6 TALENTED ARTISTS IN TRINIDAD CUBA

Whilst exploring the colourful cobbled streets of Trinidad’s UNESCO historical centre you will find an explosion of craft and art shops featuring inexpensive and attractive reproduced paintings and prints. These good quality prints are ideal as Cuban souvenirs and gifts; however, Trinidad is home to many extremely talented artists creating original and high-quality artwork and it can be a challenge finding their galleries. Here is a selection of art galleries, in Trinidad declared a World Craft City in 2018, you should make an effort to visit while you are in Trinidad, Cuba:

1.       RAMSES MARRERO CONCEPCIÓN GALLERY

Ramses Marrero Concepción influenced by Impressionism is an Abstract Lyrical artist creating explosive pieces of art with the use of vivid colours. His artwork includes paintings of ocean landscapes, portraits and expressions. His recent project has been a bit controversial as he has traversed into new ground by highlighting the beauty of the female genitals in his work. His work has captured the interest of many on Instagram.

Gallery: Calle Simón Bulevar (Desengaño), corner of Calle Gloria, Trinidad, Cuba.

Ramses Marrero Concepción

https://www.instagram.com/ransex_visuart/

https://www.facebook.com/rances.marreroconcepcion

2.       YUNIESKY FERNÁNDEZ FRIAS GALLERY

Yuniesky Fernández Frias’ passion for fishing is extremely evident in his artwork. His time on the open water is a time for reflection, to scrutinise on everyday ironies and transmit what he learns from the sea through his paintings. Yuniesky produces original and symbolic pieces of art, conveying messages from the times that we live in onto salvaged pieces of wood from old fishing boats. Yuniesky displays and works from his peaceful gallery which he opened around 2 years ago in Trinidad; he has been painting for around 16 years.

Gallery: Fernando Hernández Echerri 60, between Piro Guinart & Ciro Redondo, Trinidad, Cuba.

 

Yuniesky Fernández Frias

https://www.instagram.com/yunieskyfernandezfrias/

https://www.facebook.com/yuniesky.fernandez.58

3.       GATO NEGRO OPEN STUDIO

Gato Negro Open Studio is all about breaking barriers within the world of art and culture in Trinidad, Cuba. The studio which opened in May 2018 provides an incredible space for local talented artists to showcase their original artwork. It also aims to offer regular art experiences by holding musical concerts, interactive exhibitions, theatrical performances as well as creating a space which encourages cultural exchanges with local artists. The studio features the artwork of Miguel Angel Valdivia Ramos, Yasiel Elizagaray & Edras Francis.

Gallery: Calle Simón Bulevar (Desengaño) 356, Trinidad, Cuba.

Gato Negro Open Studio

https://www.instagram.com/gatonegrostudio/

https://www.facebook.com/gatonegro.cuba/

4.       YASIEL ELIZAGARAY GALLERY

Deep and intense compositions; Yasiel Elizagaray’s work has a way of reaching out and penetrating you, leaving you mesmerized and wanting to stare at it for hours.  Yasiel himself questions his style, but it is an eclectic mix of styles. Depending on his state of mind, he throws in elements of his time in the theatre, of when he began painting landscapes, there are touches of Fauvism, some would say that his work is raw or grotesque however, the style he feels he relates to more when he is creating his work is Expressionism.

Gallery: Alameda 210, between Cristo & Amargura, Trinidad, Cuba.

 

Yasiel Elizagaray

https://www.instagram.com/yasielelizagaray/

https://www.facebook.com/yasiel.elizagaray.7

5.       YUDIT VIDAL FAIFE CUBAN ART STUDIO

Yudit Vidal Faife, one of Trinidad’s highly acclaimed artists, opened her gallery in Trinidad in 2010. Her motivation comes from dreams and stories that materialise all around her; from everyday life, personal life experiences, as well as personal anguishes. Trinidad is brimming with history and tradition, this reflects in Yudit’s artwork, which is strikingly linked to local legends, to the spirits and the ghosts, the slaves and the owners of the magnificent 18th century houses found all around Trinidad today, which she believes are kept alive and protected because of the spirituality locked up inside them.

Gallery: Calle Simón Bolevar (Desengaño) 294, Trinidad, Cuba.

