Trinidad, Cuba

Q: What are the best plans to make in Trinidad de Cuba?

One of the characteristics that make Trinidad unique is its beaches . Playa La Boca and Playa Ancón are two quiet beaches perfect for spending a relaxing day enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea . The pleasant temperature (27 ºC of average) allows you to enjoy these paradisiacal beaches at any time of year . Trinidad is also famous for its cuisine . You will be able to taste delicious typical dishes of this area either in restaurants or in street stalls, you can't leave without trying them! The Sierra de Escambray is a mountainous range in the heart of Cuba where flora and fauna dominate a landscape full of history. On one of the plateaus of this mountain range, called Caballete de Casas , you can visit the Che Guevara's headquarters during 1958. Pico San Juan is the highest point of Escambray. From its top, you can enjoy a truly unique panoramic view of Trinidad . Another essential stop in the Sierra de Escambray is El Nicho , a cluster of waterfalls and natural pools ; although it is best to go from Cienfuegos , as it is closer.

Q: The Best Dates to Travel to Trinidad

One of the city's attractions is its local festivals . La Candelaria is a festival of Canarian origins held on February 2 . On this day, Trinidad becomes a huge open-air market where you can find original crafts and local food cooked to order. Another major festival is La Cruz de Mayo , a festival in which the Trinitarians walk in procession to different places in the region to, according to tradition, end the drought . In this rural celebration, there is no shortage of good food and good Cuban rum. On June 23 , the San Juan Carnival is celebrated, a festival in which colourful floats travel through the historic city of Trinidad.

Q: Where to stay in Trinidad de Cuba?

In Trinidad, the atmosphere is more Cuban than other areas where more international tourism is common, as could be the case in Varadero . For this reason, and despite the fact that in the city you can find different types of hotels and hostels , we recommend staying in a private house for those who want to experience authentic Cuba . This has several advantages , they are generally more economical than hotels, they usually have the same amenities , provide you with a unique experience of living in an authentic Cuban house whilst helping the local economy . In addition, it is well-known that Cubans are very hospitable and love to help their guests and share their local treasures. So, no one is better than a local to advise you on where to go, what to see or where to eat. If despite this, you prefer to stay in a hotel, we can recommend a few: Hotel la Popa , on the hill of the same name, is the ideal hotel for couples; Iberostar Grand Hotel , enjoys all the luxuries of a five-star hotel in the heart of the city; Hotel Brisas Trinidad del Mar , on the front line of Playa Ancón , ideal for enjoying the sun and the Caribbean Sea; and Hotel la Ronda , perfect for families and located right in the historic centre.

Q: How to get to Trinidad de Cuba?

To get to Trinidad the fastest way is to follow the southern circuit . Its central position on the island is perfect for a one or two day stop when crossing the island from Havana to Cayo Guillermo or Cayo Coco . The best option to arrive by plane is to fly directly to Havana since Trinidad does not have its own airport. If you want to visit the Parque Natural Topes de Collantes the best way is to go to Trinidad , as it is only 20 km away. From Trinidad, you can also take a trip to the city of Cienfuegos and the beautiful El Nicho waterfalls . After visiting Trinidad you can head north to Cayo Santa María or to the area of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo , stopping off at Santa Clara .

Discover the imposing and majestic city of Trinidad, the most beautiful and historically significant colonial gem in Cuba

Trinidad, Cuba
© Colin Hepburn

The city of Trinidad is located in the south of Cuba, in the Sancti Spíritus region. The city was founded in 1514 by Diego Velázquez and holds, from 1993, the title of Cultural Heritage of Humanity from UNESCO on having been considered to be one of the colonial gems of Cuba.

Trinidad
© Anna Jedynak

The city is the third oldest city in Cuba. Despite the passing of the centuries, it still remains closely linked to its culturally rich past. Walking through its cobblestone streets you will discover traces of the colonial era as you immerse yourself in the Cuban way of life: warm and welcoming.

Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere of this city with a people's spirit. Return to a past where haste was unknown. Feel the spell that stopped time in the streets of this city.

However, tranquillity was not always the norm. For many years this city was plundered and decimated by Dutch and English pirates. Not only that, for many years, African slaves worked from dawn to dusk in the sugar industry. These terrible events left their mark on the heart of the city, still visible today through its legends.

Index:

What are the best places to see in Trinidad, Cuba?
What are the best plans to make in Trinidad de Cuba?
The best dates to travel
The excursions you can't miss in Trinidad
Where to stay?
How to get there?
Travel packages for Trinidad

What are the best places to see in Trinidad, Cuba?

Museo Nacional de la Lucha contra Bandidos, Trinidad
© Colin Hepburn

Trinidad is a city where the Spanish colonial past has left a very visible mark. The houses of its inhabitants are similar to the old Spanish ranches: the type of roofs, the interior patios, the typical flowers hanging from the windows, the balconies... When you least expect it you can find a flea market in its historical center, musicians playing in the Plaza Mayor or discover the local history in the Museo de Arqueología Guamuhaya, the Museo de Historia, the Museo Romántico or the Museo Nacional de la Lucha contra Bandidos among many others. Keep in mind that Trinidad is known as the museum city of Cuba.

