Cuba’s Secret Soul

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Remedios - Sancti Spiritus
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 280.- per person (excluding flights)

Explore two of Cuba’s lesser-known colonial gems, Remedios and Sancti Spriritus, where you’ll find brightly coloured old buildings lining the streets and a relaxed atmosphere which makes a lovely break from the bustle of the bigger cities and tourist hot-spots. Just a couple of hours east of their more famous neighbours, Santa Clara and Trinidad, you’ll be close enough to the Caribbean for a little day-trip to some of the country’s best beaches. You'll also have the chance to learn some Cuban cookery tips from a local expert.

Day 1 – Arrival in Remedios

Depending on your route, you should arrive in Remedios with plenty of time to have a look around this colourful little town. You’ll find beautiful colonial architecture scattered around the central Plaza Marti, including some of Cuba’s finest churches. The evenings are serene, but there are some lively bars to explore and a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere. You’ll stay at a locally run casa particular, with your own key and bathroom so you can come and go as you please.

p.s. Remedios is famed for its Las Parrandas festival, held 16-26th December, when accommodation is very hard to come by – you’ll need to book early if you want to experience this.

Day 2 – Cayos day trip

On your second day, we’ll arrange for you to be picked up in a classic car and driven in style across the 50km causeway which links the mainland with the islands off the north coast. The car takes up to 4 people, so you might have some fellow travellers joining you for the journey. Your driver may also stop to show you some of the fishing villages along the way. You’ll have the day to relax on the powdery sands and swim in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean, before heading back for the evening in Remedios.

*please note that you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of around 15CUC locally, which will also cover your lunch at one of the beachside restaurants.

Days 3-4 – Sancti Spiritus

After a hearty breakfast at your casa, it’s time to leave Remedios behind and travel to Sancti Spiritus, about 1.5 hours away. Unless you’re self-driving, we’ll arrange for a private transfer to pick you up from your accommodation, and you should arrive before lunchtime with plenty of time to explore this attractive old town. Sancti Spritus gives a great insight into everyday Cuban life and is known for its welcoming spirit. Your casa owner will be happy to give you some local tips.

In the early evening you’ll meet with local lady who has made her home in an old soap factory, and she’ll welcome you into her kitchen to learn how to make Cuban classics such as arroz con gris, cerdo asado, frijoles negros or yuca con mojito. Cubans hate wasting food, so you’ll also get eat some of the fruits of your labour of course. Afterwards, you can take in some great local music at Uneac or the Casa de la Cultura, and try an ice cream from local institution Dulce Crema. If all this sounds dreamy to you, then just let us know and we’ll extend your stay to 2 nights here.

At the end of your stay here, you’ll continue on to the next stop on your Cuban adventure.