Yaguajay, Cuba

Living in Yaguajay, Cuba is no walk in the park. With a population density of just 52 people per square kilometer, this rural municipality in Sancti Spíritus Province is a far cry from the bustling streets of Havana. And while the Caguanes National Park offers scenic natural beauty, the tropical savanna climate can be a persistent headache.

The town's claim to fame is the 1958 Battle of Yaguajay, where Camilo Cienfuegos' guerrilla forces defeated a 250-strong army garrison. Today, the municipality is home to just 53,375 residents spread across a sprawling 1,032 square kilometers. Those seeking a slower-paced, more provincial Cuban experience may find Yaguajay appealing, but others would be wise to temper their expectations.