Things To Do
in Alquízar
Alquízar is a small, agricultural town in Artemisa Province west of Havana, known for its relaxed pace, leafy streets and surrounding farmland. The town serves as a gateway to nearby hills and the Sierra del Rosario biosphere reserve, where tobacco farms, coffee plots and fragmented forest create scenic rural landscapes. Colonial and republican-era buildings, a modest central plaza and local markets give visitors a sense of everyday Cuban life outside major tourist centers.
Expect warm hospitality, limited tourist infrastructure and opportunities for photography, birdwatching and short rural excursions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by wandering through Alquízar's historic center, where colonial architecture meets vibrant local life. Visit the town square and interact with friendly locals to soak in the culture. Don't forget to grab a traditional Cuban breakfast at a local café.
In the afternoon, take a guided walk to learn about the history of the area, including tales from the revolutionary era. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the town. Spend some time shopping for handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in the town square to enjoy live music and dance performances by local artists. Savor a dinner of authentic Cuban cuisine at a family-run restaurant. Cap off the night with a stroll through the illuminated streets, taking in the warm and inviting atmosphere.
Start your morning with a visit to a nearby coffee plantation, where you can learn about the coffee production process and its significance in Cuban culture. Enjoy a guided tour through the lush fields and participate in coffee tasting sessions. Don't miss the chance to appreciate the scenic views of the mountains.
After lunch at the plantation, take some time to relax in the gardens while sipping on freshly brewed coffee. Engage with local farmers to gain insights into their organic farming practices. Consider buying some beans to bring home as a unique souvenir.
Return to Alquízar in the evening and take part in a traditional cooking class at a local home. Learn how to prepare classic Cuban dishes while enjoying the warm hospitality of your hosts. Conclude the night by sharing a meal together and exchanging stories.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range paladar (2 courses) | $12-25 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (town) | $2-8 |
| 🏨Simple private room (casa particular) | $20-45 per night |
| 🥤Bottled water / soft drink | $0.80-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Cuban atmosphere and local hospitality
- Great access to rural landscapes, tobacco farms and birding
- Lower prices than tourist centers; relaxed pace
- Good opportunities for photography and cultural encounters
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal tourist services
- Scarcity of reliable ATMs and limited card acceptance
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with Havana
- Road and public-transport options can be restricted; planning required
- "Hola, buenos días." - Hello, good morning.
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor / Gracias." - Please / Thank you.
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "No hablo mucho español." - I don't speak much Spanish.
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Buen provecho." - Enjoy your meal.
Places to Visit in Alquízar
Visit one of these nice places.
The town’s focal point for portraits, street scenes, colonial facades and daily life around the church and municipal buildings.
Rows of agricultural plots, drying leaves and farm workers provide strong rural and documentary photography opportunities.
Long dirt roads lined with fields, classic pickup trucks and occasional horses create evocative landscape shots at golden hour.
Short drives from Alquízar lead to elevated viewpoints with panoramic vistas for landscapes and birdlife photography.
Colorful produce, textures and candid vendor portraits are ideal for capturing the town’s everyday character.
Food in Alquízar
Alquízar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded beef in a tomato and pepper sauce; a Cuban classic found at paladares and family kitchens.
Must-Try!
Black beans and white rice cooked together — ubiquitous as a side in local meals and available everywhere.
Fried green plantains (tostones) and sweet fried plantains (maduros); common side dishes and street snacks.
Slow-roasted pork served at celebrations and some paladares; ask locally when available.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market where vendors sell fresh produce, root vegetables and seasonal fruits — great for sampling local ingredients and photographing daily life.
Look for vendors selling fritas (Cuban-style burgers), empanadas and snacks near busier streets and the plaza; prices are low and flavors authentic.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings are important — say buenos días/tardes/noches and offer a handshake. When entering shops or homes, a brief greeting goes a long way.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in private settings or when children are present; many will be happy to be photographed if asked.
Avoid overt criticism of politics in casual conversations, dress modestly for church or official settings, and be mindful of personal space and family privacy.
Bargaining is common in informal markets but be respectful and keep negotiations friendly; small tokens of appreciation are valued.
Safety
Tipping in Alquízar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips for waitstaff, guides, drivers and housekeepers (a few CUP or the equivalent) are customary. For longer guided tours, tip proportionally more; round up taxi fares or leave small change for friendly service.
Cash remains king in small towns. Exchange foreign currency at official exchange houses (CADECA) — euros and Canadian dollars are often preferred over US dollars due to extra fees. Credit and debit cards (especially US-issued) are often not accepted in smaller establishments; some businesses accept MLC cards or foreign-issued cards in larger towns but plan to carry enough cash. ATMs are scarce — withdraw or exchange funds before arriving.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with mild temperatures and lower humidity; best time for travel, outdoor activities and photography. Nights can be pleasantly cool.
Transition toward the wet season: warmer days, blossoming vegetation and comfortable travel before heavy rains begin.
Hot, humid and rainy afternoons are common; ideal for lush landscapes but bring sun protection, insect repellent and expect occasional storms.
Highest risk of tropical storms and hurricanes between August and October — monitor forecasts, have contingency plans and consider travel insurance.
Alquízar at Night
Hiking in Alquízar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of trails in the nearby biosphere reserve offering birdwatching, short hikes and viewpoints — ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Informal routes through tobacco plots, sugarcane and farmland that can be explored on foot or by bike; best with a local guide to navigate property boundaries.
Short climbs to nearby ridgelines provide panoramic views over the plains and farmland; trails are often unmarked so use a guide or local directions.
Airports
How to reach Alquízar by plane.
Main international airport in Havana, approximately 45–70 km east of Alquízar depending on route; about 1–1.5 hours by car under normal traffic. Most international visitors arrive here.
Located near Varadero, around 120–170 km east-northeast of Alquízar; a longer drive but an alternative for some international flights, especially charter services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population works in agriculture — tobacco, small-scale farming and related trades — and family ties are strong in community life.
Like much of Cuba, the population is ethnically diverse with a mix of Afro-Cuban and European heritage and a rich cultural blend.
Many young people move temporarily to larger towns or Havana for work or education, leaving a demographic mix of elders and families in the town.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cuba’s national pastime — local youths and adults often play informal games in fields and organized community teams are popular.
Boxing and track-and-field activities enjoy local interest; community gyms and sports clubs foster talent from a young age.
Dominoes is a widespread social pastime seen in parks, cafés and family gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Alquízar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but tend to be simple (rice, beans, plantains, salads, yuca). Inform hosts or restaurant staff — many will accommodate by emphasizing vegetable sides and egg-based dishes.
More challenging, especially outside major cities; rely on starches, beans and fruit, and ask cooks to avoid lard and dairy where possible.
Traditional Cuban food is often naturally gluten-free (rice, beans, meats), but be careful with breaded items, sauces and processed foods; communicate restrictions clearly to hosts.