the people of this city consume it regularly. Near to the city of Santiago de Cuba, there are some breweries that produce good quality beer, these breweries export beer to most of the places of this city. There is no such age restriction on consuming beer as it has a shallow content of alcohol, which is quite safe for consumption. Names of breweries that are present near the city of Santiago de Cuba are mentioned below.
- Cervecería Puerto del Rey
- Empresa Cervecería Hatuey
Activities
There are so many activities in the city of Santiago de Cuba to do for both the local people and also for the tourists who are on a trip to this city. There are some camping centers in the city of Santiago de Cuba where people can go camping, and this place is good for people who love adventures. The water parks available in this city are perfect places to visit for the people, mainly during the summer season, where they can chill and relax.
Yoga and Retreats
Yoga is not a very common practice in the city of Santiago de Cuba. Still, as the years are passing by, the local people are becoming more aware of the health benefits of yoga. In the city of Santiago de Cuba, there is only one such known yoga retreat where the local people of the whole city come and do yoga. This yoga retreat has trained professionals who teach yoga to local people at very affordable prices, and they have all the necessary facilities for the people to practice yoga.
Accommodation
Getting perfect accommodation is one of the most important factors for both the local people of this city and tourists. In Santiago de Cuba, there are various modes of accommodation, and the people can choose any one of the accommodation as per their needs and requirements. Each mode of accommodation has its own benefits and disadvantages, some have all the facilities, but the rates are very high. At the same time, some are very affordable but do not have many facilities.
Green Hotels
The concept of green hotels has been proven very effective for the welfare of the environment, and such hotels do not cause any kind of harm to the environment. Everything used in green hotels is eco-friendly; in green hotels, completely organic products are used, which are harmless towards the environment. The number of green hotels is increasing rapidly in the city of Santiago de Cuba as it has so many benefits over normal hotels. Names of some of the green hotels which are present in this city are mentioned below.
- Green Home - B&B
- Meliá Santiago de Cuba
Hostels and Guest Houses
Hostels are ideal places for the students if they do not have friends or relatives in this city. There are so many hostels in the city of Santiago de Cuba, the names of some of the hostels are mentioned below.
- Hostel Don Pedro 10 CUC
- Hostel Espe
The guesthouse is another mode of accommodation which is opted by so many people, this mode of accommodation is mainly opted by the tourists who are on a trip to this city. Names of guest houses of this city are mentioned below.
- Yamila's Bed and Breakfast
*Casa de Alina y Ariel
Apartments
Apartments is another very convenient mode of accommodation that is mostly opted for by the local people of this city. People who cannot afford to buy their own house opt for this accommodation. It is very affordable and has all the necessary facilities that people require in an accommodation. In the city of Santiago de Cuba also there are so many apartments renting agencies that provide their apartments for rent to the people of this city. Names of some of the apartments present in this city are mentioned below.
- Nidia Apartments Rental
- Eduardo Chivas
Couchsurfing
Couch surfing is the most budget-friendly practice done by so many tourists who are on a trip to this city; for couch surfing, the tourists must have a local friend or relative for couch surfing. Tourists can stay with their friends or relative's which saves so much money on accommodation, and couch surfing also saves so much money from the tourists on food. The local residents of this city are very humble when it comes to couch surfing, and they welcome their guests with an open heart.
Camping
Camping is one such activity in which people require a lot of experience, they should know how to cook and be aware of all the basic regulations required to practice camping. But to make camping easy, there are some camping centers in Santiago de Cuba, which try to give their visitors the best camping experience. Camping centers are perfect for people who like to do adventurous activities and camping is also an adventurous activity.
How to Get There
Getting to the city of Santiago de Cuba is not so difficult as it has various modes of transportation, and the people can opt-out any one from them. Air transportation is the only mode of transportation available for tourists from another country as other modes of transportation will take a lot of time to reach their destination. Trains are also a very convenient mode of transportation if anyone wants to travel from city to city in the country of Cuba.
Air
There is only one airport in Santiago de Cuba, which is named as Antonio Maceo International Airport, the city of Santiago de Cuba has very well developed air transportation. This mode of transportation is very rapid and convenient; the flights are always on time and follow a rigorous timetable. Although this mode of transportation is very costly, daily thousands of people travel in airplanes every day. People have the facilities of booking the tickets online, where they can choose their seats as per their convenience and budget.
Bus
The city of Santiago de Cuba has an outstanding network of roadways. The roads are very nicely maintained by the government of this city, making transportation through buses very convenient in this city. Traveling in buses is extremely affordable as the ticket prices are very cheap and everyone can afford to travel on these buses. In the city of Santiago de Cuba, there are various bus stations from where local people can take any bus as per its route; names of some bus stations of this city are mentioned below.
- Terminal de Omnibus
- Terminal de Ómnibus Serrano
Train
In the city of Santiago de Cuba there is only one railway station, this railway station is always busy and daily thousands of travel through trains. Although it is well connected to the rest of this country's cities, this city has fewer railway tracks. Trains of this city are very punctual so that they can help their passengers to always reach on time to their respective destinations. People can book train tickets online and choose their seats, which is most ideal for them, and people can pre-book the tickets online.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking can be a very effective practice in the city of Santiago de Cuba as the roads of this city are well maintained by the Government. The local people of this city are also very humble and kind towards their fellow residents and always help them on the way by hitchhiking. However, there is a very high risk of getting robbed in hitchhiking, so one has to be extremely careful and choose people very wisely for hitchhiking. This practice is extremely common in this city, and tourists can be seen hitchhiking as they are not aware of the routes.
