Time seems to have stopped in Trinidad, as anyone arriving here will immediately feel. This first impression may deepen if the visitor decides to stay and discover the secrets of the ancient village.

If you are looking for lodging in this city, consider the Hotel Las Cuevas, set in an elevated area where caverns abound. Ayala, the country's largest underground discotheque, operates in one of these caverns. The hotel has been a visitor favourite since it was built in the late 1950s. Its cottages have all the comforts of a three-star establishment. There are restaurants, bars, a swimming pool, a game hall, and excursions to neighbouring cities such as Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus and Santa Clara. Also in Trinidad, close to Plaza de Carrillo, you'll find La Ronda, a small and pleasant hotel, preferred by travellers for years. For a fascinating experience, try a hostal particular in the historic centre of the city. Your kind and obliging Trinidadian hosts will do everything to make your days special. Around Plaza Mayor, you'll find Lí¬dice Zerquera, Marí¬a Antonieta Cadalso, Mercedes Cano, Leonardo Reyes and Carlos Joaquí¬n Zerquera, all offering accommodations in houses that are jewels of colonial architecture. Most of these retain their original features, including grates, big doors, large halls with fresh breezes, and, of course, courtyards with plants.

A few kilometres from Trinidad lie the south coast beaches along the Ancón peninsula. The Hotel Ancón sits on its namesake beach. There is also the Hotel Costasur on María Aguilar beach. These tourist centres have numerous advantages: restaurants, cafeterias, pools and water sports, and it is easy to rent bicycles and automobiles to drive from here into Trinidad.

Visitors can also find lodging in Topes de Collantes in the Sierra del Escambray. On the way to this mountainous spot, you will pass Finca de Recreo María Dolores, an amusement park also known as the Casa del Campesino or the Peasant's House. Here you'll feel like an authentic Cuban guajiro with the horseback rides, river excursions, cow milking, gamecock fights, music and local foods. The Kurhotel Escambray sits 800 metres above sea level. This huge complex includes a healthcare centre and retreat. It offers several programs for the treatment of diseases such as stress, respiratory illness and cardiac problems. Also in Topes de Collantes, there are the Villa Caburní near the Caburní waterfall and Hotel Los Helechos. These two buildings are located in a diverse natural setting where Cuba's national flower, the mariposa blanca or "white butterfly," prevails. Along with rest, these hotels also offer excursions to nearby places where it is possible to appreciate the sierra's great variety of flora and fauna.

El Taje game preserve lies close the colonial city and offers special options, including lodging, for those who like to hunt. Trinidad is 70 kilometres from Sancti Spíritus, the capital of the province. Like Trinidad, this city is one of the original seven towns founded in Cuba. It has several colonial buildings and many interesting sites. Find lodging at Los Laureles, Rancho Hatuey, Hotel Plaza downtown and Hotel Zaza, which is away from the city by the country's largest dam, an ideal place for hunting and fishing.