Planning a trip to Cuba
Trinidad is a small city in Cuba which has its very own unique look and atmosphere. Cobblestone streets and colorful houses characterizes this place. It’s also the most East of Cuba the majority of the tourists will go to.
Trinidad at night
The city really comes to life after 4 PM, the sun is slowly coming down and the colors stand out more. At night both the Cubans and the tourists gather at the Casa de la Musica on the steps next to Plaza Mayor. Many mojitos will be drunk for only 3 CUC each. And if you’re open to it, the Cuban men are more than happy to dance Salsa with you. Even though I’m a terrible dancer, this guy spun me around with ease, the key is to just get into the flow with them. The men will probably tell you some words of love, don’t be offended or put of by this. It’s the Cuban way.
Where to eat
The most recommended place is La Botija, both the Lonely Planet and any casa particulares will tell you to eat here, and so do I 🙂 For a good reason too, the food is the best I had in Cuba with an extensive menu there is plenty to choose from and all reasonably priced too. Come to eat before 6PM and there will be a table ready, after 6 PM you’ll have to wait in line. No reservations can be made.
Playa Ancon
To visit Playa Ancon I rented a bicycle at my casa particulares for 6 CUC (good bike with gears). It’s about an hour cycling to Playa Ancon, first you come through the town La Bocca, then along the coastine with multiple stretches of sand to stop along the way. At a certain point I passed a beach where it looked like the road ended. From here I walked for 5 minutes through the vegetation along the beach and made it back to the road to cycle further. Finally stopped at the beginning of Playa Ancon. I had to pay 1 CUC to park my bike but I could use the umbrellas for free. This was beautiful long beach, even my favorite in Cuba. Later I heard from other travelers who took the taxi to the end of Playa Ancon that it wasn’t nice at all there (small beach and dirty), the total opposite as what I experienced, so it helps to cycle!
Topes de Collantes
To visit Topes de Collantes I booked a tour with Trinidad Travels for 55 CUC, more expensive than the one at Cubatur, but smaller groups which I prefer. Our guide spoke very good English and was more than happy to answer any questions we might have about Cuba. I sure took this opportunity to ask a lot about the people, the rules and the life here.
We went to the part of the National Park called Guanayara. Here we walked down for 1.5 km to a waterfall where we stopped along the way at a cave and another waterfall El Rocio. At the end I jumped into the fresh water pool before climbing back up. With 20 degrees Celcius it was a bit fresh but still very nice to swim in the middle of the mountains. After lunch there was a last stop at a viewpoint overlooking Trinidad, Playa Ancon and all its surroundings.
Where I stayed
Casa Sofia is my favorite casa in Cuba. It’s not in the Lonely Planet but I’m so glad I stayed here. The owner Yeni speaks English and will do her upmost best to make you feel welcome, arranging anything you might need and starts of with a complimentary cool lemon juice. The breakfast was also the best; pancakes, omelette, bread, juice, cake, fruit, perfect to start the day. This casa also has its own wifi hotspot.
Casa Sofia, 220 Simon Bolivar street (btwn Frank Pais & Clemente Pereira str), http://casasofia.zohosites.com, casasofia220@gmail.com, 41-99-36-31. Price 30 CUC (double), 5 CUC for breakfast.
Related posts
