Things To Do
in Jaruco
Jaruco is a tranquil municipality in La Habana Province just northwest of Havana, offering easy access to rural Cuba and the province’s coast. The town preserves a rural Cuban character with colonial-era houses, palm-lined streets, and a slow-paced, friendly atmosphere. Visitors often use Jaruco as a gateway to nearby countryside, farms, and coastal day trips.
Daily life here revolves around local markets, small eateries, and warm, unhurried conversations beneath shade trees.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a guided walking tour through the charming streets of Jaruco's historic center, where colonial architecture meets local culture. Visit the beautiful Plaza de Jaruco, adorned with vibrant flowers and eclectic murals that tell the story of the town's rich history. Stop by a traditional café for a cup of Cuban coffee and pastries, soaking in the local atmosphere.
In the afternoon, explore the local markets where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs that highlight Cuba's artistic heritage. Engage with local artisans to learn more about their crafts, perhaps even trying your hand at some pottery or painting. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby paladar, sampling delicious Cuban dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
As the sun sets, head to a charming bodega for an authentic dining experience. Enjoy a meal accompanied by live music, immersing yourself in the rhythms of Cuban sound. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll under the stars, appreciating the tranquility of Jaruco.
Begin your day early with a hike in the beautiful countryside surrounding Jaruco, where lush landscapes and vibrant flora await. Visit the nearby Jibacoa Beach for a swim in the clear blue waters or simply relax on the sandy shores. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst nature, taking in the serene beauty of your surroundings.
After soaking up the sun, head back to Jaruco for a late lunch, where you can taste local seafood dishes and tropical fruits. Explore the nearby botanical gardens, learning about the diverse plant species native to Cuba, as well as their significance in local culture. Take time to appreciate the peaceful setting, a perfect antidote to the busy tourist spots.
As night falls, return to the town center for a casual dinner at a local eatery, where you can sample regional specialties. Engage with the friendly locals and hear their stories, enabling you to understand the culture and lifestyle in Jaruco. Wind down the evening with a refreshing mojito at a nearby bar, enjoying the cool evening breeze.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🏨Guesthouse or budget hotel per night | $20-40 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance within town) | $5-15 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🧺Grocery shopping for a few days | $15-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Access to rural Cuba and authentic local life
- Quiet, low-key atmosphere with friendly locals
- Proximity to Havana for day trips and culture
- Limited infrastructure and slower services in rural areas
- A smaller nightlife scene compared to Havana
- Cash-based economy and limited credit card acceptance in town
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Jaruco
Visit one of these nice places.
A typical Cuban town plaza with colonial buildings, a church, and daily street scenes—great for candid photography and architectural details.
Dusty or paved roads flanked by fields and palm trees, especially evocative at sunrise or golden hour.
North-facing viewpoints near the outskirts offer ocean vistas and dramatic sunsets over the Cuban coast.
Early market scenes with stalls, produce, and residents bargaining—rich with color and texture.
Food in Jaruco
Jaruco Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded beef stewed with peppers and onions, typically served with rice and black beans.
Must-Try!
One-pot chicken and rice dish infused with saffron or annatto for color and aroma.
Black beans and white rice cooked together, often accompanied by fried plantains.
Roast pork with crackling and garlicky marinade, a festive favorite.
Ground meat hash with onions, peppers, olives, and raisins, usually served with rice.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Municipal market offering fresh produce, herbs, and prepared snacks; great for tasting everyday Cuban flavors like tostones and yuca frita on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake or kiss on the cheek in familiar circles; greet elders and locals with a polite 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes.' Use 'usted' with strangers and elders.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially children; be respectful of private spaces and church settings.
Dress modestly in public spaces; avoid loud behavior in religious sites; simple, clean clothing is appropriate in town settings.
Safety
Tipping in Jaruco
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service. In casual eateries and paladares, consider 5–10% for modest service; for exceptional service, 10–20% is common.
Cash is widely used in CUP; credit cards and some foreign currency cards have limited acceptance in small towns. Many places operate on cash or prepaid cards; use Casas de Cambio to exchange currency if needed. ATMs are sparse outside Havana.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant daytime temperatures and lower humidity; ideal for walking tours and outdoor photography. Nights are cooler; pack a light jacket.
Warm, humid days with afternoon rain showers; brief, intense downpours can occur. Bring a light rain shell and waterproof footwear; tropical storms and hurricanes can affect plans.
Jaruco at Night
Hiking in Jaruco
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An approachable loop through rolling hills and farmland with viewpoints over the surrounding countryside; suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Jaruco by plane.
Havana’s main international airport, approximately 30–40 km from Jaruco depending on route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families and long-time residents with strong ties to farming and community life; a growing number of students and retirees also live in the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most beloved sport in Cuba, with local youth participation and community games.
Widely played in neighborhoods and schools; informal matches occur along the streets and on school fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jaruco.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigate by choosing dairy or plant-based sides (beans, rice, plantains) and request dishes without meat; many places can adapt local recipes upon request.