Introduction
As, “the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen,” in the words of Christopher Columbus on his arrival in Cuba for the first time on October 27, 1492, Holguin has changed little, and that little has been for the better.
The region has grown in terms of both population and culture, while trails have been opened into its thick forests that lead to stunning views. At the same time, Holguin’s tourist resorts, known as Guardalavaca, Don Lino, Esmeralda and Pesquero beaches, have become increasingly popular amongst those who take their vacations in the Caribbean.
Holguin has successfully developed health tourism focusing on lifestyle improvement and drug rehabilitation programs. Progress has also been made in the sphere of events and incentive travel under the leadership of the Sol Meliá Group, which offers well- equipped rooms in its hotels. There is the additional option of holding these activities in Guardalavaca and in the provincial capital.
Holguin represents one of the most diverse natural settings in Cuba. Highlands, fertile plains and fine sandy beaches alternate in the landscape of this singularly beautiful province with its numerous attractions.
Location
The province of Holguin is located in the northern part of the eastern region of Cuba, between Las Tunas and Guantánamo, to the west and east respectively. To the south, its neighbors are the provinces of Granma and Santiago de Cuba, while its northern coastline is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Main attractions
The beaches of Holguin are among the most picturesque in the Caribbean. Its turquoise, warm and tranquil seas are naturally protected by coral reefs surrounded by dense vegetation, the intense color of which contrasts strikingly with the pale golden sands and clear blue sea.
The most impressive aspects of nature in the province are protected in twelve reserves, which are very popular with visitors from everywhere. The natural parks of Bahia de Naranjo and Cayo SaetIa, Pinares de Mayari, Alejandro de Humboldt and Sierra de Cristal, together with the mountainous enclave of Cuchillas del Toa, one of the six UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the Cuban archipelago, are particularly attractive.
The provincial capital, Holguin, also known as the city of parks, Gibara, an ancient commercial and fishing port setting for the new Festival of Cinema of he Poor and the traditional town of Banes, named the archaeological capital of pre-Columbian Cuba, are a must for those touring this province rich in traditions and with a deeply rooted culture.
Among the hugely popular cultural events is the Culture Week (held from January 12 to 20), the May Romerias, held at the beginning of the month, the Holguin carnival (August) and the Festival of Ibero-American Culture (October).
History
Holguin is rightly known throughout Cuba and worldwide, as the place where Christopher Columbus disembarked on October27, 1492. Columbus ships dropped anchor in a place that is today known as the Bay of Bariay and is currently the Bariay National Park Monument. This is where the Admiral and his men first came ashore, the starting point for European discovery of the other half of the world. Since the time of this first voyage to the western hemisphere, this place on the Cuban coastline has formed part of history. Following the discovery, there was the process of colonization of the area, between 1513 and 1514, where there was an abundant indigenous population.
The origin of the current city of Holguin dates back to the decision by Captain Garcia Holguin, from Extremadura in Spain, to found the San Isidro Ranch there on April 4, 1545. A settlement evolved from the ranch and by 1720 the place had become a town, which was given the title of city in 1752.
Great names in the history of the struggle for Cuban independence from Spanish colonialism, such as those of General Julio Grave de Peralta and Major General Calixto Garcia lniguez, were natives of Holguin. The struggle continued onward after the withdrawal of the European metropolis in favor of national sovereignty and the right to a dignified lifestyle. The participation of the population of Holguin province in the endeavor to achieve these goals up to the time of the success of the Revolution on January 1, 1959, has been duly acknowledged by all Cubans.
From early times Holguin has relied mainly on cattle farming and agriculture, particularly tobacco and sugar cane, however, more recently it has broadened its economic development via large-scale nickel mining, the production of heavy duty machinery, tourism expansion and a range of other sectors, to the extent that it is now very much to the fore in terms of its importance in the national economy.
Culture and Traditions
Mixed with Africans, who arrived in lesser numbers, these settlers established the foundations of and gave birth to the region’s present day culture. Fiestas, festivals, dance and musical performances, first class literature and significant development in fine arts, comprise a fascinating blend in rural and urban Holguin.
