Twirling around Trinidad — Someday Sherpa

Before leaving Australia we'd both decided a major trip-goal was to learn Salsa, that sensual Latin American dance which when mastered appears both heart poundingly quick yet effortless.

Guidebooks and locals alike highlight Trinidad as the best place to acquire this new skill - and they're right on the money. The town seems to visibly pulsate to the 1-2-3 / 5-6-7 beat of salsa with every bar, street corner and house blasting out music, giving you endless opportunities to feel and absorb the rhythm.

More than music however Trinidad offers endless eating and drinking, from refreshing ice cream parlours to a small bar scene where sipping rum while seated in a bathtub isn't uncommon.

Surrounded by lush green hills and a golden coastline, there's also an array of natural sights, which if you're feeling adventurous can be accessed through hombre-power...start early as Trinidad gets hotter than the sun!

EAT & DRINK

Drop into Giroud bar & restaurant for Cuban style tapas and mojitos in jars - actually - and they're strong. Basically take a jar, fill it 3/4 full with rum, add a spoonful of sugar, a drop of soda water and a sprig of mint. What you've got is their mojito, and me, a completely shitfaced patron. And the food rocks. The shrimp and lobster pizza was a big hit with moi xx
Sitting in a bathtub feet on the TV, dollar bills hanging from the roof, space for 10-12. Oh and a sewing machine and a typewriter. Cafe Fortuna. Flea market treasure trove with classic cocktails served in ceramic pots by bow tie endowed Cuban gents - a medley of booze and artifacts never felt so confused yet perfect
For a tasty dinner with an international menu and churning out the best live music and pumping atmosphere, head to Taberna La Botija. Share tables will help you make new friends.
Interested in a CUC$1.50 mojito or piña colada? Sit with the hustlers on the steps outside Casa de la Musica and people watch with your bargain priced booze.
Dinner just off the main plaza at Coniba Restaurant la Creperie. They have an outside terrace upstairs, live music and a feast awaiting you. The lobster was huge and fuss-free.
Ice cream!!! Delicious flavours dished out at Cremeria.
Half decent espresso coffee at Cuba Libra, on Calle Zerquera, just off the Plaza Mayor.

DO

Top tip, this is one of my favourite towns in Cuba you may want to spend as much time as you can here. We were going to have 2 days but extended to 4 days and I could have stayed longer.
Learn to salsa. Chicks, check you control issues in at the door, this dance is led by the man. Highly recommend 1 hour lessons at Yudel Paredes Vazquez at the top of Casa de la Musica. Book you lesson at the music shop half way up the steps, CUC$10 pp for one hour. Our lessons were private which helped! Email: yudel.paredes@nauta.cu Ph: (+53) 996622.
Hike 16km round trip to waterfalls. You can take a taxi meaning you'll only have to hike 3km but where's the fun in that?!
Ride a bike 18km to Playa Ancon via sleepy fishing village, El Boca. The beach is beautiful - just like a postcard. Head there as early as you can to avoid the people, it's a treat to have this paradise to yourself. You won't be starved for a drink or food, there are plenty of good souls ready to take your order from the comfort of your CUC$2 beach lounge. Bike 'security' aka your bikes chained to the tree for the day under watchful eyes will set you back CUC$1 per bike.
Cycle back to Trinidad from Playa Ancon, take the 12km more direct route. If it's October, you'll get your heart pumping trying to race the afternoon thunderstorm that rolls in over the mountains like clockwork. It's quite a sight to watch it descend on the town from your exposed bicycle seat.
Hire mountain bikes from Callejon del Pimpallo. There's a discrete sign of the door that says 'rent a bike' - blink and you'll miss it. Tamayo is the owner and is super helpful. CUC$5 per bike for the whole day.
Take in the 10pm nightly salsa show (free) on the steps of Casa la Musica. It's great people watching.

SLEEP

Hostal Margelys y Severo. No. 120 e/Manuel Fajardo y Eliopez Paz, Trinidad. Email: margelis.carpio@nauta.cu or ph: (+53) 41 996778. A good sized room and bathroom with fan and aircon. A great breakfast in their garden terrace. It's a good 10 - 15 min walk from the heart of the town so I would choose to stay closer next time. Only CUC$25 per night.

MOVING ON

The Viazul bus station is in the centre of town, book your onward journey as early as you can as it fills up quickly. CUC$8 pp to get to Santa Clara (3 hrs bus ride).

IF YOU DARE

Try a 'mojito' on the beach at Playa Ancon. It's a cup of rum with a sprig of mint. No time for a drop of soda water at this beach bar (according to these bar men).