
Mirador de Mayabe
A mountainside country resort offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mayabe Valley and a rustic Cuban experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for views & pool

Mirador de Mayabe
Best Time
Best for views & pool
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mountainside country resort offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mayabe Valley and a rustic Cuban experience.
"Breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside make this a must-visit spot in Holguín."

Bring Your Own Drinks
Soft drinks and bottled water can be scarce. Pack your own to ensure you stay hydrated.
Day Pass is Popular
Many visitors enjoy a day pass for the views and pool access.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Valley Views
Main viewpoint
Breathtaking vistas of the Mayabe Valley, especially captivating at sunrise and sunset.

Poolside Relaxation
Pool area
Enjoy a refreshing dip with a backdrop of lush greenery and distant hills.

Authentic Cuban Ambiance
Restaurant and lobby
Experience traditional Cuban charm, often with live music.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views, Manage Expectations
Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Drinks
Soft drinks and bottled water can be scarce. Pack your own to ensure you stay hydrated.
Day Pass is Popular
Many visitors enjoy a day pass for the views and pool access.
Cash is King
Carry enough Cuban Pesos for tips and any small purchases, as card facilities may be limited.
Embrace the Rustic Charm
Rooms are basic. Focus on the unique experience and natural beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Drinks
Soft drinks and bottled water can be scarce. Pack your own to ensure you stay hydrated.
Day Pass is Popular
Many visitors enjoy a day pass for the views and pool access.
Cash is King
Carry enough Cuban Pesos for tips and any small purchases, as card facilities may be limited.
Embrace the Rustic Charm
Rooms are basic. Focus on the unique experience and natural beauty.
Check for Live Music
Sometimes local bands play, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mirador de Mayabe offers spectacular panoramic views and a rustic, authentic Cuban experience, making it a popular day-trip destination. However, visitors should be prepared for basic accommodations, inconsistent service, and limited food and drink availability.
"This hotel is a disaster. I don’t even know where to begin. Soft drinks or bottled water are almost never available. The glasses at the bar are dirty and sticky. Most of the staff show no interest in taking care of guests or taking orders. You can also see in their faces that no one really wants to be there. The rooms are old, dirty, and partially broken. The water pressure is almost nonexistent. I had a rat and many insects in my room. The room was filthy, and there was rat droppings around. The bathroom is moldy and smells like sewage. Power outages are normal here, so I wouldn’t recommend eating fish or anything similar. The restaurant has only five different dishes, and usually only three are available. The food tastes awful and is often cold. There are no soft drinks or bottled water here either. The food at the restaurant or pool bar is simply disgusting. Other guests play loud music from their rooms every day, so relaxation is impossible. The hotel is located on a mountain, cut off from the outside world. So it’s not easy to quickly go to the village for something. I will never return to this dump. One star is still too much."
CEDO
"Mirador is an adorable mountainside country resort. Have a beer or cafe in the open air lobby or dining room with their breathtaking view of the surrounding day and night sky countryside.
The rooms (I rate them a B-) while not high-end, are quaint small Spanish style bungalows with air conditioning, spread along a lush path down to a pool area hanging off the hillside.
Built as the Castro era was being born and later a perk for the military, government and external supporters (Russians), Mirador is today a simple, charming, eco-style resort for foreigners and "some" locals.
Don't look for US style amenities, and please understand that this is still a communist country where the average worker earns the equivalent of $30-40 per month (if you go please tip well) and simple amenities like effective plumbing are scarce. So the locals can't afford expensive escapes.
But if you're a visitor looking for something off the traditional Cuban path and can enjoy tropical wilderness, Mirador with it's quaint accommodations are something you need to experience if you are in the Holguin area."
Curt Raffi
"service is always good the times I went there, I always go for a day pass, not a bad place to have a beer and hang out by the pool"
Tony Sanchez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mirador de Mayabe is located on a hillside outside Holguín. Taxis are the most common way to reach it. Negotiate your fare beforehand. Some visitors also arrange transport as part of a day tour.
Public transport options are limited and can be infrequent. Taxis or private car hire are generally recommended for convenience and to reach the somewhat remote location.
The Mirador is situated a short drive from Holguín city center, typically around 15-20 minutes depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
Yes, it's advisable to arrange a round trip with your taxi driver, especially if you plan to spend several hours enjoying the views and facilities. This ensures you have transport back.
