You can see why Trinidad was declared World Craft City in 2018, it is a city rich in tradition, legends, history, culture, architecture and is surrounded by natural beauty; beaches, mountains and valleys. Check out why Trinidad has captured the heart of many travellers and has become a firm favourite of mine and everybody that visits us in Trinidad:
1. TRINIDAD HISTORICAL CENTRE
Trinidad, located on the central south cost of Cuba, is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas; declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. It never fails to amaze me, I love walking around its charming colonial cobbled streets and admiring its architectural treasures. When I stroll around Trinidad’s historical centre, I feel like I am walking through a living museum with its beautiful palaces and mansions. It is easy to watch daily life pass you by as this is one of the only historical cities where many locals still live within the old town. The locals are proud of their heritage and traditions so take the time to sit down in one of its lovely plazas, listen to the gossip on the street and find a local to talk to about the legends of the past. Trinidad’s historical centre is also the place to be at night with its lively bars, excellent live musical performances every night and rich collection of restaurants serving delicious traditional cuisine in beautifully restored casas.
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| Plaza Mayor Trinidad Cuba |
2. TOPPES DE COLLANTES
When you visit Trinidad, I recommend you set aside at least one day to visit one of the beautiful national parks located in the Toppes de Collantes highlands where nature tourism is really taking off in Cuba. It is an invigorating day out, where you can walk amongst the leafy trees and beautiful landscapes, learn about the local flora and fauna, and even get to dip in one of the refreshingly cool waters of one of the many waterfalls found in the 200 square kilometre Guamuahaya mountain range. There are various options, some walks easier than others: El Cubano, Caburní, Vegas Grandes, Guanayara Park and you can even get to El Nicho from Trinidad.
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| Toppes de Collantes Cuba |
3. PLAYA ANCÓN
Even though Cuba’s Varadero has been named as the 3rd best beach in the top 10 Traveller’s choice beaches in the World on TripAdvisor, I still love the Caribbean waters on the Playa Ancón peninsula; around 15km from Trinidad town. It is well worth a visit as it boasts beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear blue waters, so calm you can see your foot clearly in the water. If you have transport; a bike or a car, you can also explore the coast line between La Boca and the beaches of Playa Ancón on the Peninsula. You will find cute small beaches “playitas” along the coast where you can stop and relax, sit under the shade of the handmade canopies “bohios” and even go snorkelling around the rocky shore line. Not all of the playitas have places where you can buy refreshments but at “La Batea” you will find a small restaurant where you can buy refreshments and sometimes even hire snorkelling equipment, you will also find men taking care of the playitas and charging a small fee to look after your car or bike.
4. VALLE DE LOS INGENIOS (SUGAR MILLS VALLEY)
Valle de los Ingenios also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site is located to the north east of Trinidad city. The fertile lands of this area were of great importance during the sugar “boom” which enabled Trinidad to prosper and grow into the city we see today. The Valle de los Ingenios is of particular architectural and historical importance as it is home to a collection of traditional sugar mills and stately homes. You can visit this area by car or by train. If you visit by train you will get to visit the Manaca-Iznaga estate and majestic tower as well as an old sugar mill factory. If you visit this region by car you can visit Manaca-Iznaga but I also recommend you include a visit to one of the other areas of interest; the sugar mills valley mirador, Guámaro, Palmarito, San Isidro and Guachinango.
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| Torre Manaca Iznaga Cuba |
5. TELECOMMUNICATIONS MIRADOR / VIEWPOINT
If you are feeling active climb up to the telecommunications tower at the top of the hill behind Trinidad’s historical centre and get an amazing view of the valley, the city and the coast. An amazing place to watch the sunset and get lost in time. If you climb the hill during the day, it can be hot so take water and wear a hat. If you go for the sunset, there is no lighting on the way down so remember to take a torch with you.
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| Telecommunications Mirador Trinidad Cuba |
6. STAY IN A CASA PARTICULAR
One of the best experiences in Trinidad is to stay at one of our many Casa Particulares where you get to experience a little of every day life in Trinidad. Hosts are super friendly, offer all kinds of tips and local information and can help organise your activities whilst in Trinidad. I love sitting down and chatting to the hosts and finding out about their lives in Cuba and they often want to know about you and your life back at home so it is a great way to share experiences and have a meaningful cultural exchange.
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| Casa in Trinidad Cuba |
EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES
Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.
To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:
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