Things to do — Santiago East

The Cuban Oriente offers experiences unique in Cuba. In Santiago (4 nights recommended), start with the colonial historic centre (Parque Céspedes, Casa Diego Velázquez 1522, Cathedral, Hotel Casa Granda for a panoramic mojito). Visit the revolution sites: Moncada barracks (1953, façades still bearing bullet impacts), Santa Ifigenia cemetery with the monumental José Martí mausoleum and Fidel Castro's tombstone since 2016 (hourly changing of the guard). The Castillo del Morro San Pedro de la Roca (UNESCO, 17th-century fortress guarding the bay, spectacular view, daily 7:30pm cannon ceremony at sunset) is unmissable.

Music comes alive at night in Santiago. The Casa de la Trova (Heredia street) is the legendary son cubano institution — very high-level musicians, intimate forty-cover atmosphere. The Casa de las Tradiciones in the Tivolí quarter offers an open stage every Friday evening. Informal peñas in private patios (info via your casa particular) are the most authentic experience. The Festival Internacional de la Trova in March is the major musical event.

In Baracoa (2-3 nights), visit Fuerte Matachín (Museo Municipal, €2), the Catedral de la Asunción with the Cruz de la Parra (cross planted by Christopher Columbus in 1492, free), and the Casa del Chocolate (tasting and purchase of Baracoa cocoa, among the world's best). Half-day at Maguana beach (20 km, one of the Oriente's most beautiful beaches, white sand). El Yunque climb (575 m, 3-4h round-trip hike with local guide, €15-25, views of the coast and Baracoa basin). Half-day in the Toa Valley (river, swimming, waterfalls, community ecotourism).

In the Sierra Maestra (day or multi-day excursion from Bartolomé Masó/Santo Domingo), the Comandancia de la Plata (Castro's former HQ, €30-40 with mandatory guide) is the major historic site — 3-4h round-trip hike through tropical jungle, vestiges of the revolutionary epic (Castro's hut, field hospital, school). Climbing Pico Turquino (1,974 m) is the flagship expedition for confirmed hikers — 2-3 days with mandatory guide and refuge overnight (€80-150 organised excursion).

For a beach interlude in the Oriente, Guardalavaca (Holguín province, 5h from Santiago) offers quality all-inclusive resorts (Paradisus Río de Oro, Sol Río de Luna y Mares) — white sand beaches, diving, snorkelling. Ideal as a 3-4 night cultural complement.