On the islands of Cayo Santa Maria and Ensenachos, various excursions are also offered for tourists so that you can dilute your beach holiday with interesting trips or boat trips. Main land excursion programs. On the islands of Cayo Santa Maria and Ensenachos, various excursions are also offered for tourists so that you can dilute your beach holiday with interesting trips or boat trips. We bring to your attention the main land excursion programs, which are conducted in English and Spanish.
1. Mototura - Micronatura
This is the new tour offered by Gaviota Tur:
This adventure that opens the key to Cayo Santa Maria begins with a scooter ride to see bird, animal and insect habitats, followed by walking and swimming time in an exclusive area on the island's headland.
Price per adult 27 CUC
Cost per child 21 CUC
2. Aventura en la Montana Adventures in the mountains
Departure from the hotel at 07-30 (first hotel)
Arrival in "Guanayara" - the most beautiful natural park in the large reserve of Topes de Collantes. The descent by truck to the starting point of the trail "Centinelas del Rio Melodioso", which leads to the waterfall "El Rocio" with the possibility of walking or boating on the river - this last section is the most difficult. At the end you will find the natural pool "El Venado" where you can cool off in the cool water. In continuation, you will have lunch at the restaurant "La Gallega". Return by trucks to the bus.
Return at 18-30
First day. Departure to the city of Trinidad with a visit to the tower TorreManaca Iznaga. City tour of Trinidad, called Cuba's best museum city in the country. Visiting museums and the house "Alafarero". Dinner. Free time in the historical center to buy souvenirs. A trip to the mountains of Topes de Collantes, where you can see the view of Trinidad and the Caribbean coast.
Accommodation at the hotel "Los Helechos"
Second day. Arrival in "Guanayara" - the most beautiful natural park in the large reserve of Topes de Collantes. The descent by truck to the starting point of the trail "Centinelas del Rio Melodioso", which leads to the waterfall "El Rocio" with the possibility of walking or boating on the river - this last section is the most difficult. At the end you will find the natural pool "El Venado" where you can cool off in the cool water. In continuation, you will have lunch at the restaurant "La Gallega". Return by trucks and visit the House of Coffee, where you will learn the traditional methods of growing and processing coffee and taste the typical Cafe Colado.
4. Dos Cuidades coloniales Two colonial cities
Departure by bus at 07-30 (first hotel)
Welcome cocktail at the Sancti Spiritus at the 4* Villa hotel founded by the Spanish colonialists. Visit "Casa del Alfarero" where you will see the manufacturing process in a ceramic factory. Dinner. Walk around Trinidad, a unique colonial city with a visit to museums.
Free time to buy souvenirs.
Return to the hotel at 19-00.
Cost for adults 73 CUC
Cost for children 55 CUC
5.Jeep Safari Jeep Safari
Departure by buses to Caibarien at 8-00 (first hotel)
Continuation of the road in jeeps with a panoramic visit to a Cuban farm, where you will see the life of ordinary Cubans. Criole lunch in a restaurant. Time to observe nature.
Return to Caibarién by road. Bus transfer to the hotel.
Return approximately at 18-00
Cost for adults 70 CUC
Cost for children 53 CUC
6. Santa Clara Remedios Santa Clara Remedios
Departure from the hotel at 7-30 (first hotel)
A short train ride from the early 20th century to the colonial city of "San Juan de los Remedios". The colonial city has preserved 8 villas where the Spanish volunteers lived in Cuba. Walk through the central park with a visit to the old church with an altar made of natural gold. Visit to a tobacco factory. Dinner. A visit to the Revolution Square with a memorial to "Ernesto Che Guevara", which became not only a revolutionary platform, but also the place of Che's last burial. Free time to shop for souvenirs in the central park and boulevard in the center of Santa Clara, stop for a photo of the train wreck during the revolution.
Return to the hotel at 18-30
Cost for adults 75 CUC
Cost for children 56 CUC
7. Habana por Avion To Havana by plane
Departure by bus at 6-00. Flight at 8-30 to Havana 50 minutes.
Visiting the most interesting places in the Cuban capital: Revolution Square with a memorial to Jose Marti, Malecon, Prado Boulevard, Central Park with the Bolshoi Theater and the Capitol. Lunch and a walk through Old Havana, protected as a heritage of mankind with its main squares: the Square of Arms with the Palace of Capitals, where the government of the Spanish colonialists met and "El Templete", where the decision was made to found Havana. San Francisco square with church. Time to buy souvenirs.
