Now they’re back to being mates with the US and Fidel has passed on, things are a-changin’ in Cuba. But some things will stay the same – like Cuba’s biggest and best party will always be carnival in Santiago de Cuba. A mix of Spanish colonial and Afro-Cuban celebrations, carnival changes a city that already spills over with music and rhythm into one massive party. Even if you’re the world’s shyest or worst dancer, you can’t resist joining the waves of conga that sweep through the city or being part of parades of colourful costumes, sultry performers, and the hypnotizing thump of the drum. Time travel in Havana, get into the Caribbean vibes of Santiago, get lost in the streets of Camaguey, check out the beach and mountains near Trinidad, and surrounded yourself with history, music and mojitos in one of the world’s most unique places.Highlights
Cuba knows how to party, and nowhere does it better than Santiago de Cuba at carnival time. Shake it with the congas, move it to the drums, and join in with the crowds as performers parade through the streets
There’s more to Che Guevara than the t-shirt – find out more when you stop by the museum and mausoleum of Cuba’s most famous son
Enjoy over two free days in laidback Trinidad. Roll those Rs in a Spanish class, loll about on an unspoilt Caribbean beach or peddle through sugar plantations on a vintage bike
Peeling colonial buildings, 50s Cadillac’s, pumping nightlife and all the mojitos you can (responsibly) drink – Havana’s like nowhere else.
- You will visit the following places:
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Camagüey
Camagüey is a city and municipality in central Cuba and is the nation's third largest city. It is the capital of the Camagüey Province. Founded as Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe around 1515 on the northern coast, the city has some beautiful old churches. The new city was built with a confusing lay-out of winding alleys. There are many blind alleys and forked streets that lead to squares of different sizes.
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Havana
Havana, officially Ciudad de La Habana, is the capital city, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city is one of the 15 Cuban provinces. The city/province has 2.1 million inhabitants, the largest city in Cuba and the second largest in the Caribbean region, after Santo Domingo. The city extends mostly westward and southward from the bay, which is entered through a narrow inlet and which divides into three main harbours: Marimelena, Guanabacoa, and Atarés. The sluggish Almendares River traverses the city from south to north, entering the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay.
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Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is the capital of the Santiago de Cuba province in south-eastern Cuba. Historically Santiago de Cuba has long been the second most important city on the island after Havana, and still remains the second largest. It is on a bay connected to the Caribbean Sea and is an important sea port. The city best known for colonial architecture and revolutionary history.
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Santa Clara
Santa Clara is the capital city of the Cuban province of Villa Clara. It is located in the most central region of the province and almost in the most central region of the country. Founded by 175 people on July 15, 1689, Santa Clara is a place to enjoy romantic sunsets, colonial history and fun times.
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Trinidad