Cuba Colonial

Arrive in Havana at any time.

Heading east along the island, arrive in Santa Clara, a key city in the Revolution. Santa Clara is probably most well-known as the home of the statue of Ernesto Che Guevara at the Plaza de la Revolución. The remains of Che and his comrades who fell in Bolivia, are interred in the mausoleum at this site.

We continue onward to the colonial city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, and home to lovely Spanish-style churches and great museums. We are also near Playa Ancón, with long stretches of unspoiled, white sand beaches- an ideal spot to snorkel or swim. Get into the musical culture of Trinidad with two included salsa lessons.

Lying about halfway between Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey is known for its colonial past and its tinajones, large clay receptacles for holding water. Also a university town, it has a rich tradition in music and literature.

We journey east along the Carretera Central to Santiago de Cuba, known as the Cradle of the Revolution. This is the province where Castro began the struggle against the Batista régime. Santiago is also the home of traditional son rhythms, which gave birth to salsa music. There are many museums, colonial churches and historical buildings worth exploring, such as the Moncada Barracks, the site of Fidel Castro's first major attack on a key Batista government military garrison. We include a visit to Castillo del Moro, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Situated on a beautiful bay with the mountains of the Sierra del Purial in the background, Baracoa was the first settlement founded by Diego Velázquez in 1512. There are lovely historic buildings throughout the town, including forts built to withstand pirate raids. Outside of town the mountains and black sand beaches beckon to outdoor enthusiasts, with optional hiking excursions near El Yunque.

We depart Baracoa for our flight to Havana. One of the oldest cities in the western hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. It contains a wealth of colonial architecture, and the old city and streets around the malecon (ocean-side walkway) are best discovered on a walking tour. Take a salsa or music lesson, rent a vintage car or take a carriage ride through the old city. We spend our last night relaxing at the bars and clubs while listening to Cuba’s mesmerizing musical rhythms.