The world’s fascination with Cuba has lasted for many generations, and for good reason. Cuba is a cultural hub, with a mix of descendants of indigenous people, European immigrants, and slaves. The country's music and art draw from these diverse influences. Cuba has also exerted an influence on world history. Join this unique land-and-sea trip that balances experiences in the country’s cultural centers with explorations of wild coastal sites. Receive an introduction to the main attractions of Cuba, meet the friendly and always interesting residents, and gain a rich and rewarding understanding of this multifaceted country. It’s a fascinating time to be here, when Cuba is on the cusp of undergoing significant and rapid change.
Highlights
See colonial Trinidad, vibrant Havana & Cienfuegos, a UNESCO Heritage Site
Visit the Bay of Pigs where exiles tried to overthrow the government
Kayak, snorkel, and walk throughout different regions of Cuba
Experience rich culture from unique architecture to superb Cuban cuisine
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Havana is a vibrant city with diverse architecture, public art, museums, and the oceanfront Malecon. You'll explore the city on foot, visiting historical plazas in Havana Vieja. Meals today are at private restaurants known as Paladars, where you’ll enjoy lunch and dinner at two highly recommended spots. After the walking tour, there’s an orientation meeting to prepare you for the upcoming week. In the evening, you may choose to experience Havana’s lively nightlife, where music fills the air.
After breakfast, set out along a dirt road to explore Zapata National Park. Paddle through the waters of the Zapata Peninsula with a local park guide and a kayak guide. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as flamingos and various bird species. Your guide will share insights into this unique tropical ecosystem, including mangroves and Cuba's largest swamp area. Paddle in shallow waters, then take a break for lunch on a small island with time to snorkel. Return to Playa Larga by late afternoon. In the evening, attend a talk by Frank Medina, the park's director, who will discuss the park's mission and programs. Dinner will feature fresh, local ingredients.
Zapata National Park offers a rare opportunity to observe exotic wildlife, such as flamingos and a variety of birds, in their natural habitat. On this tour learn a lot about the surrounding tropical ecosystem, as well as kayak across the Zapata peninsula. You also have the chance to snorkel and relax during a lunch stop on a small island. Return to Playa Larga by late afternoon where you have the opportunity to meet with the director of Zapata National Park to learn more about the park's mission and programs. The day concludes with a private dinner for your group.
The day begins at Playa Giron, where you’ll snorkel in waters teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs. You'll learn about the marine life and discover why Cuba's reefs are some of the healthiest in the region. Next, visit the Bay of Pigs museum to delve into the history of the 1961 invasion attempt. After lunch at a local Paladar, head to Jardin Botanico Cienfuegos, one of Cuba's largest botanical gardens, featuring over 2,000 plant species. A local guide will lead you through the gardens. Then, travel to Trinidad, check into your accommodations, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Wake up in Trinidad, Cuba's third-oldest city, a UNESCO Heritage site known for its colonial charm. After a short drive, head out for a paddle on a nearby river where Hernan Cortez once landed. As you glide along, take in the birdlife and enjoy views of Trinidad from the water. Back in town, join a guided walking tour to explore the streets and admire the city's architecture and artwork. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time before meeting with a local artist. End the day with dinner at a local Paladar and a visit to Casa de la Musica for live music.
Explore the “Laguna de Guanaroca-Yaguanabo-El Nicho” area, spanning approximately 10,000 acres, renowned for its diverse birdlife, including resident flamingos. Paddle through the lagoon and venture into the Bay of Cienfuegos, where you'll glide past an abandoned navy base and a sunken submarine before enjoying a seafood lunch.
After a short shuttle to Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South, embark on a late afternoon walking tour. Discover Teatro Tomás Terry, an impressive example of Creole architecture located near Parque José Martí. Visit several other local sites and take a stroll along the Prado, a lively boulevard bustling with activity in the evening.
Stay overnight in local casas for an authentic experience.
Today marks the final full day of activities. We drive back to Havana to visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum (Finca Vigia), where he lived for two decades and wrote several of his notable works. Next, we head to the historic fishing village of Cojimar, where Hemingway kept his boat.
We then visit Mercado San Jose, a large warehouse filled with art and crafts, ideal for finding souvenirs. Dinner tonight is in classic cars from the 1940s and 50s, with a tour of Plaza de la Revolución and other sites in Vedado and Miramar along the way. Our farewell dinner is at one of the city's top paladars, and afterward, you can explore the town or return to your casa to pack.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,5904+ travelers
$70 fee for the Cuban Tourist Visa
Notes
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Rates are guaranteed for a minimum of 4. Pricing for less than 4 people, please contact us for a custom quote.
Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payment by credit card may be subject to surcharge and a maximum $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
