Cuba is located in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Situated to the south of the USA and the Bahamas, east of Mexico, to the west of Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands and north of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, Cuba has a great choice of beautiful sandy beaches and attractions. Thousands of people visit Cuba every year for their summer package holidays and for their winter sun holidays.

Che Guevara Monument at Santa Clara

There are many attractions in Cuba, from the old colonial town of Havana to the Che Guevara Monument at Santa Clara to the vibrant town of Trinidad. Away from the towns, cities and beaches of Cuba there are some amazing natural attractions to explore, including biosphere reserves, national parks, mountain ranges and some stunning valleys with magnificent scenery just waiting to be discovered.

The following are just a few of the many natural attractions you shouldn’t miss when visiting Cuba.

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park – South-east Cuba
Dominated by the rivers that run down from the nearby parks, this is the most humid location on the island of Cuba, hence it is home to a rich and diverse range of trees and plants.

El Yunque Mountain

Baracoa – Eastern coast of Cuba
The city of Baracoa was the first settlement in Cuba and is where Christopher Columbus is believed to have originally landed on the island. This beautiful bay is surrounded by thick vibrant tropical vegetation and wildlife and is overlooked by the flat topped El Yunque Mountain. The mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views across the bay while the many rivers, 10 in total, enable visitors to explore by boat or raft. Named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park is a haven for walkers and hikers.

Cienaga de Zapata National Park – Close to the resort of Playa Larga
With an abundance of rich fauna and wildlife, this massive national park is home to the largest swamp lands in Cuba and is an excellent location for bird watching and fishing. Naturalists will love the mangroves, swamps and wetlands which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The nearby beach resort of Playa Larga, which caters mainly for scuba divers, makes an ideal base from which to explore the park.

Las Terrazas
Set in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, offering walking and hiking trails, lakes, swimming holes (cenotes) and excellent bird watching opportunities.

Sierra Maestra National Park

Sierra Maestra
The Sierra Maestra is the highest and longest mountain range in Cuba, offering amazing hiking opportunities for visitors to the island. A place of important historical significance for the Cuban people, this is where Fidel Castro and his followers used the high mountain caves to hid in during the revolution in the 1950′s. The mountain range stretches across three provinces and includes the Sierra Maestra National Park and the Turquino National Park both popular with walkers, hikers and nature lovers.

Topes de Collantes National Park – On the outskirts of Trinidad
Found on the dense pine-clad mountains of Sierra del Escambray, the Topes de Collantes National Park provides a welcome break from the hot busy streets of Trinidad. With well established walking trails and refreshing cool waterfalls the park is a haven for visitors looking for a cool, quiet retreat.

Vinales Valley

Vinales Valley – Located in western Cuba, the heart of Cuba
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this lush tobacco growing valley has amazing limestone cliff formations (mogotes) which rise out of the valley floor, offering stunning views across the valley. This breath taking valley, regarded as one of the most beautiful spots in Cuba, is the perfect location for walking, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, rock climbing and cave exploration on your travel deals to the island of Cuba.

The heart of Cuba beats in its capital Havana where beautifully restored classic 1950′s American cars glide slowly past shabby colonial buildings. Apart from its iconic capital Cuba has so much to offer, from magnificent sandy beaches to wild jungle and cities brimming with history and

Havana

culture. Every Cuban city from Havana, Trinidad and Santa Clara to Cien Fuegos offers a different experience on your bargain holidays to this amazing country.

History and Culture

Havana, the cultural heart of Cuba, is a fascinating capital city. Habana Vieja (Old Havana) is awash with historical, cultural and architectural sights including the 18th century Cathedral de San Cristobel, the Plaza de la Cathedral and the amazing well preserved and authentic town square. Havana became a well deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Other sites worth visiting are the museum and monument of Plaza de la Revolution in Santa Clara. Many people regard the town of Trinidad as a museum in

Plaza de la Cathedral

itself with quaint cobbled streets, amazing palaces and plazas and the World Heritage site of the Valley of the Sugar Mills. Embark on classic Cuban experiences by following in Hemingway’s footsteps, tour a cigar factory, sample some local rum and relax over a Cuban coffee in a shady plaza.

