Cuba Discovery

Degree of Difficulty

• In terms of difficulty, this can be considered an easy adventure, but a good level of general fitness is beneficial. 
• There will be activities nearly every day, so this constitutes almost two full weeks of physical activity. 

Accommodation in Cuba

• A variety of accommodation is used throughout the trip, including hotels, homestays and mountain refuges. 
• Hotels will be 4* with double or twin rooms with a private bathroom. Hotels in Cuba are state owned, and the 4* rating does not necessarily correspond to the European rating system. 
• Homestays offer double or twin rooms, usually with private bathroom, though in some cases a bathroom may be shared by two rooms. 
• Mountain refuges offer basic accommodation, with dorm style sleeping arrangements for between four and eight people. Shared bathroom facilities. 

Cuban cuisine

• All breakfasts are included on this trip. On days where lunch or dinner are not included, there are a number of restaurants and cafes to choose from in that location. 
• In state restaurants, meals consist primarily of chicken, fish or pork, with congri and plantain. 
• When dining with local families, food will be significantly more varied and plentiful, showcasing the range of local produce. 
• Drinks are not included in the trip, and drinking water is the responsibility of participants. It is recommended that a water treatment system is brought on the trip to treat water sourced locally. 

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

José Martí International Airport
La Habana
Cuba

Getting to Cuba

• It's best to fly to Jose Marti International Airport. The airport code is HAV
• Flights from the UK usually connect via Madrid or Paris. British Airline and Air France service these routes. 
• Travellers from the United States are required to obtain a general license for travel to Cuba. Your reason for travel must fall under one of the 12 categories authorised by the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control).

Cuba Discovery Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Havana

  Fly to Havana, take a transfer to the hotel in the city. 

• Day 2 | Havana city tour

  A guided walking tour of the city. Lunch at a local restaurant before free time in the afternoon to explore Havana independently. 

• Day 3 | Havana to Las Terrazas

  Take a transfer to the region of Las Terrazas. Visit a small community living within this UNESCO Biosphere reserve, with time to explore the abundant flora and fauna in this region. Take a high speed zip line through the jungle canopy and over the lake. 

• Day 4 | Horse Riding in Vinales

  Take a two hour horse riding expedition through the Vinales valley. After lunch visit the Moncada Valley, home to Santo Tomas, the largest cave in Cuba. 

• Day 5 | Hiking and Salsa dancing in Vinales

  A morning exploring the Vinales valley on foot, sampling local cuisine with a community within the valley, who will also provide an introduction to Salsa dancing. A lazy afternoon spent sampling cocktails and enjoying local music. 

• Day 6 | Snorkelling on Cayo Levisa

  Transfer to the port of Palma Rubia to take a boat to the island of Cayo Levisa. An afternoon snorkelling in the crystalline waters, rich with marine life. 

• Day 7 | To Santa Clara

  Transfer to Santa Clara, stopping for lunch in the Zapato swamp region. Time to explore the town upon arrival and visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum. 

• Day 8 | Kayaking in the Sierra del Escambray

  Transfer to the Sierra del Escambray, arriving at the village of El Salto de Hanabanilla. Enjoy a wonderful kayaking trip through these mountains. Paddle to Rio Negro, to find the campsite and enjoy dinner in a restaurant situated in the middle of the lake. 

• Day 9 | Lago del Hanabanilla

  Leave the Rio Negro by kayak, paddling towards the Cortina Jibacoa dam. Explore tiny villages, where waterfalls emerge from the forests, whilst hungry pelicans float on the lake. Afternoon transfer along the Rio Guanayara to Gallega Farm.

• Day 10 | Rio Guanayara and Topes de Collantes

  A morning hike following jungle trails along the banks of the Guanayara River. A wonderful exploration of the natural beauty of the region. Visit a coffee plantation in the afternoon before taking a transfer to Trinidad.

• Day 11 | Trinidad

  A full day to explore the intriguing town of Trindad, with a professionally led Salsa dancing class in the afternoon. 

• Day 12 | Trinidad to Cayo Santa Maria

  Transfer north via Sancti Spiritus, one of the oldest European settlements. Arrive at Cayo Santa Maria for lunch, with the afternoon free to relax or explore. 

• Day 13 | Cayo Santa Maria to Havana

  Choose from a catamaran excursion or kayaking expedition, in this beautiful area of turquoise waters and white sand. After lunch, take a transfer back to Havana. 

• Day 14 | Departure

  Free time to explore Havana in the morning, before taking a transfer to the airport to start the journey home. 

What's Included

• All accommodation in hotels, homestays or refuges
• All transportation as outlined in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to any sites / attractions listed on the itinerary
• Services of an expert guide
• 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 9 dinners
• Return airport transfers

Not Included

• International flights
• Visa (tourist card)
• Travel insurance
• Meals not listed above
• Drinks, tips and personal expenses

Costs