We drove to the center of Cuba via the Escambray Mountains (3700 ft). Birds and mountain trails were in abundance, and we were able to see all sorts of flora: pines, tree ferns, bamboo and even eucalyptus, while walking natural trails.
Coffee is grown under a canopy of trees to keep the right growing conditions. Several varieties of coffee are grown, but the Arabica is the most desirable and delicious. It was fun to see a coffee-history museum, while art museums dot the countryside, and we observed Cuban artists before continuing our journey to Santa Clara (founded 1689).
Commander Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara led the guerillas against the Batista government in this town in 1958, and so many of the sites are devoted to “hero worship” As such, the “communist party headquarters” has a stunningly realistic metal statue of Che, while the Revolution Square is a large monument to his efforts, along with his mausoleum (no photos allowed).
I particularly enjoyed looking at the Armored Train Park Museum, where the trains carrying soldiers and munitions were derailed, allowing the guerillas to capture arms, and was a significant turning point in the revolution against Fulgencio Batista. Santa Clara is a university town, so lots of young people, and a lively town square (Parkque Vidal)– that we accessed by bicycle tuck-tuck’s, which I was able to pedal (even getting in an close call accident).
A few more scenes from rural Cuba:
This is Part 3 of a 6-part series. Links to the other parts can be found HERE
After seeing your beautiful photography, I added Cuba to my bucket list! What a lovely country!