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Captivating Cuba an independent boutique specialist tour operator, with more than 25 years’ experience providing high-quality tailormade travel to Cuba and beyond.

+44 (0) 1438 419 111
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Trinidad

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 boutique casas.

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.

Trinidad Location

Accommodation in Trinidad

Below is a selection of some of the hotels and boutique casas that we can book. Favourites are chosen by us due to overall quality and experience, hospitality, authenticity, location and customer feedback.

  • All
  • our favourites
  • hotels
  • boutique casas
  • city location
  • beachfront

Pre-booked 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.

Sunset Panoramic Old American Car Tour

As the heat of the day draws to an end you will be collected by your driver and guide in one of Cuba’s famous old American cars and be whisked away for a couple of hours to enjoy a panoramic drive.

El Nicho Waterfalls in the Escambray Mountains

Head through the beautiful scenery in Cuba into the Escambray mountains to visit the impressive El Nicho waterfalls, with the journey itself being a fascinating insight into rural life in Cuba.

Sunrise Countryside Horse Ride

Within very easy reach lies beautiful undulating tropical countryside, which slowly comes to life with birdsong as the day begins and it’s a perfect and memorable time to enjoy a leisurely guided ride.

Private Walking Tour of Trinidad

One of our most popular experiences in Trinidad, this tour can be tailor-made to your interests and requirements and can take place from sunrise through to sunset, to allow you to maximize time in this fascinating and unique city.

A Day in the Escambray Mountains

This tour offers an exhilarating and enjoyable experience in the Escambray Mountains north of Trinidad where the air is cool and the scenery magnificent.

Private Salsa Lesson

You cannot escape from salsa dancing in Cuba, music and dance is everywhere, so why not learn some salsa and be part of the island’s passion for dance during your holiday.

Catamaran Cruise on the Caribbean Sea

Enjoy a leisurely day’s cruise on the Caribbean Sea with a selection of local drinks onboard included and head out from Playa Ancon to sea with great views back onshore to the coastline and Escambray mountains.

A Horse Ride to Parque Cubano

Leaving after breakfast this longer horse-riding trek heads away from Trinidad to the Parque Cubano which is a small and picturesque National Park area in the foothills of the Escambray mountain and an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Sugar Mill Valley Tour

A very historical and thought-provoking half-day tour which visits the UNESCO World Heritage site known as Sugar Mill Valley. Highly educational, the tour brings Cuba’s and indeed the Caribbean’s links to the slave trade to the forefront of visitor’s minds.

Cocktail Making Class in Trinidad

Try out your mixologist skills on your friends after returning from holiday, and where better to learn than in the heart of Trinidad!  Head down to our chosen authentic bar where you will learn to make local delicious cocktails.

Cuban Cuisine Cooking Lesson

Cuban Cuisine Cooking Lesson

Cuban cuisine is a melting pot of Spanish and Creole influences with a touch of local Cuban creativity and embarking on a fun filled and relaxed cooking lesson with a local restaurant chef.

Pre-Booked Private Trinidad Restaurants

Formerly known as ‘paladars’, Cuba’s privately owned restaurants, are highly recommended and undoubtedly offer the best food. These sought after eateries range from hip to elegant, offer varying cuisines, creative menus, have passionate owners, and are great for foodies. If you’re not in the know, eating out at mediocre restaurants in Cuba is easy to do. They get booked up well in advance, so we recommend our restaurant pre-booking service before travel. Talk to our team for reservations at our favourite recommendations.

Los Conspiradores, Trinidad

This is a truly unique dining experience as the restaurant is located in the main historical square, Plaza Mayor and dates back to the 1700s and just oozes history. The building is photographed by many as they tour the city. The restaurant specialises in seafood however there are a range of other dishes and portions are a good size.

San Jose

San Jose, Trinidad

Located in the historical centre, San Jose offers a wide choice, although we recommend you go for pizza and pasta. Casual and buzzing (usually with a queue outside the door), this cosy restaurant is highly recommended. Dishes range from local sandwiches and homemade burgers to a great choice of pizzas and pasta dishes.  Vegetarians will also like this tried-and-tested venue.

Adita Cafe

Adita Cafe, Trinidad

This small bar-restaurant is in the heart of Trinidad and enjoys a great location where the people watching is fantastic. Try the famous classic Cuban dish ‘Ropa Vieja’ (translates to old clothes) which is a stewed or pulled beef/pork dish with vegetables and a lot of seasoning, many say that the best Ropa Vieja in Cuba can be found here.

Esquina 373, Trinidad

Owned by a couple who also own a farm near Cienfuegos, from where many ingredients are sourced. The restaurant has a central location, and the roof top terrace restaurant has quickly emerged to become one of the most popular places to dine in Trinidad. There are regular live music performances from an eclectic array of different musicians and bands.

Vista Gourmet, Trinidad

If you are looking for a restaurant with beautiful views, then this is your place, it’s all about the amazing views from the two al fresco terraces.

Run by sommelier Bolo, the restaurant offers an extensive wine list, a rare find in Cuba along with a good choice of seafood, a range of meat dishes and some vegetarian and vegan options.

Taberna La Botija, Trinidad

Located in a historic building, one of the oldest in the centre of Trinidad with historical local memorabilia adorning the walls, La Botija is a great choice for a lively night out. The taverna offers live music from local bands and late-night DJs, and serve a range of tapas, tacos and burritos, thin crust pizzas, sandwiches, homemade burgers and chef specials.

Already know what you want or need inspiration?

We’d be happy to answer all of your questions. Give us a call to start planning your tailormade holiday.
Call us on +44 (0) 1438 419 111 or click below to send us a message.

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