Tourist Hot Spots
A glance at “Trinity” Trinidad or “Trinity” in Spanish is the biggest and densely populated of the twenty-three islands that make up the country of Trinidad and Tobago. It’s a thriving island that has strong regional influences and a cosmopolitan population. Nevertheless, Trinidad is an unmatched town in Cuba for its exceptional charm and tranquility. Trinidad comprises one of the most excellent colonial hubs in the Americas, and has been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow, cobbled streets paved with “chinas pelonas” stones have been preserved with natural authenticity, and marvelously complemented with lined terra-cota tiled-roof houses in soft pastel colors. Wrought-iron fancy “rejas” or grills, turned wooden rods, and mahogany balustrades, front the exquisite buildings of Trinidad. Tiled-floor rooms connected by double swing half-doors or “mamparas” topped by “vitrales”, beautifully facet these buildings. These settings symbolize the place’s history and uniqueness, and allow every traveler to feel the true Trinidad spirit. During the day, tour groups pack the cobbled streets, amazed at the scenery and glancing inside living rooms filled with knickknacks and antiques. Some get engrossed watching mule-drawn carts and passing “vaqueros” on horseback. At night, the whisper of cool breeze flowing downhill breaks the silence, as it becomes a pleasure to stroll along the traffic-free stoned streets that makes Trinidad seem even farther from the 21st century. On the other hand, Trinidad also holds an attractive hotel infrastructure and entertainment services. Not to mention, the quality of service being like those of any major hotel of the world, with pure and fresh Caribbean air, open spaces, and very wonderful nightlife. They’re the perfect spot for leisure activities. The Surrounding Places of Beauty The city of Trinidad is among the most eye-catching tourism places of the island. The combination of folklore, culture, history, beach, city, and its surrounding stunning places complement one another. Snorkeling fans won’t be disappointed with Trinidad’s nearby thirty points of immersion, featuring shallow bottoms to appreciate the countless tropical fish species, turtles, gorgonias, shellfish, sponges, chelonians, and black coral. To the south, Ancon’s offshore holds over thirty dive spots, with an added attraction of sunken vessels. To the west, a road leads to the north and climbs precipitously into the Escambray Range, where one finds a swathe of Caribbean pines and profusion of ancient ferns, eucalyptus, and bamboo. Stunning valleys, caves, waterfalls, reserves, and other places of adventure, await every visitor in Trinidad’s surrounding places of beauty. Top Tourist Hot Spots Perhaps the most amazing aspect of the city is its adjoining destinations that a tourist can easily divert to. Although its colonial streets are the main draw, the city is ideally situated for quick trips to its beaches and the gorgeous surrounding countryside. The beaches are among the best on the southern coast, and the nearby countryside includes the Sierra del Escambray scenic valley and mountains that was once the home of sugar plantations in the 18th and 19th century that made Trinidad wealthy. Playa Ancon Although the beach can’t compare with Cuba’s prettiest beaches like Varadero, Cayo Largo, Guardalavaca, Cayos Coco and Guillermo; Playa Ancon is still an amazing and stunning beach, and has one distinct advantage over the others –its proximity to Trinidad. Playa Ancon is just thirteen kilometers from the city of Trinidad. It is a three-kilometer strip, found at the end of a peninsula. It’s a perfect beach for making easy morning or afternoon trips from the city, at the same time as providing beach lovers the convenience of staying at the place or visiting Trinidad whenever they want to. Adding to beach’s beauty is the line of palm trees that accentuates its off-white sand, while its good snorkeling and thirty diving sites that make it a diver’s haven. Cayo Blanco, a small offshore island known to be among the most excellent diving sites, featuring huge assortment of corals. Northwest from Playa Ancon, and about eight kilometers from Trinidad is La Boca. La Boca is a little fishing village popular as a great beach spot among locals. Not many travelers visit the village, although there is a few number of “casas particulares” that provide rooms for rent. El Valle De Los Ingenios “Valley of the Sugar Mills” or El Valle de los Ingenios was among the most productive sugar-cane growing areas of Cuba during the 18th and 19th century. The sugar trade during that time was the source of Trinidad’s wealth. Today, although the lush valley is no longer the “king of sugar trade”, which was once supported by sixty mills, is still a beautiful place to visit for delightful day trips. The place has been declared as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. Travelers can visit the place through a “1907 American steam train”, which is especially intended for tourists, and departs daily. The journey is to an old sugar estate called Manaca-Iznaga, which gets there in about thirty-minutes or so from Trinidad. Casa Hacienda, the old manor house of the place remains, and is presently quite a good tourist restaurant. The main attraction however, is its incredible forty-five meter high pointed tower, which was constructed in 1845. The tower was once the home of a huge hanged bell that tolled for the laboring slaves of the fields, signaling the start and end of the working day. Today, tourists can see spectacular views of the surrounding area through the tower, with just a $1 entrance fee. The train departs everyday at 9:30 in the morning, and returns at around 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon. Round-trip tickets are at $10, and can be bought from tour