Getting to Santiago de Cuba
Flight to Santiago de Cuba
There are 2 flights a day from Havana to Santiago and vice versa. It costs about 100 CUC and takes about 1.5 hours.The airport of Santiago de Cuba is international, so you may even arrive or leave Cuba via Santiago.
My advise is to do one way by bus and the other by airplane, it order to save time.
Bus from Havana to Santiago de Cuba
There are four buses a day that go from Havana to Santiago (via Camaguey). The ride is long and takes about 16 hours, and costs 55 pesos.The same time table and price applies for the bus from Santiago de Cuba to Havana.
Bus from Trinidad (via Camaguey) to Santiago de Cuba
There is one bus a day that goes from Trinidad to Santiago (via Camaguey). It leaves Trinidad at 8:00 and arrives to Santiago at 20:00 (12 hours). The cost is 36 pesos.The bus from Santiago de Cuba to Trinidad leaves at 19:30 and arrives at 06:40 the next day.
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See and Do in Santiago de Cuba
Parque Cespedes
This part (formerly Plaza de Armas) is the heart of Santiago de Cuba. Here you will find many locals and tourists relaxing during the day or evening.In the middle of the square stands a statue of Cuba's hero, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, and around the square there are some of the best architecture in the city.
Those include the Casa de Cultura and the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Ascuncion.
Museum of Rum (Museo del Ron)
Here you will learn how rum is made, and see how the rum companies in Cuba evolved over the years. Entrance is 2 CUC, which includes also some tasting of Havana Club rum.
Museum of Carnival (Museo del Carnaval)
A small place that gives an overview of the tradition of the carnaval held in Santiago de Cuba.In addition, at 4pm there is a Rumba show at the patio of the building.
Entrance is 1 CUC
The carnival of Santiago (Carnaval de Santiago)
The carnival of Santiago is held every year around summer time (usually July). It turns the city into one big party, and everywhere you can find people playing music and dancing.If you are in Cuba around this time of year, don't miss the cantival.
I must warn you, though, that it can't get hotter and humid more than in Santiago at summer time.
Nightlife
For traditional live music, where you can also dance, go to one of the following places:Casa de la Musica
Casa de la Trova
Both are near Parque Cespedes (ask your casa host for the exact location)
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Outside Santoago de Cuba
Castillo el Morro
This fortress, 10 miles south of Santiago, has a beautiful view of the bay and the Caribbean coastline.Inside the fortress there is a small museum of piracy, as well as info about the history of Santiago de Cuba, including the 1898 Spanish-American War and the naval battles fought in the Bay of Santiago.
Don't miss the daily "Puesta del Sol" ceremony that takes place just before sunset,
when Cuban soldiers (that serve at the fortress) dressed as members of the Cuban rebel army,
shoot off the old Spanish cannon to shouts of "Viva Cuba Libre!"
You can get to the fortress by taxi (or find a local with a car to take you for 8 CUC round trip). Entrance to the fortress is 3 CUC (4 if you want to take pictures).
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