Santiago isn't just Cuba's second city. It's the island's soul. This is where the revolution was born, where authentic Cuban son music plays, where African roots run deepest. If Havana is the formal facade, Santiago is the living, loud, authentic backyard.

Why Visit

Santiago is older than Havana. It was Cuba's first capital and still considers itself the cultural heart of the island. Everything started here: the independence struggle, the Moncada Barracks assault, carnival, and son music.

This city is for those who want to see real Cuba without tourist polish. It's hotter, louder, and poorer than...