But strong winds thwarted the ship's arrival at its destination, and the ship landed in Casilda instead, just a short distance from Trinidad. Its part of the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco and is a famous landmark of Trinidad. At first glance, you might imagine Trinidad as trapped in a time warp, but spend a little time wandering her streets and end your day at the vibrant Casa de La Musica and youll realize Trinidad has her rhythm and you shouldnt miss it! Interior highlights of the church are the vaulted ceilings and a series of impressive altars carved from cedar and mahogany. If crowded resort, Its known for its laidback Rastafarian spirit, but Jamaica also has much to offer adventure-seeking travellers. Trinidads farming community is located primarily in the Santa Rosa Valley, close to the city and this area of farms and rolling green hills is glorious. And keep an eye out for birds along the way - you might even spot the national bird, the Cuban trogon (tocororo). Trinidad is small and easy to explore on foot, with interesting things to do near Trinidad easily accessible. Cuba. The picturesque Plaza Mayor lies in the historical center of Trinidad, Cuba and is an ideal place to start a sightseeing tour of the city. 1. Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers. The free walking tour of Trinidad is a particularly great one, as there is just so much to see in do in the historic center of Trinidad. With the gorgeous mountains in the distance and the stunning rooftops of the historic center, its only fitting! The gorgeous crumbling architecture of Trinidad and its pretty cobbled streets are a superb place to visit on a trip to Cuba. This is one of the best things to do in Trinidad, with out a doubt a highlight for most visitors to this gem of a city. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 5 Best Things to Do in Trinidad, Cuba - Where's the Gringo? The city is a great place to base yourself to visit the beaches of Playa Ancon or the more local Playa la Boca. ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR EXPLORING CUBA INDEPENDENTLYThese are the resources and booking sites that we use when traveling to Cuba.Travel and Health Insurance are mandatory for entry to Cuba. Today, this picturesque building accommodates the Museo Nacional de Lucha Contra Bandidos (National Museum of the Struggle against Bandits). It's also an excellent base for visiting the Topes de Collantes National Park in the Escambray Mountain Range, which starts 15 minutes' drive away, and has waterfalls, coffee plantations, and mountain communities. The best way to enjoy Trinidad is on a guided walking tour. Visit Trinidads Bell Tower Museo Nacional de Lucha Contra Bandidos Convento de San Francisco, 6. Were here to share our top travel tips and destination guides to help you feel at home in travel, no matter where youre headed. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The historic center of Trinidad Cuba, is closed to traffic. Our guide to car renting in Cuba is here. From waterfall hikes to exploring the beautiful historic center of Trinidad, there are so many things to do in Trinidad, Cuba that you wont want to pass up. After browsing the exhibits, save time to ascend the steep spiral stairs of the tower for a panoramic view of the city and Caribbean Sea. You can get yours here. The Sanchez Iznaga mansion houses the museum and consists of two blue 18th-century buildings that were combined in the early 19th century. Only some of the outer buildings and the bell tower still stand. Drink a Canchanchara in Trinidad Cuba, 13. In this ultimate guide to the best things to do in Trinidad, Cuba youll find all the ultimate Trinidad attractions, plus some of the best day trips from Trinidad and the experiences you just cant miss. Usually, a shared taxi will cost the same price per person as the Viazul bus plus maybe 1015%. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. The staircase to Casa de la Musica is also one of the few places in Trinidad where you can get decent wifi. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes, as the trail can be narrow and steep. If you have a group you can always ask at your Casa Particular, or a bus station how much it will cost to go directly to Trinidad by taxi. Make sure to carry water! The Cayo is nice, surrounded by the coral reef and with a small but clean beach. The melody of African drums, Spanish guitar and pivotal percussion instruments will have you on your feet, twirling in time to the beat of the music in this partner-led dance. Che Guevara is one of the most important figures in the country's history, so visiting the Che Guevara Mausoleum is one of the most important things to do in Cuba. The colonial center in Trinidad. Rooms here are opulent with air-conditioning, fabulous views from the terraces, and glorious courtyards. Climb the Bell Tower at the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco Get a birds-eye view of historic Trinidad's red-tiled rooftops and the surrounding mountains from the bell tower of the Iglesia y Convento de San Franciso in the heart of old Trinidad. Drink the Canchanchara Cocktail in Trinidad, Key Information About Visiting Trinidad, Cuba, Final Words on the 15 Best Things to Do in Trinidad, Cuba, Stay in a Casa Particular in Trinidad Cuba, Things to Do in Cuba Explore Iconic Cuba, The Best 7 Day Trips from Trinidad Cuba [2023], you can book a classic car to take you there here, Read more on how to get access to the internet in Cuba in our guide here, free walking tour of the Santa Rosa Valley. Visit the Palacio Cantero in Trinidad Museo Historico Municipal, 8. Stay in La Boca near Trinidad for a peaceful time, with swimming and snorkeling right across the street. The VPN that I use (12+ years now) and recommend is ExpressVPN this link gives you 3 months for free. Our recommendations for where to stay in La Boca are: Hostal Cuba just 30 meters from the Caribbean Sea, this is a lovely place to stay. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Santera is a syncretic religion formed from merging Roman Catholicism and Yoruba beliefs and today, priests of Santera practice in Trinidad. At the height of Trinidads sugar-fuelled revolution in 1827, 56 sugar mills were powered by the hands of more than 11,000 slaves. ), RAINY SEASON from August to October (this is the rainiest season, with proper tropical storms). Sustainable City Guide: What to do in Trinidad, Cuba Filters. In this, youre getting three things in one. Meet your guide at his house (you can walk from the center, and youll get full map details BEFORE you book this free walking tour) and get stunning views of Trinidads Santa Rosa Valley, and then set off on a gentle stroll around the green hills and farms of this area. Trinidad travel - Lonely Planet | Cuba, Caribbean ); suggest a convenient (so they say) taxi to get around, and what not. While we thought the snorkeling at La Batea was better (keep reading below for more on this! Each season has its own perks, so your decision on when to visit should be based on the kind of experience you want to have. Palacio Brunet Trinidads Museo Romantico, 10. She loves exploring independently along with husband Nigel. Where to stay in Trinidad. The Canchanchara is one of Cubas famous cocktails and they will even make an alcohol-free version for you. If you're on a budget opt for a home stay at La Boca, another beach area near the top of the peninsula, which offers much more interaction with the locals than some of Cuba's other beach resorts. Things To Do in Cuba Our list of the best things to do in Cuba is extensive, ranging from Cuba bucket list items you can accomplish in many places around the island to visiting specific must-see places in Cuba you should plan your itinerary around. Hostal Omara close to the center of Trinidad, with lovely design and two fabulous terraces where you can watch the city go by. Honestly it didn't feel like we were in town long enough, there's a lot to see, and Trinidad is bigger than I thought. Whether you have a few hours or a few weeks, these are the best things to do in Trinidad (that you cant miss)! 15. Note that during the dry season, the falls are less impressive. The much revered 18th-century wooden statue in the church was headed to a church in Vera Cruz Mexico, en route from its origin in Spain. At every corner you turn in Trinidad youll find a band playing. All stays in Casa Particulars benefit the local community. Highlights of a visit to the Valle de los Ingenios include visiting famous sugarcane plantations like Manaca Iznaga with its tower to observe all corners of the plantation, and the San Isidro de los Destiladeros, left in ruins after its closure at the end of the 1800s, though still a fascinating destination. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Things to do in Trinidad Cuba - Passporter Blog From the first floor, you can peer down into the sunny courtyard and across the red-tile roofs of town. Book your place on this FREE Walking tour in Trinidad Cuba now it wont cost you a CENT to book. The main square in any village or town is usually the best place to start to get your bearings. Surrounding Trinidad are the emerald peaks of the Sierra del Escambray with some rewarding hikes. Getting to Trinidad, Cuba by bus takes inevitably longer. The main beach access point at Playa La Batea has great snorkeling just offshore, but you can also swim north along the beach for impressive snorkeling spots as well. Theres also a sea view superior apartment on the first level with a terrace, it has a kitchen, and the room has one king-size bed and one single. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. What to do in Trinidad Cuba? The slaves shipped from the west coast of Africa brought their religions with them, and beliefs in the orishas (saints) of the Yoruba religion persisted and evolved. The building now houses the Galeria de Arte, which contains an art school and offers paintings for sale to the public. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Trinidad - UPDATED 2023 - Must See Attractions in Trinidad, Caribbean | Tripadvisor Trinidad Hotels Things to Do Restaurants Flights Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars Caribbean Cuba Sancti Spiritus Province Trinidad Things to do in Trinidad Top Things to Do in Trinidad, Caribbean - Trinidad Attractions You can climb the tower for more views, and dine at the restaurant in the house next door. However, they share many of the same characteristics: lovely hiking trails, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls. (Check out our guide to Cuban cocktails here and find out some of the histories of the island through her drinks!). Trinidads Casa de la Musica is a popular evening institution in Cuba, and while it isnt much more than a plaza and staircase with live music and (admittedly great) drink service, its absolutely perfect to enjoy a warm Caribbean evening. Shake off the dust and sweat of the ride by plunging into the deep cool cave pool beneath the cascading water. On a clear day you can see all the way to Valle de los Ingenios. About 12 kilometers south of Trinidad, Playa Ancon, on the Peninsula Ancon, is one of the prettiest beaches on the south coast of Cuba. Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad is also renowned for its fine acoustics. Renting a car in Cuba is likely to cost between US$50 and US$90 a day including insurance. As a Booking.com Associate, I earn when you book through certain links. Check out our guide to travel insurance for Cuba for more details. Trinidad, Cuba is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the province of Sancti Spritus. Museo Histrico Municipal, aka Palacio Cantero, 28 Best Cities To Visit In Italy That Will Take Your Breath Away, 12 Incredible Things To Do In Sapa, Vietnam, Where To Stay In Istanbul: 6 Best Areas To Stay In Istanbul And Best Hotels, 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Turkey + 11 Best Turkey Travel Tips. Visit Museo Romntico: Relive the Romantic Era. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This small and compact city is photogenic wherever you turn and bursts with life and a faded elegance. . And, SPOILER ALERT, youll get some fabulous tips for where to eat and drink that you wont read about in the guidebooks! The sensual, energetic eight-count rhythm of salsa is the soundtrack to much of Cuban life. What to do in Trinidad: Wander Around and Enjoy. Theres also an old brick and tile factory here. One question: you mentioned Casa del Habanos in Trinidad, but their corporate website does not show a retail store there. Explore the Santa Rosa Valley, Trinidad, Cuba 7. Trinidad Cuba. Julio Muoz of homestay Casa Muoz offers guided visits to the sanctuary of an authentic Trinitario santero (priest) of Santera. You wont regret it! 1. Casa del Habano is a good place to buy quality cigars (avoid buying the cheap ones sold in the streets). Enter dates. Explore the Santa Rosa Valley, Trinidad, Cuba, 7. Now you can take a free walking tour of the Santa Rosa Valley, Trinidad to experience it. Also, be aware that driving at night is much more dangerous than in other countries, fields are not always fenced and animals tend to roam. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Hire bikes from the super-friendly homestay Hostal El Oasisand pack a picnic of fresh organic passion fruit, peaches, mangoes and bananas from Oasis owner Teresa Leras flourishing award-winning patio garden. Theres a small entrance fee to visit Trinidads bell tower, but this does cover your entry to the Museo Nacional de Lucha Contra Bandidos (National Museum of the Struggle against Bandits) as well. Since leaving the corporate world in 2014 Sarah has gone with the flow - and that works really well in Cuba. This comes with the benefit that you dont need to speak any Spanish to do this and you can pay with your card online, with no need for cash. The Colonial History and Sugar Cane Wealth that Contributed to Trinidads Architecture, The Natural Beauty of the nearby nature reserves, The stunning beaches bordering the nearby Caribbean sea, The music and rhythms of this central part of Cuba, The Bell Tower and the views across Trinidad, Plaza Mayor the main square of Trinidad. Booking Viazul buses online is easy although online availability is often hard to come by. - 1.00 h dance lesson Sala Cubana (Casino) at the terrace. 6. Be sure to get breakfast at your Casa Particular, it sets you up for the day. For more sightseeing ideas in one of the best places to visit in Cuba, see our list of the top things to do in Trinidad. Travel Stories Cuba Trinidad Top 10 things to do in Trinidad, Cuba Save Claire Boobbyer Oct 4, 2013 5 min read Colonial Square in Trinidad Cuba The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad, Cuba, was built on the back of the 19th-century sugar and slave trade. Visiting Playa Ancn is by far one of the best things to do in Trinidad, Cuba. The cuba libres were more like rums on the rocks with a dash of cola. Food is usually an extra cost. View and download my media kithere (updated May 2023). A fantastic mix of colonial architecture and vintage cars, this city is an absolute must see. After exploring the pretty colonial mansions and museums that preside over this palm-studded square, relax at one of the nearby restaurants or alfresco cafs. Traveler favorites. Youll find photogenic classic cars here, pastel-painted buildings, and an almost quaint decaying elegance in some of the buildings. 7 AWESOME Things To Do In Trinidad, Cuba - Greta's Travels The view is worth the $2 CUC fee alone. It also provides the best views of Trinidad. ), its still a fabulous snorkeling experience amidst a great rest of your day. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Youll find local pop-up bars, great food, and a lot of peace and quiet here. Looking for free walking tours in other Cuban cities? Plantation owners made it a point to show their wealth, so Trinidad is an extravaganza of beautiful palaces, airy squares, colonial homes, so much so that its been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the historical center is completely closed to cars. You can join a guided hike departing from Trinidad. Here's why you'll love the historic town of Trinidad: The town of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour finishes at the infamousLa Canchnchara where youll get to taste Trinidads most famous cocktail. It is easy to prebook and prepay for your casa particular in Trinidad Cuba, Homestay, and dont worry they cover private rooms and ensuites as well as dorm rooms. The Museo Histrico Municipal is the most interesting in Trinidad.