Trinidad, maybe one of the best places in Cuba, because it has everything a cute cobblestone town needs, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site title for best-preserved colonial town mixed with 1850’s architecture, cares from the 1950’s given the feeling of being back in time. And of course, a pristine beach, lush green valleys, and some of the best places to dance salsa in Cuba.
I was planning to spend 72 hours in Trinidad, Cuba, but somehow ended with four days. That is what Trinidad does; it sucks you into the lusty rhythms of salsa and the beautiful scenery surrounding the town, lush green valleys, and ocean view if you walk to the top of the radio station or clock tour. The people are warmer than ever, and asking you to dance will always be around the corner. We are all having a good time in Trinidad if you let the city show you the town’s flow.
1. First things, first! Walk Around the Town of Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad Cuba is a world heritage site for it’s very well preserved colonial style. The best thing about Trinidad in Cuba is that you can walk around anywhere, don’t only stick to the main street, go walking, and get lost in those beautiful streets before getting your feet back to the plaza. Plaza Mayor is the largest plaza, and this is where you hang out in the evening (Catching your daily WIFI) before visiting some local bars.
2. Climb the Trinidad’s Bell Tower for the Panoramic View
Climbing the Bell Tower in Trinidad is an easy thing to do and should not be missed. It will give you a superior view of the town and to the ocean if you are lucky with the weather.
3. Cuban Food on a Better Level
Have Dinner at Restaurant Bar La Redaccion an amazing colonial house and some of the best food I had in Cuba. Because for some reason, Trinidad is somehow ahead in the game when making food for tourists.
Some places have tuned the menu to be a bit more friendly for travelers. Favorite places to eat in Trinidad are La Botija, and the best street food was the local pizza that they make on the street with onion because that is the poshest pizza you can get. Onions being the most expansive vegetable in Cuba.
4. Playa Ancon Beach
When you need a beach day and a break from the hustle and bustle of the charming streets of Trinidad, go and take the bus or colletivo to Playa Ancon Beach. It is pristine, with crystal clear blue Caribbean ocean, if it feels crowded, keep walking towards the right side of the beach where you will not find so many people.
I did try the beach massage, and it was a mix of everything just like Cuba, and he was doing his very best, it was not according to my standard for a massage. It is always fun to try these things around the world, and I think Sri Lanka has the best massages in the world. It is a great way to support the local community, why not give it a go, probably some are good, and some are making money from nothing.
5. Casa de la Música for Practicing Salsa Or Rincon de la Salsa
If you haven’t been to Casa de la Música, you have not been to Trinidad! Right next to Plaza Mayor, you will find this live music place, where everyone meets and dance to salsa rhythms!
Please don’t be shy; it will not work. All Cubans love dancing, including grandma, the five your old and all your new Cuban friends. I can’t dance salsa, but I can fake it, that is option two if you don’t take a salsa lesson! Which I regret not doing. Later in the evening, check out Rincon de la Salsa for more salsa beats and more fun.
6. Horseback Riding
Escape the town and get into the green and lush scenery of Trinidad Valley. Go horseback riding for 5 hours and soak yourself into the culture of being a Cowboy in Cuba.
The horses are mostly calm and easy-going. The guide is at your assistance. You will be riding to a sugar plantation and try the sugar-juice with passionfruit! And then a coffee farm and then the final stop is a waterfall to cool off from the long ride. Most likely, the same way back.
7. Salsa Class with a Cuban
I do regret not taking any salsa class, I should definitely have done that. If you have the time try to make time for a salsa class because it looked like real fun and best of all you will become better on dance floor when dancing salsa with your new Cuban friends. Also it is a nice way to support the local community.
If I had more time in Trinidad, I would have gone to Topes de Collantes National Park, but due to a short time and maybe not so good planning, the time was running short. You need a day for it, same goes for horseback riding.
Disco Ayala – Discoteca Las Cuevas
On the outside of Trinidad, up in the hill, you will find the Discoteca Las Cuevas, which means Cave Disco. The cave has a morbid story about the first free slave in Trinidad, captured young girls in the cave, and then killed them. The cave was discovered one day one of the village people followed the men, and that’s when he found the horror of the Cave.
Today there is a nightlife disco. I never managed to go there, and I always had to much fun at Rincon de la Salsa.
Getting To Trinidad
I used the Colectivo – Shared car to get to Trinidad from Playa Larga. Remember to book one day before going. Also, from Trinidad to Havana, I used a Coletivo. Ask around for departure time and the best price. It usually departs in the morning.
Where To Stay In Trinidad
Best Accommodation In Trinidad
Bielka or Biki was the most excellent host I had in Cuba, from the minute I walk in the door I felt welcomed and relaxed. The house has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The bed is excellent, and the shower was the best in Cuba!! Breakfast delicious! I highly recommend this Casa when staying in Trinidad! It is a very quiet house, with no street traffic noise, which is rare in Cuba.
Casa de Norge
If traveling alone, and you want to find your safe place in Trinidad. I would highly recommend Casa de Norge. A Norwegian girl married to a Cuban. And then they created Casa de Norge, which has all the welcoming Cuban spirit, but also the understanding of how things operate in an international standard.
Casa de Norge will take great care of you, and can also help you organize more of your trip to Cuba. They speak Norwegian, English, and Spanish. Casa de Norge is cozy, with a good location and super friendly and helpful owners. I highly recommend a stay here!
Trinidad Travel Tips & Advice
You will feel very safe in Cuba. Tourists are the Holy Grail
Do respect that people will sell you things, of course you are allowed to say NO at any time.
Average Salary in Cuba is 30 US dollars, that’s why tourist and jobs in tourism are very important for Cubans.
Ask around for the prices. In that way, you discover if you are paying 5 CUC to much or not.
More Cuba Travel Tips?
I hope you enjoyed the guide on Trinidad, Cuba. Hopefully, you can use some of the information for your planning. If you want more articles about Cuba, I recommend you:
7 Great Things to Do in Viñales, the Countryside of Cuba
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