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Holguin and cuba holidays
The eastern Cuban province of Holguin is one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean Island's tourist industry, due to its unique natural wealth with pristine beaches and exuberant vegetation and the existence of excellent places where vacationers can spend their holidays.
The history of the region dates back to the day when Admiral Christopher Columbus first saw the Cuban land and said in a very poetic way: "this is the most beautiful land that human eyes have ever seen". He pronounced those words when he disembarked on the Holguin coast in 1492, specifically at Bariay which was the spot where Admiral Christopher Columbus first landed in Cuba on his quest for a new route to the Indies.
Fourteen of Cuba's major cities are in Holguin, including Banes – considered the archeological capital of the Caribbean Island – and Gibara, whose buildings from the Spanish colonial period are well preserved.
Holguin, which is some 800 kilometers east of Havana, offers a wide range of options for visitors to enjoy Cuba's history, nature and beauty.
Tourists can take a refreshing swim in any of the eight beaches, including Guardalavaca, Estero Ciego, Esmeralda and Don Lino, just to mention some, visit several keys and natural parks, and enjoy excellent extra hotel offers.
Nature lovers can tour Sierra Cristal, where unique plant species like palms, coconuts, tropical fruit trees, ferns and precious timber trees grow.
Divers can enjoy a one-of-a-kind option in Tanque Azul de Caletones, a flooded cavern that is located in the region's most important route of migratory birds.
Tourist programs also allow vacationers to discover the northern Caribbean coast of the province, which holds valuable natural, historic and cultural treasures, including the archeological museum, the Taino village in Chorro de Maita, and the fishermen's city of Gibara, which boasts well-preserved colonial architecture.
Sunset on the northern coast is a unique and peculiar moment that contrasts with the progressive predominance of green vegetation over the blue of the sea.
Valleys and hills are complemented by exuberant vegetation and endemic fauna, including Cuba's national bird, the tocororo (Cuban trogon), and woodpeckers, parrots, hutias and wild horses.
In addition, the natural environment is characterized by rich diversity and breathtaking beauty, including one of the largest bays in the country and Pinares de Mayari, the habitat par excellence of a true world relic: the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis). Manatees still swim in the province's rivers.
Cayo Saetia complements Holguin’s tourist options with a game preserve where travelers come face to face with deer, wild boars, buffaloes, ostriches, peacocks and wild bulls, among other animals.
Guardalavaca
Home of the main Cuban aboriginal settlements, its waters are of a blue-turquoise color and the smooth movement of the waves hypnotizes everybody. Guardalavaca is a mixture of nature, culture, history, rest, beach, entertainment …. in one name only.
The name of Guardalavaca comes from two different sources; one from the pirate activities in the region; supposedly they kept their hauls on the beach (also named "vacas"). The other version, of more credibility, attributed the name to the voice that gave the natives when the marine thieves were getting closer as they were yelling "Guarda la vaca" (guard the cow; meaning hide the hauls).
It is indeed in the surroundings of Guardalavaca that were found the most developed settlements of Cuban aboriginals. It is during the excavation of Chorro de Maita, that the largest aboriginal cemetery of the Caribbean was discovered. It is now a museum - located in the same premises as the excavations.
A few kilometers from Guardalavaca, Gibara was, during the first part of the Spanish colonization, the most important port on the northeastern coast; it justifies the development and splendor that reached the city.
The General of the Independence wars, Calixto Garcia was born in Holguin. He became one of the great leaders in the three campaigns for the liberation from the Spanish Regime.
Culture
Holguin is one of the cities with the most cultural wealth of Cuba. The Romerias de Mayo is the major event of the year. At the foot of the Loma de la Cruz, popular festivities of traditional character take place. Of equal importance is the Fiesta de la Cultura Iberoamericana (Festival of the Latin American Culture) that takes place in October.
The resort also holds the Festival de la Golondrina (Swallow Festival) marking the beginning of the resting and winter season. During this festival is chosen between tourists, the Reina del Festival (Miss Golondrina) along with a beautiful carnival filled with Cuban rhythms.
In Gibara, under the direction of the famous Cinema Director Humberto Solas, takes place the Festival de Cine Pobre (Festival of Poor Cinema) that has become one of the most important of its kind on the continent.
Tourism and cuba holidays
The tourist pole of Guardalavaca with its nice beaches and hotels is one of the most important ones in the country. It has been in constant development and close to Santa Lucia de Cuba; it has become the favorite destination of the island for Europeans. In fact, the Euro is in circulation in the resort.
Its proximity to Playa Pesquero, Playa Esmeralda, Gibara, Banes and Bariay make it a very appealing destination for someone looking to spend vacation resting, discovering and enjoying itself. The resort counts on a close international marina, which offers custom services, electricity, water, fuel, minor repairs and communications. For the snorkeling and diving fans, the Centro de Buceo offers several diving points of 5 to 40 meters deep. For the practice of these sports, the center is very well equipped with the highest technology. The beaches possess all conditions to practice major aquatic sports that make this resort a major attraction.
Places to go and museums
Visit Gibara, a colonial city of great beauty; the port being one of the most important one on the northeastern coast during the first years of the Spanish colonization.
Excursion to Chorro de Maita, an archeological museum that rose from the debris of an aboriginal cemetery.
Excursion to Cayo Saetia, the largest hunting reserve of the country and where one can appreciate animals from African savannahs running in complete liberty.
Visit the Mirador de Mayabe (viewpoint) where lives the famous Burro de Mayabe who, in one go, drank a complete pack of beer.
Museo Indocubano Bani
More than a thousand pieces, obtained in patient archeological searches, are exhibited in this picturesque institution that treasures several thousands more in process of identification. Among the outstanding objects you will find a golden idol with Mesoamerican features, as well as a skull displaying a hole, resembling a bullet orifice, which has provoked much debate
Museo "Chorro de Maita"
It is the result of an exhaustive local archeological research that has taken more than 80 years. It constitutes the most important discovery in Cuba regarding an aboriginal settlement. Thus, the site has been declared National Monument. We strongly recommend the visit.
Museo provincial de Holguin
Known as "La Periquera" (parakeet cage), it is located across from the central park "Calixto Garcia" and visiting it will allow you to know more about the history of the city by means of documents and an excellent archeological collection. Among the varied objects displayed, there is a precious relic: an ax carved in the form of an idol that has become the symbol of Holguin.
Come to Holguin for holidays and besides enjoying beaches and hotels, get also the opportunity of feel the same experience of the great Admiral on his arrival...
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