The roads leading up to Mirador de Mayabe are generally paved but can be winding as it's located on a hillside. Drive cautiously, especially if you're not familiar with the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the views are the main draw, access to the restaurant and pool area might require a day pass or minimum consumption, especially for non-guests. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
The Mirador is typically open during daylight hours, with the restaurant and bar operating to serve visitors. Specific hours can vary, so it's wise to check locally if you plan an early or late visit.
The viewpoint is generally accessible as part of the overall experience. Any fees are usually associated with using the pool or dining facilities.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and avoid any potential disappointment. Contacting the venue directly is the best approach.
Information on specific discounts for children or groups is not widely publicized. It's best to inquire directly with the management of Mirador de Mayabe for current pricing and potential offers.
🎫 🛏️ Accommodation & Rooms
Rooms are described as quaint, small Spanish-style bungalows. They are basic, with air conditioning, but can be old, dirty, and sometimes have issues like low water pressure or insects.
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning. However, expect minimal amenities. Power outages can occur, so don't rely on constant electricity.
Wi-Fi connectivity can be problematic at Mirador de Mayabe. While some guests have reported issues, it's not a reliable feature.
Reviews indicate that bathrooms can be a concern, with reports of mold, sewage smells, and general lack of cleanliness.
While overnight stays are possible, many visitors opt for a day pass. If booking a room, be prepared for a rustic experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers a limited menu, often with only a few dishes available. Food quality is frequently criticized, described as awful, cold, and unappetizing.
Availability of soft drinks and bottled water is a significant issue. They are often not available at the restaurant or bar, so bringing your own is highly recommended.
The pool bar also faces criticism for its food quality, with some guests finding it disgusting.
The menu is very limited, typically featuring only about five different dishes, and often not all of them are available.
Given the frequent power outages, it's advisable to be cautious about consuming highly perishable items like fish.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewpoint offers the most iconic panoramic shots of the Mayabe Valley. The poolside area and the surrounding lush vegetation also provide great photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The elevated position makes it an ideal location to capture stunning sunset and sunrise colors over the valley.
Yes, if there's live music, it can add a vibrant element to your photos, capturing the local culture and atmosphere.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, always be respectful of other guests' privacy.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the panoramic views are still impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks as availability can be limited. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially near the pool area which is situated on the hillside. The drive to the Mirador is relatively short from Holguín, making it a feasible half-day excursion.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bring your own food and beverages to save money and ensure you have what you need. Tipping is important, so factor that into your budget. While rooms are basic, they are generally more affordable than standard hotels, but the value proposition depends heavily on your tolerance for rustic conditions.
💑 Couples
Consider visiting in the late afternoon to enjoy the changing light over the valley. While the accommodation is basic, the unique ambiance and stunning scenery can make for a memorable experience. Enjoying a drink at the open-air lobby with the view is a popular romantic activity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Rustic Cuban Resorts
Embrace the simplicity and appreciate the unique atmosphere. The appeal lies in its 'off the beaten path' nature and the opportunity to experience a more traditional side of Cuba. It's a place where the breathtaking views and the surrounding tropical wilderness are the main attractions, offering a stark contrast to more developed tourist destinations.
When visiting, remember that the local economy influences the available resources. Tipping generously is appreciated and helps support the staff who work hard in these conditions.
Navigating Amenities and Service
Be prepared for potential issues with amenities. Soft drinks and bottled water are frequently unavailable, making it essential to bring your own. Power outages are also common, which can affect everything from air conditioning to the availability of certain food items. The restaurant menu is limited, and food quality is a recurring point of criticism.
Despite these challenges, many visitors find the overall experience worthwhile due to the stunning location and the unique cultural immersion. The key is to manage your expectations and focus on the positive aspects, such as the incredible views and the chance to relax in a natural setting.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit