If you only plan to dive for a couple of hours, then you can also negotiate with the driver to wait and take you back to Vinales. On top of this, youll have to pay 12 CUC for a bus ticket. However, if youre short on time, we think you can just skip it entirely. You can hop off and on at any of 41 stops along the route. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. How long do you need in Cuba? - Espritu Travel to Cuba But, cannot wait to return to explore more of Cuba. Any other country would glorify it out of proportion and turn it into a fan fair. The club closes at 5:00 pm. But if we don't know what a poster enjoys, it's hard to help." North of the Plaza Mayor you soon reach the northern limits of the city, where some of the streets are little more than mud tracks. I also didnt love the Cuban cuisine and it was so hard to buy necessities as everything is rationed. Spend another day here for excursions into the nearby Sierra EscambrayMountains, scuba diving off Playa Ancn, or exploring the remains of ancient sugar estates in the Valle de los Ingenios. Back down at La Popa you can cut across to the Las Cuevas hotel complex on the adjoining hillside, where non-guests can use the only publicly accessible swimming pool in the town. Best Things to Do in Trinidad: Ultimate Guide - Capture the Atlas For more of Cuba's most stunning beaches, check out this article. But if youre travelling with someone else and love nature, youll definitely want to spend a couple of nights in Viales. The bus does an unnecessary detour, wasting time in the process, and going by collectivo is around the same price. It doesnt hurt to see it with your own eyes, good or bad. Win-win! It's also rich withcoconut milk and cacao, grown locallyhence the local chocolate industry. Since its a college town, Santa Clara offers the best nightlife around. Read about itineraries, activities, places to stay and travel essentials and get inspiration from the blog in the best guide to Trinidad If youre going, be excited because youre about to experience a culture unlike any other. You can bring them on the ferry for a surcharge. The Culture and Beaches of Cuba: From Havana to Varadero, Highlights of Cuba: Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos, Complete Cuba: Nature, Tradition and Sights of the Revolution, Go solo: the 20 best places to travel alone, Budget trips: 20 of the cheapest places to travel, Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert, Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support. There is a lot to see and do in this area. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Every superlative youve heard about the storied destination of Cuba is true. There is not much to do aside from diving in Playa Giron, which is a small, lesser-known town located on the sea. Mine did. Two weeks in Cuba might have been a little long for me, especially as a solo traveller who was basically cut off speaking to friends and family while offline in Cuba. Cuban culture is a rich one but the government are oppressive and many people live on as little as $30 a month. The beautiful Plaza Mayor is the heart of Trinidads colonial old town. Re: How Many Days in Cuba?? This is one of the places that we were both really disappointed in. There is only one bus per day that leaves from Vinales to Cienfuegos, and it departs at 6:45 am. The OP has done their trip and has ( in all probability ) returned home by now. In the early twentieth century local land fell increasingly into foreign and especially US hands, and unemployment shot up. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. I saw the other thread but couldn't gather much information about it. If you are coming by bus, then the driver will drop you off in front of the hotel. Not sure what poster you're trying to help..,read posts # 4 and 7. Over the road are the scattered dwellings of the old slave barracks, now converted into family homes. Climb the bell tower for 5 CUC and enjoy views over Trinidad. Bliss! Scuba diving is a popular activity, and it costs 40 CUC. Im such a city girl so this was the right option for me, especially as a solo traveller who often gets bored in remote locations alone. It's a three-hour journey west of Havanaand can be done in three ways. If you find yourself there on a Saturday night, its definitely worth going out and partying with the locals at Club Mejunje. The night life scene in Trinidad was relatively vibrant . You can spend another going to the beach, but be forewarned that itll take 45 minutes 1 hour by taxi. 96 reviews 45 helpful votes Advice about staying in Trinidad or La Boca? Originally a huge tuberculosis clinic and once referred to as the Sanatorio General Batista, it represented Batistas Mussolini-esque desire to leave a lasting legacy, a monument to his own power and influence. I do not represent World Nomads. With tourism continuously on the rise, however, youre as likely to see a foreign face as a local one on walks around the centre. 