The Valle de los Ingenios, declared World Heritage since 1988, is located about 12 km outside of Trinidad and has been around since the 17th century.  This fertile agricultural land was cultivated and developed into one of the major sugar producing areas of Cuba, helping Trinidad to become one of the richest cities on the Caribbean island. At the top of the "Torre Manacas-Iznaga" (built at the beginning of the 19th century), you can get an overview of the valley. This 45 meter-high structure is equipped with a bell tower that was used to oversee the thousands of slaves working on the sugar plantations.

Set in the Plazuela de Jigüe, a tiny plaza shaded by one tree, is this colorful and historic restaurant (dating from 1720). An elegant Colonial-style restaurant, probably the best of Trinidad's state-run restaurants, El Jigüe (hee-gweh) is a brightly lit, nearly formal dining room in a handsome, airy colonial house. Its bright interior has high ceilings, chandeliers, and landscapes hung on white walls. The menu ranges from bistec of grilled pork to lobster in a red sauce (enchilado de langosta). The specialty, pollo al jigüe, is a Cuban version of chicken cacciatore, which comes in a clay pot with pasta and cheese and is served with salad and coffee.

Although the city's cathedral was consecrated in 1892, the building took the better part of the 19th century to complete (it was built to replace the 17th-century church that was destroyed by a hurricane). The structure shows a neoclassic architectural style. Its interesting interior is replete with a dozen hardwood altars that date from the early 20th century and various colonial icons. Besides it preserves the famous Christ of Vera Cruz, and an altar – the only one of this kind in Cuba devoted to the Virgin of Mercy.

Canchánchara is one of the oldest buildings in Trinidad, and combined architectural styles from the 18th and 20th centuries. There's frequently a live band playing in the shady patio, and there are always plenty of soft drinks, cold beer, and such Cuban cocktails as the mojito and the local specialty canchánchara (rum, lime juice, and honey) that will give you the energy to dance and enjoy the Cuban rhythms found in the place.