Beaches

Blessed with a warm tropical climate and lapped by the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, Cuba’s beaches are some of the best in the world. Varadero in the north of Cuba has over 14 miles of beautiful white sandy beaches which have a distinct Cuban flavour. The white sandy beaches of Guardalavaca are ideal for families as the stunning coral reefs keep the sea calm making it perfect for the whole family to enjoy swimming and snorkelling. The unspoilt small island of Cayo Santa Maria in the Jardine Del Rey Archipelago is perfect if you are looking for a quiet romantic retreat. The semi-deserted beaches of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve are a perfect choice for those private moments on a secluded beach.

Activities

Cuba has a vast array of activities and sports on offer. The list is endless with nature and eco-tours, excursions to sugar mills, cigar and rum

Cayo Santa Maria Cuba

factories, museums, art galleries, water sports, fishing, boat trips and amusement parks, there is something for everyone on their holiday packages to Cuba. Divers and snorkellers will be in their element in Guardalavaca where they will find coral reefs with caves and shipwrecks just waiting to be explored. Resorts such as Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Largo, Holguin and Santa Lucia attract avid divers for their warm waters and excellent visibility. With year-round water temperatures of around 24C and good coastal breezes, water sports fans can enjoy windsurfing, kite-surfing, parasailing, jet-skiing, aqua-biking, kayaking, canoeing and the family favourite pedalos. A popular activity in the beach resorts is swimming with the dolphins which enable you to get up close to these delightful creatures. Fishing boats can be chartered for deep sea fishing expeditions or you can just sit back and relax on a catamaran cruise along the coastline, stopping off for a picnic and dip in the sea at one of the deserted beaches along the way. Explore the island by bicycle, horseback, horse and carriage, motorbike or scooter.

Nightlife

The streets of Cuba spring into life at night with the sound of salsa echoing through the streets. Havana is the home of the world famous Tropicana nightclub where you can dance the night away or you can take in the amazing street parades and dance to the rhythmic beat of the Caribbean drums in Santiago. Guardalavaca offers nightclubs and beach parties or you can enjoy the more laid-back atmosphere of the restaurants, bars and shows in Varadero.

Covering nearly 80 square miles, Topes de Collantes (Collantes Highs) is a nature reserve park in the Escambray Mountain range in Cuba, 3 miles above the city of Trinidad. At nearly 2,600ft above sea level it is the third highest peak in the range with San Juan peak at 3,740ft and Potrerillo

Topes de Collantes

peak at 3,054ft higher. The Escambray Mountain range spreads across three provinces; Villa Clara to the north, Cienfuegos to the east and Sancti Spiritus to the west. The north face of the mountains are home to a variety of plants and animals while the much drier south face is home to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Trinidad City and Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills).

In 1954 the Cuban president built a massive sanatorium for tuberculosis patients in the area inhabited by coffee growers. It is believed that the president’s wife Martha became a victim of the disease and whilst at the sanatorium fell in love with the place, persuading her husband to build her a house in the area. After the revolution the hospital was used as a school and then in the 70′s it was converted into the Kurhotel specializing in rehabilitation and special therapies. Scattered throughout the seven storey high hotel you will find a huge collection of original Cuban art with than 750 pieces from Cuba’s most famous painters. In the 1980′s the Mountain Campus of Las Villas University was built here.

Tocororo bird

Many species of animals are found in the reserve including Cuba’s national bird the Tocororo, the Cuban Ivory-billed Woodpecker, the Cartacuba and some beautiful unique hummingbirds. When exploring this amazing reserve you will come across rivers, natural pools of crystal clear water, waterfalls, caves and if you are lucky enough to take your cheap holidays between June and September you will see hillsides covered in Cuba’s national flower the Mariposa (Butterfly Lily). This tropical rainforest boasts more than 40 indigenous species of orchid, 100 species of ferns with some more than 20ft tall, more than 40 species of coffee which grow in the shade of 130ft tall pines, West Indian mahogany, eucalyptus, banana trees, wild plantain, species of ginger, magnolias, jasmine and begonias.

There are lots of trips to be taken in the reserve including;

Paseo Ecologico – an ecology walk of just over half a mile which takes a path connecting the Kurhotel with the hotel ‘Los Helechos’. Along the walk you will see mariposa flowers and ferns under a canopy of pines and eucalyptus.