Return to the hotel at 19-30
Cost for adults 170 CUC
Cost for children 150 CUC
Plus airport tax
Prices in Cayo Santa Maria: children - 54$ | adult - 71$
Those who choose to vacation in Cuba for the sake of monuments of colonial art will be very pleased with an excursion to the cities of Sancti Spiritus and Trinidad. Santi Spiritus is the fourth city founded by the Spanish colonizers on Cuban soil. This city, like Trinidad, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will walk along the streets, see the buildings of the colonial period, many of which are perfectly preserved. Your journey will continue along the ancient stone arched bridge, which is considered by many to be the symbol of the city. It is here that the bridge to the city of Trinidad lies, which has preserved all the charm of the colonial Middle Ages almost intact. You will feel like you have been transported back in time as you walk through the magnificent cobbled streets. You will stop at the Market in Trinidad and you can buy souvenirs there as a keepsake. The cost of the tour is $71 for an adult, $54 for a child.
Prices in Cayo Santa Maria: children - 70$ | adult - 70$
Fans of active and extreme recreation should go on an exciting journey in jeeps through the countryside. You can get to know the traditions of the Cuban people better if you visit a cock farm, listen to a story about how these animals are grown and how they are cared for. And after that, a truly Cuban fun awaits you - cockfights. After that, you will go to the Los Alamos farm, where you will be met by ordinary villagers. You will be able to plunge into the life of the peasant population of Cuba, see how they live and what they do, as well as try something for yourself. For example, an unusual mule ride awaits you. At the end of the trip, you will have lunch at a local restaurant that specializes in Creole cuisine (that is, the cuisine of the colonial peoples). The cost of the tour will be about $70.
Prices in Cayo Santa Maria: children - 46$ | adult - 73$
If you spend holidays in Cayo Santa Maria with the whole family, then you definitely need to go on an excursion to the city of Cienfuegos, founded at the beginning of the 19th century and famous for its beauty. Cubans call this place the "Pearl of the South". First, you will be taken to an amazing show featuring fur seals and dolphins. You will be surprised how smart these animals are. After the show is over, you can swim with the dolphins. If you have the courage, you can catch the fin of a dolphin, and he will ride you with pleasure. After that, you will have lunch and drive to the commercial center of Cienfuegos and appreciate the local architecture. You can see buildings in different styles here, including the round-roofed buildings that this wonderful city is famous for. The cost of the tour is $73 for an adult, $46 for a child. For swimming with dolphins - surcharge ($50 adult, $30 child).
Prices in Cayo Santa Maria: children - 48$ | adult - 64$
San Juan de Los Remedios is the eighth city that was founded by Spanish colonists in Cuba. Its foundation dates back to 1524. The main square of the city is notable for the fact that two churches stand on it at once. As part of the tour, you will visit the Main Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, which houses a baroque altar made of mahogany covered with gold. It is also worth noting the unique image of the pregnant Virgin Mary and the painted ceilings of the temple. Next, you will head to Camajuana, where you will visit a cigar factory and get acquainted with the production of elite cigars, the best in the world. After a tiring journey, you will have a short rest and a delicious lunch in one of the restaurants. And after lunch you will have an excursion to Ernesto Che Guevara's Revolution Square. The cost of the trip will be $64 for an adult, $48 for a child.
Prices in Cayo Santa Maria: children - 48$ | adult - 64$
True connoisseurs of nature will truly enjoy the forest adventure that the resort of Cayo Santa Maria will offer them. In the morning you will go to Guayanara Park, which is one of the parks that form the Topes de Coyantes protected area. This place is a hilly area and tropical forests with amazing flora. Here you can also see a variety of birds, animals, insects, many of which are endemic. Then you will go by trucks to the road Centinales del rio Melodioso. At this point, you will have a beautiful view of the picturesque El Rocío waterfall. Moving along the river, you will admire this waterfall from different angles. After that, you will have a rest on the shore and swimming in the lagoon with the purest water, as well as lunch at a local restaurant. The cost of the tour for an adult is $64, for a child - $48.
Prices in Cayo Santa Maria: children - 92$ | adult - $122
Take a trip to the most picturesque places in Cuba and visit the lake of Anabanilla, which is located on the highest point in the country and is one of the most beautiful places in Cuba. After relaxing near the lake, you will visit the farmer's house, who will treat you to honey of his own production, as well as local tropical fruits. After that, you will have lunch at the Rio Negro restaurant, where you will be served Creole dishes. You will visit the "House of Coffee", where you will learn a lot about the preparation of this drink and taste a cup. You will spend the night in a cozy hotel, and the next day you will go on a new journey into the world of wildlife, study flora and fauna, swim in the crystal clear waters of the river. At the end of the trip, you will go to the colonial city of Trinidad, which has preserved buildings from the time of the first Spanish colonists in Cuba. The cost of the tour is $122 for an adult, $92 for a child.
