Please note that the use of credit and debit cards is currently very unreliable in Cuba. Banks, ATMs and POS services for credit/debit card payments are often not working and it is important to arrive to Cuba with cash to avoid inconveniences. Please see the “Money Exchange” section of the Tour Details for more information.
Cuba: Salsa & Snorkelling
16 days, Havana to Havana
Itinerary Notes
1.) ROAD CLOSURE
Please note that due to a bridge repair, the coastal road used to travel to Baracoa is closed indefinitely. Instead, on day 6 groups will drive from Remedios to Bayamo to stay the night, and then continue on to Baracoa on day 7. This will be the course of the itinerary until the bridge is reopened. There are no other changes to any inclusions or activities.
2.) Right now is an exciting time in Cuba with rapidly changing legislation and local conditions. Cuba has seen a massive increase in tourism lately, which has put a strain on local tourist infrastructure. While we will strive to operate our tours as closely to published itineraries as possible, conditions often change from one day to the next, and minor tour modifications may be necessary with no advance notice.
Itinerary
Day 1Havana
Arrive at any time. Tonight take the opportunity to connect with your fellow travellers. Seek out some live music and break the ice in one of the city's iconic hideouts while toasting with mojitos to the beginning of an amazing holiday.
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.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the start location to start your adventure. Please note, the included arrival transfer is from Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV). If you are flying into Varadero (VRA) you will need to pre-pay a supplement to receive a transfer. Please reach out to your G Adventures booking agent for pricing and availability.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your Local Living Moment: Havana Homestay
Live amongst the locals in this “casa particular”, Cuba’s equivalent of a bed & breakfast homestay. Learn about the lifestyle, culture and real-life realities of our hosts. More intimate than a hotel, experience a slice of Cuban life as it’s actually lived.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Casa Villa Azul (or similar)
Day 2Havana/Viñales
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.
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.
Havana City Walking Tour
Take a walking tour of Havana and find out what your CEO loves best about this amazing city. See city highlights that may include La Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras (which now houses a restaurant), the Museo de Arte Colonial and the Plaza de Armas, with its statue of Manuel de Céspedes (one of the leaders of the Cuban independence movement). Use this walk as a jumping off point to explore the rest of this lively city.
Fusterlandia Visit
Explore the neighbourhood of Fusterlandia in Havana. Cuban artist José Fuster reclaimed his impoverished neighbourhood in Havana and transformed it with unique whimsical installations. Enjoy free time to explore the neighbourhood and take in the eccentric street art.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Tobacco Farm Visit
Stop by a local tobacco plantation to learn about the process from farming and harvesting tobacco to rolling cigars.
Accommodation
Homestay Mayra (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Viñales
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.
Arguably one of the prettiest natural areas in Cuba, take the chance to explore the area, or simply sit back and enjoying the view.
Free Time
Hike or explore one of the prettiest areas in Cuba, or sit back, relax, and take in the view - you're in paradise!
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Viñales Hiking
The countryside around Viñales is lush, fertile and punctuated with mogotes – limestone “haystack” hills. Hire a guide or head off with some friends to explore the area. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. You may stumble upon a cave with an underwater spring. Dive in and cool off.
Accommodation
Homestay Mayra (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Viñales/Playa Larga
Set off for laid-back Playa Larga, stopping along the way to enjoy beach time and snorkel in the Bay of Pigs. On arrival in Playa Larga, learn how to make a mojito from a local expert, and be sure to sample the goods!
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Snorkelling
Slip into the crystal clear water of the Bay of Pigs and enjoy time snorkelling in search of coral and colourful fish. With virtually no current, this is the perfect place to explore the underwater ecosystem.
Your Foodie Moment: Mojito Demonstration
Learn how to make the perfect mojito from a local expert. Muddle the mint, squeeze some limes, and don't forget to add some Cuban rum! Sit back and savour the fruits of your labour.
