FE Active is more than just a camping gear company. We're proud to be a company run by travelers, adventurers and people "living the lifestyle" we promote through our products. One such employee had the opportunity to backpack across Cuba in early 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic, and in this Cuban blog series, will recount the adventures experienced along this amazing journey.
"After an overnight trip from Havana to Holguin, we were excited to meet with a friend who lived in Canada, but was from Cuba. We were fortunate enough to meet up in her own country and get a tour of her home city, Holguin"
Holguin History
Holguin is Cuba's 4th largest city behind Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Camagüay. The area was home to the Taino people of the Caribbean, who had spread across various islands throughout the area. Today, almost 350,000 people call this city home, and despite it's size, still feels like a small town - as you'll just as likely see a horse and buggy coming down the street, as you will a vehicle.
We were excited to explore this small town, as it was an area I had visited once before on a previous trip to the island.
Getting to Holguin
Most who come to Holguin are from the resorts located 60 minutes north in Guardalavaca. Tourists from these resorts can book excursions to visit the town. Here you'll be able to explore downtown and perhaps head to Loma de la Cruz, a place we'll highlight in the next blog.
For those traveling across the country, and not coming from a resort, you'll arrive in the city by private car, taxi or bus. We arrived via VIAZUL bus, one of them most popular and reliable forms of transportation between cities within the country.
What to See and Do
For a small city there are many things to do. Most tourists will follow a guide or walk around the main city square. Take note of the various statues, including the bust of Jose Marti, the first Cuban to propose a revolt against foreign government control.
Learn more about the Taino people who occupied these lands before the Spanish arrived by visiting some of the history museums off the main streets, or infer about the entire history of Cuba by looking at an intricate mural / sculpture on the wall off the main square (close to the church).
Finally, get the best views in the area by heading to the top of Loma de la Cruz, or Hill of the Cross. Located in the northern part of the city, you can either climb the 458 steps to the top, or get a ride to the top. Once there, you'll have views over the entire city and surrounding countryside.
Where Next?
Our next post takes us up to the highest peak of the city - Loma de la Cruz / Hill of the Cross. Here, you get stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Learn more about these adventures by following along for future blog posts. FE Active is all about supporting your travel and camping goals, and equipping you for #thejourneyforward!
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