Things to see and do Central

The historical and architectural heart of Trinidad, the Plaza Mayor (the former Plaza Fernando VII, Plaza de la Constitución, then Plaza Serrano), constitutes one of the most homogeneous sets of the colonial period in Cuba. Elegant and distinguished with its pastel tones, it concentrates the most beautiful colonial mansions built between the 18th and 19th centuries by the great local families, some of which have been transformed into museums. Today, the house of the magistrate Ortíz houses the Guamu-haya Archaeological Museum (on the west side of the square, on Calle Martínez). The Museum of Trinitarian Architecture is housed in the Sánchez-Iznaga house (south of the square). The Romantic Museum is located in the heart of the Counts of Brunet's palace (northeast, corner of Bolívar and Echerri streets). In addition to the church and the beautiful buildings of undeniable character that surround it, its royal palms and cobbled streets complete the ensemble perfectly. It is truly one of the most beautiful squares in Trinidad, if not in Cuba, and when a beautiful sunset or full moon comes along, memories are guaranteed... On weekends and holidays, this is also where all the Trinitarios go. So come by on a Saturday afternoon, then in the evening, to observe the social life of the city: sellers of toys and other sweets, children running around, families celebrating a birthday, teenage love affairs in their infancy, old people taking the cool of the evening... The whole society is there!

Located 5 km west of the four hotels that follow each other along the northern beaches of the cayo. A bar dominates the entrance to this large deserted beach of fine sand. But once past the bar, it's guaranteed tranquility! This magnificent beach with crystalline waters has the advantage of being protected from the wind but is especially far from any construction, once past the bar. A real lost paradise. A favorite ! After the passage of Irma, the authorities have added sand on the beach to give it back its former splendor and it's a success!

Entirely reserved for pedestrians, this pretty square built in the 18th century - Plaza del Carmen means the Square of Charm in French - is surrounded by pastel-colored colonial houses and pretty little restaurants. Note the elegant lamp posts, the famous tinajónes (huge earthenware jars), but especially the statues of Martha Jimenez, an artist recognized by UNESCO for her ceramic works, which embellish the whole. Her bronze statues represent historical characters of the city (the water seller in tinajones, the couple of lovers, the newspaper reader who is the only living character represented) or imaginary figures such as "the celestial gossips" who are sitting seemingly in the middle of a gossip session... If you sit on the free chair and ask them to grant a wish, your wish will come true. This superstition, created by Martha Jiménez Pérez, is a way to make passers-by participate in this work of art. Afterwards, you can believe it, or not.

Nearby, visit the beautiful Baroque church of Carmen with two bell towers (19th century), the only one in the region. Completely restored in 2002, it adjoins the Ursuline convent, dating from 1829, whose patio with beautiful arcades invites meditation. After the departure of the sisters to Havana, the convent sheltered hurricane victims and a school for the poor. The premises now house the offices of the city's official historian.

At the end of Cayo Guillermo, there is a superb beach with ultra fine sand and crystal clear waters. The setting is wild and sublime. It is certainly the most beautiful beach of Cuba, and the favorite of Hemingway, great connoisseur of Cuba. Being very exposed to gusts of wind, we do not recommend visiting the beach on days of high winds. Head for Playa Flamenco, on Cayo Coco: sheltered from the wind, it is the ideal beach to spend the day in these cases and it is almost as beautiful as Playa Pilar! A certain idea of paradise.

Inaugurated on December 28, 1988, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the battle of Santa Clara, it is the only museum dedicated to Che. Photos, objects, documents and videos evoke his life from his birth to his death. His remains and those of seven companions assassinated in Bolivia on the orders of the United States, were transferred there in 1997, for the 30th anniversary of their death. In the memorial, we can see the coffins of Che and all his companions. It is rather sober but moving.

This site, chosen in 1819 to establish the new French colony, is the heart of the historic district. A rose window on the ground indicates the place designated by de Clouet. You will see the Triumphal Arch (1902), the only one of its kind in Cuba, and the white marble statue of Martí (1906), both commemorating the birth of the Cuban Republic. Two lions standing on high pedestals protect the entrance. You can also admire the majestic buildings surrounding the square. Ideal to sit in the shade and enjoy the moment.

You will not lose anything on the exchange… seen the quie of the place, the finesse of its sand and the colour of its water. This small corner of paradise is the perfect starting point for the other beaches.

Built in 1885 (inaugurated on September 8) at the request of Marta Abreu de Estévez, who was also responsible for the construction of the first free clinic in Santa Clara in 1878, the Teatro de la Carida (Theatre of Charity) is decorated with paintings by the Spaniard Camilo Zelaya. It is worth noting that the first temple in the city was located here: the Ermita de la Candelaria. Plays are regularly performed here and every Thursday night at 7 pm a concert is held in the entrance of the theater. The guided tour is interesting and highly recommended.

