This morning we visit Santa Clara (approximately 1 hours drive) and the mausoleum of the legendary Che Guevara. Santa Clara was the first major city to be liberated by Castro's army in December 1958 and a number of monuments now commemorate this important period of Cuba's history.
Along the way to Trinidad we stop off at a farm just on the edge of the Topes de Collantes National Park for lunch. Lunch will be a creole meal consisting of food from the farm or from other local neighbouring farms: root vegetables, chicken, pork, seasonal salad veggies, rice and beans, fresh local coffee from their little mountain plantation, local fruits, juice, and deliciously smoked green banana chips.
Afterwards, we continue onto Trinidad (appoximately 2hrs). For most visitors to Cuba, the World Heritage site of Trinidad is their favourite destination. No other colonial city in Cuba is so well preserved, and the local residents are extremely friendly and festive. The town rose to prominence during the sugar boom and the wealth generated by the industry remains visible in the town's once grand mansions, colourful public buildings, wrought iron grill-work and cobble-stoned streets. Trinidad is also steeped in religion, such as Santeria, which is one of the Afro-Cuban religions (related to voodoo).