Valle de los Ingenios
© Pedro

As far as natural attractions the Valle de los Ingenios stands out, a place whose 250 Km² are considered Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The history of this valley goes back to the 17th century when the Creole aristocracy settled in rich ranches to manage their sugar estates. This aristocracy used slave labour to run their farms. One of the best-known cases is the Manaca-Iznaga estate and its watchtower, today declared a National Monument but originally used to control the slaves. As a result, numerous legends are told about the Torre Manaca-Iznaga (Manaca-Iznaga Tower).

Although undoubtedly, the natural resource of choice is the Parque Natural Topes de Collantes. Here you will enjoy nature at its wildest: rivers, caves, and waterfalls... just 20 km from Trinidad! The best-known point in Topes de Collantes is the Salto del Caburní, a spectacular waterfall where you can recuperate after the walk to get there. Seize the opportunity to take some stunning photos in this heavenly place, although without a doubt the best picture will be in your eyes.

What are the best plans to make in Trinidad de Cuba?

Playa Ancón, Trinidad
© Joao Leitao

One of the characteristics that make Trinidad unique is its beaches. Playa La Boca and Playa Ancón are two quiet beaches perfect for spending a relaxing day enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The pleasant temperature (27 ºC of average) allows you to enjoy these paradisiacal beaches at any time of year.

Trinidad is also famous for its cuisine. You will be able to taste delicious typical dishes of this area either in restaurants or in street stalls, you can't leave without trying them!

El Nicho, Sierra de Escambray
© lychee_vanilla

The Sierra de Escambray is a mountainous range in the heart of Cuba where flora and fauna dominate a landscape full of history. On one of the plateaus of this mountain range, called Caballete de Casas, you can visit the Che Guevara's headquarters during 1958. Pico San Juan is the highest point of Escambray. From its top, you can enjoy a truly unique panoramic view of Trinidad. Another essential stop in the Sierra de Escambray is El Nicho, a cluster of waterfalls and natural pools; although it is best to go from Cienfuegos, as it is closer.

The Best Dates to Travel to Trinidad

One of the city's attractions is its local festivals. La Candelaria is a festival of Canarian origins held on February 2. On this day, Trinidad becomes a huge open-air market where you can find original crafts and local food cooked to order. Another major festival is La Cruz de Mayo, a festival in which the Trinitarians walk in procession to different places in the region to, according to tradition, end the drought. In this rural celebration, there is no shortage of good food and good Cuban rum. On June 23, the San Juan Carnival is celebrated, a festival in which colourful floats travel through the historic city of Trinidad.

Excursions You Can't-Miss in Trinidad

Parque Natural Topes de Collantes, Trinidad
© Sergey Uryadnikov

The city offers excursions and organized activities for all types of people. Find yours and enjoy! Some of the best known are: Jeep Safari Nengoa, jeep excursions for the more daring to the Parque Natural Topes de Collantes, also offer an excursion to El Nicho. If what you are looking for is a combination of nature and history, Nature Tour Trinidad is for you. If you are passionate about the city's colonial past and its relationship with the sugar mills the Azúcar Tour is designed for you. And finally, if what you are looking for is to enjoy the sun, heavenly beaches crystal clear waters, and a boat excursion to Cayo Blanco is just what you are looking for.

But if you can only spend one day in Trinidad don't worry. Take a day trip on an electric bicycle and get to know the most important places in the city while enjoying a pleasant ride.

Where to stay in Trinidad de Cuba?

In Trinidad, the atmosphere is more Cuban than other areas where more international tourism is common, as could be the case in Varadero. For this reason, and despite the fact that in the city you can find different types of hotels and hostels, we recommend staying in a private house for those who want to experience authentic Cuba. This has several advantages, they are generally more economical than hotels, they usually have the same amenities, provide you with a unique experience of living in an authentic Cuban house whilst helping the local economy. In addition, it is well-known that Cubans are very hospitable and love to help their guests and share their local treasures. So, no one is better than a local to advise you on where to go, what to see or where to eat.

If despite this, you prefer to stay in a hotel, we can recommend a few: Hotel la Popa, on the hill of the same name, is the ideal hotel for couples; Iberostar Grand Hotel, enjoys all the luxuries of a five-star hotel in the heart of the city; Hotel Brisas Trinidad del Mar, on the front line of Playa Ancón, ideal for enjoying the sun and the Caribbean Sea; and Hotel la Ronda, perfect for families and located right in the historic centre.

How to get to Trinidad de Cuba?

To get to Trinidad the fastest way is to follow the southern circuit. Its central position on the island is perfect for a one or two day stop when crossing the island from Havana to Cayo Guillermo or Cayo Coco. The best option to arrive by plane is to fly directly to Havana since Trinidad does not have its own airport.

If you want to visit the Parque Natural Topes de Collantes the best way is to go to Trinidad, as it is only 20 km away. From Trinidad, you can also take a trip to the city of Cienfuegos and the beautiful El Nicho waterfalls.

After visiting Trinidad you can head north to Cayo Santa María or to the area of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, stopping off at Santa Clara.

Travel Packages for Trinidad

The ideal way to get to know the city is to stay two or three days, although with an intense one-day visit you can also know the city. It's one of the places you have to write down in your list of “places I can't miss” in Cuba. Its distinctive atmosphere, the nature that surrounds it and its magnificent beaches are just some of the reasons to visit.

If you are looking for a tailor-made trip, we offer travel packages customized to your needs and tastes to make your trip to Cuba a unique experience. Let yourself be surprised!

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Trinidad

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Museums:

Sancti Spíritus

What to see:

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