Welcome to Trinidad: Cuba’s colonial jewel! Trinidad is a journey into Cuba’s colonial past and, at the same time, an encounter with its present and future. Here you can enjoy the architectural beauty, lush nature, vibrant culture and innovative art of a city where Cuba… stopped time.
Trinidad: a colonial jewel
Trinidad is located in the province of Sancti Spiritus and is currently one of the most beautiful, oldest and best preserved cities in the continent. It was founded in 1514 by the Spanish conquistador Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar and was the third town established by the Spanish Crown on the island.
It lived its time of splendor thanks to the sugar industry that flourished in the “Valle de los Ingenios”, where majestic haciendas and palaces were built. Today, Trinidad is a first-class tourist destination, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, a Craft and Creative City of the World and a National Monument of Cuba.
How to get to Trinidad?
To get from Spain to Trinidad, there are several options available. However, the first thing you should know is that Sancti Spíritus Airport, the closest airport to Trinidad, has no regular flights to or from Spain.
The closest flights are those departing from or arriving at the airports of Santa Clara, Camagüey or Varadero, in that order. There is also the option of taking a flight to Havana (capital), but the road trip to Trinidad will be comparatively longer.
Here are your best options:
- You could take a direct flight from Madrid-Barajas Airport to Abel Santamaría International Airport, located in Santa Clara about 90 kilometers from your final destination. Once in Santa Clara, you can choose to take a cab or board a Viazul bus to Trinidad. This trip, either by cab or bus, takes approximately one hour, so it will not be too tiring.
- Depending on your itinerary, other options you could consider are: a) flying to Ignacio Agramonte International Airport in Camagüey or b) to Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Varadero. From either of them you can also continue by cab or bus to Trinidad, with an estimated travel time of 3 to 6 hours depending on the option you end up choosing.
- Likewise, from Spain, there are direct flights to Havana that you can take from several Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, so flying to the Cuban capital will always be an option for you. However, the trip by cab or bus from Havana takes more than 6 hours, so if you opt for this option, it would be advisable to spend at least one night in Havana, and then continue on your way to Trinidad.
You can check the schedules and prices of buses to Trinidad on Viazul’s website: https://viazul.wetransp.com/; one of the most used companies by tourists in Cuba to move within the island. With Viazul, departing from Havana, the cost of the trip (one way) is around 15€, and you can buy it from the comfort of your home even before leaving for Cuba.
There are also other agencies that offer this kind of trips such as Cubatur, Viajes Cubanacán or Havanatur. They also offer tour options with activities included to get to know Trinidad, so it is highly recommended that you check their web pages to see the options they offer, especially if you are planning your trip for only a few days.
Other options to get to Trinidad from any airport or any other place on the island, can be a private cab (which can also be shared) or renting a car. Both options, although they will surely be a little more expensive, can also shorten your travel time and be more comfortable and flexible. You can read more about this topic in the “Transportation” article.
Trinidad: what to visit?
Trinidad is a small town but it has a lot to offer to those who decide to visit it. That is why we recommend you to spend at least 2 days to visit it.
We suggest you begin your visit by exploring the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city and the point where some of the most emblematic buildings of the city are concentrated. Here you can admire the majesty of the Church of the Holy Trinity, the imposing Convent of San Francisco de Asis (inside which is the National Museum of the Fight against Bandits), the lively Casa de la Música, the fascinating Museum of Colonial Architecture, the impressive Romantic Museum, among other outstanding places.
From the Plaza Mayor you can also climb the tower of the Municipal History Museum, also known as “Palacio Cantero”, the former home of a wealthy sugar planter in the area. From there you will have one of the most complete and spectacular views of the entire city. The entrance to the museum is very cheap (2€ approximately).
In addition to the museums we suggest, you will also find the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts at the city’s street stalls. These stalls offer unique and authentic works and often the prices are more affordable compared to the products sold in the museums. Here you will not only enjoy a wide selection of handicrafts, but you will also be directly supporting the local economy and contributing to the livelihood of Trinidad’s talented artisans.
Also, if you like art, don’t miss the Yudit Vidal Faife Gallery, where you can admire the works of this local artist, who is also one of the most important contemporary artists in Cuba. Her paintings are very colorful and expressive, and reflect the daily life and landscapes of Trinidad. Admission to the gallery is completely
In the vicinity of Trinidad, there are also other options you won’t want to miss: Valle de los Ingenios, Ancon Beach and El Cubano Park.
- Valle de los Ingenios
The Valle de los Ingenios, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is located a few kilometers from the city and is a living testimony of the colonial era and the importance of sugar production in the region. As you enter it, you will be immersed in an enchanting landscape, surrounded by green hills and sugar cane plantations.
Almost all excursions to the Valley, whether you go by private (or shared) cab or by bus (Cubatur, Cubanacán, etc.), include a first stop at the Mirador and then head to the valley, where the famous San Isidro sugar mill, the Guáimaro Hacienda and the Iznaga Tower are located. All these places offer very interesting guided tours that will allow you to learn about the importance of the valley for the region.
The viewpoint of Valle de los Ingenios is a place to relax: you can taste handmade drinks, buy souvenirs, make observations with a telescope and take beautiful pictures. Also, if you want to live a unique experience, you can take the canopy tour here.
You will then head to one of the most outstanding attractions in the Valle de los Ingenios: the Manaca-Iznaga Tower (simply known as “Iznaga Tower”), an imposing structure over 40 meters high that used to be used as a lookout point to watch over the plantations and slaves. Climbing to the top of the tower will reward you with a simply spectacular panoramic view of the valley.