Parque La Represa – built around ‘Martha’s House’ on the banks of the River Vega Grande, the park is home to many exotic species and the tallest, oldest mahogany tree in Cuba.

Hacienda Codina – the estate has many species of orchids, medicinal mud baths, medicinal and ornamental gardens and Altar’s Cave which has a secret passage which ends with amazing views of Trinidad and Ancon.

Topes de Collantes waterfall

Parque Codina – ideal for camping and birdwatching with many hiking trails to caves and waterfalls with numerous viewpoints along the way.

Parque Guanayara – this park is home to the Cascada El Rocio waterfall, canyoning cascades, camping, hiking trails and swimming opportunities.

Caburni Falls – a 2 mile hike, through coffee plantations where you will see traditional farmer’s houses, to the Caburni River which falls over a 203ft rock wall into a series of pools.

La Batata – a scenic walk which ends in an underground river-cave system with natural ponds.

This is just about as close to nature as you can get so don’t miss a visit to this amazing nature reserve park when on your last minute holiday deals to Cuba, wonderful memories of Topes de Collantes Cuba will live with you for ever.

The island of Cuba is located in the Caribbean, between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The United States and the Bahamas lie to the north of Cuba, Mexico to the west, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands to the south and the Dominican Republic and Haiti to the southeast.

Cuba is a popular Caribbean destination for direct holidays, particularly with nature lovers due to its well preserved ecosystems, amazing landscapes and its huge array of flora and fauna. The Cuban archipelago is home to more than 6,500 species of higher plants (50 percent of which are native), 650 vertebrates including 350 species of birds and more than 14,000 species of invertebrates. Cuba is also home to the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird and the world’s smallest frog which is just 12 millimetres long.

Cuba is blessed with lush green tropical forests with rare orchids, dry mountain areas with prehistoric cacti, mangrove everglades which are home to manatee and flamingo’s, wetlands and hummocks (earth mounds) which guard fossilized plants such as the cork palm.

Follow the hiking trails and nature paths to explore this truly amazing island. The following are just a few of the ecotourism highlights not to be missed on your package holidays to Cuba.

Sierra del Rosario

The Sierra del Rosario – Biosphere Reserve
Located at the eastern part of the Guaniguanico Mountain range between Pinar del Rio and the Havana provinces. Houses the Santo Tomas cave system and Soroa-Las Terrazas.

The Guanahacabibes Peninsula – Biosphere Reserve
Located in Pinar del Rio Province on Cuba’s westernmost point. Protected areas include La Guabina and Mil Cumbres.

The Zapata Peninsula Nature Park – Biosphere Reserve
Located in Matanzas Province, this is the largest wetland in the Caribbean. Home to La Boca crocodile farm, Laguna del Tesoro and the Amerindian Village, Caleta Buena, Playa Giron and Playa Larga.

Zapata Peninsula Nature Park

Baconao Park – Biosphere Reserve
Located about 12 miles from Santiago de Cuba city. Home to La Gran Piedra, the ruins of Cuba’s first French coffee plantations.

The Guamuhaya Mountain Range
Home to Topes de Collantes Tourism Complex, Zaza, Tunas and Lebridge wild animal reserves and El Nicho.

The Guaniguanico Mountain Range
An agricultural heartland with unusual rock formations surrounding the Vinales Valley.

Baracoa
This is where Christopher Columbus first set foot in Cuba. Virtually untouched by civilization, the area is marked by Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Yunque de Baracoa, the Toa, Miel and Yumuri Rivers and Maguana Beach.

Sierra Maestra

Sierra Maestra
Home to the islands historical hideouts, the area covers Desembarco del Granma National Park, Pico National Park, Marea del Portillo and Santo Domingo-La Sierrita.

Sierra de Cubitas
Stretching from El Paso de los Paredones to Hoyo de Bonet to Cayo Ballenatos and the protected area in the northern Camaguey Keys.

Pinares de Mayari National Park

Northern Holguin
Includes Pinares de Mayari National Park and Guardalavaca-Estero Ciego.

Havana is home to many restaurants serving a wide range of cuisine. The following are just a few of the many restaurants to try when visiting this amazing city.

