Travel through time at Cuba’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Beyond its world-famous beaches, the island of Cuba is home to a rich history which is on full display at its many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most of any other Caribbean country. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites are places that represent extreme importance to the cultural or natural heritage of a country, so step back in time with Sunwing Experiences and discover a different side of this island paradise with a visit to one of these historic locales.
Admire urban and natural beauty in Trinidad
Located in the central Cuban province of Sancti Spiritus and named after the Holy Trinity, Trinidad flourished in the late 18th and 19th centuries due to its sugar industry in town and in the nearby Valley de los Ingenios. Now, it’s a living museum to Cuban sugar production waiting to be explored with 75 former sugar mills, plantation houses and barracks! In the heart of Trinidad is Plaza Mayor, overlooked by the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco and flanked by the regal Palacio Brunet and Palacio Cantero. Stroll through this historic city and two others, including another UNESCO site in Santiago de Cuba, on Sunwing Experiences’ Three Cities excursion!
Discover the rolling hills of Viñales Valley
Near the western end of Cuba, surrounded by mountains and dotted with caves, fissures, underground streams and dome-like limestone outcroppings known locally as mogotes, you’ll find Viñales Valley. The land’s fertile soil once offered the perfect conditions for stock-raising and growing food crops in the 19th century, but in modern day, traditional agriculture practices survive in the valley, specifically the growing of tobacco as you may know as one of Cuba’s largest exports. These traditions even extend to the small structures scattered across the valley, built with local and natural materials. Head out on the Viñales Tour and explore the valley in all its glory!
Tour a historic fortress in Santiago de Cuba
Overlooking Santiago de Cuba Bay on the south-eastern shores of the island, San Pedro de la Roca Castle marks a period of fierce commercial and political rivalries during the 17th and 18th centuries. This multi-level stone fortress sits on a rocky outcrop and once defended the bay’s entrance but is now a remarkable example of Renaissance military engineering that was adapted for European colonial powers. An incredible piece of Cuba’s history, the fort is a testament to the island’s history and represents the European influences throughout the Caribbean! The castle sits near the city of Santiago de Cuba within a national park, both of which you can discover along with other historic landmarks on the City Tour Santiago excursion.
Take in French and Spanish influences in Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos was established in 1819 on Cuba’s Caribbean coast as a Spanish territory, but did you know many of its first settlers were of French origin? Located in the heart of an agricultural region that produced sugarcane, mango, tobacco and coffee, Cienfuegos grew to popularity thanks to the 19th century sugar boom. Cienfuegos’ historic city centre was modelled after the typical neoclassical style but grew to a more eclectic visage with other European influences. Notable landmarks worthy of a visit include the Parque José Marti, the Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Purisima Conceptión and the Teatro Tomás Terry among others which you can admire on the Topes de Collantes Overnight excursion.
Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Havana
Since 1519, Havana has grown into a sprawling city of over two million inhabitants but Old Havana, marked by its former city walls, still holds the magic of years gone by. With its original city design still intact, five plazas stand strong with their own unique architectural identity, including Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco, Plaza del Cristo and Plaza de la Catedral. You’ll also find a host of historic buildings and monuments among the baroque and neoclassical architecture from cathedrals to private houses and more. The city’s fertilizations, which protected the port and dockyard is also a sight to see with parapets, fortresses and sweeping views. Learn more during the Havana Premium excursion and take it all in firsthand!
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