Sancti Spíritus: A comprehensive tourist destination in central Cuba

Sancti Spíritus. Photo: Abel Rojas Barallobre

By: Rachell Cowan Canino

Where in Cuba can you find nature, history, heritage, traditions, sun, beaches and much more? The most complete answer is in Sancti Spíritus, a unique province in south-central Cuba, home to two of the first villas founded by the Spaniards on the island.

This destination has become one of the most important for Cuban tourism in recent years. In a report by Excelencias magazine, Luis Ernesto Camellon Curbelo, Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) sub-delegate in the region, noted that the indicators to date are encouraging. There has been an increase in the number of guests and in the number of days spent by tourists as compared to the same period last year.

In this sense, the growth is associated with the increase in flights to nearby provinces and the restoration of facilities for the 510th anniversary of the founding of the city of Sancti Spíritus.

La Iglesia Parroquial Mayor (Sancti Spíritus’ main church). Photo: Abel Rojas Barallobre

The emblematic Hotel Zaza is currently being refurbished. The works include the recovery of 60 rooms and the renovation of swimming pools, a snack bar, games room, discotheque, lobby, restaurant and the Media Luna bar, strategically located on the Central Highway.

In the historic center of Sancti Spíritus, the former El Liana cafeteria will be transformed into a bar with live entertainment, while the Italian restaurant will become a 24-hour café, with a varied offer of cocktails and light gastronomy. The Yayabo tavern, a popular spot on the banks of the river of the same name, is also being renovated with a new terrace and improvements in the service areas, as Camellón Curbelo explained.

Photo: Cuba Travel

In addition to the Historic Center, the Topes de Collantes Protected Natural Landscape is a top destination in this region, located in the Guamuhaya mountains. In particular, the Caburní and Rocío waterfalls and the walking trails in the area are ideal area for nature tourism and adventure.

Trinidad: Sancti Spíritus’ greatest tourist attraction

Dubbed the Museum City of the Caribbean, Trinidad stands out for its great beauty and state of preservation. Together with the Valle de los Ingenios (Sugar Mill Valley), it was declared a World Heritage Site, which ensures environmental coherence always prevails despite new constructions.

A typical Trinidad street. Photo: RCC/TTC

The five-star Hotel Meliá Trinidad Peninsula was inaugurated in November 2023. Sustainability and support for local development policies have been key principles in the conception, design and operation of the hotel.

This Meliá facility is energy self-sufficient, as it has 1,500 solar panels and a solar-powered hot water system, which enhance the stability of its operations.

Another interesting tourist proposal is the Iberostar Grand Trinidad, the only one of the hotel chain’s Heritage brand in Cuba. The hotel is located in a heritage building of singular beauty that combines comfort and excellent service, and recently renewed its silver environmental certification from EarthCheck. This certification reinforces Iberostar Hotels & Resorts’ strategy to comply with the 2030 Agenda for sustainable tourism.

On its website, the hotel describes itself as a place that “embodies unparalleled cultural heritage in the heart of one of Cuba’s most exciting cities.”

EarthCheck certification is based on the principles of Agenda 21 program for Sustainable Development, endorsed during the United Nations Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. EarthCheck collaborates with leading travel and tourism organizations worldwide to promote and maintain responsible environmental and social practices.

Meanwhile, Memories Trinidad del Mar, part of the Blue Diamond chain, is a resort that in June received the Environmental Beach certification in recognition of the care it takes of the coastal strip where it is located.

Speaking to Prensa Latina, the hotel’s Director General, Raúl García Baltasar, stressed that his management chose responsible tourism and with the help of the territorial delegation of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma), the local government and party of Sancti Spíritus, they intend to fulfill the 2030 Agenda.

“There are 10 actions carried out in the tourist facility, which include the correct management of solid and organic waste, the location of waste baskets to deposit trash, care of the ecosystem and the installation of a series of solar panels,” García explained.

The Ancon peninsula, where Memories Trinidad del Mar is located, is also home to a modern hotel, an international diving center and a nautical base.

Each of these aspects is an incentive for the recovery of tourism in Cuba and specifically in Sancti Spíritus, since the aspiration for 2024 is to receive 3 million visitors across the island.