San Jose de las Lajas

San José de las Lajas is the capital of Mayabeque Province, Cuba, located approximately 30 km southeast of Havana. The town serves as the administrative and commercial centre of the province, which was created in 2011 when the former Havana Province was split.

The municipality has a population of around 75,000 and features a central plaza, government buildings, a university campus, and a mix of colonial and modern architecture. As a provincial capital, it has more services and amenities than surrounding towns, including banks, shops, and a hospital.

Tropical climate with a wet season (May–October) and a drier season (November–April). Temperatures average 25–30°C year-round.

By Plane

José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana is the nearest airport, approximately 30 km northwest. A taxi costs around CUC 25–35 and takes about 35 minutes.

By Car / Road

San José de las Lajas is accessible from Havana via the A1 autopista. The drive takes about 30 minutes. Regular colectivos and local buses connect the town with Havana. The town is a transport hub for the province with connections to other Mayabeque municipalities.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Bici-taxis provide short-distance transport. Local colectivos connect with surrounding towns.

• Central plaza — the administrative heart of the province with government buildings and a parish church.

• University campus — the Universidad de La Habana has a campus in San José de las Lajas.

• Provincial museum — exhibits on local history and culture.

• Colonial architecture — the streets around the plaza feature well-preserved colonial-era buildings.

• Walk the town centre — explore the provincial capital's shops, plazas, and architecture.

• Visit the university area — a lively part of town with cafés and cultural activity.

• Day trips — use San José de las Lajas as a base for exploring Mayabeque Province.

The town has several paladares and state-run restaurants serving Cuban Creole cuisine. As a university town, it has a slightly livelier dining scene than smaller municipalities.

• Paladares — home-cooked Cuban meals for CUP 60–200.
• University-area cafeterias — budget meals popular with students.

Cristal and Bucanero beer, Cuba Libre, and Havana Club rum. Several bars operate near the plaza and university.

• Budget: Casas particulares at CUC 15–25 per night.
• Mid-range: Limited hotel options; most visitors day-trip from Havana.

As a provincial capital, San José de las Lajas has more shopping options than surrounding towns, including state-run shops, a local market, and basic retail stores.

• Havana — the national capital, about 30 km northwest (35 min drive).
• Jaruco — a nearby municipality with natural attractions, about 15 km northeast (20 min drive).
• Güines — an agricultural town about 15 km south (20 min drive).
• Santa Cruz del Norte — a coastal town with rum distillery, about 25 km northeast (30 min drive).