Next time you visit Cuba, head for Trinidad, in the center of the island, and experience the best things to do in Trinidad, Cuba.
I find this picturesque destination is the most perfectly preserved colonial town in the Americas.
After a couple of days exploring this colonial town, I narrowed down the most amazing things to do in Trinidad, Cuba, and how to make the most of them.
A brief history of Trinidad
Founded on December 23rd, 1518 by Spanish conquistadores, the city of Trinidad is a beautifully preserved colonial town and as different from bustling, busy Havana as you can get.
It was from Trinidad’s shores that Spanish conquistador, Hernán Cortés launched his expedition to explore Mexico in 1518.
The city prospered throughout the colonial period in large part due to the success of the local sugar industry.
Today Trinidad is one of the loveliest towns in the Caribbean affording us a peek into what life was like in the 1500s in a Cuban sugar town.
Here are the best things to do in Trinidad, Cuba.
Stay in a “casa.”
When in Trinidad, Cuba, stay in a “casa particular” or guesthouse (casa for short). Wake up to the sound of roosters crowing, a tropical breakfast and the aroma of strong Cuban coffee brewing.
The prices of a casa are very economical. Meals can be had at a small extra cost.
The hostess – generally a woman – will help make local arrangements and give tips on where to go and how to maximize your time.
She can get you a ride with a trusted taxi driver or make a dinner reservation for you. The hostess makes a small commission but the service is worth it.
The best things about staying in a casa particular is that you get to interact with a Cuban family.
You sit in their living room, watch TV with their kids and play with the family dog. It’s really the best way to get to know a country.
It is a wonderful opportunity to experience at least one aspect of local Cuban life. These are experiences you won’t get in a sterile hotel and one of the best things to do in Trinidad.
After all, isn’t interacting with local people one of the most important parts of traveling?
Where to stay in Trinidad, Cuba. Book the best casas in Trinidad.
Wander the Plaza Mayor
Trinidad’s historical center, central plaza, or square, is surrounded by a stunning collection of structures dating from the 18th and 19th centuries when the sugar trade, supported by enslaved Africans, was at its height.
Many of the surrounding buildings once belonged to the rich plantation owners of the city.
The area is paved with cobblestone streets much like it was in its heyday. Many consider this area the heart of Trinidad.
In the mid-19th century, the sugar industry became much less important and Trinidad devolved into a sleepy country village with little construction occurring until the 1950s.
As a result, many of the historic buildings and streets were preserved, especially the grand colonial edifices in the immediate vicinity of the Plaza Mayor.
Today, most of the former houses surrounding the square house museums.
Don’t miss the imposing bell tower. Climb to the top for the best views of Trinidad. Also see the Museo Romantico or Romantic Museum, the Convento de San Francisco and other colonial buildings.
All these buildings are within a short distance or each other in this lovely colonial town and are worth visiting. You will feel like you are in a time wrap.
Local tour guides are available to give you a deeper perspective of the city’s history including its involvement in the Cuban Revolution.
Take a salsa lesson
This was one of my favorite things to do in Trinidad, Cuba. Take salsa lessons. One of the best places to learn salsa is Barrio Cubano Salsa Dance School in the center of Trinidad.
These are the best places to learn salsa dancing.
If you are a newbie, you’ll get just enough instruction to know what you’re doing. If you’re experienced, these lessons will make you a pro.
You’ll see signs all over town advertising private salsa lessons, so there are tons of options.
Dance the night away
Practice what you learned at “La Casa de la Musica” or any other one of Trinidad’s pulsating clubs and bars that have live music.
La Casa de La Música is a wonderful place to pass the night. It is an open air venue with lively bands and an ample dance floor at the bottom of what resembles the Spanish steps in Rome.
If you can’t get a table, just sit on the steps. The place is pretty packed every night.
How abut a nice dinner serranaded by some of the coolest jazz in town? Try the Trinidad Jazz Cafe.
Disco Ayala, also called “la cueva” is a music and dance venue carved into a natural cave.
It’s a bit hot and could use more air conditioning, but dancing among the stalagmites and stalactites to pulsating Cuban music is a guaranteed good time not to mention unique.
For something a little more sedate, check out La Casa de La Trova, right in the center of town near La Casa de La Música.
Here you’ll hear classic, traditional Cuban music from classically trained musicians you wouldn’t be surprised seeing at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Trinidad has an amazingly vibrant nightlife. There are dozens of venues with exceptionally talented musicians. The music and dancing goes on and on and on…
Chill at Playa Ancon Beach
Looking for relaxing things to do in Trinidad, Cuba? Chill out at Playa Ancon beach with a local Crystal brand beer or a smooth Cuban rum poured into a chilled coconut…aahhh!
Then rent a Hobbie Cat and snorkel to the pristine reefs – some of the most pristine in the world – or explore surrounding, uninhabited islands. Playa Ancon is one of the best beaches in the country.