Yudit Vidal Faife

https://www.instagram.com/yuditfaife/

https://www.facebook.com/YuditVidalFaife

https://www.facebook.com/CubanArtStudio/

6.       LÁZARO NIEBLA GALLERY

Lázaro Niebla, a photographer and an artist, has a keen eye for detail, a talent for capturing heartfelt expressions of people on the street and recreating their portraits on beautiful pieces of antique recycled wood. He predominately captures images of older people, as their expressions are so full of life, and the detail of their expressions are captured beautifully on wood. Extraordinary and fabulous pieces of art.

Gallery: Calle Real 11, Trinidad, Cuba.

Lázaro Niebla Gallery

https://www.instagram.com/lazaroniebla/

https://www.facebook.com/lazaro.niebla

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

6 MUST DO ATTRACTIONS IN TRINIDAD CUBA

You can see why Trinidad was declared World Craft City in 2018, it is a city rich in tradition, legends, history, culture, architecture and is surrounded by natural beauty; beaches, mountains and valleys. Check out why Trinidad has captured the heart of many travellers and has become a firm favourite of mine and everybody that visits us in Trinidad:

1. TRINIDAD HISTORICAL CENTRE

Trinidad, located on the central south cost of Cuba, is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas; declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. It never fails to amaze me, I love walking around its charming colonial cobbled streets and admiring its architectural treasures. When I stroll around Trinidad’s historical centre, I feel like I am walking through a living museum with its beautiful palaces and mansions. It is easy to watch daily life pass you by as this is one of the only historical cities where many locals still live within the old town.  The locals are proud of their heritage and traditions so take the time to sit down in one of its lovely plazas, listen to the gossip on the street and find a local to talk to about the legends of the past. Trinidad’s historical centre is also the place to be at night with its lively bars, excellent live musical performances every night and rich collection of restaurants serving delicious traditional cuisine in beautifully restored casas. 

Plaza Mayor Trinidad Cuba

2. TOPPES DE COLLANTES

When you visit Trinidad, I recommend you set aside at least one day to visit one of the beautiful national parks located in the Toppes de Collantes highlands where nature tourism is really taking off in Cuba. It is an invigorating day out, where you can walk amongst the leafy trees and beautiful landscapes, learn about the local flora and fauna, and even get to dip in one of the refreshingly cool waters of one of the many waterfalls found in the 200 square kilometre Guamuahaya mountain range. There are various options, some walks easier than others: El Cubano, Caburní, Vegas Grandes, Guanayara Park and you can even get to El Nicho from Trinidad. 

Toppes de Collantes Cuba

3. PLAYA ANCÓN

Even though Cuba’s Varadero has been named as the 3rd best beach in the top 10 Traveller’s choice beaches in the World on TripAdvisor, I still love the Caribbean waters on the Playa Ancón peninsula; around 15km from Trinidad town.  It is well worth a visit as it boasts beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear blue waters, so calm you can see your foot clearly in the water.  If you have transport; a bike or a car, you can also explore the coast line between La Boca and the beaches of Playa Ancón on the Peninsula. You will find cute small beaches “playitas” along the coast where you can stop and relax, sit under the shade of the handmade canopies “bohios” and even go snorkelling around the rocky shore line. Not all of the playitas have places where you can buy refreshments but at “La Batea” you will find a small restaurant where you can buy refreshments and sometimes even hire snorkelling equipment, you will also find men taking care of the playitas and charging a small fee to look after your car or bike.

4. VALLE DE LOS INGENIOS (SUGAR MILLS VALLEY)

Valle de los Ingenios also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site is located to the north east of Trinidad city. The fertile lands of this area were of great importance during the sugar “boom” which enabled Trinidad to prosper and grow into the city we see today. The Valle de los Ingenios is of particular architectural and historical importance as it is home to a collection of traditional sugar mills and stately homes. You can visit this area by car or by train. If you visit by train you will get to visit the Manaca-Iznaga estate and majestic tower as well as an old sugar mill factory. If you visit this region by car you can visit Manaca-Iznaga but I also recommend you include a visit to one of the other areas of interest; the sugar mills valley mirador, Guámaro, Palmarito, San Isidro and Guachinango.

Torre Manaca Iznaga Cuba

5. TELECOMMUNICATIONS MIRADOR / VIEWPOINT 

If you are feeling active climb up to the telecommunications tower at the top of the hill behind Trinidad’s historical centre and get an amazing view of the valley, the city and the coast. An amazing place to watch the sunset and get lost in time. If you climb the hill during the day, it can be hot so take water and wear a hat. If you go for the sunset, there is no lighting on the way down so remember to take a torch with you.