Local people in Holguin love music. The region is the birthplace of award-winning composers and performers, both in classical and popular music, such as Frank Fernández, the first Cuban to be included in the world famous “Steinway Artists” catalogue. The son rhythm is played here in its different modes. One of the most unique, La Guaracha, is strongly associated with Faustino Oramas, El Guayabero, as the genre’s most outstanding national figure.
Little has survived of the culture of the original inhabitants of Cuba in day to day life in Holguin. Nevertheless, there are descriptions of the substantial original population by Spanish writers and a vast amount of archaeological evidence found in the region, particularly in the municipality of Banes.
Except for certain handmade tools for use in rural areas, and certain utensils such as the cassava bread, together with a significant number of place names in the geographical locality, the presence of indigenous peoples is barely noticeable.
The majority of the province’s traditions arrived with the Spanish galleons and their crews, who by the thousands, down through the centuries of Spanish colonialism and into the early decades of the 20th century, settled these lands.
Lyrical theater in the province is among the best in the country and Campesino style verse, Décima, brought to Cuba mainly by immigrants from the Canary Islands is strongly rooted here.
Cuban visual arts are proud to include Cosme Proenza and Eririque Avila among their most important exponents. The latter is author of the emblematic image of Ernesto Che Guevara that presides over one section of Revolution Square in Havana. Artists specializing in craftwork in Holguin include Merlis Fernández, one of its most outstanding creators.
There are interesting museums in Holguin, such as the Indocubano Bani and the Chorro de Malta archaeological burial site, the two museums in Banes, the Cuban Colonial Ambience museum in Gibara, the Carlos de Ia Torre y Huerta Natural History Museum, together with the distinguished La Periquera Provincial History Museum, located in the capital city.
What to See
There is a significant number of historical, cultural, anthropological, natural and tourist attractions throughout the province.
Beaches
Guardalavaca, Don Lino, Playa Esmeralda and Pesquero (Costa Verde)
A characteristic of the Holguin coastline is the almost constant presence of orographic formations that give the province’s beaches a very unique personality, making them quite different from other beaches in the Cuban archipelago.
There is a certain air of privacy and seclusion among the escarpments that lead down to the sea, which are practically always surrounded by dense vegetation. These features have convinced tour operators in the region to establish first class accommodation here together with all that is required for enjoyable vacations.
Two of the most famous beaches are Guardalavaca, shaped like a shell or an inlet, and also Don 1mb, known as the grand small beach due to the quality of its sand and to its size. This area of resorts, ideal for practicing scuba diving, fishing, sailing and other marine activities, is located some 50 km from the provincial capital.
The Playa Esmeralda beach resort, a delightful place, will also meet the expectations of those seeking the services of a marine sports club and scuba diving school.
Holguin City.
Calixto Garcia Park
This park is the center, par excellence, of the city’s social life. It was originally established for military purposes as Arms Square for the Spanish garrison in the city of Holguin, famous in Cuba for its parks. It is surrounded by businesses, services and public institutions located in interesting buildings of an eclectic tendency. The renowned native of Holguin, Calixto Garcia, is honored in the city of his birth by a museum-house and by the naming of Revolution Square after him, the site of a mausoleum where the remains of the General of the independence wars rest.
La Periquera Provincial History Museum
The key periods of the history of this region in the eastern part of Cuba are on display in chronological order and in five different rooms. It owes its name to the green color (similar to that of the parakeet) of the uniforms worn by Spanish soldiers who were urgently posted to the building after the Ten Year War broke out, on October 10, 1868, in the province of Granma. The museum occupies a neo classic style building that was completed in 1862, and is one of the most important in the provincial capital.Frexes No. 198 Tel.: (53 24) 463395
San Isidoro Cathedral
An 18th century building is the site of Holguin’s most important ecclesiastical institution, consecrated as a cathedral in 1979. It is a solid construction comprising three wide doors and embedded columns, as well as a central pediment that defines its triangular finishing. A mass consecrating the church and the foundation of the city was held in the first setting of the chapel in 1720. Its Moorish interior is particularly attractive on account of the original ceilings, which are the most beautiful amongst those that still preserve the Mudejar style in the city.
Carlos de La Torre y Huerta Provincial Museum of Natural History
The museum has eleven rooms and the most important collection of ornithology and malacology in the country and East Indies. The collection includes numerous examples of the Cuban land snail (polymitapicta) and ligus, two of the most noteworthy species of a total of three thousand mollusks registered to date in the Cuban archipelago.
