6 Best Tours In Trinidad Cuba By A Travel Expert (2024)
Trinidad is the best-kept colonial town in Cuba, where the colorful colonial houses and narrow cobblestone streets have hardly been touched for centuries. Finding the best tours in Trinidad Cuba will make sure you get to have the best experiences!
Trinidad was once the wealthiest town in Cuba centuries ago when the nation ruled the sugar trade under Spanish colonial rule.
Suddenly, as it was priced out of the lucrative sugar trade, Trinidad became a quiet backwater that has not changed since.
I have visited Trinidad several times during the five years I have traveled regularly to Cuba, and I love exploring the centuries-old cobblestoned streets of the historic part of Trinidad, the bars, art venues, and historic sites.
Top Rated Tours In Trinidad Cuba
There are a variety of things to do in and around the UNESCO-protected colonial town of Trinidad, situated on the southern shores of the island 5-6 hours south of Havana.
From lounging at Ancon Beach and having strong Cuban coffee in the historic city center to visiting the Valley of the Sugar Mills a few miles outside the city, where there are remnants of centuries-old sugar production.
Some of these things you can easily do by yourself (or get a taxi), but there are also some top-rated organized tours in Trinidad that you might want to check out.
Especially the ones that take you to unique places outside the city center.
1. Topes De Collantes Natural Park Tour
On this tour to Topes de Collantes, you will visit a vast protected reserve of Cuba to experience the beauty of the rich rainforest.
You can explore beautiful details like lofty waterfalls, grottoes, natural pools of clear water, and diverse plant and animal life.
The first stop on the tour is at El Mirador, a viewpoint 1,640 feet above sea level that offers breathtaking views of Valle de Los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills), Trinidad City, and the Caribbean Sea.
Then, you will travel through Topes de Collantes, one of Cuba’s largest protected reserves, while learning about the area’s history.
In the Topes de Collantes community, you will visit a coffee plantation where arabica, robusta, and Liberian coffee are grown.
Next, you will head for Vegas Grande for a moderate hike to learn about the region’s plants and animals. You will end up at a beautiful waterfall, where you can relax and take a refreshing swim.
Finally, you will enjoy a delicious lunch filled with typical Cuban dishes at a local restaurant before you head back to Trinidad.
2. Horseriding In Parque El Cubano National Park
Although this horseriding tour is rated at 8.3 average, I chose to include this tour here as I did it myself a while back – and I really enjoyed it.
If you go on this tour, in the morning, a bus will pick you up for this tour and take you to meet your horse at the tour starting point.
After meeting your horse, you will ride into Parque El Cubano, where you can enjoy the beautiful plants and wildlife native to Cuba while slowly pacing through the park.
You may even see some of Cuba’s important bird species, such as the emerald, hummingbird, and the national bird, the Cuban trogon.
You’ll have a long break of approximately 90 minutes at a picturesque waterfall, where you can chill out and swim in the natural pool. There was even a bar and live music there to entertain you.
Then, head for lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the price) before your horse takes you safely back to the starting point.
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3. Free Tour Of La Vigia Hill At Sunset
Loma La Vigia, or Vigia Hill, is a small hill outside of Trinidad with a spectacular view over the city and the sea, which turns magic at sunset!
You will meet at the main square in Trinidad and start walking through the city. As the sun gets lower, you will slowly head out of town and up Vigia Hill.
The guide will tell you lots of interesting history about Trinidad and the region, including pirate history, the sugar aristocracy, and Trinidad’s rise and fall on your way up and back down again in the dusk!
4. Trinidad Private Walking Tour
Trinidad has a unique and incredible history, even in Cuban terms. You will start the walking tour of Trinidad’s cobbled streets from the Grand Iberostar Hotel, visiting San Francisco de Paula Church, a historic place of worship.
Then, you’ll move on to see the Brunet Theatre ruins, Casa de Cultura, Plaza Mayor, and the Amelia Pelaez art gallery.
Midway, you will have a break to taste la canchara, the region’s most famous drink.
Once you’ve refilled, the next destination on the tour is San Francisco de Asís Church, famous for its yellow tower, which, if you have the stamina, can be climbed for an incredible view of the city.
