Cayo Coco to Cayo Santa María
Cayo Coco 3 nights
Head out early for Holguín, with time to stroll historic Plaza Calixto García and Plaza San José. Then, head west along the Carretera Central, turning north at Guaímaro to reach the Circuito Norte coast road. You'll arrive at Cayo Coco in time for dusk and the spectacular flight of flamingoes returning to their nighttime roosts. You've earned time for two full days relaxing on sugar-white beaches, with time for watersports, including diving and even sportfishing. Where to stay depends on your budget: all-inclusive resorts are the only option. The Spanish-run Meliá Cayo Coco is best.
Retrace your route across the pedraplen and follow the signs for Morón. The town holds no appeal. Seek out Calle Libertad and follow it westward out of town to continue along the Circuito Norte. Mountains rise to the left, making the coast drive a delight, although you're well inland of the the actual shore.
At Yaguahay, in Sancti Spíritus province, detour north half a mile to visit the impressive Monumento y Museo a Camilo Cienfuegos (it is signed in town), dedicated to the guerrilla leader and revolutionary hero who died in a mysterious plane crash in 1959. Beyond, about one hour's drive west, you'll reach an overpass; exit up the ramp, which leads to a pedraplen. You'll need to show your passport at a police checkpoint, and pay CUC2 toll. The causeway is a visual stunner, leading 45 km to Cayo Santa María. After 30 minutes flying atop the clear blue waters, you then skip from tiny cay to tiny cay before arriving at Cayo Santa María - a thrilling journey.
