Cuba Vacations - Spotlight On Santiago De Cuba

Cuba Vacations - Spotlight On Santiago De Cuba

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Located on the Southeast coast of Cuba and shadowed by the Sierra Maestra mountains youll find Cubas second largest city Santiago de Cuba. The diverse and alive culture in Santiago de Cuba is largely due in part to its illustrious history. Founded by Spanish Conquistador Diego Velazquez de Cuellar in 1514, it became the base port for expeditions to Mexico and Florida from 1518 to 1538. Through the late 18th century a surge in French immigrants mostly from Haiti after the slave revolt added to the already rich Spanish and African culture. Home to legendary revolutionary hero Frank Pais, Santiago de Cuba is typically associated with the beginning of the Fidel Castro led revolution which started with an ill-fated attack on the Moncada Barracks in 1953.6 years later Castro would proclaim victory of the Cuban Revolution from a balcony on Santiago de Cubas city hall.

As a city so steeped in culture and history, it makes for a very appealing destination for both history and culture buffs interested in Traveling to Cuba. In the city itself, attractions such as the Moncada Barracks (now a school and museum) complete with simulated bullet holes is a tribute to the revolution that changed Cuba forever. UNESCO has declared two sites in Santiago as Heritage Sites. The San Pedro de la Roca Castle is a fort located overlooking the bay was functional for over 200 years from repelling pirates in mid 1600s to defending against the Americans during the Spanish-American war. The Baconao Park was declared a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve in 1987 and is home to wild life reserves, museums, an aquarium and coffee plantations. Rock climbing, Hiking, and admiring the unique flora and fauna are some of the excursions offered in the Park. For a look into Castro, Che Guevara, and the rebels hideout during the revolution, a hike up the Sierra Maestra mountains will bring you to La Comandancia de la Plata. Now a national monument, the huts and living quarters have been restored and preserved to give a snapshot of the Revolution History.

Hotels in Santiago de Cuba vary from all budget ranges and amenities from rooms within the city to the All Inclusive resorts on the beach owned by reputable chains like Sol Melia, and Brisas and suit the needs, tastes, and of any style of vacation from touring and discovering the area to lazing on the beach. Canadian Tour Operator Hola Sun offers full packages at excellent rates to Santiago de Cuba with direct flights out of Toronto.

Nightlife isnt limited to the resorts either; the city comes alive at night with the sounds of Salsa, pop, and dance music emanating from numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

The narrow streets of Santiago wind past numerous other landmarks and attractions which are a fusion of culture and history. Outside the city is a lush countryside with mountainous terrain perfect for off the beaten path exploring, horseback riding and zipline canopy excursions. Whatever you fancy, Santiago de Cuba is a destination that will fill your days with nights with a charming yet engaged look into Cubas past.

About the Author:
Discovering the beauty of Santiago de Cuba is as easy as contacting your travel agent and booking an incredible Last Minute Vacation to this exciting part of Cuba through a Tour Operator such as Transat Holidays or Sunwing Vacations



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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