In Santiago, we can spend the night at “Martín y Gisel” Hostal. Located at Diego Palacios St. (also called Santa Rita) 177. The service includes breakfast and it cost 20 USD per night. If you want to get in touch with Martin or Gisel, the number is (53) (22) 620522. Another place to stay is the house of “Nivia”, a charming place to get in touch with the Santiago culture. The attention is excellent and the price goes between 15 and 25 CUC. Located at General Portuondo St. 510. The telephone is (53) (22) 622893.
Things to do at Santiago
-Museo de la Lucha Clandestina: If you want to learn more about the revolution, this is your chance! Located at Rabí St. 1 (between San Carlos Y Santa Rita St.). Here you will see a lot of relics of the revolution.
-Castillo Del Morro (Morro Castle): Spectacular Spanish fortress, built to defend the bay from the pirates. Incredible view of the Santiago bay, which get to the Caribbean Sea
-Guatanamo: A dangerous, expensive but incredible tour. It’s not easy to visit Guantanamo, you have to get pass that is given by “Gaviota Tours”, located at Manduley Avenue. The cost is 5 CUC per pass. There aren’t official tours to Guantanamo, so getting the cab is the best option but is a little bit expensive: 70 CUC, anyway it’s cheaper than a excursion (120 CUC). Don’t expect to see a lot, 1 km before arrive to the base, the taxi driver will stop and you could see the base from a telescope.
-La Estrellita: Tired of North American soldiers? La Estrellita is a great option to spend the day. A beautiful beach with crystalline water. Located at 10 km from the airport.
-Cuartel de la Moncada: Historic place, emblem of the Revolution. The barracks of Moncada is the place were the Revolution begun (in a foiled attack). If you want to learn more, don’t loose it! Located at General Portuondo St. and Mocada Avenue.
-Dolores Park: This Park is a pretty one but the most important is that near Dolores Park is Don Antonio, a quiet resto-bar to get some drinks and eat some typical foods!
-Plaza de la Revolución: At the Revolution Park, sometimes, people congregate and start to party! Ask the natives!
-Municipal Museum Emilio Bacardí Moreau: Located at Pio Rosado y Aguilera St. One of the first Cuban Museums. No waste!
The best idea for Santiago night is to walk around. People congregate in parks and streets to talk a while and drink. An amazing opportunity to get in touch with young Cuban people.