Cuba Central Highway
Cuba
La Carretera Central runs across the spine of Cuba through colonial cities, tobacco country, and vintage American cars from Havana to Santiago, a rolling time capsule of music, rum, and revolutionary history.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Havana
La Habana Vieja's crumbling baroque plazas, the Malecón at sunset, and mojitos at La Bodeguita del Medio. Vintage Chevrolets fill every street.
- Matanzas
The City of Bridges sits at the mouth of the Yumurí Valley. Its 19th-century Sauto Theatre and Afro-Cuban rumba roots earn it the nickname Athens of Cuba.
- Santa Clara
The city where Che Guevara's forces derailed an armoured train in 1958, deciding the revolution. His mausoleum and armoured train memorial are unmissable.
- Trinidad
Cuba's best-preserved colonial city, cobblestone streets, pastel facades, and salsa spilling from every doorway into the warm Caribbean night.
- Camagüey
Cuba's most labyrinthine city, its tangle of irregular streets was designed to confuse pirates. Grand churches and tinajones water jars fill every plaza.
- Bayamo
Birthplace of Cuba's national anthem and the first city burned by its own residents rather than surrendered to Spain in 1869. A proud revolutionary cradle.
- Santiago de Cuba
Cuba's cultural capital and birthplace of son music and the revolution. The Castillo del Morro and Cementerio Santa Ifigenia are its iconic landmarks.
Where to Eat
- La Casona JoverCuban
A charming restaurant offering authentic Cuban dishes in a colonial-era mansion with a cozy courtyard.
- Casa de la TrovaTraditional Cuban
Experience live music and traditional Cuban cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.
- Paladar Sol y SonCuban
Dine in a beautifully restored colonial house offering a fusion of Cuban flavors and international cuisine.
- La CancháncharaCuban
Famous for its namesake cocktail, this rustic bar serves traditional Cuban snacks and live music.
Things to Do
- Che Guevara MausoleumHistoric Site
Visit the final resting place of Che Guevara, featuring a museum and a towering bronze statue.
- Parque VidalScenic Viewpoint
The central park of Santa Clara, surrounded by historic buildings and a hub for local social life.
- Teatro La CaridadCultural Venue
A historic theater built in 1885, showcasing neoclassical architecture and hosting various performances.
- Monumento a la Toma del Tren BlindadoHistoric Site
A monument commemorating the derailing of an armored train during the Cuban Revolution.
Travel advisory
Road surfaces vary widely, with potholes and poorly lit stretches common outside Havana; avoid driving after dark. Fuel shortages occur frequently, so fill the tank whenever possible. Foreigners must use designated rental cars and cannot legally drive private Cuban vehicles.