Attractions Nearby Trinidad, Day Trips and Excursions

(Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba)

Trinidad's location in the central part of the island gives access to attractions in both the north-west and the south-east of Cuba, as well as nearby. The historic town of Sancti Spiritus, Che Guevara's mausoleum and museum at Santa Clara, and even the city of Havana, are all within reach. The most popular excursion for holiday makers is to the nearby Valley of the Sugar Mills, the source until the 19th century of the wealth of Trinidad de Cuba.

Outside Trinidad are the spectacular Sierra del Escambray mountains, with their waterfalls, natural attractions and hiking trails. In these mountains, to the north-west of Trinidad and reached along dangerously curving roads, lies the glorious national park that is the Parque Nacional Topes de Collantes, cool and comfortable after the heat of the cobbled city streets and one of Cuba's best know eco-tourism centres. A number of hiking trails snake through this mountainous territory, with the Salto del Caburni being the most popular attraction. This trail runs through dense forest and ends at a 75-metre / 246-foot waterfall with a swimming hole at its foot.

Valle de Los Ingenios / Valle de San Luis

The verdant Valley of the Sugar Mills is one of the main visitor draws outside Trinidad, with its remains of 60 mills, all supported in colonial times by the slave trade. The valley is now UNESCO listed, with a vintage American steam train (if its engine is working, otherwise it is by bus), bringing tourists from Trinidad to the Manaca-Iznaga sugar estate. The estate's manor house is now a restaurant, but it is easy to imagine the contrast between the lifestyles of the fabulously wealthy Iznaga family and their slaves. Close by is the Mirador de La Loma del Puerto, which offers an elevated lookout, high above the valley. The attractions of the Valle de Los Ingenios lie just 10 km / 6 miles to the east and are therefore perfect for a day trip.

Parque Nacional Topes de Collantes

Address: Sierra dell Escambray, Cuba, CU
As the second-biggest mountain range in Cuba, the Sierra del Escambray is brimming with outdoor attractions and activities, and stretches for more than 90 km / 56 miles in length, edging the provinces of Cienfuegos, Sancti Spiritus and Villa Clara. The Pico de San Juan is the tallest mountain here and measures in at just over 1,150 metres / 3,773 feet high, with its peaceful slopes boasting an abundance of wildlife. The Topes de Collantes is especially notable and this spreading national park encompasses the Parque Altiplano, the Parque Codina, the Parque el Cubano, the Parque Guanayara and El Nicho. There are three hotels within the Parque Nacional Topes de Collantes, together with plenty of hiking opportunities, such as the Blue Riband, the Sendero Los Helechos and the Sendero Jardin Gigante trails.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Santa Clara

The city of Santa Clara is dedicated to the memory of Che Guevara and his pivotal part in the Cuban revolution, with a massive monument (the Monumento Ernesto Che Guevara) to the famous rebel standing in the main square. Che's body, together with many of his revolutionary compatriots, is interred in a chilled mausoleum adjoining a museum to his life and deeds. Other attractions in Santa Clara include the popular tobacco factory (the Fabrica de Tabacos Constantino Perez Carrodegua), the historic La Casa de la Ciudad building, and four historic churches, such as the Catedral de las Santas Hermanas de Santa Clara de Asis.

Sancti Spiritus

The beautiful Cuban town of Sancti Spiritus is a comfortable drive from Trinidad, set on the banks of the Yayabo River, although remains often overlooked by tourists. Therefore much of the charm of Sancti Spiritus is the distinct lack of a tourism infrastructure. The streets are filled with the local means of transport, horse-drawn carriages, and the town's most famous sight is its arched Spanish-style early 19th-century bridge (the Puente Yayabo). Other highlights include the Teatro Principal theatre, the Museo de Arte Colonial (Museum of Colonial Art) and the spacious public square named the Parque Serafin Sanchez. For shopping, the Independencia Sur Mall is the place to head.

Cayo Iguana

This breathtaking island lies in the Caribbean Sea, some 32 km / 20 miles offshore from Trinidad. This is the quintessential tropical paradise and, true to its name, its most numerous local inhabitants are the rare Cuban iguanas, who love to laze on the beaches and watch the tourists. For snorkelling fans, the crystal-clear waters have the best coral reefs in the region.

Havana

Not exactly nearby, as it is at least a five-hour drive from Trinidad, Havana is still a must-see on any Cuban holiday. The most exciting city in the Caribbean, Havana is crammed with cultural, artistic, musical, celebratory and historical gems, plus unrivalled nightlife, shopping and dining options. This is understandably Cuba's rich capital and tourists will be able to enjoy a wealth of sights, which are concentrated in areas such as the Habana Vieja, the Centro Habana and the Vedado areas. A stroll along the city's 8-km / 5-miles seafront Malecon is a must.