Santiago de Cuba Vacation Information:

On the east southern region of Cuba you find Santiago de Cuba, the second largest City only after Havana, 15 km from the airport. Santiago is the Capital of the Province that bears the same name, is a beautiful coastal Colonial City surrounded by the Sierra Maestra Mountains full of historic Parks, Museums, and picturesque Squares. Although not visited for its beaches water sports like sailing, kayaking and windsurfing are very popular. Santiago the Cuba is home to some of the finest Rum Distilleries in Cuba, is also famous for the Santiago Carnival held in July.

Travelling tips when visiting Santiago de Cuba: You need a valid passports, Visas are not usually required, but is best to check your local Cuban Consulate. You get a 90 day stay Tourist Card with your package purchase and there is a charge for tourist cards for children under 2.


The currency is the Cuban Convertible Peso, you can not get Cuban convertible pesos outside of Cuba and they are useless anywhere else. Credit cards are only accepted from non USA banks, travelers cheques are not accepted, ATM machines are not available. You need to pay $25 convertible pesos per person in exact cash upon your departure from Santiago de Cuba.

Long distance charges in Cuba can turn out to be very expensive if possible purchase a calling card instead, internet services are very unrealiable and sometimes not available at all. Walkie Talkies, GPS and cordless phones are not allowed in Cuba. Electricity: 110v/220v varies from Hotel to Hotel an adaptor is recommended. The flying time to Santiago is 3 to 4 hours most of the flights are direct, Hotels are generally 3* moderate properties, but there is also a good 4* in the City Center. Drinking bottled water is recommended. Travel Medical insurance is mandatory for all passengers to cuba.

Things to do in Santiago de Cuba: take a Horseback riding day trip, go for a Fishing trip, Visit the Baconao Biosphere National Park, Enjoy views from the Grand Piedra Lookout, take a day trip to a Rum Distillery, Visit the Turkino National Park, Enjoy a Cabaret Show at the Tropicana, take a day trip to Holguin.

SSL