Sugar Mills
This valley is literally a natural museum because it harbors the ruins of 12 sugar-mills from the 19th century. Visitors can see the bell towers, mills, barracks and instruments used for work and for torturing the slaves, amid aging trees and winding paths. At the San Luis Valley, renamed the Valley of Sugar-Mills, one can see vestiges of aboriginal culture, colonial architecture and sites were important battles were fought during the 19th century Wars for Independence, which marked the fall of this sugar emporium. During the first half of the19th century, greatly favored cities such as Trinidad were exporting up to one million arrobas (approximately 12 kilos) of sugarcane. UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site.

Valley of the Sugar Mills
The verdant Valley of the Sugar Mills is one of the main visitor draws outside Trinidad, with its remains of 60 mills, all supported in colonial times by the slave trade. The valley is now UNESCO listed, with a vintage American steam train (if its engine is working, otherwise it is by bus), bringing tourists from Trinidad to the Manaca-Iznaga sugar estate. The estate's manor house is now a restaurant, but it is easy to imagine the contrast between the lifestyles of the fabulously wealthy Iznaga family and their slaves. Close by is the Mirador de La Loma del Puerto, which offers an elevated lookout, high above the valley. The attractions of the Valle de Los Ingenios lie just 10 km / 6 miles to the east and are therefore perfect for a day trip.

“Excellent pictures place ”
On the way to Trinidad you will have to stop and see El Valle de los Ingenios, you will get magnificent pictures of what once was one of the richest places in Cuba. It is a valley planted with sugar cane and other plants and trees, there is a rail road and a train which you can take and do... More 

“Amazing view ”
Make sure to stop and climb the tower. There is a lot of stalls here and some of the sellers track you down. This is the only place I actually bumped in to some really rude Cubans. BUT, the view is worth it, just stay away from people putting bracelets on your wrist or create animals of straw for "free".

“Horse riding ”
Take the opportunity to ride a horse in this area of outstanding beauty. You will not be disappointed.

“Really interesting ”
We went with an excellent guide (Francis - organised by our casa owner), who as a political journalist, had information and insights into Cuba, past and present. This should rank as one of the stops on the holocaust tour of the world - the amount of human misery and death caused by the intricately intertwined slavery and sugarcane industries is... More 

“pretty valley ”
went there by motorbike. This made us free to go/ drive wherever we liked to go. Its history is very interesting to know about.

“Tower ”
Went here as pitstop on the way to Santa Clara from Trinidad. The driver almost tricked us as he didn't want to stop telling us this wasn't the place but we got out anyway. Only went to the tower but the panoramic views were spectacular.

“Wonderful place to buy hand made table clothes ”
We had a really interesting time at Valle de los Ingenios, climbing the tower, watching the pig roast and turning the sugar cane crusher. But best of all was all the linen on sale with the ladies touting their wares. I bought some great hand made (they told me it was all hand made...) table clothes, clothes table runners. All... More 

“Return to San Isidro was disappointing ”
We had such feeling for San Isidro that we decided to revisit this October. Much to our dismay the lookout tower has been totally refinished, loosing all of its original character. The main manse, now has a roof being built over it which definitely takes away from the impact that we felt earlier. The outer walls are being sandblasted changing... More 

“Gorgeous View!! ”
We visited this as part of a guided tour of Trinidad. It's a bit of a hike up the steps for us old 'uns, but WHAT a beautiful view, once you get up there.....well worth the effort !!

“Interesting ”
If you have a good guide who explains everything to you it is a great trip. Personally I loved it and found the history of the slaves on the sugar plantation really interesting. I enjoyed seeing where and how they lived.