Beyond Havana: Four Other Cuban Cities to Explore

Destinations

Beyond Havana: Four Other Cuban Cities to Explore

Baracoa, Cuba

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Uncover the quieter Cuban cities, where less explored towns offer captivating stories and encounters

Havana may steal the spotlight, but Cuba's lesser-known towns are the heart of the island's soul. From the very first village founded on the island to a town cradling Cuba's largest underwater cave, we're setting off on a journey through Cuban cities that offer a different kind of allure – one steeped in history, culture, and unspoiled beauty.

Gibara, Cuba

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1. Gibara

Escape the relentless pace of Cuba's big cities and let Gibara, a quaint coastal town, enchant you with its serene bay and mountainous backdrop. Imagine breathing in that salty sea air, mingling with the aroma of Cuba's finest seafood - think mouthwatering crab enchilados and other crab dishes, so famous they're literally on the town's welcome sign!

 

Before diving into Gibara's culinary delights, dip into the Tanque Azul. More than just a stunning natural pool, this jade-hued wonder is your gateway to one of the world's oldest underwater caves - a 20-million-year-old aquatic labyrinth waiting to be explored. And let's face it, snorkeling here might just be the closest you'll get to time travel!

 

Gibara doesn't just do serene; it does festive too! Home to the Festival Internacional de Cine Pobre de Gibara, it's where you can catch cutting-edge Latin American cinema without the blockbuster budget.

 

Fancy staying like a local? Gibara's hostels and Airbnbs, such as the charming Casa Luz del Norte, offer a taste of authenticity. Constructed in 1874, this colonial-style beauty, with its Mudéjar flair, overlooks the bay. You can even rent bamboo bikes made locally to wander around at your pace.

Calle Calzada, Cárdenas

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2. Cárdenas

Varadero's hyper-popular crystal waters might be the crown jewel of Cuban beaches, but a hop away, the Cuban city of Cárdenas stands as a beacon of history. Boasting a blend of 19th-century splendor and modern charm. Picture this: streets lined with rainbow-hued colonial homes, towering columns, and ceilings that could tell a thousand tales.

 

As you meander through the streets, don't miss the towering Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception, where a 9-foot tribute to Christopher Columbus claims its fame as the first of its kind in America.

 

Step into the Oscar María de Rojas Museum, the second oldest in Cuba, for a peek into the past. This National Monument, founded in 1900, houses a fascinating collection that spans from pre-Columbian artifacts to an extensive entomology display, including Cuba's largest butterfly collection. Open from Monday to Sunday, a guided English tour is a bargain at about 15 Cuban pesos.

 

And for those beach cravings? Varadero's pristine sands are just a hop away, with a plethora of hotels to choose from. So why not mix up your beach getaway with a dash of Cárdenas' colorful history?

View of Las Terrazas, Sierra del Rosario

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3. Comunidad Las Terrazas

Have you ever dreamt of escaping to a place where mountains whisper and palm trees sway to their own rhythm? Tucked away in the western province of Artemisa, near the Sierra del Rosario mountain range lies Comunidad Las Terrazas, a rural oasis that captivates with its natural beauty and serene ambiance. Art enthusiasts will be drawn to the renowned Cuban painter Lester Campa's gallery and studio, where the local landscape is beautifully translated into stunning paintings.

 

In this haven for explorers, you'll discover the ruins of Cuba's first coffee plantation, Cafetal Buenavista, dating back to 1801. Nearby, the Cafetal Buenavista restaurant offers a taste of authentic Cuban cuisine, featuring the famous congrí rice, tender pork, and fresh vegetables. The restaurant is open until 5:00 p.m. and provides a delightful dining experience for around $20 USD.

 

For a restful night, consider Villa Bella Vista, a hostel that stands out for its affordability and quality. Here, each room is a front-row seat to nature's grandeur, with the cool mountain breeze as your lullaby. With comfortable beds made from local cedar and a peaceful atmosphere, prices start at just $35.

The bay of Baracoa

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4. Baracoa

As the first Spanish settlement on the island, Baracoa offers a unique blend of historic roots and unspoiled natural landscapes. Located in the province of Guantánamo, this Cuban city is surrounded by an untouched jungle forest teeming with extraordinary birdlife and endemic species. Within Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, you'll be captivated by the Tocororo (Cuban trogon) and Almiquí (Cuban solenodon), thriving amidst towering pine and mahogany trees, with a forest floor lush with ferns.

