Trinidad, Cuba
TRINIDAD, CITY OF MUSEUMS
UNESCO declared Trinidad a World Heritage site in 1988.
Founded in 1514, this colonial town is nearly frozen in time. Original cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, pulled thread garments and table cloths blowing in the wind reminds one of its past. Pottery has been made here for over 400 years and there are still many places to see the craft and purchase pieces. Around the Plaza Mayor you will bear witness to the wealth of the land owners as this was a center for trade in sugar and slave during the 17th-19th century.Called the City of Museums, a visitor has many options to choose from.
Inglesia y convento de San Francisco is home of the Museo de la Lucha Contra Bandidos. The Church Bell tower, dating from 1853 is the symbol of the city and offers a fine view.
The Museo de Arqueologia Guamuhaya occupies an 18th century building where the famous German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt once stayed. Casa de Aldeman Ortiz an example of 19th century architecture is home to an art gallery of local artist and handicrafts, Museo de Arquitectura Colonial illustrates the main features of Trinidad architecture in the beautifully restored Casa de los Sanchez Iznaga.
Casa de la Cultura Trinitaria an event space where many concerts, dances and show are held.
Museo Historico Municipal once a mansion belonging to Don Borrell y Padron, one of the major figures in local sugar production. In 1841 the house was purchases and renamed Palacio Cantero and transformed into a sumptuous Neo-classical residence.
Palacio Brunet the The Romantic Museum was built in 1812 as a residence for the wealthy Borrell family. The decorations of the mansion blends in well with the objects on display most of which belonged to Mariano Borrell, the family founder.
Many of the museums and sights border the central square, Plaza Mayor.
Inglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad. The Church of the Holy Trinity was built in the late 1800’s on the site of a 17th century church that had been destroyed by a cyclone.
La Casa de la Trova offers live music venue and dance.
Trinidad Tours
Private English speaking Guides.
Transportation in Classic American Car with AC (when 4 or more, a van or classic van(according to your preference) is available for groups up to 9.)
Itinerary subject to change according to weather, ship or flight delays and each locations hours of operation.
In the case of visitors who come on a cruise, it is recommended to adjust the duration of the tour according to the time you arrive and your length of stay.
All Cruise Passengers will be returned to the port before departure time.
Recommended to bring on any tour selected… bottle of water, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight rain jacket. And of course, local currency to purchase food and souvenirs.
Tours are kid friendly, though not wheel chair or handicapped accessible.
Please remind your guide if you want time to stop at local artist galleries and artisan shops.
CITY TOUR COLONIAL TRINIDAD
6-7 Hours from Cienfuegos or Santa Clara (Can be arranged from Havana. Email for cost and time needed. Over night stays can be arranged.)
$150 per person (2 person min.)
This tours allows more time in the city with time to visit several museums, visit with private shopkeepers and tour out to the bay for lunch is an option.
Panoramic drive to Trinidad
On the way to Trinidad, stopping at a farmer’s stand to taste exotic fruit.
Walk through the historical center of the city of Trinidad
Visit museums at time permits (entrance fee covered)
Lunch (One hour, on your own, cost additional, guides can recommend) Or choose to lunch on a nearby beach at your leisure.
CIENFUEGOS CITY AND COLONIAL TRINIDAD
6-7 Hours from Cienfuegos cruise terminal, airport, hotel or Casa particular.
$150 per person (2 person min.)
Havana pickup can be arranged, email for availability info.tourlocalcuba@gmail.com Overnight stays recommended and can be arranged.
Panoramic drive along the Paseo del Prado, one of the most beautiful Malecons in all of the island.
On the way to Trinidad, stopping at a farmer’s stand to taste exotic fruit.
Walk through the historical center of the city of Trinidad
Also known as the city of museums, choose one to explore (entrance fee covered).
Lunch (One hour, on your own, cost additional, guides can recommend)
Back in Cienfuegos, the walking tour begins at the Benny More’ statue.
On our walk down the pedestrian Boulevard we will pass many shops.
Our walk continues past a cigar shop on the way to Jose Marti’ Plaza to see the iconic sights of Cienfuegos: City Hall, Tomas Terry Theater, The Arc of the Workers, the Cathedral de la Purisima Concepcion, Founder’s house and Ferrer Palace. Climb the wrought-iron spiral staircase of the Ferrer Palace for a panoramic view of the city.
SANTA CLARA, Villa Clara province.
Trinidad’s capital is the city of Santa Clara, considered an important junction through which passes the central highway, the national highway and the central railway line.
Inside the historic center of the city of Santa Clara, the Vidal Park stands out.
Around this park is located buildings which transcend as exponents of diverse architectural codes, dating from colonial, neoclassic, eclectic up to postmodernism. This variety of styles can be distinguished in buildings such as the De La Caridad Theatre, the House of Culture, the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Jose MArti’ library.
Iconic sights in the city to see are the Armored Train Monument, Monument to Commander Ernesto Che Guevara and the, Fountain of the Boy with the Unfortunate Boot.
THE THREE CITIES
CIENFUEGOS, TRINIDAD, SANTA CLARA TOUR
7-8 hours pickup from Cienfuegos, Trinidad or Santa Clara
$225 per person (2 person min.) Can be picked up from Havana. Email for availability
info.tourlocalcuba@gmail.com An overnight stay is recommended.
Driving tour of Cienfuegos along the Prado through Punta Gorda to Trinidad
An orientation walk through the historical center of the city of Trinidad.
Mountainous drive from Trinidad to Santa Clara
Lunch (additional cost)
In Santa Clara a drive past the most important sites of the city
On the way to Cienfuegos stop for a view of a Sugar Mill and its history
In Cienfuegos a drive past Jose’ Marti, City Hall, Terry Theatre
If time permits coffee at the top of the Union Hotel for a roof top view