Maceo No. 129
Tel.: (53 24) 423935
Calixto Garcia lniguez Museum House
The life of this eminent protagonist of the struggle for independence in the 19” century is displayed via manuscripts, personal belongings, and weapons of the period, items jealously guarded in each one of the rooms of the former residence of the Garcia family.
Miró No. 147
Tel.: (53 24) 425610
San José Church
Located in the old quarter of Holguin, this church is one of the city’s most important architectural monuments. It was completed in 1815 but subsequent modifications have given it a neo classical semblance, which it currently boasts.
La Cruz Hill
Previously known as the Bayado Hill, the change of name came about following the placing of an immense cross on the summit of the hill on May 3, 1790, by Friar Antonio Alegria in memory of the day when the remains of the Calvary crosses were discovered. It is an excellent look out point over the city, where the center, Calixto Garcia Park, is exactly three kilometers away. On May 3 every year a popular pilgrimage takes place up the 458 steps built between 1927 and 1950.
Eddy Suüol Main Theater
The headquarters of Holguin’s Rodrigo Prats lyric theater is set in the city center. Its usual program includes zarzuelas and other performances of the lyric genre. Shows that have gained national and international recognition have made this institution into one of the most important theaters in the center and east of the country.
Plaza de Ia Marqueta Cultural Center
This center is situated between Marti and Luz Caballero streets and is dedicated to the preservation of the city and its inhabitants’ cultural heritage. Undergoing development, the center houses a printing press, bazaars for the exhibition and sale of pieces by craft workers, fine artists and writers, an engraving workshop and an art gallery. It also comprises a concert room and areas devoted to theatrical works, dance performances, film shows, fashion parades and other types of entertainment.
Tel.: (53 24) 461187
Gibara
This is a port city that was built in the 19th century and represents the main route of access to the sea for the entire northern part of the eastern region of Cuba, which explains why it is one of the most important colonial architectural sites in the province. A visit to the Museum of Cuban Colonial Ambience, in a neoclassical style building in 1872, is recommended. The museum houses a collection of the biggest semicircular arches from the eastern part of the island and a impressive collection of stained-glass windows, furniture, crystal ware, crockery and other objects.
Also recommended is a visit to the Museum of Natural Sciences in this city, also known as Villa Blanca, where there is one of the most complete collections of butterflies and moths in the West Indies.
Bariay National Monument Park
Located close to Gibara, and therefore of easy access to visitors who wish to see the site where the mutual encounter took place between the cultures of the Old and New Worlds, on the afternoon of October 27, 1492.
The place is practically as it was when the individuals involved in that historic encounter arrived on the scene, to the extent that visitors can experience for themselves the environment as it was then. Nature conservation, historical knowledge and the recreation of specific aspects of the arrival of the three caravels compliment a minimum of facilities and services for tourists, that have been designed in such a way as to ensure that their presence does not alter the ambience which is characterized by respectful pride.
Bani Indocuban Museum
An important museum dedicated to pre Columbian Cuban cultures is located in the main town of the municipality of Banes, of the same name. Over a third of the indigenous archaeological remains found in Cuba to date have been discovered in Holguin province, and this museum exhibits key aspects of those findings.
Of particular interest amongst these findings is the so-called idol of Banes, a solid gold statue of four centimeters in height that dates back to the 13 century, according to laboratory tests. In addition, there are dujos on exhibit (a type of sit used by indigenous peoples), small axes, flint knives, clay pots and other utensils. The collection exceeds 20,000 items.
Chorro de Malta and Taino Village
Given the close archaeological links that the municipality of Banes has with the past, it is not surprising that this region is the site of the largest indigenous burial grounds in the West Indies. The burial grounds are located in the center of an area that was densely populated by indigenous Cubans up to the 1 5t century. In the surrounding lands, the remains of about a hundred of the early inhabitants have been found, part of which is on display in the museum. The reproduction of a typical Tamno village, with indigenous homes and buildings characteristic of these communities, is adjacent to the burial site. Perhaps the most important educational aspect of this theme park is the faithful representation of the early inhabitants of the area via life-sized statues that appear to give the impression of a real life village.