5 The Bottom Line The Truth About Trinidad I'll start with a concession: I do think Trinidad is worth visiting, in the sense that it's on the way from western CubaViales and Havanato destinations in eastern Cuba, like Santiago and Baracoa. By using our website you agree to all our, The Amazing Laguna de Los Tres via El Pilar 1 day hiking guide, The Amazing Aconcagua provincial park 1 day Hiking guide, The Ultimate 1-Day Yampupata hike Copacabana Guide, The Ultimate half TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc) Guide, The Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc Packing list, The Genuine 5-day Torres del Paine hiking guide (TDP), Jericoacoara travellers guide Couple escape, Normandy & Brittany Road Trip Authentic Itinerary for 2 Weeks (France), 6 Proven Ways to Budget Travel & Save Money while Traveling, The Genuine Bangkok Travel Guide (2-3 Days), The Ultimate 1-day Machu Picchu visit and True Wayna Picchu Story. Magalys our tour guide did an excellent job taking us to the best spots in Habana like La bodeguita del Medio ( live music and mojitos), ", Traveled to Cuba as a family in July, 2018, 5 Days in Cuba - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Cuba - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 2 Weeks in Cuba - 2 Unique Itinerary Ideas. For excursions outside the city, head 40-minutes northwest to the Basilica del Cobre. Ill definitely keep this handy for the future, thank you . At the beginning of March, hundreds of thousands of crabs head to the shore to breed. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Colour is everywhere in Trinidad. But in Cuban museums, theres no adequate English translation to learn anything of substance. That said, wandering around the old towns jumble of steep streets, shadowed by colonial houses and enlivened here and there by arts and crafts markets, is one of Trinidads highlights and at least as stimulating as visiting the museums. His driving on the trip to Trinidad was excellent and nav", "Cuba was amazing! Youll spend 60 CUC on both journeys (35 CUC from Trinidad to Havana and 25 CUC from Havana to Viales) so make sure to budget for this. Cuba Trinidad is one of those places that everyone should include in their itinerary for a visit to Cuba. Most of them were created by Amadeo Fiogere. At this time, the weather will be warm and dry. While cycling to El Cubano Natural Park, I passed traditional villages unchanged for decades, as well as rolling hills and forests. Your email address will not be published. Government taxis dont make the direct journey so youll have to change in Havana. As you probably know, Cuba is undergoing rapid change. It is totally uninhabited and has . They run an Old Havana tour of the charming historical city as well as a Central Havana tour that explores the gritty, wider city and focuses on culture and local life (Ill include this in tomorrows itinerary). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This is the Cuba that has inspired photographers, moviemakers and tourists to visit in their throngs. Best Things To Do in Trinidad Cuba - The Adventurous Flashpacker The Museum of the Revolution is one major attraction; however, its as impressive as its name is creative. Unless posters say what they want to achieve from their stays somewhere, it's hard to be helpful. Hike to the rebel headquarters of Fidel . Schools are different from the one we are used in Europe or China. Either drive yourself, take the Vazul tourist bus or hire a car-and-driver through a state tour agency. We are able to stay 1-4 nights. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. A colonial town from the 1500s. We stayed in Havana for five days, which is why we can say without a doubt that it was more than enough time. I think 10 days is optimum.I would highly recommend seeing Havana, Trinidad and Viales. During our Cuba 10 day itinerary, we visited Havana, Vinales, Trinidad and . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-84945418', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cuba, and some of the photos I took in Trinidad are amongst the best of the trip. Plus, it will be another ride in an old American car! Baracoa awaits on the Atlantic shore. The gentler hike here follows the Guanayara River for a couple of kilometres up to the Salto El Roco, a beautiful waterfall, and the Poza del Venado, a natural pool; along the way it incorporates some memorable views of Pico San Juan. However, this is usually just a city break and exploring everything to do in Havana and some surrounding areas. I was thinking Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Havana is a two-hour drive east once you return to the mainland. The route here, which can also be followed on foot, takes in a campesino house and the remains of a colonial sugar ranch, as well as rivers, brooks and waterfalls. This runs at 9.30am or 4pm, departing from Parque Central.Things to do Central Havana: Afternoon: Later during day two in Cuba, why not consider taking a vintage car tour? This blog is a resource for readers who are seeking adventure and experience by traveling in both Turkey and abroad. The trip to Cuba was really seamless and eye opening. Club Mejunje Marta Abreu, No 107 Established in the 1500s, Trinidad is Cubas oldest settlement. This mountainous area has its own microclimate and is always a couple of degrees cooler than Trinidad. Getting from Trinidad to Viales: This will be your longest travel day. Theres also decent snorkelling and diving in the waters and reefs around these shores. Most of the places are nearby and wont require a special transportation. Wandering around Vinales National Park is one of the best of ways to explore the islands natural sites, and should without a doubt be on your Cuba itinerary. Its evolved as a popular activity center: hiking, horseback riding, and even ATVs are options for exploring the tobacco-growing region. By the way, it doesnt particularly matter where you reserve your diving trips as there is only one firm and diving school. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Fifteen kilometres north of the hotels, Parque Guanayara is host to one of the areas most scenic hiking routes. Alternatively, you may use. If you go on the road that heads to Cienfuegos, then youll come to a beach club called the Caleta Buena. 