Trinidad

Where to stay

Budget stays cluster tightly around the Plaza Mayor and the streets of the old colonial center, where the cobblestones are steep and the pastel houses are dense. Staying here keeps you walking distance from the Casa de la Música, the cathedral, and the main bus station, though the irregular stones make rolling a hard-shell suitcase a genuine struggle.

Getting around

• Wear sturdy sneakers or runners; the cobblestones in the historic center are uneven and steep enough to twist an ankle, especially after dark when street lighting is sparse.
• The Valle de los Ingenios and the Topes de Collante waterfalls are the main day trips, best reached by colectivo or taxi from the central bus station rather than the unreliable local train.
• Cash is essential. ATMs in town run out of bills frequently, and most casas particulares and paladares do not accept foreign cards, so withdraw enough pesos for your entire stay when you arrive.

When to go

Rates are lowest during the rainy season from May through October, when fewer tourists visit and prices drop. December through March is the dry, cool season and the busiest time, with rates peaking around Christmas, New Year, and the February Carnival.