Excursions from Trinidad in Cuba
My first excursion from Trinidad consisted in renting a taxi and proceeding to the Valle de los Ingenious. This site was at the heart of the sugar industry in the 18th and 19th centuries with the largest sugar cane plantations in Cuba. Thousands of slaves worked on it.
Amazing view
On the way, we stopped at the Mirador de la Loma with a spectacular view on to the entire valley.
By the way, the taxi driver spoke fluent German as years ago he had worked in a factory in the DDR. He was actually really content to speak German again.
Torre Iznaga
At the site, I found the 45 meters high former watchtower; the well preserved colonial villa Manaca Iznaga; and a market selling mainly embroideries.
And, I finally found some cows which are such a rare sight in Cuba. Ranchers to not have it easy in Cuba due to government regulations.
Getting to the valley by train
Another way of getting to the site is by this ancient train. It departs from Trinidad and passes through amazing scenary and sugar cane plantations.
It is for sure a lot of fun but I preferred to have my own transportation.
Side tracking this excursion from Trinidad
As I had my own wheels, I could move around independently discovering a number of unexploited ruins. They gave me a little hint of long gone wealth.
The little chap was very eager to show me around this ruin.
Excursions from Trinidad
I then proceeded to San Isidro de los Destiladeros. This site portrays another example of the wealth generated by the sugar plantations operated with slave labor.
Albeit, what is left today are the remnants of an impressive owner’s house; a three-story tower; cisterns; the main sugar manufacturing plant; ancillary buildings and dikes.
Legends
It is said that the owner was so rich that he wanted to pave the villa with Spanish gold coins.
However, he was reprimanded as that would have meant that people would be walking on the image of the Spanish King.
More legends
According to locals, the owner buried his enormous wealth somewhere on the property. It is said, that at night his ghost haunts the area trying to get the soul of a living person in exchange for his gold.
Amazing tree
Look at this tree! I loved the rather sad and expressive facial expression engraved on its stem.
Excursion from Trinidad to Iguana Island
Another endeavour I undertook was a day trip on a very large catamaran to Iguana Island. I boarded the vessel at the marina close to Playa Ancona some 15 minutes by car from Trinidad.
Iguana Island has a shaded picnic spot where lunch is served. It also has a number of sun beds to chill out for a couple of hours before heading back.
Surround the island
You can walk the entire island in about half an hour. However, there are a couple of muddy spots with plenty of vegetation making it somewhat difficult to get pass.
Caretaker of the island
This guys takes care of the island. He puts out the sunbeams; cleans up after the tourists leave and gets the kitchen in order. Maybe the most important thing he does is to take of the iguanas.
Although, he lives on this tiny island all by himself he seemed to be a happy camper. I guess the daily visits from tourists keep him company.
Provisions arrive by boat
He gets his food delivery by boats like mine together with whatever else he needs.
In addition, he does have some essentials such as drinking water and electricity generated by a little generator.
Iguanas everywhere
One thing is for sure, the leaflet of the tourist office was right. These lizards are everywhere and there is a lot of them.
Visitors will not complain of any lack of them especially when lunch arrived.
Excursions from Trinidad included a day trip to Topes de Collates
My next excursion from Trinidad was a hike in Topes de Collates in the Escambray Mountains. My transportation was this old Russian truck. I was a bit worried as well functioning breaks are paramount to survive the mountainous road. Mind you, I could have taken a regular bus.
Bring a windbreaker
A little tip if you opt for this tour. Bring a jumper because between the altitude and the open truck moving, it does get a bit chilly.
Sanatorium and coffee processing place
Before getting to our hiking site, we stopped over at a government sponsored sanatorium. Next was an old coffee processing place to taste the excellent Cuban coffee. There was also a mini museum explaining the origins of coffee and how it got to Cuba.
Starting the hike
The initial part of the hike was an easy albeit steady uphill walk. We passed through the local flora and fauna to a farmer’s house with its little orchard.
El Tocororo
On the way we were lucky to spot the rather evasive El Tocororo. It is considered Cuba’s national bird as its colours reflect the national flag. According to locals, its love for life in freedom is so strong that if encaged it will fly against the bars of the enclosure until it dies.
Day trip from Trinidad to Salto del Caburni
After a while we reached a point from which we had to descend vertically hundreds of meters. The majority of the path was on very unstable rocky ground. A pair of good walking shoes turn out to be very useful here.
Not easy but worth it
Finally, we got to the base of the waterfall of Caburni and the little pool. The beauty of the place repaid us for our effort. Luckily, I had brought my swimsuit to refresh myself in the rather cold water. Obviously, the way back up was just as strenuous.
Conclusion on my excursions from Trinidad
I really enjoyed all the day trips I undertook from Trinidad and would recommend them anytime. I also really liked the couple of restaurants I visited.
There are more posts on this location and for more tips on Cuba click on tips and What to Pack, Cuba visited as a sole female traveller
My destinations in Cuba were Havana, Trinidad, Vignales, Cienfuegos, Varadero, Santiago de Cuba
Enjoy the reading!
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