3 days in Havana Itinerary Guide A Serbian and French Couple who met during our time in China. Then its up and over the Sierra Cristal via a switchback highwayLa Farolathat literally clings to the mountain (use caution if driving). Plaza Mayor is the main square in town. Tourists frequent Vinales to take part in outdoor activities such as cycling, horse riding and trekking among the tobacco fields and to see rural life in Cuba. Definitely use a collectivo, or shared taxi, when leaving Havana for Vinales instead of the bus. The Perfect 3 Days In Havana Itinerary - tosomeplacenew 1 Practical Matters 1.1 How to Travel in Cuba 1.2 Where to Stay With 2 Weeks in Cuba 1.3 How Much Does Two Weeks in Cuba Cost? This enormous national park is full of waterfalls and natural swimming holes.The only thing Id mention is that, unless you take a horse riding trip, it can be a little hard to access El Cubano Natural Park. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. With its warmness, Trinidad has an entirely different feel to it than Havana. Other adventures include boating on the Yumur River, birding in Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt, and horseback riding. Valle de Los Ingenios. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Is Trinidad, Cuba Worth Visiting? - Leave Your Daily Hell Getting to Maria La Gorda takes about 2.5 hours from Vinales. Its worth overnighting here. 10 days lets you experience the week-long itinerary, plus it allows for heading southeast to the Bay of Pigs (a two-hour journey southeast of Havana) for a history lesson at the excellent Museo Girn, which recalls the CIA-sponsored invasion in April 1961. You can easily find one on Airbnb. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. Best Time of Year to Visit Cuba: Weather, Travel Tips, & Best Time to Visit Cuba: Travel Tips, Weather, and More, 5 Regions of Cuba: Where to Go & What to Expect, Places Most People Miss in Havana (But Shouldnt), Cuba in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More, Cuba in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More, Cuba in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More, Cuba in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More, Cuba in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More, Cuba in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More. What are some highlights that we can't miss? It was in Santa Clara that Che Guevaras Rebel Army came out of the mountains to capture the city, causing dictator-president Fulgencio Batista to flee. Youre now on the Caribbean Sea, with coral reefs just offshore, tempting you to stop and snorkel or scuba dive at one of the several roadside facilities renting flippers and other gear. Theres less to do and see here than in neighbouring provincial capitals, but it nonetheless makes a good stopover if youre making the journey between Havana and Santiago few visitors stay for more than a night or two, but as one of Cubas original seven villas founded by Diego Velzquez in the early 1500s, it has plenty of historic character and holds some appeal as one of the countrys least touristy original cities. This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. If you are in Havana, another option would be to fly a local plane to Trinidad. . If youd rather explore with a group, take a guided bar crawl. The buildings main function is as a gift shop, bar and restaurant, the latter occupying a terrace overlooking a small garden. Plus, the nation's cultural scene is staggering. Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, this is the best one in town: Iberostar Heritage Grand Trinidad. Gizlilik artlarn okudum ve onaylyorum. Important buildings include the newly renovated Capitolio, plus museums like the Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum) and Museo de la Revolucin. The gold mined in the area soon ran out and news spread of the riches to be found in Central America, contributing to a flow of emigration that left the town all but empty by the mid-1540s. Slave revolts, the exhaustion of cultivable land and the rising challenge of European sugar beet sent the town into a downward spiral, accelerated by the Wars of Independence. Its pedestrianized colonial district has a distinct village feel, where people walk at a subdued pace over the uneven ground and neighbours chat from their doorsteps. Cuba trip reaffirmed the full trust on you. In many respects Trinidad, Cuba combines the best aspects of both cities, . It was a refresh", Traveled to Cuba as a family in October, 2019, "Karin was so easy to work with. From there, you can take a very short and easy hike to the waterfalls after paying 5 CUC entrance fee. Considered one of the best beaches in Cuba and the number one beach on the island's southern coast, it's a beautiful spot with white sand and few to no waves. I would say that two nights would be sufficient. What to see in Cuba in 7 days - Espritu Travel to Cuba Start with the HabanaBusTour open-top double-decker sightseeing bus, which explores all the main sights. From Viales its a short drive to the north coast, where you can catch a twice-a-day ferry to Cayo Levisa to round your week with a day or two relaxing, snorkeling or scuba diving at this lovely beach-lined cay. In our 3 days in Havana itinerary, we will discover some interesting nuances of this capital city. A Spanish settlement was first established in Trinidad in 1514, but interest in the