operators around Trinidad. Parque Nacional Topes De Collantes Northwest of the city, along treacherously curving roads, a stunning range that cuts across central Cuba awaits every adventuring traveler –the Sierra del Escambray. The Sierra del Escambray’s densely pine-covered mountains, holds an alluring resort park that’s definitely worth a visit. The Topes de Collantes National Park, covering 175 square meters, is the main attraction from Trinidad. It’s a refreshing and cool refuge from the city’s heat that typically scorches Trinidad’s cobbled stone streets. The area is also splendid for hiking; those seeking a little pampering for the body will find Soviet-style hotels that offer therapeutic spa treatments. Among some well-established trails, Salto de Cabuni is a very popular route. Tourist can start their hike near a graffiti-covered house called Casa de la Gallega, and complete the trail in a wonderful seventy-five meter waterfall and swimming hole. The adventurous traveler will find fair challenge through dense forests of eucalyptus, palm, and pine trees, with a few steep descents, which are often along narrow and muddy paths. The Topes de Collantes resort park is approximately twenty kilometers from the city of Trinidad. Guests are mostly Cubans, and only two of its four hotels accept foreigners –the Kurhotel and Los Helechos. Topes de Collantes and its impressive Vega Grande and Caburni waterfalls, natural mud treatments and thermal baths, along with its ideal places for trekking, hiking, horseback riding, and tracking, make it among the best tourist spots in Trinidad. It is possible to rent a car and travel around on your own, and the resort charges a $4 entrance fee. It is recommended that hikers sign-on for organized bookings, as several trails are not well indicated. There are also jeep excursions offered to Sierra del Escambray for about $25 to $40 fee for every person. The Asa Wright Nature Center This was a former coffee and cocoa plantation that’s been turned into 198-acre nature reserve. Located in the middle of the Northern Range of Trinidad’s rainforest, the center has fascinated naturalists from all over the world since the center’s founding in 1967. A lodge caters to birding tour groups, while a research station and several hiking trails is also within the property. The sanctuary includes Dunston Cave, the abode of a breeding colony of the elusive “oilbird” or “nocturnal guacharo”. Best Destination at the heart of Trinidad No matter how astonishing and spectacular nearby destinations in Trinidad can be; some of the best places to visit can be found in the city itself. Trinidad is often referred to as the museum city because of its countless remarkable museums. A good way to get the right bearings in Trinidad is to trace the path from Plaza Mayor. Plaza Mayor is the heart of the old town. Plaza Mayor The ornate 19th century Plaza Mayor is elaborately festooned with peaceful sitting areas, towering palm trees, statuary, and gardens enclosed with white wrought-iron fences. The plaza is one of Cuba’s most beautiful. Pastel-colored houses and splendid palaces that enhance the city’s colonial look, circle the Plaza. The Cathedral A cathedral can be found on the northwest corner of the plaza, called the Iglesia de la Santisima Trinidad, which many local refer to as “La Parroquail Mayor”. The cathedral itself is an attraction on its own, revealing a Gothic vaulted ceiling and almost a dozen striking carved altars. The cathedral can be visited from 11:00 o’clock in the morning to 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon, from Tuesdays to Sundays. The Palacio Brunet Plaza mayor’s highlight and the most evocative memento of the glory days of Trinidad, is its Palacio Brunet. The mansion dates back to 1704, and houses one of the notable museums in Trinidad –the Museo Romantico. The museum prides of an impressive collection of period antiques, gathered from several old Trinitario families, which believably summons a vision of the life of local sugar barons in the 1800’s. Be sure you don’t miss out on the huge “azulejo-encrusted” kitchen that has a “wood-burning” stove. Views from upstairs are wonderful. An admission fee of $2 lets you tour the museum for about forty-five minutes; the museum opens at 9:00 in the morning to 4:45 in the afternoon from Tuesdays to Sundays. The Sanchez Iznaga Mansion A squat, sky-blue mansion that belongs to the Sanchez Iznaga family can be found on the east side of the plaza. This mansion houses the Museo de Arquitectura Trinitaria, which feature fairly interesting exhibits that trace the city’s development. Exhibits include samples of ironwork and woodwork, photographs, and maps. The museum opens 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon, from Saturdays to Thursdays. Admission fee is at $1. Museo Municipal de Historia Formerly the Palacio Cantero -a palatial residence of the 1830’s built by a renowned sugar baron – the Museo Municipal de Historia displays antiques and 19th century furnishings, including bits and pieces from slave history. The museum’s highlight is the climb up rickety and narrow wooden stairs to the tower. The tower provides a perfect view of Trinidad and its surrounding area. Museum opens 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon, from Saturdays to Thursdays. Admission fee is at $2 that lets you tour the place for about an hour. Trinidad, an exquisite colonial city The city of Trinidad has preserved its days of prosperity in its historical, charming, and exceptional town features, and is simply among the finest colonial cities of the Americas. Contrary to its small size, Trinidad is one of the greatest attractions of Cuba. It serenity is soothing to many visitors, who keep coming back to experience the place time and again. |
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