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.
Depart Havana in the morning and travel southeast to Boca de Guama, named after the Taino chief Guama who famously defended against Spanish colonists. Continue to a small town to visit one of Cuba's national art and music schools. Enjoy a fascinating tour led by a faculty member, with opportunities to engage with the students and staff. Depending on the day's schedule, you might observe a band class, talk with a sculptor, or even join in for a dance lesson!
Stop for lunch before continuing to your Casa Particular in the small village of Playa Larga. After some time to relax or stroll along the beach, head out for your first kayak excursion! Paddle the historic Bay of Pigs as your guide shares exciting stories about the area. After a breezy two-hour session on the water, return to the beach for a delicious dinner.
After breakfast, head off down a dirt road for an adventure through Zapata National Park. Paddle across the waters of the Zapata Peninsula alongside a local park guide and your kayaking guide. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, including flamingos and endemic birds, as your guide shares their knowledge of this unique tropical ecosystem featuring mangroves and Cuba's largest swamp.
Paddle through shallow waters and take time to snorkel when you stop for lunch on a small island to stretch your legs. Return to Playa Larga by late afternoon. In the early evening, attend an engaging presentation by Frank Medina, the Director of Zapata National Park, who will discuss the park's mission and ongoing conservation programs. Cap off the day with a dinner full of fresh, local foods.
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 your final full day of activities. Drive back to Havana to visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum (Finca Vigia), where the legendary author lived for two decades and wrote several of his notable works. Next, head to the historic fishing village of Cojimar, where Hemingway kept his beloved boat.
In the afternoon, visit Mercado San Jose, a massive warehouse filled with arts and crafts—the perfect place to pick up a few final souvenirs. Tonight, travel to dinner in style: you will be picked up in classic 1940s and 50s cars for a cruise through Plaza de la Revolución and the neighborhoods of Vedado and Miramar. Enjoy a festive farewell dinner at one of the city's top paladars. Afterward, head out to experience the town's nightlife one last time, or return to your casa to pack.
Day 8: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a final Cuban breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
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.
$3,5902-3 travelers
$70 fee for the Cuban Tourist Visa
Notes
Select a Date
Guaranteed departures for 4 or more people on any Sunday. Departures on other days may be available upon request. A $300 supplement applies for groups of two.
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
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
