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Vacations in Eastern Cuba

Santiago de Cuba, located between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Maestra mountain range, is the Eastern capital and home of the Cuban Son, which is the father of all Cuban rhythms of this century. It is the capital of the Santiago de Cuba Province in the eastern region of the island and the country?s second largest metropolis. This city, rich in culture, tradition, and also in natural and architectural treasures, provides travelers with amazing experiences in their Cuba vacations. From hill-walking and mountaineering to historical and cultural tours, Santiago de Cuba is a destination that will not disappoint you.

For those who love nature and who enjoy mountain-climbing and hill-walking activities, Santiago de Cuba offers several points of interest like: the Sierra Maestra mountain range and Baconao Biosphere Reserve, where La Gran Piedra (The Great Stone) stands out.

The rugged topography of the Sierra Maestra, with elevations of up to 1,300 m above sea level, is unique in the island and famous for its landscapes of breathtaking beauty and unbelievable variety. Among these elevations are the three highest peaks of Cuba: the Pico Real del Turquino with 1,974 m, the Pico Cuba with 1,872 m and the Pico Suecia with 1,734 m above sea level. This scenery gives the visitor the feeling of being at the top of the island, and you can literally touch the clouds in the sky. It is an exclusive place where one can get the best view of the rivers, forests, mountains and valleys that surround the region. It?s also considered as one of the most important well-preserved areas in Cuba, due to the great diversity of its flora and fauna. I highly recommend bringing your camera along to take some pictures of endemic flowers and animals of the zone. Bird watching is also a popular activity in this area.

Moreover the Sierra Maestra is an emblematic site where decisive moments of the Cuban Revolution took place. In an intricate zone of this territory explorers can find the Comandancia de la Plata, the First Front of the Rebel Army, a place with historical value.

If you are traveling with the whole family, Baconao Park will be an excellent choice in your itinerary. Located in the Sierra Maestra, the Baconao Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve List in 1987, including three well defined biogeographic zones: the ?Meseta de Santiago?, the ?Sierra de la Gran Piedra? and the ?Meseta Santa Maria de Loreto?. It incorporates beaches, mountains, lakes, forests and ruins of French coffee plantations. Visitors can appreciate a high biodiversity in flora and fauna, being a wonderful experience for nature lovers. Moreover, there is an International Diving Center and the Land Transport Museum, which exhibits over 2,000 miniature vehicles along with an exposition of vintage cars. Also, one can enjoy a visit to the Aquarium where dolphins and seals put an excellent show for both children and adults, exhibiting their abilities.

One of the main attractions of this zone is La Gran Piedra (The Great Stone), a majestic and magnificent rock formation. This enormous rock of volcanic origin is on the top of a mountain at 1,125 meters. Due to its gorgeous sceneries, this place constitutes a natural viewpoint. It is said that in the clear nights the lights of Jamaica can be seen from there. It?s also considered one of the largest rocks in the world.

Have children? Take them to the Prehistory Valley, an amazing collection of reproductions of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals made of stone in almost their natural size. These fantastic creatures are disseminated on a wide valley surrounded by mountains, in the same places where the legendary animals should have lived. This valley is a great venue for photography. Kids will love it!

On the other hand, Santiago de Cuba is an artistic and cultural centre of great prominence in the history of Cuba. Visitors have the chance to enjoy historical tours in the midst of marvelous natural landscapes. Characterized by a solid historical background and cultural traditions, this city offers a wonderful display of historic sites such as the Cathedral, the first one in Cuba (1522) and the Casagranda Hotel which can be found in the city centre: by the C?spedes Park. Santiago de Cuba is the home of Cuba?s oldest palaces and museums, including the Casa de Diego Vel?zquez also located in the C?spedes Park area. This zone continues to be a large part of the city?s social life and it is known as C?spedes Park in honor of Carlos Manuel de C?spedes, a national hero also called the Founding Father or Father of the Homeland.

Among other significant buildings situated in the heart of the city is the Nuestra Se?ora de Asunci?n Cathedral. The Tour of the Revolution Square is also recommended. Best explored by foot, on your own or with one of the many guided tours available, Santiago de Cuba also has numerous museums and art galleries. One of the most popular museums is the Cuartel Moncada, the yellow barracks whose exterior is marked with carefully re-opened bullet holes, remindings of the July day in 1953 when Fidel Castro and a group of rebels launched an assault. It treasures the rebels' weapons, bloodstained uniforms, photographs, letters, and other documents. There?s also the Granjita Siboney Museum, which was the place of gathering for the attack of the Moncada garrison. It now shows memorabilia of the assault.

