Sancti Spiritus

Sancti Spiritus, established in 1514, holds its place as one of Cuba’s earliest Spanish settlements. Walk across the Yayabo Bridge, built from brick in 1815, or step inside the Iglesia Parroquial Mayor church, where walls mix lime mortar and river pebbles. Streets paved with uneven cobblestones pass houses painted in soft blues and yellows, their windows framed by iron grilles. Baseball games at José Antonio Huelga Stadium draw crowds, and medical students from across Africa and Latin America gather in cafes near the city center. From here, you can drive 30 minutes to fish at Zaza Reservoir or hike trails in the Escambray Mountains.

Cross the Yayabo Bridge

Built in 1815, the Yayabo Bridge stretches 85 meters over the Yayabo River using five brick arches, the tallest rising nine meters high. Originally designed for horse carts, it now supports motorcycles and 1950s-era cars. Fishermen often sit along the riverbanks below, repairing nets or casting lines into the water. Visit Taberna Yayabo, a tavern with a terrace overlooking the bridge, to try local rum or sip a cortadito. The structure’s thick brickwork and arched design led to its declaration as a National Monument in 1995.

Tour Historic Buildings in the City Center

Begin at the Iglesia Parroquial Mayor del Espíritu Santo, a church first built in 1522 and reconstructed in 1680 using lime mortar mixed with pebbles from the Yayabo River. Climb the narrow staircase to the bell tower for views of the city’s clay-tiled roofs and the Escambray Mountains. Two blocks south, the Museo de Arte Colonial fills a 17th-century mansion once owned by a sugar plantation family. Inside, you’ll find floors made of Italian marble, chairs carved from mahogany, and blue-and-white Chinese porcelain. Follow Calle Llano, a sloping cobblestone street, to reach the riverfront.

Spend Time in Parque Serafín Sánchez

Parque Serafín Sánchez, the main square, has tall palm trees and benches where older men debate baseball scores. The Rubén Martínez Villena Provincial Library, with its columns and arched windows, holds documents on the region’s role in Cuba’s 19th-century wars. Next door, the Casa de la Trova fills with music after sunset, from slow boleros to upbeat son cubano. The Museo Provincial, facing the park’s north side, exhibits machetes used in independence battles and letters written by Serafín Sánchez. On Saturdays, vendors near the park’s eastern entrance sell cotton shirts embroidered with palm trees.

Visit Mountains, Lakes, and Caves Near the City

Head 20 kilometers south to Alturas de Banao, a forested area with trails winding past cedar trees and waterfalls. Birdwatchers often spot Cuban trogons here, their red-and-blue feathers bright against the green leaves. Zaza Reservoir, 15 kilometers east, has clear water where locals fish for largemouth bass. In Caguanes National Park, 90 kilometers north, guides lead tours through caves like Guayabera Cave, where water pools reflect stalactites. If you prefer beaches, drive 50 kilometers south to Playa Ancón, known for its clear snorkeling waters.

Attend Festivals and Baseball Games

During the last week of July, the Fiestas del Santiago Espirituano fills streets with dancers in bright costumes and drummers keeping time for parades. Many locals wear guayaberas, loose cotton shirts first made here for sugarcane plantation owners. Catch a baseball game at José Antonio Huelga Stadium, where fans cheer loudly when the Sancti Spíritus Gallos play. Afterward, join students from the medical school at Café El Colga’o, which serves strong coffee sweetened with unrefined sugar.

Plan Your Trip to Sancti Spiritus

Sancti Spiritus sits along Cuba’s main highway, four hours by car from Havana. Viazul buses run daily to Trinidad (one hour) and Santa Clara (two hours). Book a room at Hostal del Rijo, a guesthouse serving dishes like roast pork with black beans and rice. June and December have milder temperatures, around 25–28°C (77–82°F). Most museums charge 1–2 USD for entry, and staff at the Museo de Arte Colonial speak English.