South-East Cuba holidays
South-East Cuba holidays at a glance
Eastern Cuba feels a world away from Havana, with smaller, laid-back towns, wilder landscapes and a history that runs deep.
On the island’s south-eastern tip, Baracoa is an alluring town well off the beaten track. Columbus arrived here in 1492, and it became Cuba’s first colonial settlement around 20 years later. It’s lively and full of character, and the verdant countryside around it is dominated by the flat-topped mountain of El Yunque.
Further west, Camagüey is a colonial city with revolutionary fervour in its veins and a rich cultural life, including a highly respected ballet company. Its UNESCO-listed Spanish core sits within a labyrinth of serpentine streets built to bewilder invaders.
The wilderness mountains of the Sierra Maestra are little visited, with a remarkable range of flora and fauna and Cuba’s highest peak, Pico Turquino, at 1,972m. Rebels have sheltered here since colonial times, most famously the Castro brothers as they plotted their revolution. Today it’s a peaceful place to hike.
To the north-east, green hills speckled with royal palms roll down to Gibara, an arty fishing port known for its April film festival, and the beaches around Guardalavaca.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to South-East Cuba
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
South-East Cuba feels undiscovered, with dramatic mountains, history and characterful towns rewarding those who venture off the beaten track.
When to visit South-East Cuba
It’s hot all year round in South-East Cuba, but the seasons make a big difference, especially if you’re planning to hike.
This is the best time to visit. Days are generally sunny, dry and less humid, though Baracoa can see the odd cooler day. It’s the ideal window for climbing El Yunque, exploring cocoa plantations and beaches, and hiking in the Sierra Maestra, including Pico Turquino. Camagüey sits in the high 20s°C, and its foundation celebrations fill the streets with dancing in the first week of February.
This is the wet season. Rain sets in from June, and in Baracoa the heaviest rains arrive from late July, though they’re rarely persistent and there are usually clear spells.
Temperatures and humidity climb, making this a less comfortable time for hiking, particularly in the Sierra Maestra. Camagüey’s carnival brings floats, costumes and conga rhythms to the city from 24 to 29 June. Hurricanes and tropical storms are possible between August and November.
Top Things to do in South-East Cuba
Things to do in South-East Cuba range from wandering colonial streets to climbing the island’s highest mountain, with plenty of tropical countryside and coastline in between.
Hike to the top of Baracoa’s distinctive table mountain, El Yunque.
Trek through the lush mountainous landscapes of the Sierra Maestra to reach the revolutionary headquarters where Fidel Castro and his comrades plotted revolution.
Accommodation in South-East Cuba
Accommodation in South-East Cuba offers plenty of local character, from welcoming hotels in historic towns to peaceful properties surrounded by tropical landscapes. Wherever you stay, our carefully selected accommodation makes a comfortable base for exploring this fascinating and lesser-visited part of Cuba.
Hotel Caballeriza is an unusual horsey-themed hotel in Holguin, also known as City of Parks.
Hotel Ordono is a boutique-style property in the arty port Gibara on the north east coast.
Bayamo’s best hotel, with a cheerful yellow exterior and prime position beside the main square and Parque Céspedes.
This two-storey, sugar-pink property occupying a colonial-era residence is probably the closest that Cuba gets to a boutique style hotel.
Simple, likeable hotel in a restored colonial house occupying an ideal location in the centre of town.
Hotel Rio Miel is a decent mid-range option with a seafront location in Baracoa.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made South-East Cuba Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Signature Cuba: The complete Cuba
Places visited: Havana · Las Terrazas · Trinidad and the Escambray Mountains · Viñales and the Sierra de los Organos · Cienfuegos, Santa Clara and Bay of Pigs · Santiago de Cuba · Southest Cuba
18 days from £3,010
Self-drive Cuba: Explore the east
Places visited: Havana · Cienfuegos, Santa Clara and Bay of Pigs · Trinidad and the Escambray Mountains · Santiago de Cuba
13 days from £2,280
FAQs about visiting South-East Cuba
South-East Cuba is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- What language is spoken in South-East Cuba?
The official language in Baracoa, Camagüey and the Sierra Maestra is Spanish.
- What is the time difference between South-East Cuba and the UK?
Cuba is GMT -5 hours, though there’s daylight saving in summer and the dates can vary.
- How do I get to South-East Cuba?
Distances here are considerable, so the region is best explored as part of a wider journey rather than a quick stop. Camagüey is around 530km by road from Havana (about six hours) or an hour by air, and 205km from Bayamo. Baracoa is almost 1,000km from Havana by road, so most travellers break the journey over several days, stopping at places of interest along the way. Its nearest international airport is at Holguín, around five hours away. The Sierra Maestra is about 150km from Santiago de Cuba, a drive of just over two hours.
- What are the best places to visit in South-East Cuba?
Three of the region’s key areas are Baracoa, Camagüey and the Sierra Maestra. Together they combine tropical landscapes, colonial heritage, cultural attractions, hiking and revolutionary history.
- What is Baracoa known for?
Baracoa is a historical town on Cuba’s south-eastern tip surrounded by lush tropical countryside, white-sand coves and plantations. The tabletop mountain of El Yunque dominates the surrounding landscape.
- What is Camagüey known for?
Camagüey is known for its UNESCO-listed Spanish colonial core and cultural life, as well as its labyrinth of winding historic streets.
- What is the Sierra Maestra known for?
The Sierra Maestra is a mountainous region associated with hiking, wildlife and Cuban revolutionary history. It is also home to Pico Turquino, Cuba’s highest peak at 1,972m.
- Can you hike in South-East Cuba?
Yes. Highlights include hiking to the top of El Yunque near Baracoa and exploring the Sierra Maestra, including the climb to Pico Turquino. December to May is the best time to go.
- When is the best time to visit South-East Cuba?
December to May is generally best, with drier, sunnier and less humid weather. June to November is wetter and more humid, and tropical storms and hurricanes are possible between August and November.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
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