La Guarida in Central Havana

La Guarida Havana

La Guarida is found on the top floor of a dilapidated Havana tenement building. Dining here is an amazing experience with the food being served here being some of the best in Havana. The restaurant attracts many well known celebrities and dignitaries as seen in the rows of pictures hanging on the restaurant walls. The cuisine here offers a blend of Nueva Cocina Cubana and international dishes including such dishes as papaya lasagne with chopped sea-fish, sea bass in a coconut reduction, tuna with sugarcane glazed in coconut, grilled red snapper with yucca, chicken in honey and lemon sauce, rabbit in olive oil and rosemary, pork medallions in mango sauce and watermelon gazpacho with shrimps. To dine at what is regarded by many as the best restaurant in Cuba on your bargain holidays to Cuba, be sure to make a reservation well in advance as this very popular restaurant has limited seating.

Los Nardos
Be careful not to miss this popular restaurant which is located opposite the Capitolio. Los Nardos is a semi-private restaurant which is operated by the Spanish Asturianas Society. Delicious dishes such as authentic Spanish paella, lobster in Catalan sauce and garlic prawns with vegetables and pork and chicken dishes are served in mahogany and leather surroundings. Meals here are large in size but very cheap in cost.

La Fontana
Giant portions of char-grilled meat and fish are served at this villa-cum-paladar (small family-run restaurant). Be careful not to have too much of a starter, including crab with eggplant, quail eggs and fried chickpeas, as the main courses are so large you need to leave room for them!

El Aljibe
This humble Palmares restaurant is popular with both local people and foreign visitors. The restaurants signature dish is roast pork (pollo asado) served with all you can eat helpings of black beans, white rice, plantain, French fries and salad served with a bitter orange sauce (secret recipe).

Al Medina
The Al Medina serves Middle Eastern cuisine including chicken tagine, lamb couscous, spicy Lebanese sumac and a filling veggie platter with hummus, tabouleh, dolma, pilaf and falafel.

El Templete
This is a more upmarket seafood restaurant which overlooks the harbour. The restaurant consists of an indoor eating area with starched

El Templete Restaurant Havana

tablecloths on the tables and a more relaxed outdoor eating area under a large awning. The main specialities here are shrimp and lobster dishes. El Templete is much more expensive than previously mentioned restaurants.

La Torre
Offering amazing panoramic views of the city, La Torre is located at the top of the 36-storey Edificio Focsa in downtown Vedado. The French inspired menu offers everything from foie gras to almond tart. La Torre is a top class restaurant which charges top prices.

Las Orishas
If you like rumba music this restaurant is the place to eat at weekends. Enjoy a reasonably priced meal varied menu here at Las Orishas which has a nice bar in a courtyard decorated with brightly coloured Afro-Cuban sculptures.

The above are just a few of the many exciting paladars and restaurants in Havana, there are many more for you to try whilst visiting this fascinating city. Havana is also home to many cafes not to be missed on your cheap holidays to Cuba. Try the dozens of different types of coffee whilst relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere at these laid back cafes.

Yesterday, 7th August 2011, 61 year old American Diana Nyad set off on her attempt to be the first person to swim from Cuba to America without the protection of a shark cage. Setting off from Havana late last night, Ms Nyad hopes to arrive in Key West Florida on Wednesday.

Back in the 1970′s Ms Nyad was one of the world’s greatest long-distance swimmers but she failed in an earlier attempt back in 1978 when she was 28 years old. After retiring from competitive sport some 30 years ago, Ms Nyad is fulfilling a lfelong dream to swim the 166 kms of shark-infested waters between Havana in Cuba and Key West in the US.

For the 3 day swim she will be accompanied by support boats carrying a medical team, nutritionists and a shark protection team. Two kayaks, equipped with underwater electrical shark shields and a team of divers who can jump into the sea and keep sharks at bay if the shields fail, will paddle alongside her at all times. Ms Nyad will have no sleep for the three days and will pause briefly in the water every 90 minutes to be fed through a plastic tube.

Australian Susan Maroney completed the swim in 1997 at the age of 22 but she had the added protection of a shark cage.

Good Luck Diana

Last minute holidays to Cuba are always available throughout the internet.

The tiny island of Cayo Santa Maria is one of Cuba’s best kept secrets. Located in the Atlantic Ocean to the north of Cuba, Cayo Santa Maria is just 8 miles long and a mile and a half wide, about a third of the size of the Isle of Wight. Cayo Santa Maria is part of the Jardines del Rey Archipelago which translates as Gardens of the King. A thirty mile long causeway, that took nearly ten years to build in the late 1990′s, joins the island to the mainland and to the islands of Cayo Las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos.

