Trinidad Highlights
Located close to the Caribbean Sea on the south coast of Cuba, approximately 6 hour’s drive from Havana, lies the fascinating small city of Trinidad. Similar in size to a typical UK market town and sitting proudly between the coastline and the impressive Escambray Mountains, lies Cuba’s most beautiful and cultured city.
Trinidad was founded in 1514 by the Spanish conquistador Diego Velasquez, and became a major centre for trading sugar and slaves for almost 200 years. The wealth generated by the landowners during this region's dark past, is reflected in the treasures found in Trinidad’s museums, as well as the ornate colonial architecture found in the centre.
Declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Trinidad is regularly described as a living museum. Cobbled streets are lined with pastel-coloured houses, while the beautiful plazas are overlooked by striking 18th and 19th Century buildings. The centre is home to a number of lovely squares, churches, museums and mansions and can easily be explored on foot. There is also a growing market scene with a range of local artworks and handicrafts on sale, and Trinidad is particularly known for its lace and pottery.
In the evening, Trinidad offers a vibrant and growing selection of lively venues to sample Cuban food, music and dancing. The Canchanchara bar is famous for both live music and its namesake cocktail which is a blend of sugar cane juice, rum, honey and lime. The Casa de la Trova and Casa de la Musica are also both really lively with locals and visitors alike, and feature live music, dancing and typical Cuban fare. There are also a growing number of excellent and varied private restaurants offering everything from fine gourmet dining, to tapas and light bites with a funky vibe.
Many guests visiting the Trinidad area also visit the Escambray mountains that lie to the north of Trinidad, an inspiring experience with beautiful tropical forests home to a variety of beautiful plants, waterfalls, bathing pools, spectacular scenery and local home cooked food in local farmer’s houses. It is even possible to stay overnight in the mountains in simple cabana style accommodation or farm style Casas Particulares.
Also, very close to Trinidad lie sugar-white Caribbean beaches and the warm clear ocean, perfect to spend some relaxing time away from the heat of the city. Many enjoy sunrise or sunset on the beaches, and they are easy to reach by taxi. There are also daily catamaran cruises to peaceful local uninhabited islands, and include the opportunity to snorkel over Caribbean reefs.
Accommodation in Trinidad
Our Favourites
Our favourites are selected by us due to overall quality, hospitality, authenticity, location and also their consistently good customer feedback.
Hotels
A selection of the many hotels that we can book
Casas Particulares
The Casa Particular Experience
Highly recommended and extremely popular, Casas Particulares (often referred to as ‘Casas’) are fully-licensed private bed and breakfast accommodation, with many offering a more boutique hotel-style stay.
Our Most Popular Trinidad Experiences
We can organise before you travel to Cuba, a wide range of fantastic experiences that can be completely tailored for you.Take advantage of our friendly and knowledgeable pre-booking service and save time making arrangements during your holiday.
We can also pre-book Cuba's amazing private hidden away restaurants (paladars), which are highly recommended, extremely popular and get booked up well in advance. Talk to our team about adding experiences and restaurants to your booking.
Walking Tour of Trinidad
A great introduction to Trinidad with one of our very knowledgeable and professional guides, highly recommended on your first morning. You are free to choose any of the museums or places that may interest you, and the tour is fully tailored to your interests.
A Day in the Beautiful Escambray Mountains
Head deep into the Escambray Mountains that overlook Trinidad, where the air is cool and the scenery magnificent. Take a spectacular and undulating 4 km guided trail through ferns and palms, and listen out for the Tocororo, Cuba’s national bird.
Private Salsa Lesson
A fun and very professional 2-hour salsa dancing lesson in the historic heart of Trinidad. We use the leading local dance school and their teachers and dancers are very friendly and professional, and used to teaching from beginners upwards.
Catamaran Cruise to Cayo Blanco
Enjoy a leisurely day’s cruise on the Caribbean Sea. Swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and relax onboard. Spend time on the beautiful and pristine Cayo Blanco, a small island surrounded by coral reefs, teeming with tropical fish.
Horse Riding Trek
A fully tailored horse-riding trek tailored for your individual ability and experience.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Departing late afternoon, this relaxing catamaran cruise is the perfect way to watch the sun go down.
Sugar Mill Valley
Visit the historic and almost ghostly Sugar Mill Valley, a relic to Cuba’s slave trade. Take a ride on the steam train IF it is working!
Seafari to Cayo Macho
Depart from the marina and spend time snorkelling the crystal-clear sea. Visit the idyllic island of Cayo Macho where you will see wild iguanas, hutias, and other local wildlife.
Overnight in the Escambray Mountains
Whether its hiking, swimming or just the great outdoors you love, an overnight stay in the Escambray is an unforgettable highlight.
Cocktail Making Lesson
Learn how to make the perfect mojito and other Cuban speciality cocktails. Of course, you get to drink them! Perfect for a late afternoon activity.
Cienfuegos City Tour
Visit the historical centre, Jose Marti Park, the Tomas Terry Theatre, the Purisima Cathedral Church, Meson El Palatino, the Provincial Museum, the Malecon, Punta Gorda and Jagua Bay.
Cuban Cooking Class
Learn how to make local delicacies, home cooking in Trinidad is delicious. Fresh seafood from the nearby Caribbean Sea, plenty of local unknown fruit and vegetables, and local flavours and spices makes for a new experience.