Things To Do
in Calimete
Calimete is a small agricultural town in Artemisa Province, Cuba, tucked between fields and gentle hills. The pace is relaxed, with colorfully aged houses, family-run casas, and lively local markets that reveal everyday Cuban life. Community ties and music define the town, offering warm welcomes and authentic interactions with residents.
While not a major tourist hotspot, Calimete provides a genuine Cuban experience and easy access to Havana and nearby natural areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Cuban coffee and fresh pastries. After your meal, stroll through the charming streets of Calimete, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Visit the local museum to delve into the rich history and culture of this quaint town.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can try authentic Cuban dishes like Ropa Vieja or Arroz con Pollo. In the afternoon, join a guided walking tour that takes you through the historic sites, including the beautiful Plaza de la Revolución. Engage with local artisans and perhaps pick up a handmade souvenir to remember your visit.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at an outdoor eatery to enjoy dinner while listening to live music. Savor the flavors of the region with a traditional seafood dish, complemented by a refreshing mojito. End your evening by mingling with locals at a nearby plaza, where you can enjoy their lively conversations and infectious energy.
Start your morning with a workshop on Cuban music and dance, where you'll learn the basics of salsa and son from a talented local instructor. This interactive experience will get your heart pumping and set a lively tone for the day. After the class, enjoy a hearty brunch at a café known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Continue your cultural journey by visiting an art gallery featuring works from local artists, where you can gain insight into their inspirations and techniques. Take some time to explore craft markets, filled with handmade goods that reflect the unique Cuban culture. Enjoy a late lunch at a restaurant that showcases traditional culinary techniques, immersing yourself in the local flavors.
As night falls, prepare for an unforgettable evening at a salsa club, where you'll be able to dance the night away to live music. Enjoy a cocktail while watching the locals showcase their moves on the dance floor. The ambiance will be electric, making for a memorable evening filled with rhythm and joy.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🥤Coffee or soft drink | $1-2 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $2-5 |
| 🧃Local juice or snack | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/guesthouse per night | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Cuban experience with warm, welcoming people
- Low-cost options for food and accommodation
- Close to Havana and Varadero for day trips
- Rich rural scenery and opportunities to connect with locals
- Limited infrastructure and fewer tourist amenities than bigger cities
- Internet access can be slower and less reliable
- Vegetarian options may be limited in some eateries
- Fewer English-speaking services outside of larger towns
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Puede recomendarme un plato típico?" - Can you recommend me a typical dish?
- "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
- "Ayuda" - Help
Places to Visit in Calimete
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial facades, palm trees, and the rhythms of daily life provide vibrant street photography opportunities from dawn to dusk.
A classic colonial church façade with arches and wrought-iron details, ideal for architectural shots and quiet mornings.
Golden-hour reflections on the water and silhouettes of locals crossing the bridge create atmospheric compositions.
Narrow lanes lined with agricultural plots, farmers with produce, and farming equipment offer intimate rural scenes.
Food in Calimete
Calimete Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded beef simmered in tomatoes, peppers, and onions, usually served with rice, black beans, and plantains.
Must-Try!
Rice and chicken infused with saffron, paprika, and vegetables for a comforting one-pot meal.
Rice cooked with black beans and garlic, a Cuban staple perfect with any main dish.
Double-fried plantain slices that add a crunchy side or snack to the meal.
Boiled yucca drizzled with garlicky mojo sauce, a common accompaniment.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market offering fresh produce, herbs, dairy, and other essentials; great for observing local food culture and grabbing a quick bite from street vendors.
Casual stalls offering frituras, croquetas, empanadas, and other fried snacks popular with locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Buenos días/tardes' and a handshake; address elders with 'usted' and use friendly, respectful language in conversations.
Dress modestly in rural areas and keep conversations considerate in public spaces; ask before taking photos of people or private homes.
Many locals speak Spanish; a few may understand some English. A few basic phrases in Spanish go a long way in friendly exchanges.
Safety
Tipping in Calimete
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service: around 10-15% in restaurants and for casa hosts; rounding up taxi fares is common; small tips for informal guides or performers are thoughtful.
Cash in Cuban pesos (CUP) is widely used; some places in tourist areas may accept cards or USD with a surcharge, but cash is generally safest. ATMs are limited in smaller towns, so plan ahead and bring enough cash for purchases, meals, and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid days with frequent afternoon showers; stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, use sunscreen, and carry a lightweight rain jacket. Hurricane season runs roughly June through November, so monitor weather updates if traveling near the coast or during tropical systems.
Milder daytime temperatures with cooler evenings; comfortable for outdoor exploration but still warm by many standards. Humidity remains, and evenings can feel cooler, so bring a light jacket for evening strolls.
Calimete at Night
Hiking in Calimete
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forested hill near Artemisa offering a moderate hike with rewarding viewpoints over the surrounding countryside.
Distantly located but notable for forested trails and eco-tourism experiences; best reached on a day trip or overnight excursion from Calimete.
Airports
How to reach Calimete by plane.
Major international gateway in Havana; typical route to Calimete involves a road transfer of several hours, depending on traffic and routes.
Secondary international airport near Varadero; longer drive to Calimete but useful for some itineraries and regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily families involved in agriculture, small businesses, and craftwork; strong community ties and traditional Cuban culture.
Farmers and laborers who contribute to the region’s crops and markets; hospitality often centers on family-run homes.
A small number of travelers and seasonal workers who engage with local casas particulares and community events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A national pastime; local games and informal play are common in towns like Calimete.
A popular sport with a history of Cuban champions; you may catch gym sessions or local matches.
Widely played among youth and adults; informal matches often occur in plazas and schoolyards.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calimete.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist in many kitchens—focus on rice, beans, yuca, plantains, and seasonal vegetables. When possible, request legumes, fresh vegetables, and simple preparation without meat or chicharrón; clarify ingredients in Spanish (e.g., 'sin carne' or 'sin carne de cerdo').