Best Things to do in Trinidad, Cuba – Travel Guide

Things to do in Trinidad

Bike Ride to Playa Ancón

Whilst you could easily take a taxi to Playa Ancón, a bike ride is the best way to set your eyes on beautiful scenery and burn off some calories before lazing on the beach all day drinking from coconuts!

We rented bikes for $5 CUC/day, but we didn’t realise how heavy and clumsy they would be to ride until our journey had begun! Nevertheless, we embraced the extra challenge in the heat and rewarded ourselves with several stops to catch our breath along the way. The ride is a leisurely 1 hour, 12km (8 mile) pedal from town and you’ll need to make sure you take the fork right at Casilda on your way to the beach.

The roads are pretty flat and smooth which makes the journey pleasurable, adding to this are the constant views of mountains and the occasional picturesque farm with cattle grazing.

Before you set back make sure you are fully hydrated after sunbathing or the ride back into town could be draining.

Get a good bird’s-eye view of town

Who doesn’t love a good aerial view of a new city, especially one as beautiful as Trinidad? It’s every bit as scenic from above as it is in the streets, and a quick climb to the top of La Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco in the middle of town is the place to head. It cost $2 CUC to climb the rickety stairs for a panorama of tiled roofs, multi-coloured buildings and a view that sprawls straight out to sea. Ticket also includes access to a small museum on the first floor.

Hiking to Salto del Caburni

Surrounding Trinidad are the emerald peaks of the Sierra del Escambray with some rewarding hikes. Here, in the Topes de Collantes National Park, Ruchi and I embarked on a trail to the 75-meter waterfall of Salto del Caburni. The trail is about 6 kilometres round trip through a forest of palms and pine trees where you can spot hummingbirds, woodpeckers, insects, and beautiful tropical plants. Once we arrived at the falls, we cooled off in the natural pools and relaxed for a while until we needed to make the journey back.

It was interesting to see which part Ruchi and I found the most difficult. Where I found getting to the falls really easy because most of it was downhill, Ruchi found it more difficult since it put greater pressure on her knees. But on the way back on the uphill, she skipped right ahead whereas I was sweating and panting like an old dog with every step I took.

To get to the National Park we got a taxi there and back. Also, remember to wear appropriate footwear as the trail can be narrow and steep.

Dancing the Cuban way at Casa de La Musica

Although nearly every Cuban city has a Casa de la Musica, the location and spirit of this one makes it extra special. Imagine a massive cobblestone staircase above the Plaza Major in which every stair is 4 feet wide part of the dance floor. The result is hundreds of people dancing on the various stairs, creating as many levels of dance floors as there are stairs. Live music is performed every night from 7pm onwards, leaving plenty of opportunity to go.

Party inside a natural cave

Ruchi and I had full intention of checking out what a party in a cave was all about after some locals told us about it during our time at Playa Ancón. However, our plans got squashed with the arrival of Hurricane Irma and we had to lie low for a few days. So if you’re intrigued and looking for some extra-late partying, ask around for Disco Ayala when you get to Trinidad. The locals will the information you need about this club inside a natural cave.

Horse Riding

If you didn’t manage to go horse riding in Viñales, then Trinidad is the next best place. Life in Trinidad town is still very much entwined with the countryside. During a horse ride, your guide will take you up into the dry hills behind Trinidad, passing tobacco farms and Sugar mills, both vital for the town’s economy.

Get lost with your camera

It’s hard to put your camera away in Trinidad with something different around every corner worth capturing. The whole city is like a museum of a bygone era. From the multi-colored buildings, cobble-stone streets, clay-made roofs, panoramic views, horse-carriages and people strumming away on their guitars.

Architecture Museum

Since Trinidad is famous for its colonial architecture it makes sense to have a museum dedicate to the city’s architecture, right? Housed in the Sanchez Iznaga mansion plus two combined 18th century buildings. The exhibits are detailed and offer some unique objects that would be otherwise difficult to find. On display are a number of examples of colonial architectural elements from Trinidad along with descriptions. Once you visit you will gain a better insight into the changes that have occurred throughout the city.

Where to Eat

The food in Cuba is nothing to write home about, but Ruchi and I found Trinidad to have the best food hands down of all the places we visited in Cuba. We were really craving some strong and exciting flavours by the time we reached Trinidad, and we found exactly that at La Redaccion and Sol Ananda. I promise, your taste buds will burst with happiness during a visit to both these restaurants!

For more information check out my foodie guide to Trinidad.

Where to sleep

Budget: I recommend Hostal Marledy Y Miguel, it’s a very popular casa, located in the historical centre so you’ll have everything on your doorstep.
Splurge: If you’d prefer a hotel, then Iberostar Grand is the best in town but it’s pricey.

How long should you stay in Trinidad?

I think 4 nights is the perfect length of time. Though quite often travellers arrive and end up staying longer because it’s such great place to relax and unwind.