As mentioned in my previous blog post – Things to Know About Cuba – the Havana, Varadero, Trinidad triangle is a popular choice for visitors. And so, after Havana and the Viñales Valley, I found myself relaxing in Varadero and hiking in Trinidad. It has been an amazing 10 days in this country (although I am writing this after I left Cuba), and I have learned a lot about Cuba. I must say, all in all, it didn’t disappoint. Although, was Varadero and Trinidad really worth a visit? And how was the hiking in Trinidad?
I should mention, that after Trinidad, I had a few more days in Old Havana. And staying at the beautiful historic A|S Boutique Hotel added a final touch of luxury to my travels. Experiencing this luxurious, art-focused, and intimate hotel located in the historic San Isidro district of Old Havana couldn’t have been a better finale for my Cuba trip.
So if you ever need a more detailed itinerary on how to experience Cuba in luxury, please let me know. I can recommend the best locations, hotels, and restaurants and make your trip truly unique and unforgettable.
But let’s go back to relaxing in Varadero.
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Relaxing in Varadero
Varadero is located just two hours east of Havana and is known for its crystal clear waters and stunning beaches. After all, it is part of the greater Caribbean region. Unfortunately, I arrived on a stormy afternoon, so I had to wait another day to experience this beautiful part of Cuba, but it was certainly worth the wait. My days, relaxing in Varadero, were great!
Stretching along 20 km of Atlantic Ocean coastline, Varadero is lined with hotels and restaurants, although, the whole peninsula still felt quite secluded. And quiet. I chose a small boutique hotel and felt as though I had the place to myself. There were hardly any guests, the staff were very attentive, and I had direct access to the beach. Not to mention breakfast with a view! It was a perfect opportunity to fully relax in Varadero, enjoying some well deserved beach time. What an incredible find and beautiful spot in Cuba.
It was absolutely stunning and definitely one of the best beaches I have seen in Central America so far (and I know there are more beaches to come). But, when in Cuba, you can’t miss Varadero.
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Trinidad
The drive from Varadero to Trinidad took just over four hours and was quite easy. As mentioned before, I had organised a taxi upfront, and the driver was very professional. We drove past rice fields, overtook plenty of horse carriages, and passed tiny, very simple villages. The scenery changed between Cienfuegos and Trinidad, when I had my first glimpse of the Topes de Collantes mountains. I was really looking forward to hiking in Trinidad.
Considered one of the prettiest towns in Cuba, Trinidad was certainly quite colourful. But that was about it. There were a few cobblestone streets filled with souvenir shops and local art, but nothing particularly different from what I had already seen in Havana. After visiting Granada in Nicaragua, I already knew that the write-up would likely be bigger than the actual town. So I mainly came here for my hiking tour and to report back to you.
My hike to the waterfall was great, but unfortunately, Trinidad has become a ghost town. And the few tourists who are there (including myself), are hassled by locals trying to make money. It was a shame. You could tell this used to be a very pretty and vibrant town.
Personally, after spending time with my amazing guide, I learned a lot about Cuba and its people. It was really, really interesting to hear his stories. And while I was sitting in my hotel with more or less nonstop electricity, I found out that most people are sitting in darkness and without power for days at a time. Blackouts in Cuba are quite common and are becoming more frequent, which is also keeping tourists away.
Trinidad – to go or not to go?
Personally, I think you can give Trinidad a miss, knowing that once you have been to Havana, you have seen the best of the best in Cuba. Although the locals in Trinidad might not agree. They much prefer living in Trinidad than Havana. So I have been told.
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And so..
One thing is certain about Cuba, regardless of the lives they are living, I found the people here to be very friendly and always smiling. Whether you are in Havana, Varadero or hiking in Trinidad, that is what I will remember most about Cuba. Along with the beach and my time relaxing in Varadero, of course!
However, after 10 days in Cuba, and the lack of produce, I felt like I’ve been on a detox. And so I must admit, I was very much looking forward to some croissants, French wine, and cocktails inThe Bahamas. Not to mention simple things like sparkling water! Nevertheless, Cuba was an amazing trip and experience, and I really enjoyed it here. Especially Varadero. The beach there is just unbelievable!
One last tip for Cuba: please don’t buy any cigars from random vendors on the street. They are not selling real Cuban cigars! They are, however, certainly the biggest hasslers in the tourist areas.
I hope you enjoyed my three blog posts about Cuba and found them very informative. I’m happy to answer any questions or queries, so feel free to send me an email anytime. All in all, Cuba was truly a great experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who is after a unique trip experience!
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