ECOTOURISM
Mayabe Ranch
A few minutes away by car to the south east of the city of Holguin a road cuts into the countryside until it reaches a divide that leads to the Mayabe hill. On the summit the lifestyle of the inhabitants of rural Cuba is reproduced. There is a real bohio (rural dwelling) with a flattened dirt floor, poultry runs, fruit and timber trees. There is accommodation available on the site, which is ideal for relaxing in a rural environment and enjoying the stunning view that extends forth from the base of the hill and from where the Mayabe Valley may be seen, an outstanding landscape in the Cuban countryside.
Bahia de Naranjo Natural Park
This park is a must for all those who visit the region of Holguin. It covers an area of 1,000 hectares of rich vegetation. Along the shore there are mangroves, coastal brush and species of trees that are native to the Cuban coastline that stretches for an area of 32 km. The park offers a range of tempting options for those who wish to enjoy nature; hiking along the Las Guanas and Peñon-Conuco de Mongo-Vina eco trails, respectively, in addition to excursions by yacht, visits to the aquarium to the dolphin and sea lion shows, enjoy seafood meals or the taste of Cuban cuisine in the countryside. For those who like open-air sports there is also a variety of choices available, the most outstanding of which is golf and rodeo. As an exclusive accommodation offer, the park has a comfortable cabin built on a small cay next to the aquarium and with two rustic cabins that recreate the customs of local campesino farmers who live along the shoreline.
Cayo Saetia
This cay is close to the bay of Nipe, the largest in Cuba, and covers a surface area of 42 km2. Forests cover a total of 65% of its territory and the rest is comprised of meadows where nandu, antelope, zebra, deer, wild pigs, hutia, wild bulls and other animals graze. There is accommodation and facilities for visitors who wish to take part in exciting yacht trips or safaris by jeep or on horseback, among other activities.
Pinares de Mayari
This is a privileged area to the north east of the Holguin mountain region. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers due to its abundant plant and animal life and also because there is a place on La Mensura hill, where comfortable accommodation is available. Its prolific vegetation and high level of native species serve as a habitat for numerous types of bird life and the trails known as La Mensura and Secretos del Pinar make the area particularly attractive to those who enjoy hiking. Its unique nature, with 67 native local plant species, makes this place one of the most interesting sites in the country
Those interested in hiking may also find first class options in those sites and eco trails known as the Sendero La Sabina and the Recorrido Ruta Verde and Panorámica.
Nature in Holguin offers other attractions such as the Alejandro de Humboldt Natural Park, which was recently declared a World Nature Reserve, and is situated in an enclave in the Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve. There is also the option of the Sierra Cristal mountains, Silla de Gibara, Colorado Hill, also known as La Mezquita de Colon (Columbus Mosque) and the Yaguajay Hill.
What to Do
DIVING
Almost all of Holguin’s beaches have outstandingly beautiful underwater coral formations just offshore, which are the main attractions for scuba diving enthusiasts, for underwater photographers and those who enjoy exploring sea beds that are filled with living organisms. Fish, crustaceans, mollusks and the coral itself comprise an unforgettable multi-colored underwater world, typical of the tropical Caribbean Sea.
There are dozens of diving sites throughout the area, with astonishingly good visibility, warm and clean waters, just a few meters off the coastline.
Holguin guarantees a variety of entertainment for its visitors, who may tour the capital city and Gibara, become acquainted with aspects of the Taino culture, explore ancient forests and discover the charms of the Bahia de Naranjo Park, admire the natural exuberance of Cayo Saetia or go hiking. These are some of the more interesting choices.
All the conditions required for practicing the majority of tourism options on offer in Cuba are available, some of which are highly specialized, such as health tourism. However, the beaches are the starting point and the foundation of the tourism industry, with all its incentives and attractions.
BEACH
Marine sports, swimming and recreation in direct contact with nature.
There is a professional infrastructure, comprising divers of vast experience and knowledge who act as tutors and guides for those who practice scuba diving and for those who wish to learn, to discover the hidden Cuba, covered by the sea.
Diving centers offer tourist daytime and evening diving packages, beginners’ courses, and other programs run by qualified personnel who have acquired the ACUC (American Canadian Underwater Certification). Professional instructors work here and have access to the diving points in specialized vessels -that are safe and comfortable, with first class equipment on board.
