San Antonio del Sur

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with San Antonio del Sur's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival and Town Introduction
morning
:

You arrive in San Antonio del Sur and settle into your charming casa particular. A hearty Cuban breakfast of fresh tropical fruits and strong coffee energizes you. Gentle sea breezes and colorful colonial facades welcome you.

afternoon
:

Wander along the main street to discover artisan shops and friendly vendors. Pop into the local museum to learn about the region’s maritime history. Relax on a shaded bench with a cold drink as you watch daily life unfold.

evening
:

Dine at a family-run paladar and savor freshly caught fish grilled to perfection. Enjoy live trova music under string lights in the town plaza. Take a moonlit stroll along quiet streets, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

day 2
Seaside Village Discovery
morning
:

Rise early for a kayak outing along the coast, skimming crystal waters. Greet local fishermen hauling in nets while the sun paints the sky. Spot pods of dolphins playing near the reef.

afternoon
:

Arrive at a secluded cove for snorkeling among vibrant corals. Enjoy a picnic lunch of empanadas and tropical fruit on soft sand. Relax under a palapa while listening to the gentle surf.

evening
:

Join a beach bonfire lit by local storytellers and musicians. Savor freshly grilled seafood skewers by flickering flames. Dance barefoot in the sand to traditional rhythms under the starry sky.

day 3
Cave Exploration in Cañón de Calderas
morning
:

Depart in a 4x4 for Cañón de Calderas, the rugged canyon east of town. Wade through cool streams and marvel at towering limestone walls. Learn about indigenous cave paintings from a local guide.

afternoon
:

Explore hidden grottoes and stalactite formations deep within the cave system. Enjoy a packed lunch of Cuban sandwiches and guava pastries near a peaceful waterfall. Feel the cool mist on your face as you recharge.

evening
:

Return to town and freshen up at your casa particular. Join neighbors for an evening meal of ropa vieja and plantains. Sip a mojito on the porch while listening to frogs and crickets in the distance.

day 4
Coffee Plantation Visit
morning
:

Drive into rolling hills dotted with coffee bushes. Tour a family-owned plantation and watch beans being handpicked and sun-dried. Smell the rich aroma as fresh grounds are brewed for you.

afternoon
:

Participate in a roasting workshop and grind beans the old-fashioned way. Savor a cup of the finest mountain coffee on a terrace overlooking lush valleys. Chat with farmers about sustainable agriculture and local traditions.

evening
:

Return to San Antonio del Sur and refresh with a shower. Dine on savory tamales and fresh veggies at a neighborhood eatery. End the night with a walk to a vantage point for a panoramic view of lights twinkling below.

day 5
Mangrove and Birdwatching Excursion
morning
:

Set off at dawn for a guided walk through coastal mangroves teeming with wildlife. Listen to the calls of native birds such as herons and kingfishers. Spot brightly colored iguanas basking in the morning sun.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a riverside lunch of grilled chicken and yucca at a rustic cabin. Continue to a hidden lagoon where you can paddle a small canoe quietly and watch flamingos feed. Learn about the delicate ecosystems from a park ranger.

evening
:

Return as the sun dips low, painting the sky in pink and orange hues. Share anecdotes with other travelers over fresh seafood paella. Drift to sleep to the soothing sounds of water lapping nearby.

day 6
Beach Retreat at Playa Mendillo
morning
:

Head to Playa Mendillo for a full day of relaxation on pristine sands. Lounge under swaying palms while sipping a coconut straight from the shell. Dip into warm turquoise waves for a refreshing swim.

afternoon
:

Stroll along the shoreline collecting shells or try your hand at paddleboarding. Feast on a beachside lunch of ceviche and plantain fritters. Take a siesta under a thatched umbrella as gentle ocean breezes lull you.

evening
:

Enjoy a seafood grill at a laid-back beach bar with finger-licking lobster and shrimp. Watch a spectacular sunset over the horizon, painting the water gold. Cap off the night with live percussion music and dancing on the sand.

day 7
Craft Workshop and Local Art
morning
:

Visit an artisanal workshop to learn the art of pottery from a master craftsman. Shape clay on a traditional wheel and paint your own creation with natural pigments. Dive into local stories behind each design.

afternoon
:

Browse a small gallery showcasing vibrant paintings and wood carvings by area artists. Meet the creators and hear how their surroundings inspire their work. Indulge in a coffee break with homemade pastry and chat about creative process.

evening
:

Attend an intimate exhibition opening in the town square, complete with live folk performances. Sample finger foods like croquetas and cheeses paired with tropical fruit wine. Fall asleep inspired by the artistic energy that fills the air.

day 8
Guantanamo Mountains Trek
morning
:

Embark on a guided trek into the lush Guantanamo Mountains. Ascend through pine forests and spot endemic species like the Cuban trogon. Stop at a viewpoint for panoramic vistas of valleys and sea.

afternoon
:

Picnic beside a mountain stream, enjoying fresh bread and jam made by local villagers. Continue deeper into the mountains to discover hidden swimming holes and exotic orchids. Learn about conservation efforts protecting this unique habitat.

evening
:

Return to town as twilight falls, the air cool and fragrant with pine scent. Warm up with a hearty bowl of caldosa, a local shrimp and rice soup. Share stories of the day’s adventure around a cozy fire.

day 9
Culinary Immersion and Cooking Class
morning
:

Join a local family in their kitchen for an interactive cooking class. Learn to prepare staples like congri, yuca frita and mojo criollo. Taste your creations alongside freshly baked bread.

afternoon
:

Visit a bustling market to shop for ingredients, tasting tropical fruits and artisanal cheeses. Return home to experiment with new flavors under your host’s guidance. Plate each dish with traditional garnishes and learn presentation tips.

evening
:

Host a communal feast with other travelers, enjoying your handmade meal with chilled rum punches. Listen to tales of Cuban culinary history passed down through generations. Dance the night away to live son Cubano rhythms.

day 10
Farewell Fiesta and Sunset Viewing
morning
:

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast of shaved ice, guava jam, and tortilla. Pack up souvenirs and bid farewell to your hospitable hosts. Stroll through town one last time to capture golden hour photographs.

afternoon
:

Relax in a hammock at your accommodation or take a final dip in the ocean. Write postcards to loved ones while sipping on sweet lemon tea. Reminisce about favorite moments from your journey.

evening
:

Gather for a festive farewell fiesta in the town plaza with neighbors and friends. Watch the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of color over the sea. Toast to new friendships and unforgettable memories under a canopy of stars.

Discover San Antonio del Sur

Read more in our San Antonio del Sur 2025 Travel Guide.

San Antonio del Sur Travel Guide