Discover Trinidad and Viñales – A Journey Through Cuba’s Vibrant Culture
From the copper-hued farms of rural Viñales to the rainbow-colored plazas of Trinidad, the places beyond Cuba’s capital offer up a mix of contrasts. Spend a day hiking sunbaked trails, practicing salsa moves in the center of town, or swimming in the Bay of Pigs. Cuba’s diverse countryside warrants in-depth exploration.
Trinidad
Wander the Cobblestone Streets of the Old Town
Trinidad showcases Cuba’s charm through its exquisite architecture—sometimes intact and perfectly manicured, other times weathered and crumbling.
Colonial-era town Trinidad highlights its rich history with beautifully painted houses in lemon, pink, turquoise, and blue, lining cobbled streets and colonial Spanish mansions that tell the story of its wealth during the sugarcane industry’s peak.
Today, musicians pluck guitars on café patios, artisans sell crafts at laid-back market stalls, and horse-drawn carts jolt along, preserving a sense of antiquity.
To truly experience Trinidad, ascend to the top of the bell tower (specifically the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos). Winding narrow steps lead to breathtaking views over the red-tiled roofs and lush green mountains, which shimmer in the sunset’s golden light.
Dance Salsa on the Steps
Trinidad is renowned for its salsa.” The locals execute this vibrant dance with a smoothness that seems effortless. Many venues offer lessons, including Casa de la Música, an outdoor dance floor where professionals entertain with live salsa music every night, while tourists enjoy mojitos under the twilight sky.
For a more authentic experience, consider visiting Rincón de la Salsa, a fairy-lit cocktail bar featuring live bands and talented dancers grooving to salsa, bachata, and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
Afterward, many make their way to La Cueva—a massive underground club that features acrobats, fire-walkers, and cabaret performances, creating a truly surreal atmosphere.
Swim Under a Waterfall
Beyond Trinidad lies abundant natural beauty, including Parque El Cubano. This enchanting national park is approximately a 15-minute drive from the town center.
At its heart, the Javira waterfall cascades down honey-hued rocks into a deep emerald swimming hole, leading into a cool cave. Reachable via the Huellas de la Historia trail (2.2 miles/3.6km), the path features rocky terrain and a swinging wooden bridge for an adventurous traverse.
Viñales
Visit a Tobacco Farm
If you seek a rural escape, Viñales is calling. Nestled in northwestern Cuba, this lively village exudes a wild west vibe, with cowboy-hatted locals and country-style restaurants. Although the town center caters to tourists, the surrounding countryside remains blissfully untouched.
Viñales sits in the heart of Pinar del Río, one of Cuba’s most prominent tobacco-producing regions, making tobacco farms a common sight. Organized tours from the village provide an in-depth look into the lives of Viñales’ farmers, who explain the cigar production process, enabling visitors to purchase freshly rolled cigars. Coffee farm visits are also popular, allowing tourists to sample rich, aromatic coffee sourced directly from local growers.
Explore the Countryside
The stunning scenery extends beyond the farms. Hiking trails and dirt tracks throughout the valley offer an opportunity to roam freely (note that a guide is usually necessary for hiking in most parts of Cuba). Horseback riding is also favored, with local guides leading rides along the dry, winding paths.
Both activities are excellent ways to appreciate the beautiful surroundings, characterized by lush tobacco fields, rusty-red soil, and traditional thatched-roof homes dotted among the impressive mogotes (limestone formations that rise dramatically from the landscape).
Visit an Ancient Indigenous Cave
Besides its hiking trails, the region features captivating underground caves, with one of the most popular—the Cueva del Indio—located just outside the village (accessible by bike or taxi).
This cluster of chambers served as an indigenous dwelling and now attracts visitors eager to see twisted rock formations, glowing in turquoise, green, and copper hues, before enjoying a boat ride along an underground river.
For a more extensive exploration, venture to the Santo Tomás caves. This extensive cave network boasts over 26 miles (46km) of tunnels, accessible via guided tours that showcase an array of stalagmites and stalactites along murky pools.
Learn About Revolutionary History
Cuba’s rich history extends well beyond Trinidad and Viñales. Key landmarks include the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara, where Guevara played a pivotal role in overthrowing Fulgencio Batista in 1958.
The memorial houses the remains of Guevara and 29 others, and features an intriguing museum dedicated to his legacy. Visitors can also view a prominent bronze statue erected in 1987 to commemorate 20 years since his death in Bolivia. This peaceful memorial is worth a visit when traveling between Trinidad and Havana.
Swim in the Bay of Pigs
Another iconic location is the Bay of Pigs, famous for the CIA’s failed 1961 invasion attempting to displace Fidel Castro. This past, however, doesn’t overshadow its stunning natural beauty.
Today, the bay features crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine white sand, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The diverse coral and marine life also attract diving enthusiasts. The Bay of Pigs fuses fascinating history with breathtaking scenery, showcasing the unique charm of Cuba.