 

The Fiesta de las Aguas, from August 10-15, marks Baracoa's anniversary with a blend of dance, traditional music, and local cuisine. The city comes alive with festivities, especially along the Baracoa Boulevard and the Malecón. A culinary highlight is the savory bacán, a local favorite combining green banana, coconut milk, and pork, wrapped in a style reminiscent of a corn tamale.

 

Rest in history at El Castillo Hotel, a former 18th-century fortress. Its location on a hill provides a breathtaking view of the city and a large pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. The hotel, blending historical significance with modern comfort, is a perfect end to your day, with rooms available from 53 euros. In Baracoa, you don't just visit; you step into a living, breathing piece of Cuban heritage.


Written by Teresita Padrón.

 

Published January 2024.


Get to Know Cuba a Little Better

Scale the Peaks of Sierra Maestra

Destinations

Scale the Peaks of Sierra Maestra

Sierra Maestra mountainscape

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Journey through hidden trails and relish wildlife in the Sierra Maestra mountains of Cuba

No other region on the island of Cuba harbors more geographical, historical, and diverse biological significance than the impressive mountainous peaks of Sierra Maestra. An environmental dream to explore.

 

From the shores of Cape Cruz in Granma and through Santiago de Cuba to Guantanamo, these intimidating mountains in Cuba stand testament to its magnificence. Descend along tropical trails full of exuberant flora and endemic animal species for an expedition that will put your exploratory skills to the test.

Mountain landscape in Sierra Maestra

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Naturally Rich

From every angle and vantage point in the region, vigorous green foliage covers the landscape as far as the eye can see - forming a 240 km barrier of natural fortitude on the island's southern Caribbean coast.  

 

Within the many inter-mountainous valleys where water basins flow, tall Ebony, Palms, Mahogany, and Cedar forests provide shelter for the abundant thick mosses and ferns covering the jungle floor. The Sierra's wet-humid climate allows for a rich and fertile soil that's perfect for the cultivation of Cocoa and coffee beans - of which Sierra Maestra makes up 80% of the national production in Cuba. Other prominent regions for cultivation include Pinar del Rio and Sierra Escambray.

 

The nutrient-abundant soil not only produces quality goods, but also contains semi-precious and essential metals like silver, copper, and iron. Further inland, precious Crema del Valle marble, and asphalt are also quarried for export.

Ché Guevara's secret Comandancia La Plata base

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A Historic Game Changer for the Cuban Revolution

On the historic shores of Playa Las Coloradas, rebel forces made landfall in the famous Granma Yacht for their first assault on Batista's army in 1956.

 

During the height of the Cuban Revolution, between 1957 - 1959, Sierra Maestra's mountainous landscape in the region of La Plata provided the Cuban rebel forces - led by Fidel Castro and Ernesto Ché Guevara - with the necessary cover and leverage in the battle for Cuba.

 

Here they would establish their official base, the Comandancia de La Plata, where Ché Guevara personally trained young recruits and deployed them to carry out special missions. A guerilla radio station called "Radio Rebelde" was also set up to keep infantry informed and entertained, and it can still be visited today as it syndicates.

 

Look further into The Life and Times of Ché Guevara in Cuba for a deeper look at his footsteps during the Cuban Revolution.

Desmarest's hutia in Cuba

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Wildlife in Cuba at its Best

Birds

With a large number of protected areas and reserves, there are over 80 species of birds in Sierra Maestra, with ten on the endangered list. Among the most notable, the Tocororo (Cuban Trogon) is known as Cuba's national bird for its red, white, and blue colors. In addition, species like the Zunzuncito (Bee Hummingbird) astonish with their minuscule size of only 6 centimeters in length and weighing 1.9 grams, making them the smallest in the world. Another bright figure flying through the forest branches is the yellow-necked Semillero Canoro (Cuban Grassquit).

 

Learn more with our article on The Amazing Birds of Cuba for curious ornithologists.

 

Mammals

As with many Caribbean nations, large endemic mammals are scarce, leaving smaller furry creatures like the pre-historic Cuban Solenodon to inhabit the land. Often spotted deep within the jungle close to river banks are larger Desmarest's Hutia, a rodent-like species also found in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The eccentric Butterfly Bat can also be heard squeaking in the air as a sign of diverse wildlife in Cuba.

A Cuban Trogon perched on a branch

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Wildlife in Cuba at its Best

Reptiles and Amphibians

As you might expect from a rainforest environment, the mountains in Cuba have 55 species of reptiles and amphibians that are abundantly present - 9 of which are autochthonous. 

