📌Province
Holguín is the capital of the province of the same name, in northeastern Cuba, and one of the most important cities in eastern Cuba, with several hundred thousand inhabitants. It's called the 'City of Parks' for its abundance of squares, and its great symbol is the Loma de la Cruz, a hill with a cross and a lookout that dominates the city. The province is also one of the most touristic in the country thanks to the beaches of Guardalavaca and the north coast area, and it holds enormous historical value: Christopher Columbus landed here in 1492
📌Service town
Holguín is an important service center in the east. It has Frank País International Airport (HOG), which receives many charter and international flights linked to the beach tourism of Guardalavaca, plus domestic flights. It has a long-distance bus terminal (Víazul and national lines), a train station, hospitals, banks and ATMs, casas particulares and hotels. It's the natural gateway to the beaches of Guardalavaca, Playa Pesquero and the north coast, and a base for excursions to historical sites like Gibara, Banes and the Columbus landing area
📌Best time to go
The best time to visit Holguín and its province is the dry season, from November to April, with sunny days, less humidity and ideal weather both for the city and for the north coast beaches: it's the high season for Guardalavaca tourism. Summer (May to October) is hotter and more humid, with the rainy season and the hurricane risk between August and October. A notable date is the Romerías de Mayo, an important cultural and religious festival held in early May that draws artists and pilgrims to the city
📌Suggested days
The city of Holguín can be seen in 1 or 2 days: it's enough to tour its parks (Calixto García, San Isidoro, San José), climb the Loma de la Cruz by its steps to watch the sunset, visit a museum and soak up the atmosphere of the 'City of Parks'. But most travelers use Holguín as a base or gateway for a beach stay of several days in Guardalavaca and the north coast, combining it with historical excursions to Gibara (a charming coastal town), Banes (Indo-Cuban museum) and Columbus's landing site at Bariay
📌Currency
Cuban peso (CUP). Many tourist services (resorts, excursions, transfers, Víazul) are priced and charged in dollars (USD) or by international card. It's best to bring cash in USD or euros to exchange, since cards issued by U.S. banks don't work and ATMs can fail. Museum admissions are usually paid in CUP in cash
📌Language
Spanish. In the tourist areas of Guardalavaca and in the hotels, English, French and Italian are also spoken due to the strong presence of Canadian and European tourism
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🌤️ Clima en Holguín
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Holguín is one of those Cuban cities that travelers usually pass through on the way to the beach, but which deserves a look of its own. Capital of the island's northeast and one of the great cities of the east, it's known as the 'City of Parks' for the number of tree-lined squares that dot its center, where Holguín's daily life beats. Its symbol is the Loma de la Cruz, a hill crowned by a cross reached by a long staircase and from which the whole city can be seen.
But Holguín's true treasure is in its province. Here are some of the best beaches in Cuba —Guardalavaca, Playa Pesquero, Playa Esmeralda—, of white sand and turquoise sea, which have made Holguín's north coast one of the country's great tourist hubs. And here, too, is the oldest history: it was on these shores, in 1492, that Christopher Columbus first landed in Cuba and described it as 'the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen'. The region also preserves a rich Taíno indigenous legacy, with unique archaeological sites.
This guide covers the essentials of Holguín and its surroundings with a practical, warm eye: what to see in the city of parks, how to make the most of the Guardalavaca beaches, which historical and natural excursions not to miss (Gibara, Banes, Columbus's landing, the Cerro de Mayabe), where to eat and how to get around. Holguín combines like few destinations the Caribbean beach, the history of the discovery and Cuba's indigenous heritage.
