Tours in and Around Santa Clara

Santa Clara is known around the world as the City of Che. This was the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary war. The city is a celebration of the revolutionary leader.

But Santa Clara and the province of Villa Clara is much more than this.

Come with us to explore the uncelebrated eighth founding city, learn about tobacco, experience the final battle of the revolution with a participant, and visit some of Cuba’s most interesting gardens.

History of Cuba

Remedios and more

Between Santa Clara and the sea is the small town of Remedios. Principally known to tourists for its Christmas celebrations, this area has maintained its traditions and ancient rivalries for centuries. To get there we take a step back in time with a visit to an old sugar factory and a ride an ancient steam train. A tour of the lovely centre of Remedios is highlighted with a visit to the church – one of the very few with a golden alter (as in real gold – not paint) it is more reminiscent of the alters of Latin America than Cuba. Lunch on a farm where we learn about growing tobacco. After lunch a visit to the local tobacco factory to see how leaves become cigars. This was where Che bought his cigars! If your tour coincides with a factory closure (unpredictable) our guide, who worked there for many years, will show you how leaves are selected and instruct you in the art of cigar making!

A Walk in the Parque – Late Colonial and Republic Santa Clara

Many of the public buildings which grace the sides of the Central Park in Santa Clara have been recently restored. This imposing public architecture was the product of the development and mechanization of sugar in the area. Join our architect guide for an enjoyable exploration of murals and vitrines, and the history of the buildings.

The Battle for Santa Clara

Come back with us to December 1958. Santa Clara is under bombardment from the skies and from the hills overlooking the city. The revolutionaries have blocked the way south for an armoured train, which is now holding the revolutionary army at bay. With a participant of that battle relive his life, his time in the Lucha Clandestina and the days of that battle in and around Santa Clara. Visit to the monument of Che Guevara and the iconic battlesites.

Eco-tours

Gardens of Central Cuba

Between the towns of Santa Clara and Cienfuegos we visit 5 gardens of special interest. In Santa Clara, a social gardening project dedicated to Che, which uses gardening as therapy for recovering alcoholics and drug abusers. In the dry lands west of the city we encounter Cuba’s largest and best collection of cacti. For lunch, a breathtaking orchid garden tucked into the folds of the Escambray. In the late 19th century, an American sugar baron began a garden. Today that garden has been preserved with its exotic species trees, and banks of bamboo from around the world. In Cienfuegos we visit the private collection of an orchid aficiando.

The Escambray Mountains

The mountains between Santa Clara and Trinidad are beautiful in all seasons. Cool streams, deep forests, small villages, and country farms make this a spectacular drive. Lunch on a local farm with time for a swim. A great way to rest between tours of these two cities.

Lake Hanabanilla

This enormous man-made lake touches three different provinces. Surrounded by mountains, its colours reflect the mood of sky and mountains. Take a walk to explore the mountainsides of deep green, and pocket sized farms. A boat ride will take you the length of the lake. Hike into the spectacular El Nicho waterfalls. Shore lunch.

Workshop – Natural Medicine

Made from plants from their patio and from the mountains, using recipes dating back to the late 19th century and the early part of the 20th, these creams and unguents provide relief from pain, from skin disorders, and the stress of everyday life. Learn how to collect and preserve the herbs and fruits which make up these potent treatments. Treat yourself to a massage after the workshop!

Small Business – the New Cuba

From hobby to a cottage industry. Making hats, dresses and purses for family and friends was a long standing hobby for this entrepreneur. Now the hobby is full-time work for not only some of those same friends and family, but also people from the neighbourhood. She continues to design and make samples, but now her life is as a supervisor and super salesperson. Just as with films, the enterprise can be lost on the cutting-room floor. Now a cutter, who couldn’t work and attend her family, comes to her neighbour’s house to work assuring a better life for her family. The group works year round to satisfy the demands of the major artisan sales of Habana and elsewhere and many professional craftshops. Christmas and New Years, Easter and Mother’s Day, Fall sales – the demand is huge. From tie-dyed dresses, handmade flowers, and hand-crafted buttons – the emphasis is on attention to detail, and unique designs. Meet these energetic women and the man who makes the buttons!