Cuba, Trinidad – A Colonial Gem among Cuban Cities
The driver then drove on rough paving in Trinidad's center. Till today I have been wondering how this car couldn't have broken apart. Anyway, we reached our future accomodation at Casa los Mangos which is within 15 minitues of walking distance from Trinidad's city center.
Right upon arriving at Triniddad, we were shocked by the sheer amount of stands selling food. There were large quantities of fruits, vegetables, sausages, smoked meat products and candy. It is one of the richest cities in the area. It came to its riches thanks to sugar cane. Local nobility occupies houses around Plaza Mayor square. Its palaces makes it one of the most beautiful squares in Cuba. In the year 1988 it was put on UNESCO's world heritage sites list.
First, we set off to see the belfry of St Francis of Asisi church (Covento San Franciso de Asís). Here you would get an amazing vista over colorful Trinidad and even see the Sierra Escambray mountains in the distance. These mountains rise to 1000 meters of altitude and features coffee plantations. The mountain range is situated within Gran Parque Natural Topes Collantes nature park. A trip there is possible only with a guide. Still, many tourists seek to visit the 75 meter waterfall on the Caburni River.
Once we toured the cloister, Plaza Mayor square was our next point of interest. There you may find the local cathedral (Parroquial Mayor). We made a short brake in the park in the middle of the square. It was such a hot day. There is a huge staircase right next to the cathedral with live music being played there constantly. If you pay 3 CUC (around 66 CZK) you may even connect to the internet. Many tourists simply sit around here while getting ready to continue in their walks around the city and its magnificent palaces which mostly house museums.
On the following day's morning, we couldn't wait to get to the sea. Our experiences of ugly Playa Larga made us worried what would be waiting for us this time. However, one we get to Playa Ancón we were silent with we. It was as if we were in paradise. Water is crystal clear and also the warmest we had experienced in Cuba. Beach sand was absolutely white and fine, palm leaves were rustling. Absolutely perfect. Moreover, we had the beach almost completely for ourselves. The sea was perfect for some snorchl diving and you would see fish of all shapes and sizes hustling around small cliffs. On some places you could see a clam or two, or a cancer. To us, this beach could easily sit next to the famous beaches of Varader. We felt sorry that we couldn't have spent more time in Trinidad.
GPS: 21°48'17.1"N 79°59'04.6"W
Text and photos: Veronika Schubertová
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