The Holguín region has a unique place in the history of the Americas: it was here, on the north coast of the present-day province, that Christopher Columbus first landed in Cuba on October 28, 1492, during his first voyage, at a place usually identified with the Bariay area. Marveling at the landscape, Columbus is said to have written that it was 'the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen'. Before and after the Europeans, the area was densely populated by the Taíno, whose culture left an exceptional mark on the region: the archaeological site of Chorro de Maíta, near Banes, is one of the most important indigenous cemeteries in the Caribbean, and the Banes area is considered one of the areas of greatest Indo-Cuban archaeological richness in the country (the famous golden idol or 'Banes idol' comes from there). The city of Holguín itself began to be founded from the 17th century (its origin is usually linked to Captain García Holguín, from whom it would take its name), establishing itself as a cattle ranch (hato) and then as a town. It grew with the ranching and agriculture of the fertile east. In the 19th century, the region took an intense part in the wars of independence: it was a land of mambises and battles, and the general Calixto García, one of the great military figures of Cuban independence, was born here, and gives his name to the city's central park. Its layout of squares earned it the nickname 'City of Parks'. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the development of beach tourism in Guardalavaca and the north coast made the province one of Cuba's main tourist destinations. The full history is on our history page.
Read the full history →🗺️ What to see
1
Loma de la Cruz
The hill that is Holguín's symbol, crowned by a cross and a lookout, climbed by a long staircase with views over the whole city.
The Loma de la Cruz is Holguín's great symbol and its best lookout. It's a hill that rises over the northern edge of the city, crowned by a wooden cross (hence the name) and a lookout from which you get a panoramic view of all of Holguín and the plains and mountains that surround it. It's the perfect place to understand the geography of the 'City of Parks' and to enjoy the sunset.
The classic climb is by a long, monumental staircase of 458 steps that ascends from the city to the summit, a walk that has become a ritual for Holguineros and visitors. For those who don't want to climb on foot, it can also be reached by vehicle on a road. At the top there is a well-kept setting, with the cross, the lookout and, depending on the season, a cafeteria.
The cross has its origin in a colonial religious tradition: every May 3 the feast of the Cross is celebrated there, historically linked to the Romerías de Mayo, one of the city's most important festivals. Climbing the Loma de la Cruz, especially at sunset, with the city lighting up below, is one of the unmissable experiences of Holguín. It's best to bring water, wear comfortable footwear and, if climbing on foot, avoid the hottest hours.
ℹ️ Distance: On the northern edge of the city; staircase of 458 steps from the center or vehicle access · Best time to go: Sunset for the views; avoid midday if climbing on foot. May 3, feast of the Cross · Entry: Free (open access) · Duration: 1 to 2 hours (with the climb)
2
Parque Calixto García and the center of parks
Holguín's central square, heart of the 'City of Parks', surrounded by historical buildings and museums.
Parque Calixto García is the heart of Holguín and the main one of the chain of squares that gave it the nickname 'City of Parks'. It bears the name of General Calixto García, a Holguín hero of the wars of independence, whose statue presides over the place. It's a wide space, lively at all hours, surrounded by colonial and republican buildings, and a meeting point of the city's social life.
Around the park and nearby are several museums and buildings of interest. The Provincial History Museum 'La Periquera' —a historic building that owes its nickname to an anecdote from the wars of independence— holds collections covering the region's history; very close is the Carlos de la Torre Natural History Museum. The birthplace of Calixto García and various cultural institutions complete the offering.
Holguín is explored, precisely, by chaining together its parks: from Calixto García to Parque San Isidoro (with the San Isidoro cathedral church) and to Parque San José, among others, on a pleasant walk through the center. Each square has its character, its shaded benches, its vendors and its own life. Strolling unhurriedly through the parks, sitting to watch the Holguín rhythm and entering one of the museums is the best way to get to know the city. It's best to confirm the museum hours.
ℹ️ Distance: Center of Holguín; the parks are chained on foot · Best time to go: By day to explore and visit museums; late afternoon for the atmosphere of the parks · Entry: Parks free; museums approx. 50–150 CUP per person (verified July 2026; confirm when you visit) · Duration: Half a day
3
Guardalavaca beaches and the north coast
The best beaches in the province: white sand, turquoise sea and resorts, an hour from the city.