Accommodation
Casa Sol y Caribe (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Playa Larga/Remedios
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Che Guevara's Mausoleum Visit
The Che Guevara Mausoleum houses the remains of this Marxist revolutionary leader killed in Bolivia in 1967, as well as 30 of his men. The room itself is designed to resemble the Bolivian mountains where he died. Set eyes on a 6.7m (22ft) bronze statue of the hero. Nearby, there is a museum dedicated to his life and an eternal flame lit by Fidel Castro.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Homestay Haydee y Juan K (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Remedios/Bayamo
Setting off early, we head for Bayamo, the capital of Granma Province. It is the second of the seven towns founded in Cuba; nowadays it is a beautiful colonial town with a pleasant, relaxed, and friendly atmosphere. We'll make a stop in the city of Camaguey to break up the journey.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Remedios and Bayamo. There will be a stop in the city of Camaguey to break up the day's journey.
Free Time
Enjoy time to explore the town and watch the sunset while taking in the evening atmosphere.
Accommodation
Homestay Yvan Sol y Mar (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Bayamo/Baracoa
Begin the day with an early departure to Baracoa, the first of the original seven cities founded in Cuba and in the Americas. Stop at the beautiful Playa Imias to relax or swim in the clear Caribbean Sea along the route. Opt to grab lunch at a beachside bar before continuing to Baracoa. Upon arrival, your CEO will take you on an orientation walk around town to help you get your bearings.
The area offers everything from beaches, to hiking opportunities and museums. The best way to get around the town, situated on the bay with mountains towering in the background, is on foot, and there is plenty of time to see it all. Wander the Malecon coastal path and visit the fort built to defend the city from pirates.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Homestay Rolando y Elvira (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Baracoa
Explore Cuba’s rural communities in Baracoa; this G Adventures-supported project allows us to visit local businesses and catch a glimpse into daily life. With free time, opt to hike near El Yunque or explore the breathtaking beaches for which this area of Cuba is famous.
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.
Free Time
With free time here you can explore the beaches, the nearby national park or wander the colonial streets and hang out on the lively boardwalk.
Your G for Good Moment: Baracoa Community Experience
Explore Cuba’s rural communities and immerse in local life through visiting social micro-enterprises in the Baracoa area. With support from G Adventures locals have developed a community experience, benefitting four micro-enterprises. Travellers have the opportunity to learn from local people with a visit to a cacao farm, sampling local food, learning about a project working to preserve some of Cuba’s unique species, and have the chance to purchase unique handicrafts, all supporting women, men and youth of this community.
Accommodation
Homestay Rolando y Elvira (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Baracoa/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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Las 3 Ana Homestay (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Santiago de Cuba
Enjoy a free day in Santiago. Explore this Afro-Cuban city by visiting important revolutionary sites, like the Moncada Barracks.
Free Time
Opt to visit museums, colonial churches and buildings like the Moncada Barracks.
Accommodation
Las 3 Ana Homestay (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Santiago de Cuba/Sierra Maestra
Transfer to Bayamo and take an orientation walk. This afternoon, travel to Sierra Maestra.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bayamo Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Villa Santo Domingo (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Sierra Maestra/Camagüey
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. Transfer west across the island to Camagüey.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Comandancia de la Plata Hike
Hidden in the hills of the Sierra Maestra mountain range is the secret headquarters where Fidel Castro and Che Guevara started the Cuban Revolution. This short (but steep!) hike leads to the abandoned buildings at the top of the cloud forest, where members of the revolution lived for a year. Take time to explore the buildings that are still standing today, and make sure not to miss Casa de Fidel – the house Fidel Castro lived in during his time in the mountains.
Accommodation
Hotel Colon (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Camagüey/Trinidad
This morning, take an orientation walk to Camagúey's markets and plazas. Later, 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Your Hands-On Moment: Salsa Lesson
Loosen up those hips and get ready to salsa. Led by expert Cuban instructors, rumba, mambo and cha-cha-chá your way across the floor. Never danced salsa? Have no fear, Cubans are happy to share the secrets behind one of their national pastimes.
Accommodation
Homestay Jesus Pineda (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Trinidad
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.
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.
Free Time
With tons to see and do, take advantage of every minute in Trinidad!
Your Big Night Out Moment:
Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Accommodation
Homestay Jesus Pineda (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 15Trinidad/Havana
Return to the bustling capital, stopping off at Cienfuegos along the way.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Transport
Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.
Accommodation
Casa Villa Azul (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Havana
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.