Things To Do
in Unión de Reyes
Unión de Reyes is a small municipality in western Cuba known for its rural charm and agricultural heritage. Set amid fields of sugarcane and farmland, it offers a glimpse into everyday Cuban life away from the tourist hubs. The town is friendly and colorful, with a lively plaza where locals gather for conversations, music, and markets.
Visitors can connect with residents, sample home-style Cuban cooking, and use Unión de Reyes as a base to explore nearby coastlines and nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Plaza de la Revolución, where you can admire the iconic architecture and vibrant murals. Enjoy a traditional Cuban breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh fruit, eggs, and Cuban coffee. Stroll through the charming streets, soaking in the colonial-era buildings and the warm atmosphere of Unión de Reyes.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant, immerse yourself in local culture by visiting the Museo Municipal, where you can learn about the town's rich history and heritage. Take a leisurely walk to the nearby Parque José Martí, where locals gather, and enjoy the lively ambiance filled with music and laughter. Don't miss the chance to interact with local artisans selling handmade crafts and artwork.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant known for its home-cooked Cuban meals. Treat yourself to a hearty dinner featuring dishes like Ropa Vieja or Moros y Cristianos while listening to live music. After dinner, take a stroll through the plaza, where you might catch a spontaneous dance performance or local musicians sharing their talents.
Begin your day with a visit to local artisans’ workshops, where you can observe traditional crafts being made, from pottery to textiles. Engage with the artisans, learning about their techniques and inspirations behind their beautiful creations. Enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café, featuring local pastries and fresh juice.
Afterward, participate in a hands-on workshop where you can try your hand at crafting your own piece of art, guided by a skilled artisan. For lunch, indulge in a delightful meal at a family-run restaurant, sampling local specialties and enjoying the warm hospitality. Spend your afternoon exploring the quaint shops in the area, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
As night falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant with outdoor seating, allowing you to savor the evening breeze. Take in the local flavors with a traditional Cuban dish and enjoy live music that enhances the vibrant atmosphere. After dinner, consider visiting a local bar to experience the nightlife and mingle with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee and snack at local cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚖Short taxi ride within town | $2-5 |
| 💧Bottled water | $0.50-1.00 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/guesthouse per night | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Cuban experience with friendly locals
- Affordable travel with generous hospitality
- Laid-back pace and fewer crowds compared to major tourist spots
- Proximity to beaches and nature for day trips
- Limited English among locals in rural areas
- Fewer tourist infrastructure and services
- Occasional travel delays due to weather or road conditions
- Seasonal hurricanes risk (June–November)
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Necesito ayuda" - I need help
- "¿Puede recomendarme un lugar para comer?" - Can you recommend a place to eat?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
Places to Visit in Unión de Reyes
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial buildings, lively morning market, and a vantage point for candid street photography.
Classic Caribbean church architecture with vibrant facades and ornate doors.
Endless green rows of cane with warm light creating long shadows—great for landscapes.
Rugged coastline and fishing boats along the nearby shore offer dramatic seascapes.
Vivid expressions and colorful produce provide lively portraits and still-life opportunities.
Food in Unión de Reyes
Unión de Reyes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Black beans and white rice cooked together, a staple across Cuba and easy to find in most eateries.
Must-Try!
Shredded beef in tomato sauce, commonly served with rice, plantains, and yuca.
A classic chicken and rice dish with vegetables and saffron-like seasoning.
Roasted pork with garlic mojo; popular for family meals.
Boiled cassava with garlic-lime sauce; a traditional accompaniment.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market offering fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and staples; try seasonal fruit and fried snacks from street stalls.
Grab frituras (fried plantains, croquettes) and pastelitos from small stalls as you stroll.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake and a smile; address people by their first name or title when appropriate.
Polite conversation, avoid loud public displays, and respect personal space.
Ask permission to photograph people, especially in homes or religious sites.
Casual but neat clothing, especially when visiting religious sites or rural communities.
Safety
Tipping in Unión de Reyes
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service in restaurants, taxis, and guides; a small tip (about 5-10%) is common in tourist spots; carry small denominations in local currency.
Cash in Cuban pesos (CUP) is most widely accepted; foreign cards and USD cash may be restricted in some places; some paladares and hotels accept CUP or specific cards; plan ahead for cash access.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June to August is hot and humid with frequent but brief rain showers; carry water, wear sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
November to March brings milder temperatures and less rain, making outdoor exploration more comfortable; humidity remains high.
Unión de Reyes at Night
Hiking in Unión de Reyes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest and coffee plantation trails in the Sierra del Rosario offering scenic viewpoints and birdwatching.
Dry forest trails with rolling hills and wildlife; suitable for easy to moderate hikes.
Beaches and mangroves along the nearby shore suitable for short hikes and sunset photography.
Airports
How to reach Unión de Reyes by plane.
Main international gateway for Havana; access from Unión de Reyes typically via road transfer or domestic flight connections.
Santa Clara regional airport serving domestic flights; provides alternate access to western Cuba.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly local Cuban families rooted in farming and crafts, with multi-generational households common.
A mix of mestizo and Afro-Cuban ancestry; strong cultural traditions and music.
Small numbers of tourists visiting for rural experiences and beach day trips.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular across Cuba; many locals play or watch informal games in parks and schools.
A traditional sport with gym facilities in towns; sometimes features in local events.
Common pastime, especially among youth; casual matches on public fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Unión de Reyes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Rely on rice and beans, yucca, plantains, vegetables, and fruit; communicate clearly with cooks about avoiding meat stocks; many dishes can be prepared without pork.