The great tourist magnet of Holguín province is the beaches of its north coast, headed by Guardalavaca, a little over 50 km from the city. Guardalavaca is one of the prettiest and most famous beaches in Cuba: fine white sand, calm waters of an intense turquoise color, a nearby coral reef ideal for snorkeling and a setting of tropical vegetation. It's a well-established sun-and-beach destination, with all-inclusive hotels but also public-access stretches and a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere than other big resorts.
Very close are other exceptional beaches that form part of the same tourist hub: Playa Esmeralda (in a protected, well-kept setting), Playa Pesquero (one of the most developed for hotels) and other coves of light sand. This whole coastal strip offers water sports, diving, snorkeling, catamaran excursions and the chance to visit aquariums or swim with dolphins at facilities in the area.
From the city of Holguín, Guardalavaca is reached by car, taxi or excursion in a little under an hour. Many travelers, in fact, arrive directly at Holguín airport to stay at the coast's resorts. The combination of a first-rate Caribbean beach with the proximity of historical and archaeological sites makes this one of the most complete areas in Cuba. For the beach, the dry season (November to April) is the ideal time.
ℹ️ Distance: Guardalavaca, a little over 50 km from Holguín (car, taxi or excursion) · Best time to go: Dry season (November to April); sunny days · Entry: Public beaches free; snorkeling and water sports from US$ 10–40; swim with dolphins about US$ 50–80 (verified July 2026) · Duration: A day or more (beach stay)
4
Columbus's landing site (Bariay)
The place where Columbus is said to have first landed in Cuba in 1492, now a commemorative monument park.
Holguín's north coast holds a milestone of world history: it was here, at a point usually identified with the Bay of Bariay, that Christopher Columbus is said to have first landed on Cuban soil on October 28, 1492, during his first voyage to the Americas. According to tradition, it was upon contemplating this landscape that the navigator uttered his famous phrase that it was 'the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen'.
In the area the Bariay National Monument Park (sometimes called the Christopher Columbus Nature Park) has been created, a space that commemorates the encounter of the two worlds. It has a commemorative monument erected around the fifth centenary of the discovery (1992), reconstructions of Taíno villages, trails through a protected natural setting, a beach and a small museum or interpretive area that contextualizes the landing and the way of life of the indigenous people who inhabited the region.
The visit combines history, nature and a beautiful coastal landscape, and lets you reflect on the moment of the first contact between Europeans and indigenous people in Cuba. It's an interesting excursion for those staying in Guardalavaca or Holguín who want to go beyond the beach. It's best to confirm the condition and opening hours of the park, which may vary, and to plan your own transport, a taxi or excursion to get there.
ℹ️ Distance: North coast, in the Bariay area (near Guardalavaca; taxi or excursion) · Best time to go: Dry season; in good weather. October 28, anniversary of the landing · Entry: About US$ 2–5 per person (entry to the monument park) (verified July 2026; confirm when you visit) · Duration: Half a day (with transfer)
5
Chorro de Maíta and the Taíno legacy (Banes)
One of the most important indigenous cemeteries in the Caribbean, and the richest region in Indo-Cuban archaeology in Cuba.
Holguín province, and especially the Banes area, is considered the one of greatest indigenous archaeological richness in Cuba, the result of the dense Taíno population that inhabited the region before and during the arrival of the Spanish. The star site is Chorro de Maíta, about 7 km from Guardalavaca (in the Yaguajay area, municipality of Banes): one of the most important aboriginal cemeteries excavated in the insular Caribbean, where more than a hundred indigenous burials (over 110) are preserved in situ, displayed today at the place of their find under a large cover.
Today Chorro de Maíta functions as a site museum, with the remains preserved and displayed at the place of their find, which lets the visitor observe up close how the Taíno buried their dead and better understand their culture, their beliefs and their way of life. Right across from the archaeological museum is a life-size recreation of a Taíno village, with bohíos and representations of indigenous daily life, very educational for understanding the Cuban pre-Columbian world. It's open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 to 5 and Sundays from 9 to 1.