Eagle Ray and Coral Reef Diving Centers
Playa Guardalavaca.
Tel: (5324) 30185
Sea Lovers Diving Center
Playa Esmeralda. Carretera de Guardalavaca,
Litoralde Holguin.
Tel: (5324) 30060/64
Fax: (5324) 30065
Other marine sports
On the beaches of Guardalavaca, Don Lino, Esmeralda and Pesquero, there are facilities for windsurfing, for excursions by catamaran, canoeing and pedal boats.
The Bahia de Naranjo Natural Park hosts an aquarium, sea lion and dolphin shows trips along the coastline, deep sea and coastal fishing and it also organizes seafaris.
DESCRIPTION OF SOME DIVING SITES
The “Eagle Ray” diving center provides the opportunity to discover over twenty diving sites, which may be reached by powerboats. Here, scuba divers can explore an underwater world of coral reefs, high karstic formations, small valleys and vertical walls, from a depth of between 5 and 40 meters.
The most beautiful of these sites include:
Coral Garden, Aquarium, Loma Jorge: These are areas that, due to their characteristics, in terms of shallow waters, are ideal for scuba diving beginners. They typically have coral sea beds of a wide variety that form coral heads shaped like brains, deer and elk horns, etc. In addition, this is the habitat for extensive animal life with a variety of small fish whose color and beauty enhance the attractiveness of this underwater world.
Canto Bonito: There is a wall with a 15-meter drop in the area, where crabs, lobster, octopi and a variety of coral fish live.
La Cadena: In 1962, in the place now called Vita Bay, just 45 minutes from the diving center, a Russian tugboat broke down, ditching a chain of around 110 meters in length into the sea. This chain had remained under water since, forming part of the best diving areas in the region. The chain crosses Vita Bay, from one side to the other, beginning at a depth of 18 meters and dropping, in the center, to 40 meters. On the marvelous journey along this immense chain we can appreciate the power of nature to transform it into part of the environment. Large gorgonians and vast coral formations have established themselves here, as have huge sponges that cover the chain from one end to the other. Black Groupers, Barracudas, Cero Fish and Southern Stingray have also created a life for themselves on the bed of this beautiful bay.
Casa Coral: The presence of coral formations with abundant animal life, comprised mainly by multi-colored fish, flora with several species of coral and giant gorgonians are to be found here.
La Corona: A coral formation, similar to a gigantic crown, is the main feature of this site. Divers can also see large coral formations, sponges, black coral colonies and an abundance of such fish as the Yellowtail, Snapper, Ocean Triggerfish and others.
Cueva 1: A masterpiece of Mother Nature is to be found after on a five minute journey by powerboat; it is a cave which is approximately 65 meters long, starting at 20 meters and dropping to about 37 meters and opening up to an entirely perpendicular wall. The cave is home to species such as anchovy, scorpion fish, porcupine fish and Nassau grouper. Along the length of the wall there are also lobsters, crabs, queen angelfish, French angelfish and barracudas.
Canto Azul: There is an authentic paradise to the north east of the Diving Center, only 3 minutes away by powerboat: an unspoiled wall that drops vertically, starting from a depth of 14 meters until it loses itself in the depths of the blue ocean waters. At a depth of only 20 meters scuba divers will find gorgonians, black coral and sponges. During the dive a large group of Bermuda chub will follow the same route as the diver until the habitat of the small reef shark and large black groupers is encountered. On returning via the upper part of the wall, a large number of yellowtail snappers will follow divers in search of food.
YACHTING
Puerto de Vita International Marina
This marina has a mooring capacity of fifty, its own vessels, drinking water, electricity (1 by and 220v), grocery provisions, repair service, hardware store, port and customs authorities on site.
Tel.: (53 24) 30445 and 30446
Location:21 56 N, 73 53W
Nautical charts: GEOCUBA 118138
Communication via radio: VHF 16
EXCURSIONS
The different handling agencies operating in Cuba offer a series of attractive choices for visitors to the province of Holguin, both within its boundaries and beyond them. The choice includes: Gibara, the fishing town, the Bariay National Monument Park, Naranjo Bay, Cayo Saetia, a natural paradise, Banes and its archaeological sites: the indigenous burial site of Chorro de Malta and the Taino village, Havana the capital city, Santiago de Cuba, the most Caribbean city on the island, Baracoa, the first Spanish settlement, and others.