 

The largest reptiles to watch as you hike through the lowland forests are Cuban Crocodiles and the slithery Majá de Santa Maria (Cuban Boas). The highly endangered Cuban Rock Iguanas roam freely in the protected areas, but for an adorable encounter, look closely for the Cuban Robber frog - one of the smallest frogs in the world, about the size of a housefly.

 

Oceanic life

In the coastal waters of Santiago de Cuba and the Granma province, Caribbean coral reefs form a haven for crustaceans like lobster, crabfish, and conch fish. A seafood lover's paradise. 

 

Swimming a bit further into the sea, West Indian Manatees are seen grazing on seagrass and floating effortlessly in their environment. Going deeper from the coast, Blue Marlins attract professional and amateur fishermen for a catch-and-release fishing competition, as Blue Marlins are protected fish.

 

Thinking about reeling one in? See the Best Cuban Destinations for Fishing at any skill level.

La Gran Piedra in Sierra Maestra

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Things to do in Sierra Maestra

Sierra Maestra is definitely an adventure-seeker's paradise with a dash of challenge and a twist of excitement. 

 

Swim under Hidden Waterfalls 

Also located in the Santiago de Cuba region are the Sierra's two most visited waterfalls and river basins by locals and tourists alike. 

 

El Saltón 

El Saltón waterfall is located in the municipality of Tercer Frente, 30 meters in height, and drops into three beautiful natural pools for a cool swim after a long hike. 

 

Cascada de Juan Gonzalez

A lovely 7-meter-high waterfall near the Rio Nima-Nima river where several mountainous streams meet. 

 

Take your trip even further and discover the Greatest Waterfalls in Cuba to visit this season.

 

Hike through Challenging trails 

 

Pico Turquino

Ready to feel the burn? Sierra Maestra is home to the highest montane elevations on the island of Cuba, which includes Pico Cuba, Pico La Bayamesa, and the highest mountain in Cuba, Pico Real del Turquino, at 1,974 meters above sea level. Reaching Turquino is a 2 to 3-day adventure from the La Mula campsite for travelers with a standard deck of athleticism.

 

Gran Piedra 

Gran Piedra, or Big Rock, is an awesome natural 70,000-ton boulder located in the far eastern Africana region of the Sierra at 1,225 meters high and is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the third largest rock in the world. Standing on this massive rock, you'll experience the best view of Santiago and Guantanamo. 

 

Visit the Spectacular Beaches 

 

Sierra Maestra is adorned with charming and dazzling beaches along its coast if you feel like taking a well-deserved rest from the arduous trek. So get your fins and goggles, or Mojito and a beach chair for a pleasant experience all around. 

 

Playa Juraguá (Baconao Region in Santiago de Cuba)

 

Playa Marea del Portillo (Southeastern Guantanamo Province)

 

Playa Cayo Blanco (north coast of Varadero)

 

Playa Maguana (northern Baracoa in Guantanamo Province)

 

Also check our Top 5 Picks for the Best Beaches in Cuba for more of the Caribbean experience.

A bridge in the Sierra Maestra mountains

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Getting there

Thanks to the popularity of this destination, Santiago de Cuba has its own international airport, the Aeropuerto Internacional Antonio Maceo (SCU), and is now receiving flights from the U.S. From there, you'll travel to the town of Villa Santo Domingo, in Granma's capital city of Bayamo if you're looking to take a whole week tour through the entire region.


Written by Omar Guzman.

 

Published November 2023.



Find Sierra Maestra

External Links

Five of the Best Beaches in Cuba

Looking for a quick getaway or an island escape? We’ve rounded up a list of the best beaches for you to kick your feet up, relax, and enjoy the best Cuba’s coasts have to offer!

Playa Ancón beach near Trinidad

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Explore Cuba's History & Heritage

Valley of the Sugar Mills

Destinations

Valley of the Sugar Mills

View of Valle de los Ingenios

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A Valley of Natural Beauty with a Gloomy History

El Valle de Los Ingenios is a majestic extension of wondrous natural valleys that were once the epicenter of processed sugar production and slavery in Cuba. A place where powerful families from Trinidad used brutal slave labor to fuel their economic success.

 

Today, the remains of that industry serve as a reminder of its complicated history. The vestiges of sugar plantations, barracks, and haciendas are places of remembrance - cultural landmarks that represent both the suffering and injustices of the past, as well as the resilience and strength of the people who were affected by it.

