Guide to SANTA CLARA – Reliving Cuba ‘s History

Santa Clara – a place where to this date you can relive the history of Cuba ‘s revolution.

Plaza de la Revolución in Santa Clara
José Delarra created also Che Guevara’s mausoleum that he’s sharing with some of his fellow fighters. It’s located at the other end of the indeed extensive Plaza de la Revolución.

With the historic Hotel Santa Clara Libre at the Parque Vidal, the Mausoleo Che Guevara, the revolutionary’s last resting place, and the Toma del Tren Blindado site, Santa Clara is still breathing revolution.

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Guide to CAMAGUEY – Cuba’s Modest Beauty

On the way from Santa Clara to the beaches of Isla Santa Lucia, a stopover at Camaguey came in handy, so here I share my little guide with you.

bye:myself - Renata Green - byemyselftravels: Cuba Camagüey
Plaze del Carmen and Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Camagüey.

If Viazul’s itinerary hadn’t forced me to spend the night, I probably wouldn’t have visited Camagüey. After all, I had already so many idyllic midsized cities on my list. But actually, I would have missed out on a really pleasant place. Although – one day was sufficient.

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PLAYA SANTA LUCIA – Cuba’s Secluded Tropical Paradise

Spending a couple of days on secluded Playa Santa Lucia peninsula and paradisiac beaches such as Coco Beach on Cuba’s northern coast is the perfect relaxing break between visits to all the interesting and vibrant cities on the island.

Playa Santa Lucia Cuba
Secluded and very, very nice: Playa del Coco.

Although to foreigners, the peninsula Plays Santa Lucia seems very much off the beaten tracks, you can get there by public bus in about two hours.

I bet you didn’t know that paradise was that close by.

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SANTIAGO – Capital of Afro-Cuban Culture

Santiago in the island’s eastern part is the capital of Afro-Cuban culture. This alluring home to the country’s largest Afro-Cuban population was actually the birthplace of the Revolution.  

Santiago de Cuba, the Capital Afro Cuban culture, in the early morning.
Good morning, Santiago! Walking in the wee hours to the Viazul bus station. 

Since Santiago is cheaper and more relaxed than Havana and full of tropical vibes, I really don’t understand why so many visitors simply skip this underrated treasure.

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Guide to BARACOA – Cuba’s Hidden Gem

Let me guide you all the way east where Cuba keeps a hidden gem called Baracoa.

View of Baracoa and the Bahia de Miel, the Honey Bay, from the Hotel El Castillo.
View of Baracoa and the Bahia de Miel, the Honey Bay, from the Hotel El Castillo.

I was very glad that Baracoa was my last stop in Cuba – since it was definitely the highlight. Wrapping me in its relaxed, homey atmosphere, Baracoa would have spoiled me for the rest of Cuba.

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Guide to CURITIBA – and a Day Trip to MORRETES

Let me guide you further South to the laid-back city of Curitiba from where you can venture out on a memorable day trip to scenic places like Morretes.

Streetcar in Curitiba
One of Curitiba’s great public services is this ancient street cart. It is housing a library, and you can even leave your kids there while shopping.
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