This clear, wide, white sand beach with impossibly blue water is just a few minutes away from the center of town. You can rent a bike and cycle to the beach, take a bus from the bus station for a 10 minute ride or grab a taxi.
Your casa hostess can arrange a taxi for you or you can just hail one yourself.
A taxi can take you to Playa Ancon, wait for you for a couple of hours and bring you back for 20USD.
There are many restaurants at Playa Ancon, some with wandering musicians.
Where to eat in Trinidad
Fresh seafood is on the menu in Trinidad. Enjoy the seafood and classic Cuban cuisine in Trinidad. Check out the local best restaurants offering everything from Italian to vegetarian to traditional.
As a major tourist center in Cuba, Trinidad is full of very good restaurants. One of my favorites are La Esquina 373. This pleasant restaurant offers cooking lessons on a rooftop environment.
Best of all is the live music to accompany your meal.
Another favorite is the rustic La Parranda. This outdoor venue has good food and live music as well. A bit on the touristy side but…hey, as long as the food and environment is authentic, that’s fine.
Try a Canchanchara
A canchanchara is a potent rum-based concoction available at the bar with the same name, Canchanchara, and all over town.
The music at the canchanchara plays as long as the bar is open. And the bar never closes!
The canchanchara, along with the mojito, daiquiri and Cuba Libre, are the four classic Cuban cocktails with fascinating histories that circled the globe.
Visit Trinidad’s Museums
If cultural activities are your thing, delve into the history of Trinidad’s colonial past in the town’s many museums.
These are the most impressive buildings to explore in and around the Plaza Mayor. Here you’ll find the best colonial architecture.
Museum of Colonial Architecture (Museo de Arquitectura)
This spectacular colonial palace was once the home of the Sanchez Iznaga family. The museum is dedicated to Trinidadian architecture.
Built in 1738 and restored in 1836, the museum contains some remarkable 18th-century artifacts.
You can’t miss this palace as it is right on the Plaza Mayor.
Notwithstanding the notable colonial architecture, the most interesting part of touring this mansion is its history of the influential and affluent Iznaga family and their scandalous lives.
It turns out the two Iznaga brothers PLUS their father were all in love with the same beautiful woman. You’ll have to visit to see what happened next.
Municipal Museum of History
Talk about family gossip, the structure that houses the Municipal Museum of History is full of intrigue. This interesting palace belonged to the Borrell family in the mid-1800s.
Afterwards, it was acquired by a doctor named Justo Cantero.
Legend has it that this doctor acquired one of the most important sugar plantations in the area by poisoning the owner, a slave trader, and marrying his widow.
Thereafter the palace was called the Cantero Palace.
The museum is nicely curated, and divided into 4 rooms.
The first and most important room displays artifacts and furniture as it appeared in its heyday.
The other rooms exhibit the history of the town; the slave trade, weapons and armor used, the rise and fall of the sugar industry and more.
The wealth of the Canteros is evident in all the rooms which are decorated in the Neoclassic style.
Make sure to visit the tower to be rewarded with magnificent views of the city.
Church and Convent of San Francisco
Formally a convent, this recently restored colonial structure, the church of San Francisco, is the symbol of Trinidad and can be seen everywhere in town.
Make sure to climb the tower – pay a small fee – to enjoy what many say are the best views of the city.
The Church of the Holy Trinity.
Built in the 1800s over the site of a previous church from the 1600s, this church is situated on Plaza Mayor, next to the Casa de La Musica.
It is worth visiting to get a glimpse of what a Cuban country church was like centuries ago.
The Romantic Museum
For true history buffs who love imagining what a destination must have looked like in centuries past, make sure to visit the Brunet Palace or Palacio Brunet.
This is the former home of the very wealthy Count Brunet and his family and a good place to absorb the area’s history.
The artifacts and period furniture are outstanding examples of the wealth of the plantation owners.
Today it is the “Romantic Museum” which maintains the home much as it was when the family lived there. It is located adjacent to the Plaza Mayor or main square in the center of town.
Completed in 1808, the structure is characterized by its Andalusian-style courtyard once considered one of the most beautiful in the country designed in a Mudejar architectural style.
Visit the Valle de los Ingenios and nearby areas
The Valle de los Ingenios
The nearby Valle de los Ingenios, or Valley of the Sugar Mills, A UNESCO World Heritage site, was the central sugar processing and refinery plantations that made many Trinidadians very wealthy during the 17th and 18th centuries.
All on the backs of the enslaved Africans brought to Cuba for that purpose.
This was the origin of the Cuban sugar industry, home to numerous sugar plantations, as well as cattle ranches and tobacco plantations.
The most prominent attraction of the Valley is the ancient watchtower used by plantation overseers to watch for escaped slaves. Climb to the top for an expansive view of the entire valley.
This is the perfect place to survey the countryside.