Excursions and Tours.
Available from the Tourism Information desk at all hotels or tourism villages.Tours of the city of HolguIn, the most densely populated area in the province and the provincial capital. Visitors may also tour Havana, the largest and most important city in Cuba, capital of the country; Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of traditions, where the population are considered to be the “most Caribbean” in all of Cuba; Baracoa, the first settlement founded by the conquerors, Gibara, colonial settlement and fishing village; Cayo Saetia, unspoiled territory, inhabited by exotic animals of a unique nature; Cayo Naranjo, swim with the dolphins, show; Pinares de Mayan, mountains, ecosystems: the town of Banes and the Sitio Chorro de Malta museum, an indigenous people’s burial site open to the public, and a reconstructed Taino village. Bariay National Monument Park, the coastal region of Cuba first spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1492, where he disembarked, and countless other places.
Cayo Saetia by Helicopter.
Transfer to Cayo Saetia by helicopter; welcome cocktail; time to explore the beach; snorkeling equipment included, yacht excursion along the coastline of the island; hour-long safari by jeep. Buffet-style lunch under the shade of the trees, on the beach, with a drink included. Horseback riding is an option open to participants in this excursion.
Excursion to Santiago de Cuba.
Transfer by helicopter to the airport at Santiago de Cuba, where participants then board a bus. Visit the Morro Castle, Museum of Rum, Revolution Square, sightseeing tour of the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, a fruit and vegetable market, and House of the Trova (Troubadours). Lunch in Villa Gaviota with a drink included. Sightseeing tour of the Moncada Garrison. Walking tour of the city’s old quarter (Cespedes Park and its surroundings). Visit to the Casa Granda Hotel (cocktail included). Return to hotel.
Baracoa
Transfer by helicopter to Baracoa airport, where participants board a bus. Walking tour of the city’s old quarter. Visit to the church where the cross erected by Christopher Columbus on his arrival is kept. Visit to the lookout point at El Castillo hotel, from where there is a magnificent view of the city. Visit to MatachIn Fort, currently the Museum of History; visit to a cigar factory. Stroll along the sea wall drive to the La Punta fortress. Tour of the rural area to see typical Cuban crops (cacao, coconuts, citric fruit, bananas, palms, etc.) Boat ride on the Duaba river. Free time to take photos. Typical Cuban lunch on site, with a drink included. Transfer to the Porto Santo hotel with free time on its premises. Return to the airport to board the helicopter.
DINNER IN THE AQUARIUM (LOBSTER)
Transfer by air-conditioned bus to Naranjo bay, tour by motorboat en route to Cayo Naranjo; tour of the aquarium facilities. Time to enjoy the magnificent dolphin and sea lion shows. Free time available to swim with the dolphins. Lobster dinner on site with a drink included, all accompanied by an unforgettable show with typical music and dance from our culture.
FANTASTIC EXCURSION
Transfer by air-conditioned bus to visit a family doctor’s office, a rural school, a peasant farmer’s house and the Chorro de Malta complex. Transfer to Naranjo bay. Tour by motorboat to Cayo Naranjo. Tour of the aquarium facilities. Welcome cocktail. Free time available to swim with the dolphins. Time to enjoy the sea lion and dolphin shows. Delicious paella for lunch made with the different shellfish from our seas, with a drink included, to the accompaniment of live traditional music. Transfer by motorboat to El Conuco de Mongo Viña, tour of the facilities and visit to the Center for the Reproduction of Fauna. Return to hotel.
VISIT TO THE AQUARIUM
Transfer by air-conditioned by to Naranjo Bay. Guided tour of the bay by motorboat en route to the aquarium. Welcome cocktail, tour of the Cayo Naranjo Aquarium’s facilities. Time to swim with the dolphins (15 minutes). Dolphin and sea lion show. Return to the hotel.
JEEP SAFARI TO BANES
Departure by jeep from hotel in the direction of Banes. Visit the indigenous burial site of Chorro de Malta and the “Taino Village” Visit to Boca de Samá, a site of great historical and photographic interest, visit a family doctor’s office and a peasant farmer’s home to become acquainted with rural life and Cuban agriculture. Visit a cigar factory in Banes. Free time in the old quarter of the city. Return to Esmeralda beach to have lunch in the “El Conuco de Mongo Viña” restaurant which serves Cuban cuisine, one drink is included. Return to the hotel.
