Las Tunas, Cuba

Q: How to get to Las Tunas?

The best way to get to the city of Las Tunas is through the Central Highway of Cuba , which connects Havana with the eastern part of the country. The most common option is the collective transfer (bus) or private transfers . The capital of this province is very well connected with the main cities of the country; Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Holguín. It is also possible to arrive by train, although this option is not the most recommended. The province has the Hermanos Ameijeiras Airport , where the Cubana de Aviación airline operates offering regular flights between Havana and Las Tunas.

Q: When is the best time to visit Las Tunas?

Las Tunas celebrates Las Noches Tuneras every weekend , where performances by different cultural talents take place on the same street, as well as a great gastronomic offer. Starting February and over the course of two months, you can enjoy artistic events such as the Rita Longa biennial sculpture or more spring events with La Plástica in April or the Salón Nacional de Pequeño Formato , other great recognitions of the art of sculpture. One of the main events in the city is the Jornadas Cucalambeanas , an event in honor of the decimista Juan Cristóbal Nápoles Fajardo , that takes place in the picturesque estate of El Cornito . During the final days of June and the beginning of July , this event brings together artists and locals with the intention of preserving the Tunera tradition through poems, dances and craft shows. Without any doubt, it is an event that you cannot miss if you visit this region during that week. In the month of November, the Festival Internacional de Magia Ánfora ( International Festival of Amphora Magic ) is celebrated. For five days, magicians and illusionists recognized both nationally and internationally entertain everyone who comes. On the other hand, generally in the second half of September, the Carnaval de las Tunas ( Carnival of Las Tunas ) is celebrated, and for several days this charming city is filled with music, parades, floats and a unique atmosphere. As you can see, any time is an ideal occasion to get to know Las Tunas.

Visit Las Tunas and delve into the history, culture and paradises of the so-called "Balcón de Oriente", in Cuba

Las Tunas
© Wolfgang Schmidt

Las Tunas is one of the most unknown provinces, but at the same time one of the most authentic in Cuba. In this province located in the eastern part of the country, you will be able to admire unspoiled landscapes and paradisiacal beaches but, above all, you will enjoy authentic Cuban rural life.

Las Tunas City
© Las Tunas Travel

This lively region known as the "Balcón del Oriente" (Balcony of the East) has 36 luscious beaches, which will impress you with its fine white sands and will allow you to immerse yourself in its crystal clear turquoise waters.

Las Tunas also has unique natural landscapes full of fauna and flora. Here you will have the opportunity to observe numerous endangered species, as well as the largest reserve of the Acutus or American crocodile in the world.

On your way through this region, you should not miss a visit to the cities of Las Tunas and Puerto Padre, two cities of unmatched beauty that will make your visit an unforgettable experience.

The city of Las Tunas, capital of the province, also known as the Capital de las Esculturas (Capital of Sculptures) for its more than one hundred works of art that decorate the city, will show you a different image of Cuba. Here you can enjoy how life goes more calmly and will feel the authentic Cuban spirit, the kindness and hospitality of the locals.

Las Tunas is a city full of culture and history that has become the perfect place to combine holidays and rest while discovering one of the most exotic and little-known areas of the country.

Index

What to see?
What to do?
What are the best excursions from Las Tunas?
How to get to Las Tunas?
When is the best time to visit Las Tunas?
Where to stay?

What to see in Las Tunas?

Museo Provincial General Vicente García
© Las Tunas travel

On your tour of the city of Las Tunas, you cannot miss places of great historical and cultural interest such as the Museo Provincial General Vicente García (General Vicente García Provincial Museum), the Museo Memorial a los Mártires de Barbados (Memorial Museum to the Martyrs of Barbados) or the Casa Natal del Mayor General Vicente García (Birthplace of Major General Vicente García).

Plaza de la Revolución, Las Tunas
© Las Tunas Travel

The Jardín Botánico de Las Tunas (Botanical Garden of Las Tunas) is also worth a visit, a place full of exotic vegetation located in the well-known El Cornito, where you can admire hundreds of plants from all over the world. In addition, this is where the famous Jornadas Cucalambeanas take place annually, an event full of Cuban culture and art in all its splendor.

