Trinidad is Cuba's colonial jewel, and is located on the south coast of the island, 67 km southwest of Sancti Spiritus, and 80 km to the east of Cienfuegos.

Trinidad was the fourth of the first seven towns in Cuba founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514. It was first established on the Bahía de Jagua (Bay of Jagua), and then transferred to the area of Guamuhaya in the indigenous village of Manzanillo.

Trinidad has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and it reflects its colonial past in the splendor of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is home to sugar and honey, as well as to arts and crafts and ancient colonial palaces. One can learn about sugar cane mills, haciendas (farmsteads) and rich families who walked along its cobbled streets or visited its churches and chapels, which today are still well maintained. The traditions and legends of Trinidad will also enchant you given that there is so much to hear about pirates and corsairs, anecdotes about slaves and rich hacendados (farmers).

The Plazuela Real del Jigue (the small square of Jigue) was where the first mass was celebrated in the town; the Palacio Iznaga (Iznaga Palace) shows the luxury and opulence of the family that lived there; and the colonial houses have balustrades, creole roofs, and exquisitely decorated iron work. In the Iglesia (church) de la Santísima Trinidad there are beautiful altars and the Cristo de Veracruz and other impressive images that go back several centuries. The Plaza Mayor (the main square), the colonial buildings that surround it, and Trinidad's many interesting museums, show the deep historical roots.

Don't forget to visit the Canchánchara bar and savour the drink of the same name, made from Cuban aguardiente (rum), lemon, honey and water; or the Casa de la Trova where you can hear authentic, traditional Cuban music and admire the excellent paintings that are displayed there.

Going from one surprise to another, you will enjoy visiting the Valle de los Ingenios (the Valley of the sugar mills), which is 12 km from Trinidad between the Guamuhaya mountain range and the sea. This valley once had a large number of sugar mills that made Trinidad one of the most prosperous cities on the island. Today, there are several archaeological sites, machinery and objects taken from the factories, slave barracones (huts), warehouses and 11 farmers' houses, some totally rebuilt and some in ruins.