DISCOVER CIENFUEGOS, EL NICHO, TRINIDAD AND CAYO GUILLERMO IN CUBA

Besides the best spots and activities in and around Havana and Vinales, you want to diversify your stay in Cuba and add some more awesome places to your itinerary? Would you like to discover other typical colonial towns, taste the best lobster, see a magical waterfall and the most spectacular beach? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you should not miss these spots and activities in Cienfuegos, El Nicho, Trinidad and Cayo Guillermo.

Cienfuegos 

The Pearl of the South, Cienfuegos is a small colonial town founded by the French which the historical center is classified UNESCO World Heritage. It concentrates many notable buldings and monuments such as Jagua Fort or Jose Marti Park and has a very pleasant waterfront called Malecón. The town is vibrant and puts you in a good mood by its colorful colonial buildings and classic cuban cars. It has its own “stuck-in-time” atmosphere with communist bars, shops with just a few merchanise and the influence of the favourite guerilla – Che Guevara. 

El Nicho 

Located in the Sierra del Escambray mountains not far from Cienfuegos, El Nicho waterfall is considered the most beautiful waterfall of Cuba. El Nicho is actually a series of waterfalls and consists of some river pools where you can dive in. The road that leads there is scenic, you get immediately immerged into lush greenery. It is possible to book a half-day excursion from a tourist agency in Cienfuegos or Trinidad. We had a rental car so we were free to do it on our own which is probably the best option to avoid crowds and to do it in your own timing.

Trinidad and Playa Ancon 

We arrived to Trinidad just before the sunset. I got a crush on this town! Just walking in the streets that have a colonial character is simply incredible! Almost every household leave their doors open, it feels like watching a telenovela 🙂 And add to this tasting a delicious (and cheap comparing to european prices!) lobster, sleeping in authentic casa particular and heading to the nearby beach the next day – priceless !

Cayo Guillermo

Before leaving to Cuba, I read a lot of recommandations about Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo and saw the pictures showing paradise beach with endless white sand. I absolutely wanted to go there no matter what and wasn’t disappointed! The first thing to know is that the only option for staying overnight is an all-inclusive hotel. Plus, it is better to book through a travel agency (we made a booking for two nights in Trinidad) as they have better prices and may have more choice than through booking portals. Just to remind you that Internet in Cuba is not widespread and the booking institutins such as Booking, Hotels or AirBnb do not work that well. We didn’t have major problems with AirBnb though and could purchase an internet ETECSA card to connect in public places, mostly in public parks or squares. 

Havana, ooh na-na, half of my heart is in Havana, ooh-na-na… The famous Camila Cabello’s song says it all. Half of my heart is in Cuba to be more precise 🙂