Things to do — Central Cuba

Central Cuba offers exceptional diversity of experiences for a relatively compact region. In Trinidad (3 nights recommended), explore the UNESCO historic centre: Plaza Mayor, Palacio Cantero (Museo Histórico Municipal, climb the tower for the panoramic view), Palacio Brunet (Museo Romántico), Casa de la Música every evening on the Plaza Mayor steps. Half-day at Ancón beach. Excursion to the Valle de los Ingenios on the tourist train (€15-20, 6h) with a stop at Manaca Iznaga. Hiking at Topes de Collantes (El Nicho waterfall, €30-40 excursion).

In Cienfuegos (1 night), discover the French neoclassical centre: Parque Martí (central square), Teatro Tomás Terry (19th century), Catedral de la Purísima Concepción, Palacio de Valle (Moorish architecture on the bay, panoramic restaurant with terrace). Sunset walk on the cienfueguero Paseo del Prado. Possible excursion to the Cienfuegos botanical garden (Cuba's oldest, 1899, 17 km away) or to Cayo Largo del Sur (coral island accessible by 1h flight, paradise beaches, diving).

In Santa Clara (1 night), visit the revolutionary sites: Che Mausoleum and Memorial on Plaza de la Revolución (monumental statue of the Comandante, remains repatriated from Bolivia, free museum with passport), Armoured Train Museum (legendary episode of the 28 December 1958 battle). For nightlife, Mejunje (legendary LGBTQ-friendly club across all Cuba) and Club Boulevard on Parque Vidal liven up the evenings.

In Sancti Spíritus (optional, 1 night), discover the third colonial city founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514: Iglesia Mayor (the oldest Cuban church), Yayabo bridge (Cuba's oldest bridge, 1825), little-known baroque historic centre less touristy than Trinidad — recovered authenticity. The region also hosts the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos, Zapata peninsula), historic site of the failed 1961 CIA invasion — small museum at Playa Girón, diving and snorkelling possible in the cenotes.