Remedios	Thanks a lot to Petra Barth for the translation!
	Sra. Jenny Cueto Alejandro del Rio #72 e/Enrique Malaret Remedios Villa Clara Tel. ++53 (42) 39 53 50 Price: 20 CUC Description: This colonial house in the middle of Remedios, at only one minute walking distance from the central park „Martí“, will enthuse you. Jenny lets two rooms, each with two large beds, air conditioning, ventilator, and an own bathroom (hot and cold water). The building disposes of a spacious living room with colonial furniture, a patio with numerous plants and a small roof terrace. The family also offers meals – which are unique not only in their flavour, but also in their presentation and even though have an extremely fair price. A very recommendable accomodation. Reservation: possible via e-Mail (communication in English and Spanish)

Remedios was founded 1578 and therefore is one of the first five cities founded by the Spanish and at the same time the first one established in the Villa Clara province. Even today you easily get charmed by this small colonial town. With its two impressive churches, remarkable squares, quiet parks, well maintained colonial houses and several inviting restaurants and bars Remedios is hardly inferior to Trinidad . However – and this will delight any individual traveller – no tourist bulks stroll through Remedios which is everyday life in Trinidad , but this city is (still) an insider tip. A longer stay in Remedios is also worth it, because the fascinating beaches of the islands „Las Brujas“ and „Santa María“ are so close.

In the city

• Certainly it is recommendable to do a lengthy walk which should include a visit to both churches – especially the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista.

• In case it rains and not only then let me recommend one of the numerous museums. The “ Museo de las Parrandas ” is very interesting which informs you about the local custom of the different districts which compete with splendid carnival costumes. If you stay that night in Remedios, you will be impressed by a very special spectacle attracting people from all over the world.

• On the one hand you can explore the city by an extended stroll, on the other hand it is also worth it to take some time to sit in one of the restaurants , a café or bar and to observe. The best places to do so are close to Parque Martí.

Excursions

• The islands Las Brujas and Santa María
  A road on a long embankment connects both islands "Las Brujas" and "Santa María" with the land. Both dispose of extraordinary beautiful sandy beaches with fine white sand and crystal clear water. The only disadvantage is that the vegetation does not grow high and therefore does is no protection against the strong solar irradiation.
  There is a small hotel of the Cuban hotel chain “Gaviota” on the island "Las Brujas" which you reach first. Next to the bungalows it offers a good restaurant with a nice view of the island and the sea. At the hotel beach there are loungers and parasols. Since there are rarely many guests in the hotel, this beach is a comfortable and calm alternative to a “wild” beach – including the advantage of nice food, cold beverages, and a parasol. The entrance for day visitors is 4 CUC including a small sandwich and a drink of your own choice from the above mentioned restaurant.
  You can also visit the beach at the hotels of the island Santa María at a day rate. However, in those big all-inclusive hotels it is less quiet and the day rate is extraordinary (between 30 and 50 CUC).
  Of course you can visit other than hotel beaches. Nevertheless this requires sufficient sun protection, a parasol, and above all an adequate means of transport.
  In order to be flexible it is worth it to rent a car or scooter (from 50 and 24 CUC respectively per day). If you rent a scooter, ensure to take enough sun protection with you, otherwise you may return wearing the colours of the symbol of Caibaríen. A taxi is a little cheaper to go there – you should expect 35-40 CUC for both ways (until the hotel Gaviota on Las Brujas). It is very important to make a date with the choffer who will fetch you up in the evening, since the taxis on the island are overprice – the trip back to Remedios costs at least 35 CUC. The taxi central has only very few cars, therefore you should book the trip to the islands as early as possible (at last the evening before – depending on the season).
  A last, however uncomfortable and unsure possibility to get to the islands is the bus for the hotel personnel. Uncomfortable, because you need to wait at the roadside, unsure, because you don't know whether the driver will take you or not until it arrives.
  It should be mentioned that a valid passport is required to visit the islands. “Normal" Cubans except hotel personnel have no access. Cubans with a valid passport and/or residence outside of Cuba are nevertheless also invited to visit the tourist islands.
  Last but not least – do not forget mosquito protection, since these teasers start their attack as soon as the sun goes down.

• Caibarién
  If you only want to take a breath of sea air, a trip to the coastal town Caibarién at 7 km from Remedios is recommended. For tourists coming from Remedios – already pampered by its colonial architecture – above all the boardwalk Malecón with view of sailing ships and fishermen and the possibility to eat or dring something in one of the two restaurants is a temptation. The beach of Caibarién does not belong to the jewels, but is acceptable: Sand, palm treas, sea – at least for an inlander this is sufficient for a rating as “recommendable”.
  The trip to Caibarién is easy to do with a collective taxi (about 5-10 CUP per way). There are also several daily buses and maybe you are lucky to catch one of the two daily trains. Sportive drivers of “Velotaxi” also offer the trip to the neighbouring town... For more details please read the page about Caibarién!

Arrival and departure

• Railway You can reach Remedios from Santa Clara by train, there is a daily train between Santa Clara and Caibarién that stops in all villages and towns in between, among these Remedios. The journey lasts two hours and costs 1.90 CUP. You should buy the tickets two hours prior to the train's departure opposite to the railway station of Santa Clara . Every second day there is a train between Sagua and Caibarién with stop in Remedios. For further information about the trip Santa Clara – Caibarién please read the report
• ASTRO There is a daily bus between Santa Clara and Remedios
• Colectivo The quickest alternative for the passage Santa Clara - Remedios certainly is the collective taxi – the price per passenger is approximately 30-40 CUP.
• Touristentaxi The most simple and expensive possibility for the passage Santa Clara - Remedios of course is the tourist taxi which costs about 17 CUC per way.