Visiting Santiago, Cuba

Hi,

I am curious to know your thoughts on Santiago. After years of planning, I think I will finally visit Cuba this year. I’ve selected Havana, Cienfiegos, Camaguay and Trinidad as my desired destinations. The destination I am uncertain about is Santiago. I received some years ago some feedback on Santiago, but this website doesn’t allow me to research my postings that far back. So, I’ll ask here-From a sightseeing/architectural perspective, what do you think of Santiago? Do you think it ranks among Cuba’s finest sightseeing destinations? How does it compare to the destinations I wish to visit?

On a completely different note, how does Cuba have functioning ATMs when the service providers are predominately American (Visa, Mastercard, etc)?

Where Santiago ranks is entirely different from your other desired destinations. Its best things are the music (you name it, you can probably find it there), and historical memorials (you name him or her, and if s/he was a hero in either the War of Independence or the Revolution or somewhere in between, there's probably something to commorate him, her, or the event in Santiago. Try using the search function at the top of the page. There was a good long thread, or several, not THAT long ago, about things worth seeing/doing in Santiago, plus comments on the overall culture of the place. One thing for sure, when you're in Santiago, you KNOW you're not in Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, et al.

I'll get some flack here, but if you are down to choosing BETWEEN places to go to, I'd pick Santiago over Camaguey in a heartbeat. But then, some posters here would take it anytime over Cienfuegos (which is my favourite city in Cuba).

In short, if you have enough time, and you are not sure when you will get back to Cuba, don't miss Santiago.

I concur Patty. Each to their own, Havana is a big exciting city, Santiago is smaller, but has its own charms, just get away from Parque Cespedes, where the myriad of jinetera/os hang out and you will be fine.

Even when I was not with my Cuban family, and walking around, I felt safe and enjoyed the city. I admit I haven't seen alot of Cuba yet, including Camaguey and Cienfuegos, but hope to do so in the near future.

The only problem I had with Santiago and its proximity to my other destination of choice, Marea del Portillo, Granma Province, is transportation. But taxis are an option (since I don't drive, and would never attempt it, if I did, on the stretch between the two locations. Where there is a will there is a way though. So the the OP, explore as much of Cuba as you can (time permitting, of course) and make the most of the experience.

See:
www.santiago-de-cuba.net</a>

My take is that Santiago is the most difficult city in Cuba for first time visitors. I would advise anyone to start their trip anywhere except from there. It is definitely worth visiting, but I find hassling there a bit more persistent, the prostitution situation somewhat more disturbing and the city is darker and more claustrophobic than any other city in Cuba. Many things to do, but if you only have time for Havana and something else, make that sth else... elsewhere. In the end, Santiago is a bit like Havana and I think ou might want to get a look at what agricutural areas are like, or smaller villages. Santiago is worth it for its architecture (but not that different when compared to the capital), its dancers and music scene, some of the best street pizzas in Cuba and I like it a lot in spring, when fowers abound. In some ways it is less discovered than Havana, but not an off the beaten track. It has some rough corners, rougher than Havana, me thinks.

I would choose something more provincial f I were you.

Also agree with #2 as I see no redeeming value to visiting Camaguey.

I agree - stay away from Camagüey. I don't want it sullied by tourists!
cheers
john

I haven't been to Santiago but I did enjoy Camaguey.

See February Entries for Cuba Portion of the Journey - more to come

I posted a trip report and linked to some photos if you want to check it out:

Santiago trip report

another recent thread discussing pros and cons of Santiago, as #1 mentions, is here and is a good read:

pros and cons of Santiago

do a search if you haven't done that yet: there have been a few informative threads on Santiago recently

I agree with #2 and #6 - I'd take Santiago over Camagüey any day. Santiago does have a completely different feel from Havana, but if you only had time for Havana and somewhere else, #5, I'd agree with you and go somewhere else - Santiago is too far from Havana and in any case having spent all your time in Cuba's 2 largest cities, you'd think it was all cities.

There seems to be quite a bit of negative feedback on Camaguey. Being that I've never been, I am curious to know what people think what they do and write what they write on this discussion thread. Please everyone, feel free to elaborate.