Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Cayo Santa Maria. Las Brujas Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 60 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at BWW:
First, verify that you can enter Cuba — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 60 minutes into Cayo Santa Maria, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — local currency is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Las Brujas Airport to Downtown
The most straightforward way into Cayo Santa Maria is the local transport, which takes about 60 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 80 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the local transport is usually the smarter call.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Cayo Santa Maria, here are two things worth checking out:
Pueblo La Estrella is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Playa Santa Maria is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Cayo Santa Maria.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BWW, you can spend time at Las Brujas Airport Duty-Free Shop or try Main Departure Lounge Relaxation. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Restaurante La Cueva (Pueblo La Estrella) and Snack Bar El Ranchon (Pueblo La Estrella) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Cayo Santa Maria.
- At the airport: Las Brujas Airport Cafeteria and Airport Bar Service will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Money & Budget Tips
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Cayo Santa Maria:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at BWW may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Cayo Santa Maria’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at BWW, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Cayo Santa Maria itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Cuba that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at BWW, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Cayo Santa Maria is a chance to see a slice of somewhere new — even if it’s just for a few hours. Plan your time, keep an eye on the clock, and don’t forget to enjoy the detour. Some of the best travel memories come from the unplanned ones.
Safe travels, and enjoy Cayo Santa Maria.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.