With its beautiful colonial architecture, cobbled streets and mountainous backdrop, Trinidad is one of Cuba’s most handsome cities.
Trinidad was built on the fortunes of the sugar trade from the surrounding Valle de los Ingenios. The countryside is littered with ruined sugar mills and plantation houses and one of the best ways to explore in on horseback. Wind your way through the fields passing farmers herding their cattle and processions of piglets that run and squeal across your path.
The city itself is full of charm. Streets are lined with pastel-coloured mansions and the vibrant plazas are bursting with life. The sound of horses’ hooves clattering along the cobbles rings through the air, alongside the clang of workman’s tools as people tend to their houses and fix cars, stopping often to laugh and chat with their neighbours.
Trinidad is located in the middle of Cuba, the sparkling waters of Playa Ancon to the south, the Sierra del Escambray to the north and the Topes de Collantes nature reserve just 20km from the city. Rich in flora and fauna it is a great place to hike, the verdant forest full of colourful birds and waterfalls, whose refreshing waters provide the most tempting of rest stops.
Trinidad might be one of Cuba’s most-visited cities, but it has lost none of its character. Head to the many rooftop restaurants and bars and enjoy gazing out across the patchwork of tiled roofs, out to the purple shadows of the mountains in the distance.
What to do
- Admire the colonial architecture along Trinidad's cobbled streets
- Catch some live music at the Casa de la Musica
- Sip a cocktails and admire the view from a rooftop bar
- Horse ride through the surrounding countryside
- Explore the lush Topes de Collantes National Park
- Dip your feet in the crystal clear waters at Playa Ancon