Cayo Santa Maria

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island is blessed with beautiful pristine beaches, waters that are as warm as bath water and an amazing rugged interior brimming with nature.

In the north of the island you will find hotels and nearly ten miles of beautiful secluded beaches backed by sand dunes and lush mangroves. Here you can sunbathe or take a swim in the crystal clear calm waters. As you relax and soak up the glorious sunshine pink flamingos will look-out at you from the surrounding greenery and pelicans will swoop down to catch fish in the sea. Take a boat trip further out to sea and you will see colourful fish swimming among the coral reefs and may even be lucky enough to see some turtles or dolphins. The coral reefs here are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. The island has a ‘clothing optional’ beach for naturists lovers which is located at the west end of the hotel Sol Cayo Santa Maria beach.

The south of the island is a maze of creeks and lagoons, mangrove swamps and palm-lined grasslands.

Most people dine at their hotel but there are beachside grills which serve freshly caught seafood, some Japanese sushi bars and some Italian trattorias. Most Cuban food includes meat, especially pork and ‘congri’ which is rice and black beans, usually served with fried plantains and sprinkled with bacon. The hotels on the island provide most of the nightlife including pubs, clubs, karaoke nights and salsa evenings. Dance the night away on the sand at one of the beach bars, not forgetting to sample the amazing cocktails, or just take a romantic stroll along the sandy beach.

If you are looking for last minute holiday deals for rest and relaxation on beautiful sandy beaches then Cayo Santa Maria is the place for you.

There are always great travel deals to the small but perfect Cayo Santa Maria on offer throughout the internet.

If you are looking for a quiet romantic beach holiday then Jibacoa is just the place for you. Located just 38 miles from Havana, Jibacoa offers beautiful secluded Caribbean beaches which are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Popular with couples looking for a relaxed holiday in Cuba, the resort is set on a stunning bay and offers accommodation to suit all budgets.

Jibacoa Beach itself is a secluded sheltered beach with low cliffs and beautiful green surrounding hills. Other beaches in the area include Puerto Escondido, El Abra and Boca de Jaruco. The beautiful clear blue warm seas and coastal breezes make perfect conditions for water sports at the beaches. These include diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing and catamaran cruises. There are lots of dive sites, offshore reefs, shipwrecks and deep caves for scuba-divers to explore. Non-divers can enjoy snorkelling along the coastline which is teeming with colourful exotic sea life. For a great day out on your bargain holidays take a deep-sea fishing excursion or a relaxing boat trip.

Jibacoa has some beautiful countryside to explore, from green valleys and citrus plantations to tobacco fields and from tropical wildlife areas to areas offering stunning views. Visitors can explore the surrounding area by car, bicycle, horse-back or walking. Explore Cuba’s historical capital city Havana and the charming town of Santa Cruz and even take a romantic catamaran cruise to Cayo Blanco. For more great days out take a tour of a cigar factory, taste samples in a rum museum and enjoy a journey back in time on the Hershey Electric Railway.

Hershey Electric Railway

During the day hotels offer Spanish lessons, dance lessons and games. Most of the hotels in Jibacoa offer live shows, discos, themed evenings and other evening entertainment along with excursions to the famous Tropicana Nightclub in Havana.

Jibacoa enjoys very little change in the temperature throughout the year. Winter temperatures average around 28C with summers seeing average temperatures of 30C. With long sunny days and warm waters, Jibacoa is perfect for beach holidays at any time of the year. Trade wind sea breezes help to keep the humidity down, especially during the winter months. Winter and spring are probably the best times to visit as humidity is lower than in the summer, rainfall is also lower and temperatures still hover around in the late 20′s. Christmas, New Year and Easter are also excellent times to visit Jibacoa.

Due to the fantastic tropical climate that Jibacoa enjoys, there are always plenty of great last minute holidays available to the resort all year round.

If you haven’t been to Cuba on holiday yet then you’re missing out!

