Poking the Escambray mountains, Trinidad, a UNESCO world heritage site is one of the coolest little towns of the island nation of Cuba. A colonial architecture aficionado dream so perfectly preserved with its intact churches, colonial houses, salsa terraces and full of character cobbled streets. Trinidad is also just a stone's throw away from the Caribbean Sea where other than lounging in the sun you can go snorkelling, diving or if you like fishing then you can also do so. But then you can also go explore the mountains and hike to the many waterfalls in Sierra del Escambray or visit the coffee plantations. There's so much to do and see in Trinidad that you'll need another holiday after your holiday here!
Top Things To Do In Trinidad
1. Checking Plaza Mayor
Plaza Mayor is the most beautiful square in Trinidad and the town's main one. Here the buildings are perfectly preserved and locals as well as tourists gather at night to sip cocktails, dance to salsa and use their mobile phones as this is one of the few wi-fi hotspots in the vicinity. The square has 2 iconic bell towers which you'll see in most Trinidad photos available on google images, many colonial buildings painted in soft pastel colours, some restaurants and also bars which sell the local brew cachanchara.
2. Visiting Trinidad Bell Tower - Convento De San Fransisco De Asis
One of Trinidad's iconic belltowers is located atop the Convento de San Fransisco de Asis. Painted in bright yellow colours and located in the Plaza Mayor for less than 1USD you can not only visit the museum but also climb the bell tower for some awe-inspiring views of Trinidad's town, the surrounding mountains and beach so don't forget your camera.
3. Learning About History In The Church Of The Holy Trinity
The Church of the Holy Trinity is right next to the many steps which lead to the salsa bar where apart from having salsa classes you also just sit, enjoy a cocktail or a cold beer and listen to some live bands playing either salsa or rumba. The Holy Trinity Church of Trinidad was completed in 1892. It was constructed on the site of a preceding 17th-century church that was devastated by a cyclone which also destroyed many other buildings in Trinidad’s centre.
The Holy Trinity Church of Trinidad contains an 18th-century wooden statue of Christ called the “The Lord of the True Cross” “El Señor de la Vera Cruz” which is an object of special admiration in Trinidad. History has it that the original statue was destined for a church in Veracruz in Mexico but the ship carrying the statue was hit by bad weather and had to turn back to Trinidad three times and was only able to make the voyage after leaving part of its cargo which included the now infamous statue of Christ on display at the church in Trinidad. This was considered as divine intervention by the people of Trinidad and the statue has been displayed in the church ever since so make sure you don't miss it.
4. Going On A Self-Guided Tour Like The One Recommended On Lonely Planet
You may not be a fan of Lonely Planet but these guides have served me well over the years. The walking tour itinerary they recommend in Trinidad is actually great, you'll hit all the main attractions around the town centre in one day and will still have plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny.
5. Checking Plaza Carillo
Plaza Carrillo is within walking distance from the Plaza Mayor. This square may not be as picturesque as the others in Trinidad but the wi-fi here is solid and since there are not as many tourists it does feel more secluded.
6. Venturing Out To Plaza Santa Ana
I was told to visit Plaza Santa Ana as a new restaurant/brewery has opened in the area, Factoria Santa Ana. The food is really nothing special but the beer is cheap and good and apparently brewed according to an Austrian recipe. Other than the brewery you also have Santa Ana Church, an old ruined church with hollowed-out interiors and an eerie feel best visited in the late afternoon for some epic shots.
7. Swimming At Playa Ancon
Playa Ancon is a picture-perfect beach with fine white sands and crystal clear waters. Only 12km from the old town the beach is easily reachable by taxi. There are some new developments being built around the beach but you only see them from the road and they're further inland, so apart from the ugly state-owned soviet style hotel to the left of the beach, you'll have a couple of kilometres of perfectly uninterrupted sand.
8. Hiking The Parque Natural Topes De Collantes
Topes De Colantes Natural Parque is an enjoyable one day tour (lunch included) from Trinidad. Expect to learn about the great biodiversity of this region, swim in streams of clear freshwater, photograph impressive waterfalls, visit coffee plantations and try some tropical fruits. The park also has some small towns, with a couple of hotels and restaurants and is where Che Guevara set up camp.
9. Jumping On A Steam Train To Visit Valle De Los Igenios – Valley Of The Sugar Mills
The Valley of the Sugar Mills is another easy day trip from Trinidad but with a difference, you'll have to take an old steam train through the lovely valley in order to get to the old sugar mills.
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