Observation tower at San Isidro de los Destiladeros

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Explore the complex history

Historians believe that at the height of the sugar boom during the 18th and 19th-century, over 50 Sugar Mills were operating across the San Luis, Santa Rosa, and Meyer valleys in South Central Cuba.

 

Located in Trinidad, Cuba, El Valle de Los Ingenios is an official UNESCO World Heritage site, promoting the advancement in restoration and conservation efforts to preserve the history of slavery in Cuba. A history tarnished by the mass enslavement that ensued once sugarcane plantations began to increase. Powerful families like the Fanjuls dominated the sugarcane industry in Cuba with an iron fist and built an empire.

 

Cuban conservation authorities in Trinidad, strongly encourage visitors to interact with these valleys and structures and acquire knowledge about the sugar hustle that brought riches and tragedy to the region. Around this time, it is believed that over 11,000 enslaved Africans, along with debilitated indigenous people, were brought to Cuba from neighboring islands.

Interior at Guáimaro sugar mill

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Historic sugar mills

Manaca Iznaga

Deriving its name from the property’s indigenous name, ‘manacanacu,’ and the surname ‘Iznaga’ from prominent owner Pedro J. Iznaga, Manaca-Iznaga’s history is one of significant historical and cultural importance. The colonial architecture of the primary residence and bell tower, Casa Hacienda and Torre Vigia standing 45 meters high, gives visitors insight into the prosperity this sugar plantation gained in the 1800s.

 

Contrasting its splendor is what remains of the slave shacks that are separated from the hacienda but close enough for the overseers to keep an eye out from the same pretty bell tower that stands today. The slave dwellings were accompanied by backyards where a recorded 231 enslaved people lived, and raised poultry and cattle to feed themselves.

 

The Torre Vigia still conserves a wooden staircase for visitors who wish to get the best view of Manaca Iznaga.

 

Hacienda Guachinango

Though not a producer of sugar, Guachinango was an important late 17th-century cattle ranch that supplied all of the Valley of the Sugar Mills. Since its reconstruction in 1989, the hacienda was renovated to open its doors to curious visitors for a chance to go horseback along scenic trails, interact with relics, and enjoy a typical home-cooked Cuban meal. If you have time to spare, the Ay river is waiting nearby for adventurous travelers who want to take a plunge.

San Isidro de los Destiladeros sugar plantation

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Guáimaro

The most architecturally interesting Sugar mill, Ingenio Guáimaro, wields a colonial facade with an illustrious victorian interior decor. The inner walls are trimmed within elegant borders - each with a framed mural of the Sugar mill’s surrounding landscape.

 

Guáimaro was also the highest producer of sugarcane in the valley - breaking the world record in 1,827 with 8,200 loads of sugar. Although a considerable achievement, it came at the expense of cruel and inhumane slave labor that cost many lives.

 

This site is now a museum, El Museo de Azúcar, where the area’s history is told as part of a tour through the Valle de Los Ingenios.

 

San Isidro de los Destiladeros

Similar in design to the at Manaca-Iznaga, San Isidro of the Distillers had a colonial-style home, barracks, and bell tower that now lay in a series of ruins.

 

The three-story tower was built in a neoclassical style with renaissance-esque features. Nearby are the remnants of an ingenious hydraulic water system and what was known as a Jamaican Train - a line of large brick-laden kettles used to stir the boiling sugarcane juice for processing. Oftentimes enslaved workers would die of severe burns from the hot sugary liquid that would spill over when stirred in these large pots.

View from tower at Manaca Iznaga

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How to Visit the Valley

If you’re traveling from Havana, the easiest way to reach the city of Trinidad is by bus with Viazul services or by car, which takes approximately 4 hrs. You can also check national flights with Cubana airlines.

 

Now, once you arrive in Trinidad,Cuba, you’ll have to board the tour train or Tren Turistico at 9:30 a.m. at the central station. The train used to transport sugarcane will now take you through the Valley of the Sugar Mills up to Ingenio Guáimaro. The tour is about 5 hours long, but the gorgeous scenery and historic stops will make you wish it took 10 hours to get there.


Written by Lenna Escobar.

 

Published December 2022.



Find El Valle de Los Ingenios

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Five of the Best Beaches in Cuba

Looking for a quick getaway or an island escape? We’ve rounded up a list of the best beaches for you to kick your feet up, relax, and enjoy the best Cuba’s coasts have to offer!