Interesting! Another way to get to know the Valle de los Ingenios is by the famous Valle de los Ingenios historical train. You can start this tour at the train station in Trinidad (ask the locals how to get there).
- Ancon Beach
About 20 km from Trinidad is Playa Ancon: a beautiful beach of white sand and turquoise blue water. This is a good place to rest and relax, enjoy delicious food and drinks or venture out on a catamaran trip to Cayo Blanco.
If you like water sports, Playa Ancon also offers this opportunity: there is a small shop where you can rent snorkeling equipment, kayaks and water bikes for very reasonable prices (between 1€ and 3€).
Getting here is very easy. Many cabs in the city offer to make this trip for a very affordable price. You can also book an excursion in advance with the agency Cubatur, which has offices in different hotels and airports in the country, including one in the city of Trinidad itself. From here, the excursion costs approximately 5€, and the price includes round-trip transportation.
Important! Other agencies such as Cubanacán also offer excursions to Playa Ancón, which include (unlike Cubatur) options of lunch, snacks and a visit to a lookout point. You can check your options on the websites of these agencies or ask at their offices.
- El Cubano Park
El Cubano Park is a beautiful natural park located near the city of Trinidad. It offers a perfect combination of exuberant nature and outdoor activities. It has well-marked trails that will take you through breathtaking landscapes and allow you to explore the El Cubano cave (a fascinating place with impressive rock formations), waterfalls, and admire the local flora and fauna.
Indeed, within the park, you will find several waterfalls and pools where you can cool off and enjoy a dip in crystal clear waters. The most popular waterfall is El Rocío, which forms a natural pool perfect for swimming and relaxing.
To get to this wonderful natural park, you can make arrangements with cab drivers located in Trinidad’s main square. They offer transportation services and also organize tours to Ancon Beach and Valle de los Ingenios. You can take advantage of the opportunity to combine your visit to the park with one of these destinations.
Where to stay?
While it is true that you do not need too many days to visit Trinidad, it is highly recommended that you stay at least one night in the city (if two nights, the better), especially if it is a long trip from your origin.
Trinidad offers a wide range of lodging options, from boutique hotels to restored colonial houses. Some examples include Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad, Hotel La Ronda, Hotel Las Cuevas and Hotel Mesón del Regidor. These hotels are usually located in beautifully restored colonial mansions, offering modern comforts and a historic ambience; although there is always the option of private rental houses and/or hostels, many of which offer breakfast and additional services such as sightseeing tours.(Read more in the article “Hotels and Lodging”).
The most recommended options to visit Trinidad, obviously, are those located in the city itself, such as the ones we mentioned before; but there are also alternatives in nearby places that offer another type of experience, such as Ancon Beach.
In Playa Ancon, for example, there are two hotels: Hotel Club Amigo Ancon and Hotel Brisas Trinidad del Mar, both with direct access to the beach. Nearby is the town of Casilda, where there are also several lodging options (around 25€ per night).
Where to eat?
For lunch, we suggest you try one of the restaurants or paladares in the historic center. There are options for all tastes and budgets, from Creole to international food. Some of the most popular, for the variety of their menus and exquisiteness of their dishes are the
→ A special recommendation: a few blocks from the center is the tavern La Canchánchara, very popular among locals and tourists as it bears the same name as the famous Trinidadian drink made from lemon, brandy, honey, ice and water. If you come to Trinidad, be sure to stop by this place!
Curious! In addition to its unique flavor, Canchánchara also has historical significance. During the war of independence, Cuban soldiers used to drink this mixture for energy and warmth during the cold days of combat. It is said that the name “Canchánchara” comes from the sound made by the wooden spoons when mixing the ingredients in the cups. Today, this drink is an important part of Trinidadian culture and can be enjoyed in various establishments and bars in the city.
Also, if you are visiting other places, such as Valle de los Ingenios or Playa Ancon, you should know that these places also offer highly recommended options to enjoy a delicious meal. In Valle de los Ingenios, for example, there is a very popular ranchón where they offer Creole food and in Playa Ancón you have the option of the hotel restaurants or the cafeterias located in the beach area.
What to do in the evenings of the Trinitarian evenings?
Even before nightfall, in Trinidad you can breathe the joy of the Cubans. In the evenings, on the stairs leading to the Plaza Mayor, different musical groups gather to create a very pleasant atmosphere for both residents and passers-by. You can spend a good time here enjoying a good son or any other typical melody of the region; it is really worth a walk in the evenings in this area of the city.
In the evenings you have the option of the Casa de la Música, where you can enjoy live concerts and salsa dancing in the open air; the Casa de la Trova, where you can listen to traditional Cuban music and have a mojito or a daiquiri; or visit the iconic Discoteca Ayala, which is located inside a natural cave and has a very original decoration.
→ Recommendations:
- Your trip to Cuba will most likely begin in Havana or Varadero, as these are the busiest airports in the country, so it is very likely that your trip to Trinidad will involve a few hours of road transportation. In that case, what we recommend is to rent at least one night in Trinidad, so you can rest and get the most out of your visit.
- For a good photo of the city, in addition to the Tower of the “Palacio Cantero”, we suggest the Tower of the National Museum of the Fight against Bandits. This museum, in addition to a rich history, houses one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the city. It is very close to the tavern “La Canchánchara”.
- Tasting the canchánchara is an unmissable experience if you visit the city of Trinidad: it can be said that it is “the flavor” of this city.
On certain dates, Trinidad dresses in tradition. Some of the best-known festivities are “
