Cuba -location guidance

[david_henderson]

Hello. I'm planning a trip to Cuba later this year. I've been to

Havana and Trinidad before and will certainly photograph there

again but I'm keen to add in some new destinations rather than

simply repeat very pleasant experiences, so

 

I'll be driving between Havana and Trinidad. Are any of the

towns near this route through southern Cuba interesting

photographically? I guess I'm thinking about spending a couple

of days in Cienfuegos, or Sancti Spiritus, or even Santa Clara.

Can anyone pass a view on whether this is a good idea and if so

then which is best. I'll be looking for colourful/characterful old

architecture primarily.

 

Further, I have photographed fairly extensively in Habana Viejo

and close-by. Are there other parts of Havana as interesting as

this? Thanks

[tony_terlecki]

<i>Further, I have photographed fairly extensively in Habana Viejo and close-by. Are there other parts of Havana as interesting as this? </i></p>

 

Depends what you mean by interesting. If you want real Cuban life in Havana then Habana Centro and Vedado are far more interesting. Far fewer toursits frequent these areas and the locals are not hassled by the authorities (in Habano Viejo, locals who approached and talked to me were frequently then called over and interviewed by the police which I found distasteful). The Malecon all the way along to Vedado and beyond is also a great place to hang out.

<p>

One of the best things I did in Havana was get a local to act as my guide. Not only did he know the area intimately he also took me to places no tourist would usually go to or even find. He was also very protective of me and my posessions which allowed me to relax and take some great photos. Just be sure to tell him before hand that you are not the average tourist and that you are not interested in buying cigars or visiting overpriced tourist haunts.

[julian_love]

I agree with the above comments on Habana. For locations outside Habana, the beautiful limestone karsk hills of Vinales are well worth a trip, about 1hr drive west of Habana.

[tommy huynh]

I drove from Havana to Trinidad (as well as to other cities as far west as Santiago) last year and the drive to Trinidad is not much to be excited about. I think the drive west is much more photogenic. Cienfuegos, Sancti Spititus, and Santa Clara all have their charm but may be a let down compared to Havana and Trinidad. Outside those two, I think the most interesting and photogenic towns are Baracoa and Vinales:

<br><br>

<a href="http://www.tommyimages.com/Stock_Photos/Caribbean/Cuba/Landmarks_and_Tourist_Attractions/slides/Cuba_1338-El_Yunque.html" title="Photo from Baracoa, Cuba">Baracoa<br><img src="http://www.tommyimages.com/Stock_Photos/Caribbean/Cuba/Landmarks_and_Tourist_Attractions/slides/Cuba_1338-El_Yunque.jpg" alt="Picture of El Yunque in Baracoa, Cuba"></a>

<br>

<p>Baracoa has a very tranquil and isolated feel to it. A great break if you're coming from Santiago.</p>

 

<br>

<a href="http://www.tommyimages.com/Stock_Photos/Caribbean/Cuba/Cuban_Countryside/slides/Cuba_2842-Vinales_Cave_Magote.html" title="Photo from Vinales, Cuba">Vinales<br><img src="http://www.tommyimages.com/Stock_Photos/Caribbean/Cuba/Cuban_Countryside/slides/Cuba_2842-Vinales_Cave_Magote.jpg" alt="Picture of a cave in Vinales, Cuba"></a>

<br>

<p>Vinales has a nice small village feel, and the surrounding landscape is fascinating. I wish I allocated more time here on my last trip</p>