Telecommunications Mirador Trinidad Cuba

6. STAY IN A CASA PARTICULAR

One of the best experiences in Trinidad is to stay at one of our many Casa Particulares where you get to experience a little of every day life in Trinidad. Hosts are super friendly, offer all kinds of tips and local information and can help organise your activities whilst in Trinidad. I love sitting down and chatting to the hosts and finding out about their lives in Cuba and they often want to know about you and your life back at home so it is a great way to share experiences and have a meaningful cultural exchange.

Casa in Trinidad Cuba

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

HOW TO BOOK A WONDERFUL CASA PARTICULAR IN CUBA

WHAT IS A CASA PARTICULAR?

A Casa Particular in Cuba is like a B&B, guesthouse, or family homestay. 

WHAT FACILITIES DO CASAS IN CUBA OFFER?

Casas in Cuba vary, sometimes rooms are within the Cuban family home and sometimes guest accommodation in a Casa Particular is on a different floor with an independent entrance. Most of the time bedrooms in a Casa Particular come with private en-suite bathrooms. Rooms in a Casa Particular have air-conditioning or fans and the Casas provide towels. Some Casas in Cuba are starting to offer additional facilities for example, hairdryers, mini-bar, tv, safety boxes etc.

Whatever the conditions, Cuban families are friendly, welcoming, and respect your privacy. Staying in a Casa Particular is a great way to experience Cuba but just bear in mind that Cuba has its shortages so water may be scarce, hot water may not be as hot as you are used to or it may take time to heat up, towels may be smaller than you are used to and things run slowly so the key to making the most of your experience in Cuba is to be patient and take things in your stride. 

WHY ARE CUBAN CASAS CALLED HOSTALS?

You will find that some Cuban Casas have named themselves Hostal XXX i.e. Hostal Misleydis & Gustavo. This is another term they use denoting that they have a guest house, B&B, homestay or Casa Particular in Cuba. It is not necessarily a backpacker or budget hostel.

ARE THERE ANY BACKPACKERS OR HOSTELS IN CUBA?

I have stayed in a couple of backpacker type accommodations in Havana, however, there are very few backpacker or hostel type accommodations available in Cuba where tourists on a budget visiting Cuba can share a room with other travelers or backpackers i.e. a shared room for 6 people with bunk beds. 

HOW DO I KNOW IF THE CUBAN CASA IS LEGAL?

Cuban Casas who are legally allowed to rent their homes to foreign visitors or travelers have a blue and white sticker posted on their front door. Anyone that stays at a Cuban Casa must sign the guestbook. Cuban Casa owners then have to report to immigration with your passport details declaring who is staying with them in their Casa Particular.

HOW DO I BOOK A CASA IN CUBA?

Experience the Real Cuba works with a network of Casas in Cuba. The Casa Particulares that we work with are friends and contacts that we have made over the years and have been carefully selected for their professionalism and excellent hospitality.

To book one of our many Casas in Cuba and ensure you have an amazing stay in Cuba hit the following link:

https://www.experiencetherealcuba.com/destination/

HOW DO I COMMUNICATE WITH A CUBAN CASA?

Communicating with Casas in Cuba can be difficult. Internet connection in Cuba is a challenge and it is not always easy for Cubans to connect to the WIFI in Cuba every day. 

At Experience the Real Cuba we communicate with the Casas in Cuba on your behalf. We have Co-ordinators located in Cuba who have an excellent relationship with the Casas in Cuba and we aim to get back to Cuban Casa enquiries as fast as we can.

HOW DOES THE CUBA CASA BOOKING WEBSITE WORK?

At Experience the Real Cuba we work in conjunction with the Casas in Cuba to offer the easiest Cuban Casa booking system for both the Casa and the traveler visiting Cuba.