Playa Ancón beach near Trinidad

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Explore Cuba's History & Heritage

Cayo Coco: The Ideal Cuban Paradise

Beaches & Islands

Cayo Coco: The Ideal Cuban Paradise

View of Cayo Coco

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An Island Dream in Paradise

In the northern region of the central Cuban province of Ciego de Avila, Cayo Coco stands out beautifully from the environmentally diverse and highly protected Sabana-Camaguey archipelago.

 

This marvelous cay has become a natural tourist attraction, with some of the best beaches in Cuba, a comforting paradisiac landscape, and a wide range of exciting all-terrain and aquatic activities. That’s if you ever feel like leaving your chaise lounge on the powdery beach.

Cayo Coco beach

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Cayo Coco’s Hottest Beaches

This lovely cay is part of a more extensive line of cays known as Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King), which includes Cayo Romano, Cayo Cruz, and Cayo Guillermo, respectively. However, Cayo Coco’s principal attraction is the piercing blue and crystalline water beaches that form its coasts.

 

Here are a few of our favorites:

 

Playa Flamencos Beach

As you can tell by the name, you can surely expect a wildlife encounter with the pink flamingos that call this beach home, and from the looks of it, you’ll want to call it home too.

 

Playa de las Coloradas

A bit of a ‘rustic haven,’ Las Coloradas beach offers a more secluded detour from the most sought-after beaches.

 

Playa Larga

Known as the Long Beach, Playa Larga stretches its beautiful sands out for 2 ½ kilometers, from where you can also visit other equally attractive beaches like the famous Playa Pilar in Cayo Guillermo.

Kitesurfing, Cayo Coco

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Things to do in Cayo Coco

As Cayo Coco is an eco-travel destination with a natural layout, many activities are centered on creating unique experiences for its visitors. The most tempting to try is scuba diving along the Coraline barrier reef, decorated with schools of colorful tropical fish and a picturesque seabed. But, if you don’t want to go through the scuba training, snorkeling will do OK to check out the marine life and stay close enough to run back to your Cuba Libre at the shore.

 

Another excellent encounter is swimming with dolphins out at sea or closer to the coast aboard a catamaran. And if you’re into sports, we recommend kitesurfing at Playa Larga, rock climbing at the Rocarena Climbing Center, or planning a fascinating bird-watching excursion.

Parque Natural El Bagá

A genuinely memorable adventure is a tour through the El Bagá Natural Park at Cayo Coco. The park has around 3 thousand acres of reserved land for the conservation of its ecosystem and was opened to allow travelers to experience Cuba’s wild nature. Among its biomes, you’ll find Bagá or Breadfruit tree forests, mangroves, water canals, and coastal lagoons - in which you’ll see beautiful and tropical endemic flowers and cacti.

 

Numerous reptile and amphibian species roam the park, like crocodiles, iguanas, and tortoises. In addition, the presence of bird fauna is significant as the Jardines del Rey is part of a central migratory bird corridor in the Caribbean.

 

Bagá Natural Park also has a recreated aboriginal village depicting Taíno Indian life before Columbus, while just ashore, an old pirate ship lays in ruins as a reminder of foreign arrivals.

Hotel villas, Cayo Coco

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Best Places to Stay in Cayo Coco

Cayo Coco has about ten hotels and resorts where you can spend an excellent vacation, but here are the top 5 that’ll make all the difference during your stay.

 

Sol Cayo Coco and Hotel Pullman Cayo Coco are located in prime ocean-view beach areas with fantastic all-inclusive service.

 

Hotel Colonial Cayo Coco adheres more to Cuba’s history and culture, with 19th-century architecture, natural green gardens, and a comfortable distance from the ocean.

 

In the case of Melia Cayo Coco, Memories Beach Caribe Resort, and Cayo Coco Beach Resort, you can expect to be catered to with impeccable service and high-quality standards for a more refined experience.

Getting there

The quickest and most efficient means of access to Cayo Coco is by plane to the island’s Jardines del Rey International Airport. This way, you can avoid the long road to the Ciego de Avila province and from there to the islets via a rock embankment that connects to the mainland.

 

Nevertheless, there’s always the option of taking a private taxi or an airconditioned omnibus from Havana International Airport (approx. 7 hours) or taking off from Varadero ( approx. 5 hours).


Written by Javier Montenegro.

 

Published November 2022.



Find Cayo Coco

External Links

Five of the Best Beaches in Cuba

Looking for a quick getaway or an island escape? We’ve rounded up a list of the best beaches for you to kick your feet up, relax, and enjoy the best Cuba’s coasts have to offer!

