I am comfortably seated in the blue and white Viazul long-haul bus going from Havana to Santa Clara, one of the most revolutionary cities in the revolutionary nation of Cuba.
In Santa Clara, I plan to visit La Loma’s battlegrounds, Che Guevara’s mausoleum, and the museum of the derailed train. Lunch is packed, and I have music on the pods. I love road trips, even if they are bus trips.
I also love to rent a car, buy coffee to go, and set off down the highway for new adventures. But those kinds of road trips are not very advisable in Cuba for a variety of reasons.
The Road Trip Video!
Distance From Havana To Santa Clara Cuba
The distance from Havana to Santa Clara Cuba is around 280 kilometers, and in a direct taxi, this will be around 4 hours and 20 minutes drive.
This road trip starts at the Omnibus Station in Havana, which is right next to the capital’s revolutionary square, Plaza de la Revolution.
This Viazul bus road trip takes a bit longer than a taxi as the bus drivers have driving rules, and there is a coffee stop.
It is a comfortable ride, and I jump the bus after about fiveìsh hours when we arrive in Santa Clara while the bus (which is a long-haul bus) is heading further east to Santiago de Cuba.
From Havana to Santiago de Cuba, the bus journey will take 14-20 hours, depending on whether it is a night or day bus. But that is a road trip for another time.
According to my research, my destination, Santa Clara, is in many ways the most important revolutionary town in Cuba, right up there with Santiago.
It is the place of the last and decisive battle in December 1958 before Fidel Castro succeeded with the revolution in Cuba.
The Making of Santa Clara Cuba
Santa Clara was founded in the 17th Century. Because of its central location, the city became an important hub for inland transport and trade in Cuba over the next centuries.
The city is crucially located in the island’s inland, from which you can travel in all cardinal directions.
With Havana a few hours to the west, the Cuban keys to the north, Camaguey and Santiago de Cuba a longer stretch to the east, and Trinidad and Cienfuegos to the south.
In modern history, from the Cuban Revolution onwards, Santa Clara is famous for being the city where the last decisive revolutionary battle took place in December 1958.
At this point, there had been a guerrilla war in Cuba against Batista for years already. Batista was not a very popular president in Cuba.
The famous rebel Che Guevara led one of the units that won the important battle of Santa Clara. He is also buried on the outskirts of the city.
The decisive incident was that the rebels held high grounds and were able to derail a train sent by Batista from Havana with reinforcements and ammunition before they were able to engage in the fight.
Apparently, the Batista soldiers gave up, changed sides, and joined the rebels!
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This happened on New Year’s Eve in 1958. Only hours after this defeat, President Batista fled the country, and the Cuban Revolution was a fact.
Not with just any old tombstone, of course, but in a mausoleum, a huge arrangement with white marble, an enormous statue, and a neverending plaza for the revolution in front.
But let’s get into a bit more history later, now about the road trip.
Also read: 43 Best Things To Do In Havana Cuba
Arriving At The Santa Clara Bus Station
After a super comfy journey (the Viazul seats are like a soft sofa, I think) I arrived in the evening at the Santa Clara bus station on the outskirts of the city.
The Santa Clara bus station looks like a remnant from the era of Soviet influence, and it is a bit more than walking distance from the city center. But no problem, there are taxis waiting to help travelers get around.
I have no issues getting a deal with the driver of a small three-wheeler, which has room for me and my little black suitcase. The driver will take me from the bus station to my Casa in the old city of Santa Clara.
The taxi guy also knows a guy, of course, so in a flash, I have a transport deal for the next step of my journey, which is in a couple of days.
After Santa Clara, I am going to Cayo Santa Maria. This Caribbean Island off the main island of Cuba is a pure resort area, part of the large archipelago Jardines del Rey, which spreads outside the northern Cuban waters.
Hostel Hyggelig Casa Particular
When arriving at my Casa Particular, I booked only the day before through Hostelworld, and the hosts were ready to take me in and help me get settled.
The Casa is named Hostal Hyggelig, which I find amusing, as it means “nice” or “agreeable” in my native language, Norwegian.
And they have an amazing rooftop terrace, which is my definite kryptonite in life, rooftop terraces with infinite views. I just love them.
First Night In Santa Clara
The city center is not big; from the rooftop, I can see from one end of the city limits to the other, and there are several landmarks I intend to explore the next day.
After checking in, getting a little map and some directions from my anfitriona, hostess, I am heading out to look for supper.
I stroll the narrow streets of Santa Clara for a while between the low classical houses before I find Hotel Central in the city park, which has an open kitchen and outside seating.
All the staff is hanging around the patio as there are not many clients to attend to at the moment.
Although the hotel is out of wine (no place in Cuba ever has everything on the menu), I end up content with a bisteca de res, which is actually red meat (hard to find even in Havana).