In the town of Banes, moreover, is the Baní Indo-Cuban Museum, which holds a highly valuable collection of Taíno objects, among them the famous 'Banes idol', a small figure of gold that is one of the most famous pieces of Cuban archaeology. Visiting Chorro de Maíta and Banes is a fascinating experience for anyone who wants to know the Cuba before Columbus, and an ideal historical complement to the beach of Guardalavaca.
ℹ️ Distance: Chorro de Maíta, about 7 km from Guardalavaca (taxi or excursion); Banes (municipal seat) about 27 km · Horario: Chorro de Maíta: Tuesday to Saturday 9–5, Sundays 9–1 (verify July 2026) · Entry: Chorro de Maíta US$ 2 (+ US$ 5 camera/video charge); Baní Indo-Cuban Museum US$ 1–3 (source: Holguín Heritage portal / EcuRed, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day (with transfer)
6
Gibara, the 'White Town'
A charming colonial coastal town near Holguín, of white houses, a malecón and a bohemian air, with a film festival.
About 30 km north of Holguín, on the coast, is Gibara, a charming colonial fishing town known as the 'White Town' for its whitewashed houses. Overlooking a lovely bay and framed by the 'Silla de Gibara' (a mountain of characteristic silhouette that was also sighted by Columbus's navigators), Gibara preserves a historic center with colonial mansions, a malecón, churches, fortifications and a quiet, somewhat decaying air that wins travelers over.
Gibara was a prosperous port in the 19th century, which explains the elegance of its architecture, and today it's a destination that combines history, sea and culture. It has several small museums (natural history, decorative arts), remains of colonial fortifications and the atmosphere of an authentic fishing town. In recent years it gained fame for its Gibara International Film Festival (heir to the old Poor Cinema Festival), which each year fills the town with filmmakers and artists.
In the surroundings there are also natural attractions, such as cave systems and beaches. Gibara is a perfect half-day or full-day excursion from Holguín or from the Guardalavaca resorts, ideal for anyone who wants to discover a coastal town with personality, far from mass tourism. It's reached by taxi, car or organized excursion.
ℹ️ Distance: About 30 km north of Holguín, on the coast (taxi, car or excursion) · Best time to go: All year; during the Gibara Film Festival, a special atmosphere · Entry: Touring the town is free; museums approx. 25–100 CUP per person (verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day to a full day
7
Mayabe Lookout (Cerro de Mayabe)
A lookout on a hill near the city, with views of the Mayabe valley and a famous beer-drinking donkey.
A few kilometers from Holguín, on the Cerro de Mayabe, is the Mayabe Lookout, a height with panoramic views over the green Mayabe valley and the Holguín plain. It's a quiet, pleasant place, much frequented by Holguineros and visitors for lunch, a drink and enjoying the scenery, especially at dusk. There is a lookout-hotel and a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the valley.
Mayabe is famous for an endearing and very Cuban anecdote: for years, the place had as a mascot a famous donkey that drank beer, 'Pancho', whose story became a tourist attraction and part of the local folklore. Beyond the curiosity, the real appeal of the place is the setting: the green valley, the tranquility and the views, which offer a respite from the city.
It's a short, simple getaway from Holguín, ideal for complementing a visit to the city with a bit of nature and a good creole lunch with views. It's reached by taxi or car in a few minutes. The Cerro de Mayabe is a good example of how Holguín's surroundings combine pleasant landscapes and charming corners a very short distance from the urban center.