JEEP SAFARI GIBARA
Transfer by jeep to enjoy typical Cuban landscapes en route to the town of Gibara (a fishing town). Tour of the town with the opportunity to see examples of 19t1 century colonial Cuba. Walking tour of the old quarter, the square where the church is located, and the surrounding area; visit to the Museum of Colonial Art, visit to a natural look-out point offering a view of the city and the bay of Gibara. Seafood lunch in El Faro restaurant, with one drink included. Visit to a factory that produces cigars for export. Return to the hotel.
CAYO SAETIA
Transfer in air-conditioned bus to the cay. Participants will have the opportunity to stop at sites of particular interest along the way (sugar cane plantation and typical Cuban crops). Welcome cocktail served on arrival. Free time to explore the beach, snorkeling equipment included. Excursion by yacht along the cay coastline. Hour-long jeep safari. Buffet lunch under the shade of trees along the beach, with one drink included. Return to hotel.
VISITTO BARIAY
Departure from the hotel in an air- conditioned bus for Cayo Bariay to tour by horse drawn carriage the exclusive installations of this “National Monument” Natural Historic Park. This is the site where Admiral Christopher Columbus disembarked in 1492 and exclaimed that “this is the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen!’ Once on the cay, a welcome cocktail is served and visit begins to a Spanish fort, Information Center, Monument to the Encounter of Two Cultures and to the archaeological site where the remains are on display of an indigenous village dating back to the time of the discovery.
EXCURSION TO SANTIAGO DE CUBA
Transfer by air-conditioned bus to Santiago de Cuba. Visit to: Revolution Square, Santa Efigenia cemetery; Museum of Rum; Morro Castle and a fruit and vegetable market. Lunch in Villa Gaviota restaurant, with one drink included. Sightseeing visit to the Moncada garrison. Walking tour of the old quarter of the city to become acquainted with its main streets and other sites of interest (Céspedes Park and the surrounding areas). Visit to the House of the Trova (Troubadours) and to the Carnival Museum.
NIGHTCLUB
Transfer by bus to the main square in Holguin; a brief stay to see the city’s night life, departure for the Nocturno nightclub, show and open bar. After the show recorded dance music is played.
LOCOMOTIVE TOUR
Transfer by air-conditioned bus to the Rafael Freyre Sugar Mill, where a brief tour will be given of the installation to allow participants the opportunity to become acquainted with the process of obtaining sugar from the cane. The tour continues by narrow gauge steam engine, built in the 19th century, which is still fully functioning. The steam engine passes through sugar cane plantations and other agricultural sectors, making stops to take photos and hear explanations about different aspects of rural life. Visit to the home of a peasant farmer to learn about the lifestyle and customs in the area. Visit to Cayo Bariay to tour in a horse drawn carriage the exclusive installation of this “National Monument” Natural Historic Park. This is the site where Admiral Christopher Columbus disembarked in 1492 and exclaimed that “this is the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen.” Once on the cay, a welcome cocktail is served and visit begins to a Spanish fort, Information Center, Monument to the Encounter of Two Cultures and to the archaeological site where the remains are on display of an indigenous village dating back to the time of the discovery. A seafood lunch and a drink will be served in the Colombo restaurant.
VISIT TO THE CITY OF HOLGUIN
City tour. View over Revolution Square, visit to a cigar factory, to the Hill of the Cross (Loma de Ia Cruz), which is a historic site from where the entire city can be viewed, walking tour of the city center to Marqueta Square and San Isidoro Church. Free time in Calixto Garcia Park (the center of the old quarter and its surroundings). Artistic activity in the Cuban Arts and Crafts Foundation. Lunch in the Mayabe rural ranch style restaurant. Return to the hotel.