As an example of the perfection of the most praised art in the region, you can learn the importance of sculpture by visiting the original Plaza Martiana and the impressive Plaza de la Revolución, or simply strolling through its streets and observing beautiful figures, such as the Monumento al Trabajo (Monument to Work), the Fuente de las Antillas (Antillas Fountain), the Monumento a la Alfabetización (Monument to Literacy) or the Cabezas contrapuestas del cacique Maniabo y Jibacoa (Mythical Contrasting Heads of Cacique Maniabo and Jibacoa); all of them describing legends and key moments in the history of the people of Las Tunas.

This region is full of impressive natural spaces such as Monte Cabaniguán (Mount Cabaniguán), an incredible natural reserve full of the most exotic fauna and vegetation that is located in Jobabo; or the beautiful Lago Azul (Blue Lake) in Manatí, with its waters stained by minerals that give it a characteristic color.

One of the most charming cities in the province is Puerto Padre, where places such as Fuerte de La Loma (La Loma Fort), Castillo de Salcedo (Salcedo Castle) and Avenida Libertad (Liberty Avenue) stand out. Strolling through its streets full of architectural wonders or enjoying its small boardwalk full of life make this city a perfect destination where you can discover the authentic Cuban lifestyle, under the comfort of accommodation and gastronomical facilities, to make your stay pleasant.

Very close to Puerto Padre you will find incredible paradisiacal beaches with white sands and crystal clear waters such as the spectacular Playa Covarrubias (Covarrubias Beach), or the incredible La Boca and La Llanita beaches. If you want to visit never-before-seen beaches, you will find beautiful and solitary spots very close, including Punta Tomate and Las Azules.

What to do in Las Tunas?

Puerto Padre, Las Tunas
© Las Tunas Travel

Las Tunas is undoubtedly an ideal province where you can feel the pure essence of Cuba. Small, but not too small, cozy and rustic, this beautiful region will capture you with its charms and fun activities that will make your stay unforgettable.

One of the most recommended activities is diving and snorkeling. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Cuba, that at the same time are less visited: paradisiacal places with crystal clear waters that bathe the white sand surrounded by the purest nature.

At Playa Covarrubias (Covarrubias Beach) you will have the opportunity to submerge yourself and dive into transparent waters that hide an impressive coral reef where it is possible to spot a large number of exotic fish species.

Another plan to consider in this beautiful region is a visit to its natural green areas. The province has eleven protected areas, a reserve and three wildlife refuges, beautiful places full of exuberant nature where you can spend a quiet day. Visit the exotic natural environment of the Reserva Ecológica del Monte Cabaniguán (Ecological Reserve of Monte Cabaniguán), in Jobabo, with the largest reserve of the of the Acutus crocodile species in the world, and the beautiful Lago Azul (Blue Lake) of Manatí, where you will enjoy a beautiful landscape full of mangroves, beautiful fauna and wild flora.

If you prefer other types of activities, in the city of Las Tunas, the capital of the homonymous province, you will also have the opportunity to attend parties.

The nightlife of the capital will give you a fun experience where you will enjoy lively Cuban music at any of the parties that are held in popular bars and discos.

What are the best excursions from Las Tunas?

During your visit to Las Tunas you will find numerous excursions through which you will discover the unique beauty of this region.

Full of unspoiled landscapes, this province is home to authentic treasures to be discovered and explored.

Beaches in Las Tunas
© Las Tunas Travel

One of the biggest attractions is its idyllic beaches, where its turquoise waters and white sands will transport you to a true paradise. Playa La Boca (La Boca Beach) and Playa La Llanita (La Llanita Beach) stand out, two beaches of fine sand and crystal clear waters that are very close and are perfect to visit in the day, starting from the small town of El Socucho and later taking a small boat that will take you to these two paradises. Although the best beach is Playa Covarrubias (Covarrubias Beach), a paradisiacal and practically virgin area that has an amazing coral reef where you can practice diving and snorkeling, among many other activities.

If you want to be in contact with nature, you can go to Monte Cabaniguán (Mount Cabaniguán), a protected area of exuberant vegetation in which you can observe a great variety of exotic animals.

The privileged situation of Las Tunas makes it perfect to get closer to the three beautiful provinces that surround it: Camagüey, Granma and Holguín.

