A seven-day tour of central Cuba gives you a great chance to discover much more about the history, colonial architecture and stunningly beautiful scenery in destinations such as Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Cayo Santa María. This tour allows you to explore the best bits of each city, with a perfect combination of culture, nature and traditions.
Two days in Cienfuegos
The journey begins in Cienfuegos, affectionately named “The Pearl of the South” thanks to its elegant architecture and picturesque beachfront promenade. After your arrival, spend the afternoon strolling around José Martí Park, surrounded by majestic buildings such as the Tomás Terry Theatre and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. In the evening you can enjoy the sea breeze on the Malecón seafront promenade and have dinner at a restaurant overlooking the bay.
The second day in Cienfuegos should be spent focusing on exploring its natural environment. You can visit the Botanical Gardens, one of the most important in the whole of Cuba thanks to a huge variety of tropical species, or the Guanaroca Lagoon to take a boat ride and get a close-up look at the pretty flamingos. Make sure your itinerary includes a visit to Punta Gorda, where you can admire the beauty and enjoy all the services of the Palacio de Valle, an architectural treasure with Moorish influences, now converted into a gourmet restaurant.
If you’re an adventure lover, another option is to book an excursion to El Nicho and a tour along the hiking trails of the Sierra del Escambray mountains.
The hotels La Unión Affiliated by Meliá and Meliá San Carlos are the recommended accommodation options in the region, both allowing you to make the most of your time and explore the city.
A visit to the Museum City of Cuba
Trinidad, the next destination, is a colonial treasure declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Soak up the exciting atmosphere with a walk around the cobbled streets and a visit to the Plaza Mayor as soon as you arrive. In the afternoon visit the Romantic Museum or the Cantero Palace to learn more about the history of the region. And in the evening enjoy traditional Cuban music at the Casa de la Música, a perfect place to dance the night away beneath the stars.
The fourth day will be spent exploring the surrounding areas around Trinidad. Visit the Valle de los Ingenios, an area that was the heart of the sugar industry with fascinating ruins of old sugar plantations and the iconic Manaca Iznaga Tower.
For your accommodation we recommend the Meliá Trinidad Península in Playa Ancón, somewhere where you can savour delicious dining options, relax in the crystal-clear waters, enjoy superior-quality services and have fun with an extensive entertainment programme. End the day with a dinner of fresh fish and succulent seafood alongside the sea.
From Santa Clara to Cayo Santa María
The fifth day begins with a trip to Santa Clara, a city that was extremely important in the history of the Cuban Revolution. On arrival visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum and monument to the Taking of the Armoured Train, both sites of significant historical importance. Explore the Parque Vidal and the surrounding colonial-style buildings in the heart of the city before continuing your journey to Cayo Santa María.
Spend the next two days relaxing on the shores of this stunning island in direct contact with nature. We recommend you book excursions such as the sun cruise or jeep safari, allowing you to explore the heart of the destination. Don’t forget to look at our choice of hotels in the region, providing a wide range of options for every type of traveller.
This seven-day tour of central Cuba is ideal for anyone aiming to discover all the historical wealth, natural beauty and colonial charm so characteristic of Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santa Clara, along with all the magic of a destination such as Cayo Santa María. Each of the different cities and natural areas offers unique experiences, guaranteed to create unforgettable memories of your stay in the heart of the island.
