Hidden Cuba

17th February 2022

Cuba is like a prince in a poor man’s coat: behind the sometimes shabby facades, gold dust lingers. It’s these rich dichotomies that make travel here the exciting, exhilarating roller-coaster ride it is. Trapped in a time warp and reeling from an economic embargo that has grated for more than half a century, this is a country where you can wave goodbye to everyday assumptions and expect the unexpected. It has many hidden places to explore.

First up is the city of Baracoa. Known as the first city founded in Cuba by the Spanish colonisers, Baracoa dates back to 1511. Despite being considered one of the most beautiful areas of the island, Baracoa is not a well-known tourist destination because the city was only connected to the rest of the country in 1965 (it’s in the East and was pretty isolated). Today, a winding road traverses the atmospheric 575-high mountain range that separates it from the rest of Cuba. The views alone are worth the trip.

Next up is Remedios. The 8th oldest city on the island, Remedios’ rich history and culture earnt it the status of National Monument in1980. The city’s central plaza is truly unique, as it’s the only one on the island to feature two churches – one dedicated to Cuba, and the other to Spain. Like most of the historic city centre, these two churches are exemplary relics of Cuban colonial architecture. The town is home to a number of remarkable casas particulares (private home-stays) which allow you to immerse yourself in Remedios’ colonial enclaves. A relatively unknown gem, Remedios’ popularity is on the rise – so make sure to visit soon before the town begins to crowd with tourists!

Now for El Nicho Waterfalls. Shrouded by the thick jungle of Topes de Collantes Natural Park, the jade-green waters of El Nicho Waterfalls are just an hour away from the beautiful coastal town of Cienfuegos. Quite literally off the beaten track, visitors must trail a (short!) journey across rustic bridges and through the Cuban boscage to reach this dream-like oasis. Plunge into El Nicho’s cool crystalline waters, or enjoy a pounding hydromassage against its foamy-white cascades! Climb up to a breathtaking observation point, or take a romantic stroll to the ‘lovers den’.  A visit to El Nicho is – without exaggeration – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Camaguey is located right bang in the centre of Cuba, making for the perfect stop-over on the way to any number of destinations. A city of horse-drawn carriages, strolling troubadours and pastel-coloured colonial houses, Camaguey is arguably one of Cuba’s most overlooked gems. There’s an old-time vintage glamour to the city, upheld by the resident Camagueyanos, who are known to have the most refined speech in all the island, and to be amongst the most educated and learned of Cubans.

The diamond of all hidden gems, the Cienaga de Zapata (Zapata Swamp) is a peninsular region on the southern coast of Cuba. Home to a mysterious lagoon, a replica indigenous village, the infamous Bay of Pigs, a hidden fish cave and even a crocodile farm. Just a two-hour drive from Havana and Varadero respectively, this is a lesser-known destination that will make a wealth of difference to your Cuba trip. Far away from the tourist hoards, you can snorkel with tropical fish, dive inside a weathered shipwreck, pet a baby crocodile and visit military relics from the Bay of Pigs invasion – all within a 30-mile radius.

And finally a really good but really inexpensive restaurant, a little off the beaten track.

What could be more pleasant than an excellent meal on an organic farm in the Viñales hills? Given that it’s run by a family, Finca Paraiso Agroecologica is the kind of place you should make yourself at home. Sit back, relax and focus all your attention on the beautiful views and the wonderfully fresh ingredients in the meal you’re eating. Why not try their ‘anti-stress cocktail’ while you’re at it? A blend of herbs, anise, coconut milk and rum. The restaurant specialises in brilliant Cuban and Caribbean cuisine. To die for!

We hope you have enjoyed your virtual tour of Hidden Cuba! To get you further in the mood to visit this fabulous island, why not click here to see our listing of ten great books set in Cuba?

Tony for the TripFiction team

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