Santiago de Cuba

HOME (English) / Cuba / Cuba sights

Santiago de Cuba is the second city in the country and especially in the field of music, literature and politics, a formidable opponent of the capital Havana. Started as the capital of the island, it has a more Caribbean atmosphere, given the fact that the French, Haitians and Jamaicans are located here. It is also the capital of the Revolution; it was here that the first major attack by the rebels of Fidel Castro attempted to attack the military barracks of dictator Batista. The museum tells the story.

The port is and was a very important commercial place (already for about five centuries) where coffee, sugar and, for example, rum is traded and transported. Disadvantageous to the city is the large number of touts that roam around here to rustle tourists for taxi rides, tours and a walk to their hotel or casa particulare. Especially if you like quieter cities such as Bayamo or Holguin, this can be a nuisance to the city. Begging for gifts, food, drinks or (hand)kisses can also be enough at a given moment.

The bus stations (Astro, Viazul) are within walking distance (about 2 to 3 kilometers) outside the city center along a busy road (you can not miss it). A little closer is the truck station where people come to you you and ask where you want to go.

Santiago de Cuba - Bayamo: because people in the bus station of "Astro" it was considered that there were no buses (for me) to Bayamo and the first bus to Bayamo from Viazul was only at 15:00 I was forced to go with the truck. This costs 20 CP and the journey takes about 2 to 3 hours.

• Name: Moncada barracks (Cuartel Moncada)

Address: Gral Portuondo

Price: 2 CUC (camera 5 extra, video 10 extra)

Time: 09:00 - 17:00 (Monday morning) Sunday until 13:00

Content:

Located in the old Moncada barracks is this the museum which in 1953 was the scene of the first big attack by the rebels of Fidel Castro who attacked this second largest military barracks of dictator Batista in Cuba. By means of showcases filled with uniforms, information, photos, weapons and other things is explained the course of events of this 26th of July morning. It was all-in vain; many rebels were captured and tortured.

The barracks are now part of a school (like many military barracks) and outside you can still see many bullet and machine gun holes in the front. In itself the museum is not very special (everything is in Spanish) but it is a historic place and a must see for people who are interested in the history of Cuba.

There are plenty of cantinas around the big "known" squares, but of course there are several places where you pay a lot. If you want to go for Cuban peso places you will still have to walk towards the junction closeby the barracks (see above). Here you can get beer and pizza at a very affordable price.

• Name: Dra. Maria de la Cruz Figueroa

Address: Rey Pelayo No 83

Price: 20 CUC (incl. Breakfast)

Phone nr. : 053-22- 622152

Email: hospedajemaria@yahoo.com

Content:

This nice and simple casa particulare is very centrally located yet in a quiet neighborhood. The casa is run by three sisters (and their mother) and has different rooms on two floors. They are equipped with different number of beds, with air conditioning, fan and private toilet and shower (with hot and cold water). Upstairs is a nice outdoor terrace where breakfast will be served.

The disadvantage is that it is pretty noisy. In addition to the occasional truck driving through the street that shakes the whole building, the walls are thin (windows are missing now and then) and there are a number of families living there. In addition, the dog that apparently lives on the roof can occasionally bark. The ladies are friendly and helpful and the breakfast is good.

Santiago de Cuba is a city with a lot of "touts" (jejiniros) and you are constantly being approached for cigars or rum. Taxi drivers and people who can arrange a "casa" for you (for a high commission) are also present. The ladies can be very triumphant and charming, but all of them are out of your money.