This church was constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries and is notable for its iconic yellow tower that has become a landmark of Trinidad.
Finally, the tour ends at Plaza de Santa Ana Square, where you will see the remains of an old colonial-era prison.
5. Free Pub Crawl In Trinidad
Join in on a night tour and pub crawl around Trinidad and visit the most traditional bars and taverns in one of Cuba’s most captivating cities.
You will meet up at the Iberostar Heritage Grand Trinidad Hotel in Carillo Square in the town center.
From there, you will visit the old Royal Prison and then head to the Santa Ana factory, which is a famous brewery where you will learn about the entire production process.
Next, you can visit Las Ruinas de Segarte and Casa de la Trova, as well as Palenque de Los Congos Reales, which is a known spot for the best Afro-Cuban music!
Right next door is Casa de la Música, where you can continue dancing to the Caribbean drums before concluding your night at La Canchánchara.
6. Classic Car Ride To Playa Ancon
For this classic American car trip to the beautiful Playa Ancon outside Trinidad’s city center, you will be picked up from your hotel or casa between 8 and 9 in the morning.
Enjoy the drive to the beach on the southern shores of Cuba, where you can spend the whole day in crystal clear waters with white sand between your toes.
The waters here are home to lots of coral reefs and even sunken shipwrecks.
You’ll have eight hours to enjoy the playa before your driver comes to pick you up, and you will be back in Trinidad before 6 in the afternoon.
FAQs Trinidad Cuba
Is It Worth Going To Trinidad Cuba?
Yes, it is definitely worth visiting Trinidad Cuba.
The oldest and best-kept colonial city in Cuba on the southern shores has stunning beaches, a unique historic city center, art, culture, music, dance, and food!
Can US Citizens Travel To Trinidad?
Yes, US citizens can travel to Trinidad, and any destination in Cuba.
American travelers need to travel in accordance with US government regulations, and you can read all about how to travel to Cuba from the US here.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Trinidad Cuba?
If you spend just one day in Trinidad, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic center, museums, and art venues and walk the charming cobblestone streets.
If you want to go a little deeper and visit the Valley of the Sugar Mills, local farms, national parks, and the stunning Playa Ancon Beach, you can easily spend 3 to 4 days in Trinidad.
How Do You Get To Trinidad Cuba?
You can take the Viazul bus from Havana to Trinidad. You can also book a private taxi, a seat in a taxi colectivo (a shared taxi), or an organized tour to take you from Havana or Varadero to Trinidad.
Why Is Trinidad Cuba So Popular?
Trinidad is famous and popular for being the best-preserved colonial town in Cuba. The houses, architecture, and streets here are almost exactly the same as centuries ago, and the town has a unique ambiance.
Which Country Is Trinidad Cuba?
Trinidad is a city in Cuba, which is an independent nation in the Caribbean Sea.
Does Trinidad Cuba Have Beaches?
Yes, there are several beautiful white sandy beaches outside Trinidad Cuba. The most famous one is Playa Ancon, or Ancon Beach, in English.
How Far Is Trinidad Cuba From The Beach?
From the center of Trinidad, Cuba, to the beach is a 15-minute drive.
How Far Is Cayo Coco From Trinidad Cuba?
The distance between Cayo Coco and Trinidad Cuba is 150 miles, and it will take around 4 hours and 45 minutes by car.
Wrap-Up Best Tours Trinidad Cuba
Trinidad is so exceptionally well preserved because it was completely forgotten after the downfall of Cuba’s sugar wealth and left behind in the development that happened in other places.
This is why the historic center of Trinidad today is like a snapshot of what a Cuban colonial town looked like back in the day!
Regardless of what you decide to do in Trinidad, you will leave with lots of impressions, details, history, architecture, and whatnot!
I hope this overview has given you some idea of the organized activities you can join in Trinidad. If you want to find out more, you can check out this wider overview of things to do.
If you stay for a few days, make sure you choose a great top-rated casa particular for your authentic Trinidad experience!
Cuba has so many incredible destinations; if you want to research more, you can find my extensive Cuba content here.
Related blog posts:
Is Trinidad Cuba Worth Visiting | A Remarkable Colonial Sugar Kingdom