In Camagüey, you will find paradisiacal places such as Playa Santa Lucia (Santa Lucia Beach), where you can dive through one of the largest and most beautiful coral reefs in the entire Caribbean; not forgetting the heavenly Cayo Sabinal, with exotic beaches and the old Faro Colón (Colón Lighthouse).

Granma is a province steeped in history. Its capital, Bayamo, is a city with a lot of tradition; while Manzanillo is known for its beautiful architecture.

In Granma, you should not miss incredible natural spaces such as the Parque Nacional Pico Turquino (Pico Turquino National Park). This incredible place is located in the middle of the Sierra Maestra, one of the most beautiful natural environments in the country, full of exuberant tropical vegetation and where La Comandancia de La Plata (Command of La Plata) is located, a place full of history, which served as a hiding place for Fidel and Che Guevara.

Holguín is a region full of beautiful natural landscapes, among which are the Salto del Guayabo, within the Parque Nacional La Mensura (La Mensura National Park); and the spectacular Sierra del Cristal.

In Holguín you will find authentic paradisiacal places such as Playa Guardalavaca (Guardalavaca Beach), one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba and which at that time amazed Colón on his arrival on the island. Cayo Saetía, a Natural Park with paradisiacal beaches of great beauty surrounded by tropical vegetation, is also worth an excursion.

On your tour of this region you will discover spectacular towns such as Gibara, a small coastal town full of culture; Banes known as the archaeological capital of Cuba; or the incredible city of Holguín.

How to get to Las Tunas?

The best way to get to the city of Las Tunas is through the Central Highway of Cuba, which connects Havana with the eastern part of the country.

The most common option is the collective transfer (bus) or private transfers. The capital of this province is very well connected with the main cities of the country; Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Holguín.

It is also possible to arrive by train, although this option is not the most recommended.

The province has the Hermanos Ameijeiras Airport, where the Cubana de Aviación airline operates offering regular flights between Havana and Las Tunas.

When is the best time to visit Las Tunas?

Las Tunas celebrates Las Noches Tuneras every weekend, where performances by different cultural talents take place on the same street, as well as a great gastronomic offer.

Starting February and over the course of two months, you can enjoy artistic events such as the Rita Longa biennial sculpture or more spring events with La Plástica in April or the Salón Nacional de Pequeño Formato, other great recognitions of the art of sculpture.

One of the main events in the city is the Jornadas Cucalambeanas, an event in honor of the decimista Juan Cristóbal Nápoles Fajardo, that takes place in the picturesque estate of El Cornito. During the final days of June and the beginning of July, this event brings together artists and locals with the intention of preserving the Tunera tradition through poems, dances and craft shows. Without any doubt, it is an event that you cannot miss if you visit this region during that week.

In the month of November, the Festival Internacional de Magia Ánfora (International Festival of Amphora Magic) is celebrated. For five days, magicians and illusionists recognized both nationally and internationally entertain everyone who comes.

On the other hand, generally in the second half of September, the Carnaval de las Tunas (Carnival of Las Tunas) is celebrated, and for several days this charming city is filled with music, parades, floats and a unique atmosphere.

As you can see, any time is an ideal occasion to get to know Las Tunas.

Where to stay in Las Tunas?

The best way to get to know Las Tunas is by staying in one of its many private houses. These types of accommodations will allow you to experience first-hand the cozy hospitality of Tunisia while experiencing what an authentically Cuban home is like.

Similarly, the province has 3 renovated hotels to make your stay unforgettable: The Hotel Cadillac, located in the heart of Las Tunas and surrounded by many attractions; the Hotel Las Tunas, surrounded by nature and tranquility in a privileged place in the city; and the Hotel Brisas Covarrubias, a four-star all-inclusive hotel located on the beautiful beach of the same name located in the north of the province.

More information:

Infotur Centro de la Ciudad:
Calle Francisco Varona No.298.
Phone:(+53) 31372717 / (+53) 31371512

Infotur Ranchón La Rotonda:
Circunvalación Sur, Rotonda salida a Holguín
Phone: (+53) 31374600
Email: info@tunas.infotur.tur.cu

Website: https://www.cuba.travel/en/Destinations/Las-Tunas

Interactive map:

Las Tunas

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