ℹ️ Distance: Cerro de Mayabe, about 8 km from Holguín (taxi or car) · Best time to go: Sunset for the views; any clear day · Entry: Free access to the lookout; a purchase at the restaurant separate (lunch approx. US$ 8–15) · Duration: Half a day (with lunch)
💵 Prices
Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|
| Loma de la Cruz | Free (open access) |
| Center parks (Calixto García, San Isidoro, San José) | Free (public spaces) |
| Provincial Museum 'La Periquera' | Approx. 50–150 CUP per person (verified July 2026; confirm when you visit) |
| Carlos de la Torre Natural History Museum | Approx. 25–100 CUP per person (verified July 2026; confirm when you visit) |
| Guardalavaca beaches and north coast | Public beaches free; loungers and services from US$ 3–10; water sports US$ 10–40 |
| Bariay Monument Park (Columbus's landing) | Approx. US$ 2–5 per person (verified July 2026; confirm when you visit) |
| Chorro de Maíta (site museum) | US$ 2 per person (+ US$ 5 camera/video charge); Taíno Village separate (source: Holguín Heritage portal / EcuRed, verified July 2026) |
| Baní Indo-Cuban Museum (Banes) | Approx. US$ 1–3 / 25–75 CUP per person (verified July 2026; confirm when you visit) |
| Gibara museums | Approx. 25–100 CUP per person (verified July 2026; confirm when you visit) |
| Swim with dolphins (north coast aquarium) | Approx. US$ 50–80 per person (verified July 2026; depending on the program) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
Activities and tours
| Activity | Price | Duration | Operator |
|---|
| Climb the Loma de la Cruz at sunset | Free (open access) | 1-2 h | On your own or with a local guide |
| Holguín city tour (parks and museums) | US$ 15–30 per person | Half a day | Local guides and agencies (Cubatur, Havanatur) |
| Beach day and snorkeling at Guardalavaca | US$ 20–50 per person (with transfer) | A day | Resorts, agencies and taxis |
| Historical excursion to Columbus's landing (Bariay) | US$ 25–45 per person | Half a day | Local agencies and taxis |
| Archaeological excursion to Chorro de Maíta and Banes | US$ 25–50 per person | Half a day to a full day | Local agencies and taxis |
| Excursion to Gibara, the 'White Town' | US$ 25–45 per person | Half a day to a full day | Local agencies and taxis |
| Diving (2 dives) on the north coast | US$ 50–90 per person | Half a day | Guardalavaca dive centers |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🚌 How to get there and distances
Getting around
| Mode | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|
| On foot | Free | Variable | The center of Holguín, with its chain of parks, is comfortably walked. The Loma de la Cruz is climbed on foot by the staircase |
| Bicitaxi / horse-drawn carriage | Approx. 50–200 CUP per trip in the city | Variable | Typical, cheap means for getting around the city; agree the price before getting in |
| Private taxi / classic car | Holguín–Guardalavaca approx. US$ 30–50 per trip; city US$ 3–8 | Variable | The most comfortable way to go to Guardalavaca, Gibara, Bariay, Banes or the airport. Agree the price in advance |
| Collective cars / 'máquinas' (almendrones) | Approx. 50–150 CUP per person on urban routes (cash in CUP) | Variable | Shared American cars on fixed routes at popular prices; much used by locals to get around the city and to nearby towns. You flag them down by hand, share with other passengers and pay in cash in Cuban pesos when getting off |
| Urban bus (guagua) | Approx. 5 CUP per ride (cash in CUP) | Variable | Very cheap but usually crowded; for the traveler, a taxi or classic car is usually more practical, especially toward the coast. The fare is paid in cash in Cuban pesos when boarding (verified July 2026) |