On the way to the tower, you’ll find local artisans selling embroidered needlework; tablecloths, clothing, table runners. The pieces are beautiful and have extraordinary value for the money.
If you want a truly authentic artisanal gift or souvenir, this is it!
You can also buy artisanal, raw Cuban honey here. Trust me when I say you’ve never tasted honey until you’ve tasted this local honey.
The best part is that you can bring it back to the U.S. with you.
Just before the entrance to the watchtower, you’ll find people selling coconut water. Do try this refreshing, delicious natural drink.
San Isidro de los Destiladores Archeological Site
At about 6 miles from the center of Trinidad, this fascinating archeological site is the perfect place to learn about the area’s history.
This abandoned sugar mill dates from the early 1830s and ceased production in the late 1890s.
Now that the lengthy excavations have been completed, you can see an hacienda, slave quarters and some cisterns.
It is the bell tower, however, that is somehow magical. This site is one of the most interesting places to see in Trinidad.
There are guides at the site that speak acceptable English and are very knowledgeable about the site and its history.
Explore Nature
Exploring nature is one of the best things to do in Trinidad. Make sure to visit tobacco plantations, rushing beautiful waterfalls, coffee plantations and lush, green valleys.
Topes de Collantes
About 21km (13 miles) from Trinidad is the Topes de Collantes Natural Park. This nature reserve is a combination of several hikes; some challenging, other not. It is famous for its waterfall.
It is also a prime birding area where you are sure to glimpse many of Cuba’s beautiful, endemic birds. Watch out for Cuba’s national bird, the Trogon.
If you have the time and you love birdwatching Topes de Collantes is your best option. It’s a great place to enjoy Cuba’s birds. You can easily spend a day in this lovely park.
El Cubano Park (Parque El Cubano)
This lovely park is about 7 km (4.3 miles) from the center of Trinidad proper. It features many hiking trails, spectacular birding, hanging bridges, a waterfall and the opportunity to swim in a waterhole.
Note that the water level is sometimes low which makes the waterfall less impressive.
As with all Cuban national parks and nature reserves, This nature reserve is ideal for adventure, nature and ecotourism lovers.
This is another one of the best places to visit in Trinidad, Cuba where you can easily spend a day if you have the time.
To get to El Cubano, you can hire a taxi for 30 USD which is a little steep given that you could walk to the park, but convenient if you’re short on time.
You could also hire a bike in town for 10 USD. There is a 10 USD entrance fee. You could hire a guide at the entrance if you wish.
Visiting these nature reserves makes for some of the best day trips
Learn about Santeria
Santeria is the Afro-Cuban religion. It is a syncretic mix of West African religions brought from Africa to Cuba by enslaved Africans and mixed with Catholic beliefs.
Visit with a local priest and witness a religious ritual.
Watch a Santeria performance. These have existed for centuries.
Meet and interact with the local Trinidadians.
Smile back at the many people who will smile at you! A Trinidadian smile is one of the best things to see in Trinidad, Cuba
How to get to Trinidad from Havana
Getting to Trinidad is easy. The distance if about 315km (195 miles) and the trip takes about 4 hours depending on whether you stop or not.
You can take a private taxi from Havana. Your casa hostess can secure one for you. It should not cost more than 70 to 100 USD one way. This may be a bit pricy for some but the service is door to door.
You can take a “colectivo” or, collective taxi. Here you share a car with others that are going to the same place. The cost of this is about 25 to 30 USD. The advantage is that this is cheaper than a taxi.
The disadvantage is that you’ll need to travel to the place where the travelers congregate – usually the Viazul bus station in El Vedado neighborhood – and wait for the driver to have enough people to fill his car.
An even less expensive option is to take the Viazul bus service from Havana to Trinidad. The cost is 18 to 27USD and the trip takes 6 to 10 hours. Remember to factor in your time and cost to get to the Viazul bus station.
Viazul bus service from Havana to Trinidad is daily but if they run out of seats, you’re out of luck for that day.
Also, their website is spotty so it is recommended that you go to the bus station in person the day before your trip to ensure you get a seat.
It is possible to make Trinidad a day trip from Havana, but this is not recommended. You’ll spend as much time traveling as you will enjoying Trinidad.
Try to stay at least one night, preferably more.
Day trips from Trinidad
About an hour west of Trinidad is the town of Cienfuegos.
This is the only Cuban town founded by French settlers from Bordeaux and Louisiana.
It has what is said to be the most beautiful plaza in Cuba, amazing French-inspired architecture, good restaurants and one of the most beautiful little cemeteries I’ve ever seen, Cementerio La Reina.
Which of these fun things to do in Trinidad, Cuba, is your favorite? When you visit, bring one of these reference books with you to maximize your time.
Updated January, 2023
And don’t forget my book, The Ultimate Cuba Travel Guide, available on Amazon.
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