Others
Another mode of transportation available in Santiago de Cuba is hiring a taxi, and this city has various taxi renting agencies that rent their taxis to the people at reasonable rates. People can easily book a taxi in this city online, they just have to give the information about the starting point and the ending point of their trip, and it will show the fare as per the distance. People also have the facilities of renting a bike from any of the bike renting agencies of this city.
Moving Around
There are so many modes of transportation in the city of Santiago de Cuba through which people can move around this city very easily without facing any kind of difficulties. Every model of transportation in this city is best in its own way and has its own significance, and people can choose any of them at their convenience. Buses are the most common mode of transportation in this city, and local people prefer traveling in the buses as they are very punctual and help them reach on time.
Walk
Going on a walk is one of the best ways to explore activities and places near the accommodation. The residents of this city are very fond of regularly going on a walk as they are very health conscious. There are various city parks which are present in the city of Santiago de Cuba where walking tracks are made especially for the people who like to go long walks. Tourists should definitely go on a walk near their accommodation to get to know more information about the places in this city.
Bicycle
It is good to opt for a bicycle if anyone wants to go to a nearby place as it is not only good for heart health, but it is also eco-friendly as it does not cause any kind of pollution. The people of Santiago de Cuba love to go on bicycle rides, and this city has some city parks where cycling tracks are made for the local people. Tourists get the facilities of renting a bicycle in this city, and there are various agencies that rent bicycles to interested people.
Electronic Vehicles
The use of electric vehicles has so many benefits over the other vehicles, which release harmful chemical compounds that cause heavy pollution. These vehicles do not cause pollution as they run on electricity. There is no product formed after the use. Although in Santiago de Cuba's city, the use of electric vehicles is not so common, people are still using vehicles that run on fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment. In the near future, the use of electric vehicles will definitely increase as the resources of fossil fuels are very limited.
Public Bus
The public buses of this city are very convenient if anyone wants to travel to any part of this city, every route has a different public bus and people can choose them based on the routes they want to travel. There are various bus stops in Santiago de Cuba where people can board public buses. The ticket prices of these public buses are also very reasonable, and they are always on time, people don't need to wait for so long for the buses.
Tram, Train and Subway
Trams are not present in this city. Currently, they were removed some years ago when vehicles came into play. Train transportation is one of the most convenient modes of transportation in the city of Santiago de Cuba, and people opt for the trains when they have to travel to another city. This mode of transportation is very rapid, they are very punctual and follow the time table very precisely so that their passengers should never get late.
Sustainable Shopping
Sustainable shopping should be promoted in every part of this world as it has so many benefits for the welfare of the environment. Sustainable products are totally eco-friendly as they are not made of any harmful chemical compounds that can cause harm to the environment; these chemical compounds also harm human beings. The local residents of this city also prefer to use sustainable products as they are aware of the benefits it has.
Food Markets
In the city of Santiago de Cuba, there are various food markets from where residents can purchase food products; these food markets consist of fresh vegetables, good quality spices, and much more food products. These food markets are very reasonable if anyone wants to purchase food products in bulk; the names of food markets present in this city are mentioned below.
- Mercado Agropecuario "El Avileño
- Tienda de Pequeña
Flea Markets
Flea markets present in the city of Santiago de Cuba; However, this city has very few flea markets. The products available for sale in these flea markets are of good quality. Here people can purchase commodities at very low prices, and the same product will be costly in any other city market. Tourists should definitely visit the flea markets as here they can purchase any commodity they want, which shows the culture of this city.
Second Hand Stores
The residents prefer to buy commodities from second-hand stores, especially middle-class people; such people cannot afford to buy the commodity in a new condition, so they buy it from second-hand stores. These stores are very reasonable, and they also provide heavy discounts to their regular customers, they try to engage their customers as much they can. Names of second-hand stores that are present in the city of Santiago de Cuba are mentioned below.
- Orange blue
- Cero 90
Eco-Fashion
Using clothes made from completely eco-friendly materials should definitely be promoted in every part of this world as it can reduce the rates of environmental degradation. In the city of Santiago de Cuba also the residents have started using clothes which are totally eco-friendly and their degradation would be extremely easy. Such clothes are also very safe for human beings as it does not contain harmful chemical compounds.
Recycling
Recycling is a very beneficial process that contributes towards the welfare of the environment; in Santiago de Cuba, some agencies recycle every kind of product, whether it be non-biodegradable. Non-biodegradable waste should be recycled very carefully, and it requires a lot of machinery and effective techniques to recycle such products. This city is doing a great job in recycling waste materials and making something effective after recycling.
Waste
The city of Santiago de Cuba has a very well managed waste management system as the agencies present in this city have all the modern technologies and techniques that help them manage waste properly. These agencies try to be aware of the local people of this city regarding the correct disposal methods. Every waste material has a different disposal method, and people should follow these methods correctly.
Work and Study Abroad
The job opportunities in the city of Santiago de Cuba are not so high, and people have to work extremely hard to get some work and make their living from it. The universities present in this city provide chances for their students to settle abroad; settling abroad requires a lot of money, and everyone cannot afford it.
Exchange Student
The universities of this city carry out exchange programs every year for other cities' students. They help the students in every possible way by providing them with accommodation, food, and all the necessities they require in their day-to-day lifestyle. Students just have to give their personal information and upload their grades, and based on this, they will select students.
Au Pair
There are various au pair agencies present in Santiago de Cuba, and these agencies are providing jobs to so many people in need of jobs. These agencies have highly increased the job opportunities in this city by helping so many people to earn their living.
Volunteering
The companies of this city allow the freshers to do volunteering in their company to test them and help them get a decent job if they are deserving. This is the most effective process. Getting a job requires a lot of hard work and dedication to volunteering.