COLOMBOTUR
Collection from hotel. Transfer by bus to the Puerto de Vita International Marina to board a comfortable catamaran.Tourof the Vita bay and snorkeling in a coral reef setting; disembark at Cayo Bariay, today a “National Monument” Natural Historic Park given that this is the site where Admiral Christopher Columbus disembarked in 1492. Welcome cocktail, tour of the park in horse drawn carriage. Visits to the Spanish fort, Information Center, Monument to the Encounter of the Two Cultures and the archaeological sites where the remains of an indigenous burial site date back to the period of discovery. Seafood lunch in the Colombo restaurant, located on the summit of a small hill where fresh air, a view of the sea and nature are the exclusive companions of the client. During the course of the excursion there is an open bar on board the catamaran.
HAVANA ONE DAY
Transfer to HolguIn airport and departure for Havana: tour of modern Havana with visits to Colon Cemetery (of historical and artistic interest), Revolution Square, stroll along La Rampa (a popular main street). Tour of the entire city, the sea wall drive and arrival in Old Havana. Visit to Morro Castle. Lunch in El Patio restaurant in Cathedral Square, with a drink included. Tour of Old Havana includes:
El Templete chapel, Arms Square, Captains General Palace, Obispo Street and its business, Cathedral Square and its surrounding areas, the Floridita restaurant bar, Artesania Palace, Prado Promenade and the Capitolio Building. Return to airport.
SUNSET DINNER
Transfer by air-conditioned bus to the Puerto de Vita International Marina, sail boat excursion (approximately two hours) to see the sunset. Welcome cocktail and two drinks included. Return to the marina to enjoy a delicious lobster dinner in the Vito restaurant in the marina complex, to the accompaniment of Cuban traditional music. Return to hotel.
FISHING
Collection from hotel and transfer to Boca de Samá. Fishing rod with tackle and bait on board a moving yacht (maximum of three rods) snack on board and open bar, accompanied by specialized crew (5 hours fishing).
OVERNIGHT SANTIAGO – PINARES
Transfer by air-conditioned bus to Santiago de Cuba. Visit to Revolution Square, Santa Efigenia Cemetery, Museum of Rum, Morro Castle and a fruit and vegetable market. Lunch in Villa Gaviota with a drink included. Sightseeing tour of the former Moncada garrison. Walking tour of the old quarter of the city and its main streets and other places of interest (Céspedes Square and the surrounding area). Visit to the house of the Trova (Troubadours) and the Casa Granda hotel (cocktail included). The excursion continues on to Pinares de Mayari. Accommodation in Villa Pinares. Dinner in the Villa. Party around a bonfire. Performance by a traditional Cuban music group. Rest.
OVERNIGHT IN SAETIA BY CATAMARAN
First Day
Transfer from the hotel to the Puerto de Vita International Marina. Excursion by catamaran along the northern coast en route to Cayo SaetIa. Open bar during the journey and seafood lunch. Disembark at the cay. Accommodation and dinner in Villa Saetia. Night safari. Party with hors d’oeuvres, cocktail, billiards, table games and Cuban music until midnight.
Second day
Breakfast at the Villa. Excursion by catamaran along the coastline of the cay. Snorkeling amongst the coral formation or time to explore the beach. Return journey, open bar and seafood lunch on board. Disembark at the Vita marina. Transfer to hotel.
ACQUA TOURS
Collection from hotel and transfer to Puerto de Vita Marina. On arrival a brief explanation will be given of the tour and about how jet skis are operated. Tour of the bay that gives participants the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the setting. Opportunity to go snorkeling (equipment included). Visit to the home of a local fisherman. The tour concludes with a snack in El Navegante restaurant, with a drink included. Participants will be accompanied throughout the trip by guides specialized in marine subjects. On conclusion, transfer to hotels.
HAVANA: HISTORY, CULTURE AND RYTHM
First day
Departure by bus from hotel to Holguin airport to take the Havana-bound flight, which takes two hours. Tour of Modern Havana, Revolution Square, ColOn Cemetery, free time on the popular street of La Rampa and then a stroll to the sea wall drive. Lunch with a drink included. A sightseeing view of Central Havana in the afternoon, stroll in Central Park and to the Capitolio Building, accommodation and dinner in a hotel in the city, then departure for the Tropicana Show.
Second Day
Sightseeing tour of the Palace of the Revolution and Prado Promenade. Visit to the Morro Look-out Point, lunch in a nearby restaurant. Tour of Old Havana with a visit to Plaza Vieja (Old Square), Plaza de Armas (Arms Square), Palace of the Captains Generals. Tour of Cathedral Square and free time to go shopping.