×

Cuba🇨🇺 | townsColónLeafy park, sugar-valley market, old theater, cheap casas | things to do and best time to go

Explore San Luis (Santiago de Cuba)Explore San José de las Lajas

Backpacking in Colón
👍 Recommendedtown ranked #10
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 23, 2026

Colón is a cheap, easy stop on the Havana to Santa Clara and Varadero corridor, and you can reach it by Viazul bus or shared taxi from either direction. It sits in the south of Matanzas province in Cuba, among sugarcane and citrus fields. The center is flat and walkable, with a leafy central park, an old theater and casas particulares that cost little. Nightlife is small, so you will not find a hostel scene or many other backpackers, though hosts happily trade tips over dinner. Skip anything that promises big sights. Come for ordinary Cuban life and for slow, friendly talk. A first day could mean coffee on the park, a wander past the theater, then a long rice and beans lunch.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Cuba Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #10 town in CubaWhat makes it a must-see town

Colón works for travelers who want a real Cuban town without the tour groups. It sits on the main road between Havana and the center, so people usually stay one night, and slow travelers can stretch it to two. The streets are flat, so you can walk the Parque Central and the streets around the old theater in an afternoon, and the rest of the time goes on chatting with hosts and eating home-cooked meals in a casa particular. Evenings are quiet, with domino games and radios on porches rather than clubs. It suits solo travelers, couples and anyone happy to break a long overland run with a calm night. If you need hostels, nightlife or hiking, go on to Matanzas or Varadero. If you want an easy, unhurried overnight where locals notice you and say hello, Colón fits well.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. Parque Central: The shaded main square, with benches, statues and the town’s daily rhythm. Go late afternoon when locals gather. Free, 30 to 60 minutes.
  2. Colón’s old theater: Ask at the door whether a rehearsal or show is on. Entry is usually US$1 to 3, about 30 minutes.
  3. Museo Municipal: A small local history museum covering the town’s sugar past and independence-era figures. Visit in the morning, around US$1 to 2, 30 to 45 minutes.
  4. Iglesia Parroquial: The parish church on the square, plain but active, with cool interiors. Free, 15 minutes, best outside Sunday services.
  5. Local market and street walk: The produce stalls and peso counters show what Colón eats. Go before noon. Costs only what you buy, around 1 hour.
Colón also puts you within reach of Playa Girón, the Zapata Swamp and Cienfuegos for … read more 👉
  1. Parque Central: The shaded main square, with benches, statues and the town’s daily rhythm. Go late afternoon when locals gather. Free, 30 to 60 minutes.
  2. Colón’s old theater: Ask at the door whether a rehearsal or show is on. Entry is usually US$1 to 3, about 30 minutes.
  3. Museo Municipal: A small local history museum covering the town’s sugar past and independence-era figures. Visit in the morning, around US$1 to 2, 30 to 45 minutes.
  4. Iglesia Parroquial: The parish church on the square, plain but active, with cool interiors. Free, 15 minutes, best outside Sunday services.
  5. Local market and street walk: The produce stalls and peso counters show what Colón eats. Go before noon. Costs only what you buy, around 1 hour.
Colón also puts you within reach of Playa Girón, the Zapata Swamp and Cienfuegos for day trips. Only the theater may need a ticket, and it is usually bought at the door.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsHow different areas shape the experience

Colón is a flat grid town in Matanzas province, and everything worth your time sits within about 15 minutes on foot.
  • Parque Central and the Calle Real axis: The shaded main square with its bandstand and the neoclassical facades around it are the core. Sit on a bench at dusk and you watch the whole town do its evening lap, which is the best free show here.
  • Market streets: The agro market and peso food counters near the center sell fried pork sandwiches, fresh juice and tamales. Messy, loud and cheap, and you eat what locals eat.
  • Train station area: Functional, dusty and not a place to linger. Pass through for departures, then move on.
Nightlife is thin: a few bars, a casa de la trova style music spot and music from open doorways. If you want a dance floor, plan on another town.