Santiago de Cuba was the homeland of many notorious Cubans as well. That?s why travelers can find in this city numerous museums that were the birthplace of famed figures of the Cuban history. One can visit the Native House of Jos? Mar?a Heredia, one of Cuba's greatest poets; the Native House of Antonio Maceo, a leader of the war of independence and the Native House of Frank Pa?s, a hero who fought against the dictatorship of the 1950?s. Furthermore, there are other historical sights to see in Santiago de Cuba such as the Museum of Carnival, which aims to give an overview of the great tradition of carnival in Santiago. It?s also interesting the Emilio Bacardi Museum, one of Cuba's first museums that keep a valuable collection covering the period between the Spanish conquest and the Wars of Independence (from Spain). Other remarkable sights are the Museum of Rum that exhibits all about the great beverage and the Museum ?La Isabelica?, which shows some history of the French settlements in the area and displays farming implements and archeological objects.

One more historic attraction is the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery. This large cemetery is a small city of the dead, populated by elaborate marble tombs including several spectacular mausoleums. One of these belongs to Jos? Marti, National Hero and one Cuba?s most lucid and visionary men of all times. This cemetery gathers tombs for such historic notables as Carlos Manuel de C?spedes, the ?Father of the Homeland?, and Emilio Bacardi, including graves from those who fought for revolution, like Frank Pa?s.

Another world heritage site: The San Pedro de la Roca del Morro Castle can be found on the outskirts of this historical city. This fortress is one of the most formidable defensive works constructed by the Spaniards in the island. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as "the most complete, best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture based on Italian and Renaissance design principles". From this fortification the visitor can see the whole bay of Santiago de Cuba where took place the famous naval battle in 1898 between US and Spanish troops. The fortress now houses the Museum of Piracy.

Santiago de Cuba is also a centre of great religious importance. Located about 20 km far from the city the Iglesia de Nuestra Se?ora de la Caridad (Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre Sanctuary) is the most important shrine in the island. The walls of the church are laden with gifts from people that were healed or asked for the Virgin's blessing. Many are the visitors who come to Santiago to climb the hill of this sanctuary dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cuba. Some of them come to keep a promise, others take offerings which are added to the hundreds of pieces and objects that have been dedicated to the Virgin among which, is Hemingway's Nobel Prize medal. Some people often collect copper stones from the mine close to the church.

Finally, a journey to Santiago de Cuba would not be complete without sampling its cultural activities. Santiago de Cuba is famous for its celebrations, including the Festival of Caribbean Culture sometimes known as the Feast of Fire, and the popular Santiago Carnival which takes place every July. With the many festivals it holds, the city is called the cultural capital of the Caribbean.

Even though July in Santiago de Cuba tends to be extremely hot, it's probably the best time to enjoy its famous festivities. When the carnival begins in Santiago the whole city turns into one big party. What most characterize the carnival are the congas, which can be heard in areas such as Trocha or on any street. Contagious drum rhythms draw local people and visitors alike into one long flowing dance. Popular orchestras make their way to Santiago for the festivities. For the locals: music to dance to and plenty of beer is enough to make the carnival a success.

For those who appreciate other cultural pursuits and those who favor music and nightlife, Santiago de Cuba has its share of things to offer. Many music and dance venues exist such as the Casa del Caribe where tourists go for authentic Afro-Cuban shows and lessons; but Tropicana Santiago deserves a required visit. It is called the Cabaret of the Caribbean and it is considered one of the largest nightclubs in Cuba. The fame of Tropicana Santiago's shows has gone beyond Cuban borders, thus is a popular place if you are seeking night-time entertainment. However, there are other trendy places like the Trova House, a bar club where visitors can enjoy Cuban and Santiago?s traditional music. Furthermore, the Heredia Street, very famous for its intense cultural and social life, leads visitors to better discovery of the best exponents of "son", bolero and a unique movement of troubadours.

Giselle Rodr?guez is a Blogger at http://www.umbrellatravel.com

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