By Taxi
Among the many taxi companies available for local and long-distance hire are Taxis OK (tel. 22/65-3333), Transtur (tel. 22/65-2329), and the least expensive, Cubataxi (tel. 22/64-1965/65-1038). Taxis of many different stripes and comfort levels, all varying by small degrees in price, congregate near the cathedral on Parque Céspedes and at the major tourist hotels. Be sure to ask prices before hiring one, as tourist gouging is a favorite local pastime (from the Meliá Santiago to Parque Céspedes, the fare is CUC$3/US$3.25/£1.60; from downtown to El Morro the fare is CUC$8-CUC$12/US$8.65-US$13/£4.30-£6.50). Cheaper taxis, both registered and unregistered, can be found parked around Plaza Marte. With the latter, negotiate a price, but understand that the driver may be uncomfortable taking you directly to the door of your hotel if he's not officially licensed to carry foreigners.
Coco Taxis are few and far between around Santiago. Coco Taxis should be a bit less expensive than regular taxis, although the drivers will usually first quote you the going cab rate, so try to negotiate. There are also bici (bicycle) and moto (motorcycle) taxis, both of which are convenient and inexpensive (usually CUC$1/US$1.10/55p), but occasionally hair-raising for many passengers, given the volume and often-chaotic nature of car traffic in Santiago.
By Car
Cubacar (tel. 22/68-6107) has offices at the airport, opposite the Cupet gas station on Carretera Central; Hotel Casa Granda; Hotel Las Américas; Meliá Santiago; and Hotel Villa San Juan. Vía Rent a Car (tel. 22/62-4646) is inside the Cubatur office, Lacret 701, corner of Heredia. Rates are CUC$45 to CUC$80 (US$49-US$86/£24-£43) per day for a standard four-door compact car.
By Foot
The area of greatest activity and cultural interest to many visitors in the historic center -- the few streets around Parque Céspedes -- is easy to get around on foot, though some areas, such as the Tivolí district, are extremely hilly. However, many hotels are at least a couple of kilometers from the city center, and a good number of the city's foremost attractions, such as El Morro, are beyond the city and require transportation.