⌛️ 1 dayWhat you can realistically do in a day

8:00 AM, Casa breakfast: Start with eggs, fruit and strong coffee at your casa particular, then walk five minutes to the center.
9:00 AM, Parque Central: Sit under the trees and watch the town start. It is the best way to get your bearings before heading to the church just off the square.
10:00 AM, Iglesia Parroquial: Step in for the cool interior, then stroll to the municipal museum a few blocks away.
11:00 AM, Museo Municipal: Read about sugar, local patriots and old Colón. The staff are usually glad to chat.
12:30 PM, Market: Browse the stalls for fruit and a snack, then take lunch at a paladar for rice, beans and pork.
3:00 PM, Teatro: Ask whether the doors are open, then look at the interior and its worn, graceful details.
5:00 PM, Railway edge and back streets: Walk toward the town edge where … read more 👉
8:00 AM, Casa breakfast: Start with eggs, fruit and strong coffee at your casa particular, then walk five minutes to the center.
9:00 AM, Parque Central: Sit under the trees and watch the town start. It is the best way to get your bearings before heading to the church just off the square.
10:00 AM, Iglesia Parroquial: Step in for the cool interior, then stroll to the municipal museum a few blocks away.
11:00 AM, Museo Municipal: Read about sugar, local patriots and old Colón. The staff are usually glad to chat.
12:30 PM, Market: Browse the stalls for fruit and a snack, then take lunch at a paladar for rice, beans and pork.
3:00 PM, Teatro: Ask whether the doors are open, then look at the interior and its worn, graceful details.
5:00 PM, Railway edge and back streets: Walk toward the town edge where few visitors go. You will see kids playing ball, farmers heading home and old stone houses.
7:30 PM, Porch dinner: Return for a home-cooked meal and an easy evening.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (November to April): Days run 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F), nights dip to 16 to 19°C (61 to 66°F), and rain is rare. Daylight lasts about 11 hours. Casa rental prices rise a little, though Colón stays quiet.
  • Wet Season (May to October): Expect 31 to 34°C (88 to 93°F), heavy humidity and afternoon downpours. Days stretch to about 13 hours of light, and rooms get cheaper.
  • Hurricane Window (August to October): Storm risk peaks, and roads and buses can be disrupted for days.
  • Holidays: Carnival-style local fiestas in summer and the New Year bring full buses and packed casas.
Book your onward bus a day ahead in December and January, when seats vanish fast.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: below average for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutCuba Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Cuba
The digital guide (327 pages) contains:
✅ 113 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 5, 10 & 15-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

The center near Parque Central is the best place to sleep in Colón, with casas particulares at roughly US$15 to 30 a double. Dorm hostels do not exist here, so budget travelers rent a private room in a family home, often with breakfast for another US$3 to 5. Streets around the square are lit and populated into the evening, so walking back after dinner feels easy. Noise comes from roosters, radios and the occasional late bar, though nothing like a big city. Colectivo stands and the bus stop are within a ten minute walk, which helps with early departures. The blocks near the train station are cheaper … read more 👉
The center near Parque Central is the best place to sleep in Colón, with casas particulares at roughly US$15 to 30 a double. Dorm hostels do not exist here, so budget travelers rent a private room in a family home, often with breakfast for another US$3 to 5. Streets around the square are lit and populated into the evening, so walking back after dinner feels easy. Noise comes from roosters, radios and the occasional late bar, though nothing like a big city. Colectivo stands and the bus stop are within a ten minute walk, which helps with early departures. The blocks near the train station are cheaper by a few dollars but dusty, dim at night and farther from food. A second option is the residential streets away from the center, where you get quiet, patios and larger rooms, at the cost of a longer walk to restaurants. Book ahead in December and January, because only a few casas serve foreigners.
Best hostels in Cuba


Best quality hotels in Cuba

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Colón

A shared taxi or bike taxi around Colón costs roughly US$0.50 to 2, paid in cash in pesos or in dollars to the driver, settled before you climb in. The town is flat and compact, so most days you walk. Public transport is sparse and unreliable, and fuel shortages can cancel runs without warning.
  • Walking: Free and enough for the center and market. Streets are quiet and the grid is hard to get lost in. Go early or late, because midday sun is brutal.
  • Bici-taxi and bicycle taxis: US$0.50 to 1.50 per short ride. You sit in the open with the streets sliding past, and it is the nicest way to cover the farther blocks.
  • Shared taxis (colectivos): Old American cars run to Matanzas, Jovellanos and Cárdenas for about US$2 to 6 per seat, taking 1 to 2 hours depending on the route. They leave when full, usually
… read more 👉
A shared taxi or bike taxi around Colón costs roughly US$0.50 to 2, paid in cash in pesos or in dollars to the driver, settled before you climb in. The town is flat and compact, so most days you walk. Public transport is sparse and unreliable, and fuel shortages can cancel runs without warning.
  • Walking: Free and enough for the center and market. Streets are quiet and the grid is hard to get lost in. Go early or late, because midday sun is brutal.
  • Bici-taxi and bicycle taxis: US$0.50 to 1.50 per short ride. You sit in the open with the streets sliding past, and it is the nicest way to cover the farther blocks.
  • Shared taxis (colectivos): Old American cars run to Matanzas, Jovellanos and Cárdenas for about US$2 to 6 per seat, taking 1 to 2 hours depending on the route. They leave when full, usually from morning to mid-afternoon. Fast, bumpy and entertaining.
  • Train: Colón sits on the main Havana to Santiago line, but services are slow and often cancelled. Tickets are US$5 to 15 for long hops. Not worth planning around unless you have time to burn.
  • Viazul and long-distance bus: Check at the terminal for Havana and Santa Clara departures, roughly US$10 to 20. Cheaper than a taxi, though seats must be booked ahead.