Along with an orange soft drink for my first meal in Santa Clara, I am enjoying the view of the Parque Vidal. That is good enough to keep me alive until tomorrow and a day of exploring.
Explorers & Backpackers Breakfast
Bright and early after a good night’s sleep, I step out of my room the next morning, and I can smell breakfast in the making in the kitchen close by.
I have decided to have breakfast in my casa particular, which normally is a really good option when staying in casa particulares, and it is a well-spent additional price of $5.
No different today; the breakfast is huge. More than enough for two people and I am only one, so I almost invite the hosts to have breakfast with me on the rooftop terrace.
A perfect way to refuel and prepare for a day of exploring.
I love the ambiance and the view, and even though it is only early February in Cuba, it still gets surprisingly hot in the mornings.
Santa Clara Cuba Activities: Exploring The Town Center
Today, Santa Clara is a city with a small-town vibe. In the town center is the city square Parque Vidal; it is big, green, and chill.
The main street, the Boulevard, is a charming stretch of road with several cafes and little shops.
I start by strolling down the Boulevard, which is mainly a pedestrian zone without cars. There are quite a few shops and surprisingly few queues.
The tempo of this city is definitely lower and slower than in the buzzing Havana.
The same on the main square, Parque Leoncio Vidal, which is a large lush green space with lots of park benches, monuments, and vegetation in the center of the city.
Its name comes from the Cuban patriot Leoncio Vidal Caro, who died fighting in 1896 in what was known as Plaza de Recreo, or Recreation Square. It still has that vibe, I think.
Parque Vidal, for short, was designated as a National Monument in a ceremony in 1998 due to the astonishing architecture of the buildings surrounding it.
They are from different architectural styles, like the eclectic neo-classical and colonial-style buildings.
There are many historical monuments dating from different periods here, which is why this park has been declared an important national symbol.
Now, the park is also surrounded by several hotels, restaurants, and bars where you can have a chill break in between exploring the historic sites of Santa Clara.
Santa Clara Cuba Excursions
If you want to get to know Santa Clara better, you can opt for an organized tour around the city with a guide who will tell you all the interesting stuff!
In Santa Clara, you even have free tour options with excellent reviews across the board.
You can choose a day or night tour. You can also go for the private tour version, which costs $32 and gives you all the attention to yourself!
As Santa Clara is the scene of the last and decisive battle before the revolution in Cuba in 1958, the whole town is scattered with signs and tributes to the struggle and the revolution in different forms.
This is visible by slogans on walls and structures everywhere, monuments, museums, and even huge signs around the city reminding everyone of the grandeur of the revolution that was completed here more than 60 years ago.
Santa Clara Cuba Things To Do
All liberated and cooled down, I set out for another important site here in Santa Clara, which is situated all the way on the other side of town.
After another warm city walk (it might be my imagination, but Santa Clara seems a bit hotter than “my hometown” Havana).
The Huge Che Guevara Mausoleum
A fifteen-minute walk from Parque Vidal, you find the huge Che Guevara mausoleum of Santa Clara, situated on the outskirts of not only the city but also the enormous Plaza de la Revolucion.
The size and structure of the plaza, mausoleum, and monuments are quite impressive, and it was an experience to have them all to myself on a quiet morning.
Che Guevara is a Cuban hero, and Cuba intends to hold its heroes in high regard and keep them vivid in people’s memories, that’s for sure.
On my way over here, I noticed a little bar sitting by the road just before reaching the mausoleum and the plaza.
A perfect place for some shade and rest on my way back after the rather warm experience around the huge open plaza.
The Bar Plaza, as it appropriately is called, is probably made for people like me. Returning from exploring the enormous revolutionary square, overheated and in need of some refreshments.
I quickly talked myself into it and found it suitable to enjoy a Cuba Libre in the ambiance of this historic place from a time of so much hope for the future in 1958.
Another monument with not quite the same grandeur, but nevertheless with historical importance and a stunning view, is Loma del Capiro Hill!
Loma Del Capiro Hill
Loma del Capiro is a small hill, although Loma means mountain, on the western outskirts of Santa Clara.
After getting a bit lost (not a lot of signs leading the way), I finally found the path leading up to the Loma del Capiro hill with a bit of local help.
I make it to the top of the Loma del Capiro just before sunset, with clear blue skies and a stunning view of the whole city. Truly beautiful and with a welcome breeze after the small “uphill battle”!
The monument up here was created by Cuban artist José Delarra in 1988, and the area was declared a National Monument of the Republic of Cuba in January 1990.
Like most things in Cuba that have to do with the revolution, it has a rather solemn and ceremonial aura.
