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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Cayo Saetia Island (in Holguin), El Cobre Basilica (in El Cobre) and Casa Natal De Carlos Manuel De Cespedes (in Bayamo). Next up on the itinerary: stroll the grounds of Cementerio Santa Ifigenia, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Sierra Maestra, take an in-depth tour of Casa de Diego Velazquez, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.

For more things to do, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Santiago de Cuba online travel route planner .

If you are flying in from Canada, the closest major airports are Antonio Maceo International Airport and Frank Pais International Airport. In January, plan for daily highs up to 33°C, and evening lows to 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) to allow enough time 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. Step out of Cayo Coco with an excursion to Laguna La Redonda in Moron--about 38 minutes away. There's much more to do: kick back and relax at Playa Pilar, step off the mainland to explore Cayo Media Luna, tour the pleasant surroundings at Cayo Guillermo, and get your game on at Rocarena Climbing Center.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Cayo Coco trip itinerary planner .

You can drive from Santiago de Cuba to Cayo Coco in 8 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in February, and nighttime lows around 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 4th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive back home.