area was short-lived. I easily found a bike shop where I could hire a bike for 5 CUC but the ride was hot and bumpy. Bear in mind that you will definitely need to make reservations one to two months beforehand. Id had such an amazing 10 days in Cuba and learnt a lot about this fascinating country. One of these leads to the top of the Loma de la Viga, an easily climbable hill overlooking Trinidad, marked at its base by a ruined church, the Ermita de la Popa, and one of the towns newest hotels. If you are taking the bus, youll first go to Cienfuegos and get on another bus to Playa Giron, going down a part of the road youve already been. Their specialty is the seafood platter, which comes with lobster, shrimp and fish. 1 day to stroll around the beauty of the colonial town and 1 day to go horse riding the national park and the waterfalls. The area is known for its easy diving with good visibility, minimal currents and an abundance of vertical coral walls. Fishing excursions include deep-sea fishing, trolling for big game, and bottom fishing. Required fields are marked *. If you take this option during your Cuba itinerary, I would suggest following the horse riding groups until you come to a clearing and parking area. Santiago de Cuba is known for its predominantly Afro-Cuban based culture. If you head towards Playa Larga, youll see an alligator farm after a small village. The colonial city of Trinidad is one of the biggest draws in Cuba. . Independent access is at the northernmost point of Topes de Collantes. Basically all the ingredients for a perfect beach getaway. A Dominican friar assigned to the church in 1912, he set about livening up the interior, drawing on his own personal fortune to donate many of the images on display today. If you want to go to the beach, the easiest is to hire a taxi that will drop you there and then pick you up later. We are able to stay 1-4 nights. The Authentic Cayo Santa Maria Travel Guide (2-3 days), The Authentic Cuba Trinidad Travel Guide (2 days), The Authentic Havana Travel Guide (3 days), Luxury Van Transfer from Hanoi to SaPa A21, Frijoles negros Cubanos/Moros y Cristianos: Rice with black beans, National Museum of the Struggle Against Bandits. The de rigueur visit is to Ches tomb, beneath a massive monument of the revolutionary hero in the Plaza de la Revolucin. Buses are also available but you often have to book in advance and travel by expensive taxi to out-of-town bus stations. Right away she ", Traveled to Cuba as a couple in November, 2018, "Eiser was our guide and he was excellent in his knowledge of Cuba and his awareness of our needs. A lot of Instagram feeds will give the impression its all colourful houses and girls in twirly dresses in front of pink convertibles. I agree wholeheartedly. Begin in the iconic city of Havana, where you'll explore the old town, and enjoy a classic car tour! I'm planning on a birthday trip to Cuba in October over the Columbus Day holiday and I've narrowed down 3 cities I'd like to go to most. A large proportion of this mountain range sits within the borders of the neighbouring provinces of Cienfuegos and Villa Clara but the heart of the visitor park and hiking area, the Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes, is in Sancti Spritus province. Then head east and stop in the city ofGuantnamo. In all there are some sixty paintings by artists such as Rubn Torres Llorca, Zaida del Ro and Toms Snchez, as well as some sculptures and prints. For those of you with more time, we suggest that you go on a day trip from Vinales Square to Cay Levico, which is another great place to see in Cuba. Maybe youre in the early stages of tentative planning or youre all booked and seeking Cuba itinerary specifics. Getting around Cuba can be expensive since government taxis charge a flat rate of 35 CUC between Havana and Trinidad. Hiking to its summit can be arranged. Our in-country guide, Thais, was extremely professional and knowledgeable. The Revolution, in all its manifestationssocial, political, etc.is a huge part of Cubas appeal, and especially so here. . There are a few beach bars serving drinks in plastic cups so I would suggest bringing your own reusable cup and straw if youll want mojitos on the beach (something I certainly did!). If you have a week to spend, try one of these expertly crafted itineraries. In the 1700s, some of the Spanish owners of sugar plantations in Trinidad began to build themselves mini-palaces similar to European aristocracy, giving the city an entirely different vibe. Then you're off to tobacco country. The Museo de Arquitectura Colonial exhibits the components that make up a typical colonial-era house in Trinidad, but the small collection of fixtures and fittings wont keep you for long. So true. Dont leave before taking a look at the quirky-looking US-made Art Nouveau shower, dating from 1912. Trinidad Travel Guide trace back our 2 days in this beautiful colonial town famous for its architecture and natural park, best explore horse riding, This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Ten days were enough for me. Our local travel specialists have been recommended by. The excursion starts almost in town, so you just walk there, hop on the horse and go on! Itinerary of our trip to Cuba in 15 days. Get a quote.For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing.Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips from 10+ years of travel! This is most obvious in Havana. Start this adventure by exploring Havana based on the itinerary above, allowing two or three days for the capital before heading southeast to the Bay of Pigs (known in Cuba as Girn, for the site of the main battles during the CIA-sponsored invasion of April 1961). It can get crowded with tourists in the winter months, but this UNESCO World Heritage Sites popularity is justified. Cuba in 15 Days - Best Cuba 2-Weeks Itinerary from Havana They serve soup and a heaping plate of rice and beans before each meal. 3 years ago This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The Trinidad Travel Guide retakes the same what to eat as our other Cuba Guide. The striking cliffs reminded me of China or Vietnam and totally didnt fit with my prior expectations of Cuba. I didnt want to ride a sad and mistreated horse so I opted to cycle there. The edifice was built in 1892 on the site an old church destroyed by a cyclone. To get immersed in the area and learn more about Havana, I would highly recommend the Me Gusta Companys Central Havana free walking tour mentioned above. This former fishing village is now a popular stop-over resort with a lovely beach at the gateway to Parque Nacional de Zapataa paradise for birders, nature lovers, and anglers. Unlike some companies, they insure you if youre already travelling / dont yet have your flight home booked. If you are coming from Vinales, then it makes sense to go to Bahia de Cochionos and then to Cienfuegos. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Not sure why TDG responded a month late - and his experiences don't match those of many others who have been there. This classic itinerary focuses on Havana and the easily accessible tobacco country west of the capital. You can read about how to find a collectivo in the transportation section. The city has been enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. The ferry ride to Casablanca costs 10 CUC. Your email address will not be published. You can stay at Vinales for two days and do a different activity on the second day, but because the content of the tours doesnt change much, we think that its enough to set aside one day. Party at the cave club, also known as Disco Ayala. When returning to Havana, add a stop in the city ofSanta Clara (choose a route either via the Sierra Escambray or the Valle de los Ingenios). Third time after Sri Lanka and Vietnam/Cambodia over the last 3 years. 2. If you decide to go, then set it up with a collectivo, and dont waste your time dealing with the bus. In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice. My personal favourite rooftop bar was La Guarida, an old colonial mansion and filming location for iconic movie, Fresa e Chocolate. Where to eat in Trinidad The mountain resort of Topes de Collantes is a kind of hotel village, its unsubtle architecture completely out of keeping with the beauty of its surroundings as is the road clumsily blasted down the middle of the resort. Discover the best things to do in Trinidad Cuba, from the colonial pastel washed streets to day trips from Trinidad to stunning beaches and nature reserves. It costs 15 CUC to enter, but you can eat and drink as much as you want from the buffet and bar. In general, December to April sees temperatures sitting between 17-20 at night and 25-32 in the day, with minimal rainfall affecting your trip. Famous for its colonial old town and cobblestone streets making it Cubas best preserved colonial city and a unique place to admire 1850s architecture mixed up with 1950s car and horses. If you can, catch the ballet or a classical music performance at the stunning Baroque Gran Teatro, learn to salsa at Casa de Msica or splurge on a traditional Cuban cabaret like theTropicana. This isnt a place where you should expect to have an authentic Cuban cultural experience. A boat trip to Cayo Blanco is one of the most popular day trips from Trinidad, Cuba. lol. We also explained in our Cuba Travel Guide about how Cubas bus transit system is less than reliable. The owner of the house is an experienced diving instructor, so if you want to go, make sure to go with his team. Where else can you enjoy a diversity of music and dance styleseverything from ballet and jazz to salsa and the vibrant percussion at the heart of santera religious rituals? This city is often mentioned in articles and blogs that talk about must-see places in Cuba. There are trips for each different type of activity, and every trip goes to more or less the same places, so youll definitely be able to see how tobacco is made. I reckon if I was 30 years younger there was a vibe in the place that would have appealed to me because it appealed to my daughter, along with a young musician at La Canchanchara. Plus it was here that the Cuban Revolution was spawned. Hello! If you want to experience the region beyond Trinidad, there are plenty of day trips from Trinidad, Cuba for you to consider. Its also far more likely to rain here than down by the coast, and as the heavens open almost every afternoon for much of the year, its a good idea to get up here early if youre visiting on a day-trip. But if you are staying in Cuba for awhile, then there are activities you can do nearby. Founded in 1511, it's Cubas oldest city, surrounded on three sides by rainforest-clad mountains, including flat-topped El Yunque. It makes much more sense for you to take a shared taxi from where you are staying in Havana to where you are staying in Vinales. Though eating quality seafood doesnt even need to be added to your Cuba itinerary because its in such abundance, we suggest that a visit to Hostal Luis. Sometimes confirmation email drops to Promotions or Spam folder in your mailbox.
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