1.       Find a Cuban Casa that you like on the Experiencethe Real Cuba website

2.       Click the “book now” button

3.       I will receive an email with your request

4.       I will communicate with the Casas in Cuba to check availability

5.       I get back to you within 72 hours

6.       If the Casa in Cuba is available we will confirm the Casa reservation

7.       You pay a booking fee in advance to secure the Casa reservation

8.       Once payment is received I will send you confirmation details with the Cuban Casa contact details

9.       Once you arrive at your Casa in Cuba you pay the remaining balance in cash in Cuba (CUC).

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – YOUTUBE

Check out the videos of some of our Casas in Cuba.

https://www.youtube.com/user/Experiencetherealcub

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com

Casa Gomez

Casa Gomez

Casa Destino

Casa Destino

Casa German 1806

Casa German 1806

Casa German 1806

Casa German 1806

Casa Misleydis & Gustavo

Casa Misleydis & Gustavo

HOW TO TAKE A TRIP THROUGH THE REAL CUBA 2

A Trip Through the Real Cuba the story continues, is written by Mary and Jack, our wonderful guests who stayed with us in our network of casa particulares throughout Cuba in February 2017. 

A TRIP THROUGH THE REAL CUBA 2

by Mary & Jack

CIENFUEGOS

After a delicious breakfast at 6am, our Casa host Dayne arranged a taxi to the Viazul bus terminal…it would be a six hour trip from Viñales to Cienfuegos, with a rest stop half way. 

Our hosts in Cienfuegos were at the Viazul bus terminal to meet us and drive us to their home in Punta Gorda, a modern suburb south of the city. Our casa was a small attachment through the garden to a kitchen and bedroom, bathroom and well-stocked fridge.

The hosts, Arelys and Norge also prepared supper for 7pm: fresh shrimp, salad, rice, ice cream and coffee.

The following morning, we walked along the Malecón toured the Naval Museum, the Provincial Museum and had a good look at a square-rigged sailing ship at a nearby dock. 

After a rest in the afternoon we caught a ride with Norge into town, first stopping at the Viazul bus station to arrange transport for the next day, Then ambled around the town market, tried fresh coconut milk and enjoyed a beer by the Malecón. The Spanish influence and architecture was the main feature of this quiet town…next time we will take a guided tour to learn more about Cienfuegos than we were able to on this short visit.

After a full breakfast at 7am at the Casa, Norge drove us to the Viazul bus station. We bought our tickets to Trinidad and joined the confusion in the waiting area. After several false starts we got seated in the right bus, and were off!

Cienfeugos Cuba

Malecón Cienfuegos Cuba

TRINIDAD

Again, we were met at the Viazul bus station in Trinidad, this time by a young fellow (Jamie!) driving a tricycle-taxi. He took us on a ten minute drive to our next casa, mostly downhill. His contraption had a sturdy frame and balloon tires - quite robust, and one hardly felt the original cobblestones of this 16th century city.

Casa Misleydis & Gustavo in Trinidad was a warm and friendly B&B close to the centre and our hosts could not have been more welcoming. Misleydis was our main contact in Cuba and Rena our contact before arriving in Cuba kept Misleydis alert to our movements around Cuba….Misleydis was our contact for any problems at a local level and a fount of knowledge on all things Cuban. It was also a real plus to be able to communicate in English. We looked forward to spending the next three nights in her comfortable casa. 

Our first challenge was to get bus tickets to our next port-of-call, Camaguay. Waiting in line to put your name on a list seems to be the norm….we were certain to get a seat as we booked three days in advance, but we had to show up an hour before the trip to pay and get the tickets.

Touring central Trinidad was delightful, with many Spanish colonial houses and buildings to see, bands on each corner and watching the world go by….we dined early, and well, in a nearby restaurant recommended by Misleydis….in fact we went back to Restaurant San Jose for dinner each night we were in Trinidad!

Our patio breakfasts at the casa were generous and hearty, enough to make a snack for lunch, with some fruit and water. Then more exploring, reading in the cool upstairs or lounging in the hammock on the patio, siesta, and out again. Our last day involved a taxi to the beach for a few hours…beautiful sand, warm water and hot sun.  Our driver, Mario, kindly returned to the beach later to take us back to town.

Trinidad was such a user-friendly town - we could have stayed longer…early Thursday morning, a taxi ride in a decrepit ’50 Buick (we weren't sure we would make it without pushing) got us to the Viazul bus station and we were away. 

Trinidad Bici-taxis Cuba

Playa Ancon Trinidad Cuba

Plaza Mayor Trinidad Cuba

Cuban Musicians Trinidad Cuba

Experience the Real Cuba would like to thank Mary and Jack for booking their Cuba trip with us and for sharing their Cuban adventures on the Experience the Real Cuba blog. 

Contact us at Experience the Real Cuba to book your personalized trip to Cuba.

EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES

Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.

To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:

www.experiencetherealcuba.com