| Real-time transport app ('La Guagua') | Free app | - | Holguín uses the official Cuban app 'La Guagua' (listed as 'APK la Guagua' on Holguín's own citizen portal) to see in real time the location of the urban buses, the stops and the routes. It was born from the e-government of Las Tunas and today also covers Holguín and Guantánamo. It's useful for not waiting too long at the stop; the fare is still paid in cash, not through the app. The Cuban digital payment (Transfermóvil / EnZona with QR) requires a Cuban account and card, so it doesn't apply to the passing tourist (source: Holguín citizen portal holguin.gob.cu and Cuban press, verified July 2026) |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
How to get there
| Route | Airlines / operators | Avg. price | Duration |
|---|
| Frank País Airport (HOG) → city of Holguín | Taxis and transfers | Approx. US$ 15–25 per trip | 15 to 25 min |
| Frank País Airport (HOG) → Guardalavaca / north coast | Hotel transfers and taxis | Approx. US$ 30–50 (tourist charters usually go straight to the resorts) | Approx. 1 h |
| Havana → Holguín (Víazul bus) | Víazul (bus, official) | Approx. €50 per person (fare in effect since June 2026; paid in euros/international card) (source: official Víazul, verified July 2026) | Approx. 12 h (long journey) |
| Havana → Holguín (domestic flight) | Cubana de Aviación / Aerogaviota | Approx. US$ 100–180 depending on the season | Approx. 1.5 h of flight |
| Santiago de Cuba → Holguín (Víazul bus) | Víazul and collective taxis | Approx. US$ 11 (Víazul); collective taxi from US$ 10 | Approx. 3 h |
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying
🏨 Where to stay
No exact prices: a scale from $ (budget) to $$$$$ (luxury), with 2-3 options per category.
| Category | Price | Recommended options |
|---|
| All-inclusive resorts in Guardalavaca and the north coast | $$$$$ | US$ 90–250 per person per night all-inclusive (more in high season): large beachfront hotels in Guardalavaca, Playa Pesquero and Playa Esmeralda, with pools, water sports and entertainment. E.g.: Brisas Guardalavaca, Paradisus Río de Oro, Playa Pesquero, Memories Holguín |
| Hotels in the city of Holguín | $$$$$ | US$ 40–80 per night: urban hotels in the center or near the parks, convenient for seeing the city or as a base for excursions. E.g.: Hotel Caballeriza, Hotel Pernik, Villa El Bosque |
| Casas particulares (city, Gibara, Guardalavaca) | $$$$$ | US$ 20–40 per night: the most authentic and cheapest option, family homes with homemade breakfast (US$ 3–5), a warm welcome and very good value for money. Ideal for experiencing the region from the inside |
| Budget lodging / hostels | $$$$$ | US$ 15–25 per night: rooms and simple houses for travelers on a tight budget, especially in the city. It's best to choose central, well-connected areas |
🍴 Where to eat
| Type | Price | Options / signature dish |
|---|
| Paladares (private restaurants) in the center | $$$$$ | US$ 6–15 per dish: family restaurants with Cuban creole cuisine —roast pork, congrí, ropa vieja, root vegetables, chicken and fish— in a welcoming setting near the parks |
| Restaurants with a view (Mayabe Lookout) | $$$$$ | US$ 8–18 per dish: the Mayabe Lookout restaurant, with a terrace overlooking the valley, is a classic for a creole lunch with views |
| Fish and seafood (Gibara and coast) | $$$$$ | US$ 10–25 per dish: in Gibara and the north coast, fresh fish, lobster and seafood at paladares and houses by the sea |
| Cafeterias and cheap food | $$$$$ | Approx. 100–400 CUP per dish (US$ 1–4): pizzas, sandwiches, natural juices, ice cream and creole food at simple cafeterias in the city |
❓ Frequently asked questions
How much do admissions and services cost in Holguín?+
The good thing about Holguín city is that much is free: the Loma de la Cruz and all the parks charge no admission. The museums are very cheap (about 50–150 CUP per person). The big expenses are on the coast: an excursion to Guardalavaca, Bariay or Chorro de Maíta costs between US$ 25 and US$ 50, entry to the Chorro de Maíta museum US$ 2 (plus US$ 5 if you want to take photos), and a day of diving between US$ 50 and US$ 90. It's best to bring cash in USD or euros to exchange.
