Things To Do
in Remedios
Remedios, Cuba is a charming colonial town in central Cuba known for its whitewashed houses and shaded balconies. Its historic center is compact and walkable, lined with pastel facades, churches, and lively plazas. The town is famous for the Parrandas, a historic Christmas festival that fills the streets with music and color.
Surrounding countryside offers rivers, farms, and easy day trips to nearby natural areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh Cuban coffee and pastries. After breakfast, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Remedios, taking in the colorful colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can admire the impressive church and engage with locals selling handmade crafts.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby paladar, where you can taste authentic Cuban dishes like ropa vieja or congrí. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the Museo de la Música, where you can learn about Cuba's rich musical heritage and its influence on the world. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Casa de la Cultura, which often hosts art exhibitions and cultural events.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to experience a lively dinner filled with music and dance. Try the famous Cuban mojitos while listening to live salsa music performed by local bands. End your evening with a stroll through the plaza, where you might catch a spontaneous dance performance by locals under the stars.
Begin your day at the bustling local market, where the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce will awaken your senses. Engage with local vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and handcrafted goods, learning about their traditions and stories. Don't forget to sample some local snacks like yuca fries or fresh coconut water as you explore.
After a morning of market exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch in a nearby park, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Spend the afternoon taking part in a cooking class with a local chef, learning how to prepare traditional Cuban dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from the market. This hands-on experience will deepen your appreciation for Cuban cuisine and culture.
In the evening, visit a local gallery to admire the works of Cuban artists, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts. Join an art talk or workshop, where you can interact with the artists and gain insights into their creative processes. Conclude your day with dinner at a cozy restaurant, enjoying dishes inspired by the art and culture you experienced.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $0.50-2 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $40-80 |
| 🎟️Museum or activity entry | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Historic charm with well-preserved colonial architecture
- Friendly locals and a relaxed pace of life
- Vibrant cultural traditions like the Parrandas
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options beyond the plaza
- Fewer English speakers and limited tourist infrastructure
- Occasional limited access to some services outside town
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "Me gustaría comer vegetariano" - I would like vegetarian food
Places to Visit in Remedios
Visit one of these nice places.
The heart of the city with neoclassical buildings, a lively daily scene, and the church framing great sunrise shots.
Architectural details and a dramatic façade ideal for close-ups and wide-angle photography.
Colorful facades, balconies, and vintage Cuban street scenes perfect for street photography.
Quiet spots along the San Juan River offer reflections and golden-hour silhouettes.
Food in Remedios
Remedios Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Cuban staple where black beans and rice are cooked together; pairs well with pork, chicken, or fried plantains and is widely available.
Must-Try!
Shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce; a comforting classic found in many local eateries.
Roast pork served with yucca or tostones; a common weekend and celebratory dish.
Boiled yucca drizzled with garlicky citrus mojo; a simple, satisfying side.
Fried green or ripe plantains that accompany many meals and snacks.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main market where fresh produce, seafood, and everyday goods are bought; nearby stalls offer croquetas, pastelitos, and fresh fruit snack options.
Informal stalls around the plaza serve croquetas, empanadas, fried plantains, and other quick bites—perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes.' A handshake is common; address people with respect.
Always ask permission before photographing people or private spaces.
Dress modestly in churches and formal spaces; avoid loud or rowdy behavior in plazas after dark.
Tipping is appreciated; be patient with language barriers; politics and sensitive topics are best avoided with strangers.
Safety
Tipping in Remedios
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips of 5–10% in restaurants if service is good; small tips (1–3 CUC) for taxi rides or informal service are appreciated.
Cash is the most reliable method; use Cuban pesos (CUP) or convertible pesos (CUC) where accepted. Many places may not accept foreign cards; carry small bills and small change.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with mild days (roughly 22–28°C). Great for walking the streets, fewer rain showers, and clear skies.
Warm days with rising humidity and occasional showers; vegetation is lush and colorful.
Hot and humid with frequent short rain showers; seek shade, coastal breezes, and hillside escapes to stay comfortable.
Warm to hot days with potential tropical rain; shoulder-season crowds and opportunities for quieter visits.
Remedios at Night
Hiking in Remedios
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular natural site with waterfalls, pools for swimming, and forest trails about 1–2 hours from Remedios.
Rugged hillside trails in the Escambray range with scenic overlooks and day-hike opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Remedios by plane.
Nearest regional airport serving domestic routes; about 70–100 km from Remedios, typically accessed by road via the A1.
Major international gateway; about 300 km from Remedios; best for international connections or longer trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-time inhabitants with strong ties to the land and community celebrations.
Nearby countryside communities engaged in agriculture and small-scale farming.
Young people in town and nearby colleges contributing to music, arts, and culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Cuba; local games and informal leagues are common in towns like Remedios.
A beloved sport with local gyms and occasional public bouts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Remedios.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options include yuca con mojo, grilled vegetables, beans and rice, salads, and daily vegetable sides. When possible, request plant-based preparations at casa particulares or paladares.