10 Things to Know Before Visiting Trinidad, Cuba

Don’t think that you can just show up in Trinidad and find somewhere to stay. This might work in the low season, but in high season there have been stories of tourists sleeping in the streets due to high demand. Book ahead of time to be safe.

The city itself is incredibly pretty, but if you want a break from the crowds it’s easy to get away. Playa Ancon, known as one of the best beaches in southern Cuba, is just 15 minutes away by car.

Head to Trinidad during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and get involved in the Easter celebrations, including the famous Cross Procession. Follow the crowds marching through the town and enjoy the colorful festivities.

A raft of innovative restaurants have been pushing the boundaries of the local culinary scene in recent years, following the relaxation of the ban on private enterprise. Now you can eat in private restaurants that import ingredients from abroad, making Trinidad something of a center for new Cuban cuisine. Check out Café Don Pepe, Restaurante San Jose, and Vista Gourmet, among others.

The colonial architecture in central Trinidad is so well preserved that UNESCO made it a World Heritage Site in 1988. Make sure your camera is charged, because there’s a fantastic photo opportunity waiting at every corner.

Trinidad sits on the edge of one of the best nature reserves in Cuba, Topes de Collantes. It’s easy to take a day trip out here to explore waterfalls, go hiking, or ride horses.

Every Cuban town and city has a Casa de la Música, but Trinidad’s is different. It’s an outdoor affair, arranged on a wide concrete staircase, and at times there can be hundreds of people dancing, drinking and enjoying the balmy evening air.

Start from the middle of Trinidad town and head up the hill to the old radio tower. It’s a 30-minute hike, and once you’re up there you can enjoy an incredible view of the city and the surrounding countryside. Set off early to avoid the heat of the day.

Just outside town, in the Valle de los Ingenios, you can still see the sugar plantations that brought great wealth to the city. Make a day trip to the Manaca Iznaga Tower, which was supposedly used to control the slaves, to get an idea of the history of the area.

Due to the popularity of the city, with tourists of every stripe, you will find yourself paying more for everyday necessities than in other parts of Cuba. Travelers report that Trinidad is the most expensive place in Cuba to eat, sleep and party, so plan accordingly if you’re on a budget.