Chivirico
Cuba is about so much more than cigars and vintage cars. In the province of Santiago de Cuba, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the majestic Sierra Maestra mountain range—the mountain range where Castro hid out before the Revolution–awaits the timeless town of Chivirico.
Boasting a population of approximately 15,000 people, Chivirico is not your typical tourist destination. With the majority of the population living in the mountains, there are no flashy resorts, busy shops, or crowded streets. Here, you will discover authentic Cuban life and, arguably, Cuba’s greatest asset: Her people.
The cultural roots in this city run deep. The connections you make while walking around the city, watching a pickup basketball or soccer game, or participating in the Saturday night street party will last a lifetime. Don’t be surprised if you are welcomed inside someone’s home for an impromptu portrait session or simply for a café and some conversation.
Santiago de Cuba
As the second largest city in Cuba, Santiago de Cuba offers the typical hustle and bustle of a large city. Here, you will discover rich historical architecture, vibrant people, a strong musical influence, and a unique rhythm of life.
There is no shortage of things to do in Santiago de Cuba: Dine at one of the many restaurants serving authentic Afro-Cuban cuisine, tour the best museums and galleries, visit the UNESCO protected El Morro Castle at sunset, enjoy music or salsa dancing at the Casa de la Trova, visit the local market, or simply roam the streets and take in the colourful culture.