Trinidad

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Trinidad, CUBA: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

A February 1999 trip to Trinidad by travelman

The beautiful colonial city of Trinidad is located in the province of Sancti Spiritus on Cuba's south shore facing Jamaica. It has cobblestoned streets and Spanish Colonial architecture from the 17th century. Above this city of some 60000 are the Escambrey Mountains.

  • 6 reviews

Trinidad, CUBA: A UNESCO World Heritage SiteBest of IgoUgo

Overview

The city has wonderfully romantic museums and cafes and is perfect for leisurely wandering. The Afro-Cuban "Santeria" of the Black Madonna is fascinating. Visit the cigar factory at Maceo and Colon for a free tour. The city has "paladars" where one can eat in a private Cuban home. Topes de Collantes above the town is dotted with pine trees and is delightful.

Quick Tips:

Have small items for locals who are helpful or for photos. One can stay in the town itself at a local three-star hotel or in a private home. A useful web site is www.cubaweb.cu in Spanish and English.

Best Way To Get Around:

With little vehicular traffic, Trinidad is the perfect compact town for walking and soaking up the warmth of the climate and the Cuban people. The whole city is a peaceful nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.

Los HelechosBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

This was a delightful hotel set among pine treees some 5 kilometres above the city of Trinidad. It belongs to the Gaviota chain of hotels and was very clean, friendly and well-run. The air was clean and the city of Trinidad and the beach at Playa Ancon is a short distance away by taxi or hitch-hiking. The food in the dining room was well-prepared, as well. The place attracted both European tourists and Cubans from Havana. It''s a great place away from the crowds.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by travelman on March 17, 2001

Los Helechos
Topes de Collantes Trinidad, Cuba
(042) 402-278

Hospedaje DemarisBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

This is certainly a unique experience in a "paladar" (Licensed private home) in Trinidad and the opportunity to meet the locals. Reservations are necessary (same day OK) and there is usually a few choices of home-cooked food with local beer or soft drink. It is a wonderful cultural opportunity. Oscar, the son of the residents, was super-welcoming and spoke fluent English. The home-cooked meal was simple and very tasty. If staying at the beach (a short ride), there is taxi service back in the evening. A memorable experience!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by travelman on March 17, 2001

Hospedaje Demaris
Calle C. Cienfuegos 71-B Trinidad, Cuba
419-4358

Santisima Trinidad ChurchBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Santisima Trinidad Church"

This church is the symbol of Trinidad just as the Eiffel Tower is of Paris. This city is the only UNESCO site (since 1988) in Cuba outside of Old Havana, and deservedly so. The church (1892) was a former convent called 'Antigua Convento de San Francisco de Asisi'. There is a minimal admission charge and one can climb up to the bell tower for an excellent view and photo opportunity. After 4 in the afternoon (when the last tour buses have gone), the domino tables come out on the square in front of this church. If you can schmooze a bit in Spanish, you may be fortunate to be invited to play a few rounds in a foursome. This is truly a peaceful colonial setting where time stands still.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by travelman on March 17, 2001

Santisima Trinidad Church
Off Plaza Major / Central Trinidad, Cuba

Embalse HanabanillaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Embalse Hanabanilla"

One can go on a group tour from the resort hotels or hire a driver in Trinidad for the day (in a jeep or a fifties or earlier car). Private guides speak American English and are licensed to drive tourists in "particulares" (private cars). Above and beyond Trinidad to the north lie the Escambrey Mountains. Further north on the road to Santa Clara is the Embalse Hanabanilla, a scenic reservoir and nature area. Santa Clara itself is a university city and home to the Che Guevara Museum.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by travelman on March 17, 2001

Embalse Hanabanilla
Between Trinidad and Santa Clara Trinidad, Cuba

Santeria IsraelBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is one of the most fascinating cultural museums anywhere. It is dedicated to the Black Madonna and the cult of Santeria, of Afro-Cuban origins. Much of the population of Trinidad originated in Jamaica and came as slaves to work the sugar-cane fields in the area in the 17th century. Senor Israel is also known as 'santero', el gordo' or 'el alto'. Explanation was mainly in Spanish but the place is well worth a visit for its uniqueness. It is located in a former sugar-baron mansion, of which there are many in Trinidad.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by travelman on March 17, 2001

Santeria Israel
59 Martinez Villera Street Trinidad, Cuba

About the Writer

travelman
travelman
toronto, Ontario
  • "love independentsolo travel with low structure - love cultural travel"
  • 16 journals
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  • 41 reviews

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