The stony path climbs dryly to the top. Once there, the watchman of the antenna may offer to give you a quick overview of the place. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, this watchtower was mainly used to warn the city of attacks from pirates or foreign powers. The panorama is truly breathtaking over Trinidad, the Sierra del Escambray, the Valley of the Ingenios and the Ancon peninsula. From the center of Trinidad, it takes 30 minutes to walk the 1.5 km of road with good shoes.

Housed in an old colonial house, built between 1827 and 1830, the museum features magnificent neoclassical murals by Cuban and Italian artists. It traces the history of Trinidad since its foundation: Indian archeological finds, the slave trade, the development of the sugar industry, the struggle for independence undertaken by the Trinitarios and other significant episodes in the city's culture, society and economy.

Wonder among wonders, the Nicho is one of the main jewels of the Escambray Valley. Little frequented by tourists who prefer to visit the valley from the south side, the site is most often immersed in a tranquility conducive to delight. Three waterfalls form magnificent natural pools that invite you to swim and enjoy the clarity and softness of the water. At the top of the hill, the view over the valley is breathtaking. A small corner of paradise 46 km east of Cienfuegos (vehicle required).

Integrated in the Natural Park Punta Hicacos, the Delfinario (Delphinarium) of Varadaro is a well-known tourist activity of the region, and this since 1984. Here you can see daily shows of dolphins (a dozen in all) performing all kinds of antics. The space consists of a large pool surrounded by lush vegetation. You will also have the opportunity to swim for 15 minutes with the dolphins. An activity that will delight the little ones. Rest assured, the dolphins are very well treated.

Also called Parque Céspedes, but better known as Parque Central, it is the privileged meeting place of the inhabitants who walk there or settle on the benches quietly evoking the subjects of the day in the shade of the trees strategically planted. A booth sometimes hosts rehearsal of musical groups. Just a few steps away from the Etecsa telephone center for those who don't have smartphones.

Inaugurated in 1890 on Verdi's Airs's airs, the voice of tenor Caruso will also resonate in the enclosure. Declared a national monument - it's one of the three major provincial theatres - it bears the name of a great music connoisseur in the region. Admire the beautiful circular fresco decorating the ceiling and symbolising the Seven Muses. The sites are still home to the most prestigious shows in the region. A café with the same name is beside it. Often very lively, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. with shows in the evening from 22 p. m.

With its 70 m depth, this fresh water hole gives direct access to the deepest cave in Cuba. This geological wonder is the result of plate tectonics. It communicates with the sea through a maze of underwater caves. Bring your masks and snorkels to explore the clear waters and greet the many fish that call this place home. Once the swimming session is over, two options: a hammock break in the middle of the tropical vegetation or a second underwater session at the beach located 200 meters away.

Built in 1918 according to the canons of the Art Nouveau style, the Palacio Ferrer is an emblematic building of the main square of Cienfuegos. Today it houses the House of Culture (Museum of Arts), with its more or less open tower and spiral staircase. The famous tenor Enrico Caruso stayed there during his stay in the city. Numerous thematic exhibition rooms. Superb view of the city and its bay from the mirador.

Easy access walk despite the relatively steep slopes. Immersion with happiness in the very rich flora (orchids, tree ferns, pines, eucalyptus). Perhaps you will cross the tocororo, the national bird, with its red, white and blue feathers. Once you arrive, admire the waterfall that flows for 60 meters along the rock face. It is also possible to take a swim in the natural pool beforehand. Don't forget to buy your ticket at the reception hall located 20 minutes walk upstream from the beginning of the course, under penalty of a fine!

It is possible to visit the palace-restaurant of the Hotel Jagua. A real jewel of the 19th century, it alternates and combines Byzantine, Moorish, Venetian, Gothic and Baroque styles... In short, the architect had a lot of fun.

Good plan for an aperitif. Recently restored, this small palace is the ideal place to have a drink at the end of the day. The beautiful terrace, also renovated, has a refreshment bar, and above all, it offers a superb view of the bay. For a little more atmosphere, live bands play at the end of the day and in the evening.

Built in 1713, the Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad was destroyed several times. It was rebuilt in the 19th century, with the final inauguration in 1892, and is a mixture of neoclassical and Greek styles. If the exterior of the church is remarkable, linger inside as well: the precious wooden Christ, which was originally destined for the city of Vera Cruz in Mexico, is impressive. Note also the beautiful ornate altar.

Located in the former convent of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the museum recounts the fighting in the 1960s between the national revolutionary militia and the enemies of the revolution, who operated in the mountainous areas of the Escambray (the main theater of counter-revolutionary resistance). Photos and testimonies maintain the myth of the barbudos. On display are a marine launch and part of the U2 (U.S. spy plane) shot down by the Cuban army in 1962.