Prices in Cayo Santa Maria: children - 50$ | adult - 50$
Cultural lovers will appreciate a trip to the city of Remedios with a stop in Caibariene. Caibarien is a city on the territory of the Big Island, which is an inexpensive but fairly high-quality resort. You will arrive here in the afternoon, walk along the central promenade, and then go to the city of Remedios, where you will spend the night. This city is one of the first cities built in Cuba by the Spanish conquistadors in 1524. Here you will definitely like the ancient architecture, preserved from the colonial Middle Ages. The main square of the city is noteworthy - Marti Square, on which there are two churches. In the city, you will have dinner at the Villa Blanca restaurant, where you will be treated to lobster and cocktails. In the evening you will also visit a performance that recreates the medieval legends of the peoples. The cost of the trip will be about $50.
Prices for excursions are average for tour operators, purchasing the same excursions from the local population, you can save in cost, but lose in quality of service and you may not have a Russian-speaking guide.
Cayo Santa Maria is located in the Atlantic Ocean near the islands of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, opposite the northern coast of the province of Villa Clara. It is connected to the mainland by the Pedraplain Dam, 48.6 km long. Nearby are the small islands of Las Brujas and Ensenchos.
Cayo Santa Maria itself is a miniature island with a length of only 13 km and a width of no more than 2 km, which belongs to the archipelago with the romantic name "Royal Gardens" (Jardines del Rey). The gardens, in turn, are under the care of UNESCO as an important biosphere reserve.
Only 30 km separate the island from Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Coco, which can be reached in half an hour via the picturesque Pedraplen Dam. The nearest international airport is located in Santa Clara (1.5 hours on the way, shuttle buses run).
On the island of Las Brujas there is a small airport where local airlines fly from Havana (no more than 15 minutes drive).
Pedraplain is the only road on the island in its usual sense for Europeans, all the rest are sandy paths. You can ride a scooter or a jeep here, but you have to be careful, especially if you want to go to the eastern beaches (for example, Playa Perla Blanca).
For the use of the Pedraplén dam, a fee of 2 CUC per car is charged, in addition, at the entrance to the track, they may ask for proof that you are staying at one of the hotels in Cayo Santa Maria or Cayo Ensenachos.
Taxis are available around the clock at all hotels on the island and at the Royal Hideaway Cayo Ensenachos. However, for long trips it is better to book in advance. The fare to the village of Caibarien is 35 CUC one way / 65 CUC round trip, Remedios 40 CUC / 75 CUC, Santa Clara 65 CUC / 130 CUC and Cayo Ensenachos 5 CUC / 10 CUC.
The popular shopping and fun village of Pueblo La Estrella, famous for its restaurants, bars, discos, massage parlors and bowling alleys, is served by shuttle buses throughout the day. It is only 5.8 km from Royal Hideaway Ensenachos, 4 km from Sol Cayo Santa Maria, 3.3 km from Melia Cayo Santa Maria and 2.6 km from Melia Las Dunas.
Prices on the page are for November 2019.
You can rent a scooter (the use of a helmet is mandatory in Cuba) - they are designed for two people, but it is better to take one-to-one: the capacities are small, the roads are sandy, the seats are small. Rental price from 12-14 CUC per hour, 1-2 days - 31-33 CUC per day, more than 3 days - 22-24 CUC per day, more than 5 days - 18-20 CUC per day.
Many hotels also offer bicycles to their guests, look for rental points in the same place where they rent a car or scooter. You should not expect luxurious animals with a bunch of speeds, shining with chrome-plated fashion gizmos - the climate and salty air do their job, everything rusts, so they are very reminiscent of "Storks" from childhood (although not everywhere).
It is also possible to rent a car, the most popular being manual jeeps. Cars, as a rule, are rented with a full tank, in the same way they must be returned. The only gas station is at Las Brujas Airport. Rental price per day, including insurance: jeep 55-70 CUC per 100 km, then 0.35 CUC for each additional km; for a simple car 60-65 CUC per 100 km and then the same 0.35 CUC for each subsequent km.