There are lots of old cars in Cuba

Think of Cuba and most people tend to think of cigars, Castro, colonial buildings, rum, salsa and old 1950’s cars.  Although all of these things are integral to Cuba’s wonderful character there’s much more to explore in Cuba.  In the last ten years, Cuba Holidays have grown in popularity, partly due to a large amount of investment into the tourism Cuba has to offer by the government there. There are some amazing modern beach resorts, plenty of things to do and see, and wonderful weather and climate with approx 300 days of sunshine a year.

The largest island in the Caribbean, Cuba offers average temperatures in the mid 20C’s and above and plenty of cheap holidays and flights from many international destinations.  Flights from the UK are available with many of the international carriers such as British Airways and Virgin Airways.  Cuba is currently one of the best value destinations in the Caribbean for many travellers, with a fully all inclusive luxury beach holiday to Varadero for 7

sandals royal hicacos resort cuba

nights for example costing from only £699 and plenty of last minute holiday deals available.

Havana is the capital and holidays here are lively and full of the famous Cuban vibe.  Beautiful old faded colonial buildings line the streets here giving it a unique presence and one that is full of culture.  Wander down the old fashioned streets and admire the grand old buildings.  Don’t forget to catch a famous salsa night whilst here either. If relaxation’s more your thing on holiday why not stay in Varadero, Cuba’s famous beach holiday destination complete with stunning white beaches and clear blue sea.  A number of holiday operators and hotels in Cuba now offer all inclusive holidays enabling you to relax and unwind, sipping local cocktails on the beach whilst watching the world go by. Playa Pesquero and laid back relaxation in Guardalavaca are the order of the day if its recuperation that’s needed.  Snorkelling and diving are also very popular in Guardalavaca due to the amazing coral reefs that lie just off the shore here.

So why visit Cuba?

Cuba holidays are distinct and highly memorable.  More than just a beach holiday they create a chance to peek inside the extraordinary history of this island which in itself offers a unique blend of sunshine, sea, unusual culture and Cuban characteristics that you just wouldn’t get cheap holidays to other places such as Ibiza, the Canary Islands or the Maldives.  If you’re looking for that something extra, a little bit more than just a wonderful beach holiday or a lively break away, then Cuba combines both of these plus added extras and could just be the holiday for you.

Trinidad is found at the foot of the Guamuhaya mountain range in Cuba’s Sancti Spiritus province on the Caribbean coast. The town is like a large museum set between the sea and the mountains in central Cuba. Not only is the town steeped in history and culture, it also offers a great range of hotels, restaurants, bars, museums, beaches and the never ending hospitality of the local people.

Trinidad

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 the cobblestone streets, squares, pastel coloured houses, palaces and plazas here seem to have stepped back in time. To take in the amazing sights the town is best explored on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. Guided tours are probably the best option so that you don’t miss any of the amazing sights.

There many wonderful sights to see in and around Trinidad.
Close to Trinidad is the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) which is also a World Heritage Site. Here you will find La Torre Iznaga, a

La Torre Iznaga

148ft tower which was built around 1840. Originally built to watch over the slaves who worked in the cane fields and mills, the tower gives amazing views over the valley including the ruins of 70 centuries old sugar mills.
Casilda Bay offers beautiful sandy beaches, warm clear blue waters, excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities and a nearby islet with pristine beaches for all the family to enjoy.
The Roman style Yayabo Bridge was built in the 19th century and symbolizes the city of Sancti Spiritus, the capital of the Sancti Spiritus province.
Trinidads 17th century Iglesia Parroquial Mayor (Major Parish Church) is Cuba’s oldest church and is a fine example of Spanish-Arab influence. The Milagroso Cristo de Vera Cruz (Miraculous Christ of Vera Cruz can be found here in the parish church. This is a bow ornament from a Spanish galleon that landed here in the 18th century. The Ermita de la Popa church was inspired by Spanish maritime traditional, hence it was built on the road up to La Vigia in Trinidad so that it could be seen from the sea. The Spanish influence and Spanish colonial architecture comes from the families who emigrated to Cuba from the Canary Islands and set up homes and tobacco

Topes de Collantes

 growing businesses in San Jose de Lago.
In the mountains, about 12 miles from Trinidad, is Topes de Collantes, one of Cuba’s premier ecotourism centres.

This charming colonial town is a must visit on your package holidays to Cuba.

There are lots of last minute holidays to this amazing country, Cuba will not disappoint you with all it’s history and culture just waiting to be explored.