Playa Ancón beach near Trinidad

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Explore Cuba's Beaches and Islands

Explore the Glittering Caves of Bellamar

Adventure Travel

Explore the Glittering Caves of Bellamar

Cuevas de Bellamar, Matanzas

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Greatest Waterfalls in Cuba

Imagine finding yourself in Cuba, surrounded by an exuberant natural environment - where the vivacious green mountains stretch out into a splendid blue sky - while the fresh Caribbean seabreeze brightens your face. And on this tropical voyage, you discover a land of waterfalls on every corner of the island.

El Nicho waterfall, Sierra de Escambray

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Looking for More Adventure?

Visit the Sanctuary of San Lázaro

Destinations

Visit the Sanctuary of San Lázaro

San Lázaro church in El Rincón

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Experience the Pilgrimage of Cuba’s Faithful to the Sanctuary of Saint Lazarus

El Santuario Nacional de San Lázaro is one of the most visited temples of worship for the Cuban people. Each year, thousands of Cubans embark on a pilgrimage to fulfill their promises to the saint, undergoing physical punishment with pleas for the well-being of loved ones.

 

The church can be found in El Rincón, a town just 20 kilometers from Havana, close to the José Martí International Airport. Many tourists visit the temple before heading to the capital to light a candle to the saint, or simply admire the architecture.

A brief history of the Sanctuary

The church’s origins are tightly related to the Havana Leper Colony - which is now a Specialized Dermatological Hospital - built in the 17th century. By the beginning of the 20th century, both church and hospital were transferred to the El Rincon area. But, it was during the 90s that the church of San Lazaro was declared a national sanctuary.

Altar at San Lázaro church, El Rincón

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Inside the Temple

The church was designed with three naves, each with its own entrance to accommodate worshippers and visitors alike. Elevated above the main hall is a small bell with a clock - a habitual characteristic of Cuban temples. Its interior, however, dons an eclectic look with a predominant Baroque Colonial style. Other defining architectural elements are the neo-gothic, neoclassical, and romantic additions that adorn the altars and surrounding designs.

 

Once inside, during holy mass, television sets and speakers are seen mounted on various columns to project the words of each song for sing-alongs - allowing the priest’s message to get through clearly.

 

A large dome with a cross rises high above the central altar, where you’ll find the image of Saint Lazarus with other revered saints in Cuba, like the Virgen del Cobre and the Virgen de Regla. Finally, in the principal chapel, followers can visit the most adored statue of San Lázaro Milagroso (the miraculous Saint Lazarus).

Religious Dynamic

It’s fascinating how the religious syncretism in Cuba has fused Catholic saints with the deities of the African Yoruba religion. Apart from Saint Lazarus, Saint Lazarus “the Beggar,” and Babalú Ayé - an Orisha or Spirit that cures diseases of the skin - are also venerated in the temple. With this dynamic mixture, not only does the church attract Catholics but also followers of different religions like Santería, who are searching for blessings.

Candles and Saint Lazarus figurine inside the church, El Rincón

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Day of San Lázaro Celebration

The Santuario Nacional de San Lázaro receives plenty of visitors all year round, but come December, that number increases exponentially. Cubans from every province converge at this far-off temple to ask for help and give offerings to the saint - and every 17th of December - the town of El Rincon is flooded with believers for the Day of San Lázaro.

 

Visitors leave quite an impression, as many are seen walking on their knees all the way to the altar, others chain themselves to large stones which they drag to the temple, and mothers crawl on their hands and knees with children on their backs. As a practice passed down from their ancestors, followers tend to believe that suffering and punishment equate to payment or offering to the saint for their requests.

 

Other details in plain sight are the presence of the color purple - found on candles, clothing, and merchandise - and people wearing jute sack attire, two important elements pertaining to Lazarus. Little statuettes of the saint are everywhere - they’re brought in boxes, in people’s hands, and placed on the floor surrounded by bills and coins.

 

Many devotees arrive at the altar, light a candle, and begin to pray. In their eyes is a genuine gaze of appreciation, praise, and admiration for San Lázaro - a connection challenging to explain but completely perceivable.

A San Lázaro pilgrim with an idol, El Rincón

Photo: Alamy

The Best time to Visit

If you’re looking to visit the Sanctuary and take your time to view every detail, plus get a little extra history behind the church’s past, any month except December would be ideal. This way, you can check out a nearby museum called Capilla de Los Exvotos, visit the Fuente Milagrosa (miraculous fountain) - said to have healing properties - and get to know the local workers that contribute to the temple’s legacy.


Written by Javier Montenegro.

 

Published November 2022.


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