👛 Costs (as of 23 October 2026)How expensive it really is

Colón costs most backpackers about US$48 to 65 a day, and a total of US$57 works as a realistic planning figure.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$15 to 30No hostels. A private room in a casa particular, about US$20 in high season.
MealsUS$10 to 20Peso street food costs under US$2. A casa dinner runs US$6 to 10 and breakfast US$3 to 5, so US$15 is typical.
Local transportUS$2 to 8Bici-taxis and shared taxis, about US$5 a day when you go out of town.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$1 to 5Small museums charge a few dollars, so US$2 is typical.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 10Water, snacks, a drink and a SIM or Wi-Fi card, about US$15 combined.
Total Daily BudgetUS$48 to 65About US$57 per day.
Eat the casa breakfast and a market lunch, then skip the pricey dinner to save a few dollars daily.

source: cubatravel.cu
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsEasy escapes and nearby places

Colón works as a base for short hops because shared taxis link it to four towns and the coast within two hours.
Matanzas City: The provincial capital has the Triolet pharmacy museum, the Sauto theater and a riverside walk over bridges. Colectivos take 1.5 to 2 hours and cost about US$3 to 6 each way. Go November to April, and leave by 3pm to catch a ride home.
👉 Explore Matanzas
Cárdenas: A grid town of horse carts and a sea-facing malecón, about an hour by shared taxi for US$2 to 4. Visit the Plaza Colón and the sugar-era streets, and eat at the peso counters. A common mistake is arriving after lunch, when many places shut.
👉 Explore Cárdenas
Jagüey Grande and Playa Girón: The Zapata swamp edge has crocodile farms and the Bay of Pigs museum, a rewarding day if you pair a shared taxi to Jagüey … read more 👉
Colón works as a base for short hops because shared taxis link it to four towns and the coast within two hours.
Matanzas City: The provincial capital has the Triolet pharmacy museum, the Sauto theater and a riverside walk over bridges. Colectivos take 1.5 to 2 hours and cost about US$3 to 6 each way. Go November to April, and leave by 3pm to catch a ride home.
👉 Explore Matanzas
Cárdenas: A grid town of horse carts and a sea-facing malecón, about an hour by shared taxi for US$2 to 4. Visit the Plaza Colón and the sugar-era streets, and eat at the peso counters. A common mistake is arriving after lunch, when many places shut.
👉 Explore Cárdenas
Jagüey Grande and Playa Girón: The Zapata swamp edge has crocodile farms and the Bay of Pigs museum, a rewarding day if you pair a shared taxi to Jagüey Grande with a second car on. Allow 2 hours each way and US$15 to 30 total including entry. Dry months are best for snorkeling.
👉 Explore Playa Girón
Varadero: The famous beach is about 1.5 hours away by colectivo for US$5 to 10. Go for a swim and a walk along the sand rather than the resort strip. Do not arrive late, as the last cheap ride back leaves by late afternoon.
👉 Explore Varadero

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Colón is a calm town where violent crime against visitors is rare, and day-to-day trouble is petty. The most common annoyance is jineteros, touts who approach near the bus stop offering rooms, taxis or cigars at inflated prices. A polite no and walking on works, and so does booking your casa through the owner directly. Taxi drivers sometimes quote foreigner rates, so agree the fare before you get in. Solo travelers, women included, walk the center after dark without much trouble, though side streets have few lights, so carry a small flashlight. Power cuts can darken the whole town for hours. Keep cash split between pockets and leave your passport in the casa, carrying a photocopy instead.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Colón

Colón is a short stopover for most travelers, not a headline stop. It suits a half day for Parque Central and the market, and its main value is as a cheap, calm base between Havana, Varadero and Santa Clara. Rooms cost about US$15 to 30, which is lower than in the resort towns.
Colón needs one night and about one full day. That is enough for the square and a market lunch, and a second day lets you add a trip to Cárdenas (1 hour) or Matanzas (up to 2 hours). Beyond two days, little remains to see in town.
Colón works as a day trip from Matanzas, Cárdenas or Varadero, though it is more often used as an overnight stop. A shared taxi from Cárdenas takes about an hour and costs US$2 to 4. From Havana it is a long day, around 3 to 4 hours each way.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Cuban towns near Colón

Explore more nearby:

  • Varadero—Twenty-kilometer beach, Parque Josone, Cueva de Saturno, Xanadu mansion| 58 km away
  • Sagua la Grande—Iron bridges, Wifredo Lam, faded mansions, Sagua River| 86 km away
  • Güines—Pioneer railway station, Mayabeque riverbank, red-soil fields| 116 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Cuba including Colón and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all towns

Or checkout all Cuba has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Cuba
Country photo of Cuba
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Colón

Colón deserves one night, two at most. I would arrive by midafternoon, walk the park, eat at your casa and leave next morning. Stay longer only if you want to rest or use it as a base for Zapata day trips.

✈️ When did I visit Cuba?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Cuba for 6 weeks in February, March 2016, being extremely lucky that that coincided with the free concert of The Rolling Stones.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Cuba, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story