Introducing Eastern Cuba
You can’t claim to have really seen Cuba without a visit to ‘El Oriente’, as the eastern half of the island is known. Here, things move more slowly (the motorway peters out somewhere around Ciego de Ávila, as if to make a point) and a more simple yet exotic way of life prevails. This is Cuba’s Caribbean heart – dramatic, steamy and moving to its very own unpredictable rhythm.
Advertisement
At the end of the island, of course, cultural heavyweight and second city Santiago de Cuba is the center of its own world, providing relief from Havana’s domination of everything else in the country. The region also includes the infamous Guantánamo Bay US Naval Base, as well as one of the country’s most stunning drives – between Guantánamo and Baracoa, the charming town right on the eastern tip of the island, which is a great place to chill out off the beaten track.
Last updated: Oct 20, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Hurricane Irene & eastern Cuba
by Oggun 31 August 2011
Irene did not bring any harm to to Baracoa, only loads of rain.
-
Hurricane Irene & eastern Cuba
by Rim2Rim 31 August 2011
Has Hurricane Irene affected eastern Cuba at all, in particular Santiago de Cuba & Baracoa? I'm heading there in a few days. Hope I can…
-
RE: Update from Santiago 13/03/11
by Samjay 13 March 2011
When I visited Tropicana in Havana some years ago, it was 70CUC per ticket. Although some may consider the show kitsch when compared to…
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
