Cuba: Salsa & Snorkelling
16 days
from Havana to Havana
From
$ 1699
Duration16 days
There’s more to Cuba than sandy beaches and cigars. Beyond its beautiful coastlines and tobacco farms lies a place filled with more adventure than you can imagine. Dive into the ocean for incredible snorkelling, learn to whip up some of the finest mojitos from the local experts of Playa Larga, and find your rhythm as you salsa dance in the cradle of the Cuban Revolution. Whether you’re in it for the food or the fiestas, this 15-day venture will have all the ingredients needed to spice up your journey.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 16 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: HavanaPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: HavanaAges: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Havana
Start place: Havana
Arrive at any time. Your included arrival transfer will take you to the tour's starting point, a "casa particular" (Cuban home used as a bed and breakfast).
It is important to note that Cuba tends to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and infrastructure are generally old and may not have been maintained to the highest standard. Elevators, internet and A/C often break down, things happen very slowly and water pressure and hot water can be minimal. Cuba is an amazing place to visit but to fully enjoy and relax, western expectations should be left at home and your sense of adventure should be your guide.
End place: Havana
Day 2: Havana/Viñales
Start place: Havana
Viñales is in the Pinar del Rio province and located in a fertile valley surrounded by the unusual mogotes, or limestone pincushion hills. Arguably one of the prettiest natural areas in Cuba, we have many opportunities here to enjoy the area, whether it be hiking or simply sitting back and enjoying the view.
Enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana, including a visit to Fuster ́s project in Jaimanitas district. Travel through a rich agricultural area en route to Viñales where both sugarcane and tobacco are grown. Visit a "vega" (tobacco plantation) to see how the famous Cuban cigars are made.
Meals: B
Day 3: Viñales
Arguably one of the prettiest natural areas in Cuba, take the chance to explore the area, or simply sit back and enjoying the view.
Enjoy an orientation walk then a free day in the area. Opt to go caving, hiking, biking, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the valley.
Meals: B
Day 4: Viñales/Playa Larga
Set off for laid-back Playa Larga. This afternoon, learn how to make a mojito from a local expert, and be sure to sample the goods!
End place: Playa Larga
Meals: B
Day 5: Playa Larga/Remedios
Start place: Playa Larga
This morning, enjoy some beach time and the opportunity to snorkel in the Bay of Pigs. Later, set off through the countryside to Santa Clara. Step into Cuban history, and visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and museum. Continue on to colonial Remedios, and soak up the culture in this town that is often overlooked.
Meals: B
Day 6: Remedios/Gibara
A long travel day will be rewarded with stunning beaches set amidst green hills that early explorers described as the most beautiful coastline they had ever seen.
Meals: B
Day 7: Gibara/Baracoa
The best way to get around this colonial town, situated on the bay with mountains towering in the background, is on foot. Wander the malecón (boardwalk) and visit the forts built to defend the city from pirates.
Continue to Baracoa. The area offers everything from beaches, to hiking opportunities and museums.
Meals: B
Day 8: Baracoa
Take some time to visit the city then head further afield to the mountains or visit the striking black sand beaches. Playa Maguana and the smaller Playa Nava are both nearby and accessible by bike or taxi. Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt is approximately 40 km outside of town and well worth a visit.
With free time, opt to hike near El Yunque or explore the breathtaking beaches for which this area of Cuba is famous.
Meals: B
Day 9: Baracoa/Santiago de Cuba
Drive along the rugged coast towards Santiago de Cuba, the cradle of the Cuban revolution and home of son rhythms. Santiago has a vibrant traditional music scene that will entice even the shyest dancer out to experiment with some salsa moves.
End place: Santiago de Cuba
Meals: B
Day 10: Santiago de Cuba
Start place: Santiago de Cuba
Enjoy a free day in Santiago. Explore this Afro-Cuban city by visiting important revolutionary sites, like the Moncada Barracks.
End place: Santiago de Cuba
Meals: B
Day 11: Santiago de Cuba/Bayamo
Start place: Santiago de Cuba
Embark on a hike through the Sierra Maestra mountains in the footsteps of Che Guevarra and Fidel Castro and learn more about Cuba's history. This afternoon, travel to Bayamo.
End place: Bayamo
Meals: B, D
Day 12: Bayamo/Camagüey
Start place: Bayamo
Transfer west across the island to Camagüey. Hop in the back of a "bicitaxi" (bicycle-taxi) to tour Camagúey's markets and plazas.
Meals: B
Day 13: Camagüey/Trinidad
Travel to beautiful colonial Trinidad, and get a feel for the city's energy on an orientation walk. Enjoy an included salsa lesson, then try out some new moves on the town.
Meals: B, D
Day 14: Trinidad
For outdoor enthusiasts, Trinidad is a haven for activities. If a beach is in the cards, try snorkelling or diving in nearby Playa Ancón. Enjoy a local meal together with one of the host families.
Enjoy free time in Trinidad. Opt to hike in nearby Topes de Collantes National Park to see the Salto del Caburni waterfall, or visit Ancón Beach for diving, snorkelling or lounging. Savour a local dinner as a group hosted by one of the homestay families, then head out for a Big Night Out.
Meals: B, D
Day 15: Trinidad/Havana
Return to the bustling capital, stopping off at Cienfuegos along the way.
End place: Havana
Meals: B
Day 16: Havana
Start place: Havana
Depart at any time.
End place: Havana
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Havana Homestay, Havana Your Foodie Moment: Mojito Demonstration, Playa Larga Your Hands-On Moment: Salsa Lesson, Trinidad Your Big Night Out Moment: Trinidad
- Arrival transfer
- Walking tour of Old Havana
- Cigar tour visit to a Vega in Viñales, with demonstrations
- Mojito making demonstration
- Snorkelling (Cueva de los Peces)
- Visits and entry to the Che monument and historical sites in Santa Clara
- Comandancia de la Plata hike
- Bicitaxi tour of Camagüey
- Viñales, Trinidad and Cienfuegos orientation walks
- Free time Viñales, Baracoa, Santiago de Cuba, and Trinidad
- Informal Spanish lesson
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private vehicle, Taxi, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels/casas particulares (homestays) (15 nts)