TRINIDAD
Trinidad is one of Cuba’s most-visited cities but do not let this put you off, it is also one of the most charming.
Founded in 1518 by the Spanish Conquistador Diego Velazquez, it prospered from money made through the sugar trade. Today this history has left a wealth of beautiful colonial buildings; palaces and museums and charming cobbled streets. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a wonderful example of baroque art.
The atmosphere in Trinidad is one of the best. The streets hum with the vibrancy and warmth of its inhabitants as the sound of horses hooves ring on the cobbles. There are many rooftop bars, the ideal place to soak up the atmosphere and get to know the friendly people in this delightful city.
The countryside around Trinidad is a testament to the days of sugar production with many old sugar mills and plantation houses remaining. Today the land is still farmed, and it is a beautiful area to explore. One of the best ways is on horseback as you wander past charming examples of Cuban pastoral life.
Close to the city, the Escambray Mountains are covered in woodland and lakes. Here you can find the Topes de Collantes nature reserve, just 20km outside Trinidad. This is a wonderful place for flora and fauna including over 40 species of orchid and 100 species of fern along with many different birds. Hike through the rainforest trails, stopping at refreshing pools and waterfalls.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Finca Kenia
Built in the second half of the nineteenth century, on the edge of Santa Rosa Valley, Finca Kenia is one of the oldest houses in Trinidad. On the edge of the sleepy, soulful city of Trinidad, unique Finca Kenia is entered through tall wooden doors, into an unexpected world on the other side. The sense of calm here is soothing; people move slowly, time falls away as you watch the horses amble in the yard and begin to unwind and settle into the Cuban rhythm of life. Exuding rustic Cuban character, the Finca Kenia provides a peaceful getaway outside of the bustling hub of Trinidad. Converted from a 19th century traditional family home, the ambiance is homely and relaxed. There are 6 double bedrooms decorated simply with woven quilts and wood furnishings.
Casa Amistad
Casa Amistad is a quaint, colonial private house in the heart of Trinidad. Set in central Trinidad, Casa Amistad is a colonial house built in the 1830s, featuring a garden and a terrace. Respecting the colonial style of the house, the owners have created a cozy, relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for their guests. The bedrooms are very spacious with large bathrooms including all the necessary comforts, all with a unique charm! Each room comes with a patio with views of the colourful and picturesque garden, as well as an indoor seating area and a flat-screen TV. A continental, American or vegetarian breakfast is available each morning at the property.
Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad
The Iberostar Grand Trinidad is a 5-star hotel in the so-called ‘city-museum of Cuba’ and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This exclusive hotel in Trinidad is an adults-only hotel (15+) and is one of the most impressive properties on the island. It is a place where luxury, tradition, history and culture come together in perfect harmony. Drawing inspiration from traditional colonial architecture, the Iberostar hotel brings guests back to sixteenth-century Cuba and opens the door to a world of maximum comfort in the centre of Trinidad. The fine interior design, noble materials and premium services make this hotel one of the most charming in Trinidad and makes the hotel a travel experience in its own right and a destination in itself for tourists coming to the island.