This hill was key terrain in the battle of Santa Clara in 1958 and was initially held by Batista’s men, who were protecting the city but later controlled by Che Guevara.
When Che Guevara and his crew succeeded in taking this hill from Batista’s men in late December 1958, securing this important terrain was a really big deal.
The Loma was also very close to the train tracks.
The Derailing Of The Train Monument
This turned out to be decisive as well, as Batista sent reinforcements by armored trains to Santa Clara, which was stopped here at the foot of Loma del Capiro.
After a few days of standstill there, Che and his gang managed to sabotage the train as the soldiers were attempting to move it to a better location.
They succeeded in derailing the whole train, defeating the soldiers, and taking hold of the supplies that came from Havana.
That derailing might actually be the single most important incident in a series of events leading up to the Cuban Revolution.
It helped Che, Emilo Cienfuegos, and their comrades to win the city, leading up to the revolution in Cuba and history as we know it.
Che Guevara And The Boy Child
On your way up or down from the Loma del Capiro, you can visit the monument erected on the spot where Che Guevara and his rebel fighters succeeded in derailing the Batista rescue train.
The moment of the Tren Blindado, the armored train, is in a small park just by the train tracks, and it is also a national monument.
As the sun is setting on the horizon, I find my way back to the Old City of Santa Clara for a quiet night after a long day exploring the city.
I’m preparing for an early breakfast and a couple of hours’ drive to Cayo Santa Maria, one of the Cuban Keys. This will be a welcome pampering break for this city-based chica.
Where To Stay Santa Clara Cuba
Here are two great options to stay in Santa Clara, Cuba, getting 10 out of 10 from other travelers.
Casa Los Lirios
The top-rated bed and breakfast Los Lirios is in the center of Santa Clara.
The delicate B&B offers premium bedding and pillow menus, air conditioning, WiFi (for a charge), a terrace, a garden, and a coffee shop on site.
There are also rainfall showers and memory foam beds. For a charge, you can order breakfast in-house, and there is coffee and tea in the lobby.
Martirena’s Hostal
Travelers rate Martirena’s Hostal 10 out of 10. It is situated centrally in Santa Clara, with beautiful rooms and a quiet patio where you can relax.
There is WiFi in public areas (for a charge), parking, and concierge services. Tour/ticket assistance if you need it, and breakfast in-house for 6€.
You will have access to a kitchenette, a private yard, and additional amenities, including a rainfall shower and a hair dryer!
Take A Day Trip To Cayo Santa Maria
Suppose an all-inclusive resort stay in Cayo Santa Maria is not a part of your itinerary. In that case, you might want to consider exploring paradisiacal Cayo Santa Maria on a day trip.
This tour really just includes transport to Cayo Santa Maria. As the car can accommodate up to four people, the return fare (around one hour each way) is reasonable for all of you if you fill the car.
You will be picked up at your hotel or casa, pass a few charming villages on the way, and cross the impressive Pedraplén Caibarién, the 48-kilometer viaduct that links the main island to Cayo Santa María.
Along this peculiar route over the sea, you’ll have stunning views of Cuba’s northern coast. Stop for photo ops!
At Cayo Santa Maria, you’ll have around five hours of leisure time to enjoy the white paradisiacal beaches before you are brought back to your casa.
What Is The Nearest Santa Clara Cuba Airport?
The closest airport to Santa Clara in Cuba is the Abel Santamaria International Airport, located a few kilometers outside Santa Clara town.
Abel Santamaria International Airport is the main entry point for tourists traveling to Cayo Santa Maria and the other keys, as well as Santa Clara, on the northern coast of the province.
It has one terminal and receives both domestic and international flights.
5 Days Of Cuba Round Trip With Civitatis
📍 There are options to travel around Cuba with a bit of help if you don’t want to take on the whole planning and getting tickets and transport and accommodation and everything on your own.
Cuba is not the easiest destination for seamless travel, to be honest (which is why I find it quite interesting).
On an organized 5-day trip in Cuba with Civitatis, you will visit five famous destinations, and you get:
1. Hotel pick-up in Havana
2. Transport by taxi and car
3. 4 nights in bed & breakfast accommodation
4. English-speaking guide all the way
5. Bike taxi rental
6. Dinner included in Cienfuegos
Wrap-Up Road Trip From Havana To Santa Clara
Traveling by road is a super way to take in the nuances of the places you visit.
You can stare out the window at passing places or stop where you like (if you have a rental), making the journey as slow as you want.
If you take the road trip from Havana to Santa Clara, you will get a great impression of Cuba’s inland countryside, as opposed to the Caribbean beaches along the coast.
Although not the picture-perfect Caribbean holiday, if you have the time and interest, it is a historically interesting place, and I encourage you to spend a day or two on the road to see it.
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