How do I get to Holguín and Guardalavaca?+
Frank País International Airport (HOG) receives many charter and international flights linked to Guardalavaca tourism, plus domestic flights from Havana (around 1.5 h). From the airport there are transfers to the coast's resorts (US$ 30–50, about 1 h) and to the city (US$ 15–25, 15-25 min). By Víazul bus from Havana the journey is long (about 12 h, about US$ 48). The city is a little over 50 km from Guardalavaca.
When is the best time to go?+
The best time is the dry season, from November to April, with sunny days and ideal both for the city and for the beaches (it's the high season for Guardalavaca). Summer (May to October) is hotter, more humid and rainier, with hurricane risk between August and October. In May the Romerías de Mayo are held, an important cultural festival of the city.
How many days do I need?+
The city of Holguín can be seen in 1 or 2 days. But most travelers combine a beach stay of several days in Guardalavaca with half-day or full-day excursions to the historical sites (Bariay, Chorro de Maíta, Banes) and to Gibara. A week lets you enjoy the beach and get to know the province well.
What does Holguín have to do with Christopher Columbus?+
It was on the north coast of the present-day province of Holguín, at a place usually identified with the Bay of Bariay, that Christopher Columbus first landed in Cuba on October 28, 1492, during his first voyage. Tradition says he was so amazed that he described it as 'the most beautiful land human eyes have ever seen'. Today there is a monument park that commemorates the landing.
What excursions in the area do you recommend?+
Besides the beach of Guardalavaca, notable ones are the Bariay Monument Park (Columbus's landing), the archaeological site of Chorro de Maíta and the Baní Indo-Cuban Museum in Banes (Taíno legacy, with the famous 'Banes idol'), the coastal town of Gibara (the 'White Town', with its film festival) and the Mayabe Lookout, with views of the valley a few minutes from the city.
How do you get around Holguín and how is transport paid?+
The center of the 'City of Parks' is explored on foot. For longer distances there are bicitaxis and horse-drawn carriages (50–200 CUP), the collective cars or 'máquinas' (almendrones, 50–150 CUP per fixed route) and the urban guagua (about 5 CUP). All of that is paid in cash in Cuban pesos: there's no card or QR for the passing tourist. To avoid waiting too long, Holguín uses the official Cuban app 'La Guagua', which shows in real time where the bus is and its stops. To go to Guardalavaca, Gibara or the airport the practical option is a taxi or classic car (Holguín–Guardalavaca about US$ 30–50), agreeing the price beforehand.
Sources consulted (16)
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- Wikipedia (ES) — «Loma de la Cruz (Holguín)»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loma_de_la_Cruz
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- Wikipedia (ES) — «Chorro de Maíta»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorro_de_Ma%C3%ADta
- Lonely Planet — Museo Chorro de Maíta: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba/guardalavaca/attractions/museo-chorro-de-maita/a/poi-sig/1117739/1315119
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Gibara»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibara
- Víazul — Tarifas oficiales (ómnibus): https://viazul.wetransp.com/
- Rome2Rio — Autobús La Habana a Holguín: https://www.rome2rio.com/es/Autob%C3%BAs/La-Habana/Holgu%C3%ADn
- Movert en Cuba — Casas particulares (precios): https://www.movertencuba.com/alojamiento-en-cuba/casas-particulares-en-cuba/
- Portal del ciudadano de Holguín — Transporte y app 'La Guagua': https://www.holguin.gob.cu/es/serviciosh/servicios-seccion-1/transporte
- Granma — «La Guagua, app para seguir en vivo los ómnibus urbanos»: https://www.granma.cu/cuba/2018-09-09/la-guagua-nueva-aplicacion-movil-para-seguir-en-vivo-a-los-omnibus-urbanos-09-09-2018-21-09-02
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Bariay»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bariay
- Wikipedia (ES) — «Museo Indocubano Baní»: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Indocubano_Ba%C3%AD
