Cienfuegos and Trinidad

For our week long spring break trip sponsored by the Pitt in Cuba program, we went to Cienfuegos and Trinidad. I think that Frank, the Pitt advisor here with us, felt bad about the failed outcome of our last planned trip to Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa so this time he pulled out all the stops. Both cities are on the south coast of Cuba and are known (and recognized by UNESCO) for their well preserved colonial architecture and culture. Our tour guide was a man named Jorge, as native of Cienfuegos he was full of facts and able to answer all of our questions… he also was also incredibly friendly and fun to chat with. This trip was very refreshing and a needed escape for our entire group.

The first stop was 2 and a half days in Cienfuegos: we stayed in a hotel with a beautiful view of the bay, explored the city and buildings including an incredible theater, boat cruise of the bay, yummy food, hung out in the main square (of course named after Jose Marti), sunset mojitos at a bar on the roof of an old palace, visited one of the largest botanical gardens in the Caribbean, walked to one of the above ground cemeteries (Cienfuegos is like New Orleans... due to the water table, all graves are above ground), drooled over the sailboats in the marina at the fancy country club, and went bowling (Cuban style) in town.

The rest of the week was spent in Trinidad: our hotel was an all-inclusive beachside paradise on Playa Ancon… the best beach on Cuba’s Caribbean coast, lots of beach time (obviously), friendly game of pool volleyball with others at the hotel, delicious all you can eat food and endless drinks, guided tour of town, adventure to Topes de Collantes (Part of the Escambray Mountains… hiking, wildlife, swimming in the waterfall, gorgeous views, and fun car rides on winding climbing roads), more exploration of the city, museums, artesian markets, presentation on Santeria, quick visit to one of the neighboring small fishing villages, and a trip to Igznaga Tower (old sugar plantation valley… climbed the tower, beautiful views, tried the traditional sugar cane juice and bought the famous handmade table cloths from pushy vendors).

Trinidad is my favorite big city in Cuba. Cobble stone streets lined with a mix of bright and fading mismatch colored buildings, white sand beach to the south, mountains and valleys to the north, friendly people, and a super relaxed atmosphere.