8 days in Santiago de Cuba & Cayo Coco Itinerary

Santiago de Cuba has taken almost as much influence from Haiti and the Dominican Republic as it has from Havana, distilling a concoction of cultures to create a city with a distinct identity.

Get out of town with these interesting Santiago de Cuba side-trips: Casa Natal De Carlos Manuel De Cespedes (in Bayamo), Cayo Saetia Island (in Holguin) and El Cobre Basilica (in El Cobre). There's still lots to do: explore the different monuments and memorials at Cementerio Santa Ifigenia, stroll around Cespedes Park, contemplate the long history of Moncada Barracks, and see the interesting displays at Emilio Bacardi Moreau Museum.

For other places to visit, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Santiago de Cuba trip itinerary maker site.

If you are flying in from Canada, the closest major aiports are Antonio Maceo International Airport and Frank Pais International Airport. In January in Santiago de Cuba, expect temperatures between 33°C during the day and 24°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to drive to Cayo Coco.

White sand beaches and calm waters have led to booming tourism in Cayo Coco, one of the main islands of the Jardines Del Rey archipelago.

You've now added Birdwatching with Paulino Lopez Delgado to your itinerary. Go for a jaunt from Cayo Coco to Moron to see Laguna La Redonda about 38 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: kick back and relax at Playa Pilar, get your game on at Rocarena Climbing Center, head off the coast to Cayo Media Luna, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Cayo Guillermo.

For traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read Cayo Coco trip maker website.

Traveling by car from Santiago de Cuba to Cayo Coco takes 8 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. In February in Cayo Coco, expect temperatures between 32°C during the day and 23°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 4th (Tue) to allow time for the car ride back home.