Cuba

IYC Cruises takes you to Santiago, Cuba, the second largest urban area behind Havana – but yet one of the most passionate and cultural cities. Here you will find the hottest dances, the coolest rums, and yes, it is considered the hottest city (temperature wise). It is the birthplace of some delicious tasting rums (Bacardi was invented here).  Being the most Caribbean influenced part of Cuba,  you can feel and hear the Caribbean in amazing music, rhythm, and dances.

Some of the attractions you can’t miss are Parque Cespedes where you will find museums, restaurants, monuments and a lot of history. On Calle Heredia, you can peruse handmade items from street vendors, while listening to some of the Cuban beats aloud in the streets. Also you should check out Avenida de los Libertadores where you can visit the Moncada Barracks and Avenida Manduley which is a great place to try the fabulous Cuban cuisine.

Castillo De Moro is a great place to take photos or selfies as you get both history and gorgeous waters in the background. This fortress was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, as it is one of the best standing and preserved buildings of Spanish-American military architecture. The fortress was built in the 17th century and engineered by Italians to stand against the French marque. But more so, fortresses like these helped ward off pirates and robbers. Don’t miss the Cannon firing ceremony at sunset.

Succulent Cuban Cuisine

If you never tried authentic Cuban cuisine, you are in for a treat. Cuban cuisine is centered around meat and the best of it is rope vieja which is delicious meat stew. We also recommend you try maduros (fried sweet plantains), chicharrones, and the fried pork rinds. Also, you’ll love the Roasted pork (lechon), roasted chicken (polo asado), and beef (picadillo). But most of all, you must try the Cuban sandwich.

In Santiago, some great restaurants to try are Bar Dos Gardenias Club Social, Son Cuba, La Celia Restobar, and even a paladere which is a restaurant in a Cuban family’s home. The Meliá Santiago de Cuba and Hotel Casa Granda have elegant restaurants that are worth the extra money.