The last leg of our November Cuba trip took us to Trinidad, a little town in the middle of the island, famous for its multi-coloured colonial old houses and cobblestone streets.
And now that I look back at this trip, it’s the Cuban place I most wish to return to (mainly because I was so sick by then I feel like I missed out on so many things).
A Unesco site since 1988, Trinidad is easily accessible from Havana (it’s a 4h, 30CUC pp affair and the views on the way are incredible). And it’s the sort of pastel-coloured, fairy tale place that needs to be seen to be believed.
But that’s not all! Architecture, nature, beach… There’s so many great things to do in Trinidad that fully justify adding the city to your Cuba itinerary.
1. Wander around the beautiful pastel-coloured streets
There’s a reason why the whole of Trinidad is a Unesco site and it’s because every corner is absolutely gorgeous!
From the technicolour colonial houses, to the intricate forged iron window frames and the ever-green mountain background, the entire city is an Instagram dream come true – absolutely no filter needed!
So put on your walking shoes (those cobblestones are no joke!) and make the most of it.
2. Trek the Parque el Cubano and swim in the Javira Waterfall
With the gigantic Parque Natural Topes de Collantes to the west, trekking opportunities abound in Trinidad.
The easiest (and shortest) one will take you through Parque el Cubano up to the Javira waterfall, where you can swim into the natural pool below it, which is really quite a fantastic way to spend the day!
3. Climb San Francisco de Asis bell tower
Located by the very pretty Playa Mayor, San Francisco de Asis is the best spot to get a bird’s eye view of the city.
Vertigo-averse folks will want to stop at the first level, where the wide terrace offers fantastic views of the city, the mountains and even the sea.
And if the weather’s all sorts of crazy you’re lucky, you might even catch a quadruple rainbow!
4. Have a few of the Trinidad’s signature Cachanchara cocktails
Created in Trinidad in the late 1800s, the Cachanchara is considered to be Cuba’s oldest known cocktail.
The no-fuss recipe, originally used as medecine, calls for simple ingredients -rum, lime and honey- and is traditionally served in clay cups.
Strong but perfectly balanced, it’s well worth switching your default mojito over for.
5. Bask in the sun on Playa Ancon
Blue water. Golden sun. Does this really need explaining?
6. Try La Botija’s Cuban-style fried rice
I’m not going to lie and pretend like the food in Trinidad (or in Cuba, really) changed my life. To be honest, I ate mostly rice and plain bread anyway (such glamour!).
That being said, the arroz fritto at La Botija was one of the best things we had and comes in very generous portions.
Also on the plus side, the restaurant is open quite late, there’s live music being played throughout the day and a weird-but-intriguing drink selection (the Ciego Montero pineapple soft drink is goooooood!)…
PS. If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Trinidad, this is the Casa we stayed in. Robe & Nina are the sweetest hosts and the breakfast was beyond fantastic!
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Cake and Whisky 
Great post – I loved Trinidad the most whilst in Cuba
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