Cayo Santa Maria
All beaches and hotels on Cayo Santa Maria are located on the north coast of the island. At the same time, the 11-kilometer coastline can be conditionally divided into 6 sections, ideal for long evening walks, swimming in the clear azure sea and just sunbathing. The hotels stretched for about 6.5 km along the sea, closer to the northwestern part of the island, each of them has its own strip of sand for guests - this is site number 1 - the equipped beaches of Melia Las Dunas and Barcelo, Melia Cayo Santa Maria and Sol Cayo Santa Maria.
However, all the beaches of Cayo Santa Maria are public, that is, no one will forbid sunbathing on one or another piece of land, even near the hotel, not counting beach number 3 (under red roofs). To get to distant beaches, such as Playa Perla Blanca, you will have to rent a scooter or bike, but keep in mind that the road is not in the best condition.
The entrance to the water, although gentle, but the depth begins quite quickly. In addition, there is practically no calm on Cayo Santa Maria (for calm water - on Cayo Guillermo). Winds almost always blow here, sometimes there are mini-storms, about which tourists are notified by a red flag on the beach.
All hotels on the island are all inclusive, which includes the use of non-motorized water sports - look for water clubs (water sports club; guests of the Sol Cayo Santa Maria use the club of their neighbor Melia Cayo Santa Maria).
All the beaches near the hotels, as a rule, are separated by natural dunes and mangroves, sometimes reaching up to 2 meters in height (as in the Barcelo hotel). This is protection from hurricanes and storms, which, alas, also prevents you from enjoying sea views from hotel hotels and restaurants.
Pueblo Tourist Village
In December 2009, a tourist village with the romantic name Pueblo La Estrella ("Starry") was opened on Cayo Santa Maria, which is located approximately in the middle between the beach and the tropical thickets of the Barcelo Cayo Santa Maria hotel. As a rule, tourists come there solely for one purpose: to spend money, and, perhaps, have a little fun. At their service in Pueblo la Estrella are shops, restaurants, bars, a disco, a bowling club, a spa and a massage parlor, and souvenir shops.
A separate pleasure is to walk to the neighboring miniature island that lies to the west of Cayo Santa Maria and is called Cayo Ensenachos. There, in addition to the luxurious Royal Hideaway Ensenachos hotel - the only one on the island! - there are a couple of amazing beaches with white sand: Playa Ensenachos and Playa Megano.
Another small island to the west of Santa Maria is the island-airport of Cayo Las Brujas. There is also one hotel, a modern marina with a bar and a dive center, a 2 km beach in a bay with very calm seas.
Finally, you can go to two small villages - fishing Caibarien or pretty Remedios (Remedios). The latter also boasts its own church, school and other notable buildings.
The charming island of Cayo Santa Maria, washed by the Atlantic Ocean, nestled off the picturesque coast of Cuba, not far from the island of Cayo Coco. You can get here through the dam.
Cayo Santa Maria is famous for its luxurious sandy beaches and amazingly clear water. The attention of travelers is attracted by dizzying rocky cliffs of incredible height and shape. This amazing island in the middle of the ocean is the perfect place for all lovers of romance and solitude.
Near Cayo Santa Maria are the equally beautiful islands of Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos. All of them are happy owners of excellent beach areas covered with soft white sand. The surroundings of these islands serve as an unsurpassed place for romantic sea cruises and jeep safaris, diving, fishing and other water activities.
The purest sea depths of Cayo Santa Maria are endowed with a fauna of fabulous beauty. The underwater kingdom of the island with its mesmerizing coral reefs attracts many lovers of diving to the seabed.
The main attractions of Cayo Santa Maria are its eleven kilometers of picturesque wild beaches, which will take more than one day to explore. Surrounded by virgin nature between beaches and tropical thickets, there is a cozy tourist village, romantically called "Star". This place is very popular, however, like the island itself.
Foreign visitors come here to have a good time in excellent bowling alleys, restaurants and discos, empty their wallets in local souvenir shops and massage parlors. A luxurious hotel complex has been built on the island of Cayo Santa Maria. Each hotel provides its customers with excellent service. Without leaving the territory of the hotel, you can find a lot of interesting activities: play tennis, volleyball, ping-pong, billiards, basketball, learn the basics of diving in the pool, take a bike ride or shoot a real bow.
Clubs and wonderful playgrounds are equipped for the youngest tourists. While the adults are learning Latin American dances or learning Spanish, their children can have a great time in the company of other kids. And on warm evenings, a variety of fun entertainment programs are arranged here.
If tourists miss civilization, they can make an interesting excursion to the city of San Juan de los Remedios, located sixty kilometers from the island. Having visited its historical center, declared a national monument, you only have time to admire the beauty and originality of the local architecture.
