Authentic Cuba
From Colonial Havana to the waterfalls of El Nicho, the Cuban soul revealed through encounters and salsa rhythms.
Duration
7 days
From
€1,210/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
Discover Cuba in all its facets with a tailor-made itinerary combining culture, nature and authentic encounters.
From Havana to Trinidad, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the island by exploring its iconic monuments, its colonial cities listed as world heritage sites and its enchanting landscapes.
Enjoy unique moments, such as a cruise on Lake Hanabanilla, a hike to the El Nicho waterfalls, salsa classes and local encounters that will immerse you in the heart of Cuban life.
A vibrant journey, rich in discoveries, both cultural and natural, that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Havana!
Upon your arrival at José Martí Airport, a driver will be waiting for you to transfer you to your guesthouse located in the Vedado neighborhood.
Depending on your arrival time, dinner or a light supper will be organized before your night in Havana in a casa particular.
Option: English-speaking guide available upon request.
Historical Discovery of Havana
After breakfast, you will meet our English-speaking guide and driver.
You will then leave for a guided city tour with an additional lecture guide. You will discover the Plaza de la Revolución, the Marti Tower, the Cathedral Square, and the Museum Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. This tour will allow you to learn about the history of Cuba up to the present day.
At the end of the day, you will enjoy a magnificent sunset from the Castillo del Morro and the Christ of Casablanca, with an unobstructed view of the bay and the old town.
In the evening, dinner at the restaurant and overnight stay in a guest house in Havana.
Optional: a musical dinner with former members of the Buena Vista Social Club (€60/person, of which €10 is covered, so €50/person). An original experience that we recommend – to be booked the same day with your guide.
Colonial immersion and salsa
After breakfast, early departure for Cienfuegos.
Meal on the way.
Upon arrival, settle into your guesthouse and discover the city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site: stroll along the boulevard, central park, visit to the Tomás Terry Theatre and climb to the viewpoint of the Casa de la Cultura.
In the afternoon, time to dance! A salsa class awaits you to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Then, head to Punta Gorda to admire the sunset over Cienfuegos Bay.
Friendly dinner and restful night at your guesthouse in Cienfuegos.
Hanabanilla Lake & El Nicho Waterfalls
Very early departure (7am) heading to Lake Hanabanilla
Upon your arrival, you will meet our farmer fisherman friend, who will give you a warm welcome.
Embark on a 45-minute boat ride to reach his family living in a traditional bohio, perched on top of a picturesque hill.
At noon, enjoy delicious fresh fish, a local specialty that will give you a taste of the region's flavors. You will have the opportunity to chat with your hosts and discover their authentic history and way of life.
Weather permitting, a visit to an organic coffee plantation nestled in the forest and mountains of the Sierra de l'Escambray can be arranged.
In the afternoon, board a canoe for an easy 2-hour hike to the magnificent waterfalls of El Nicho. Enjoy swimming in a natural pool located at the foot of the last waterfall, a moment of pure relaxation in the heart of nature.
Return to Cienfuegos for a well-deserved dinner and a restful night in your guest room.
Trinidad - Colonial Jewel and Sugar Valley
Heading to Trinidad, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit this magnificent colonial city from the 17th and 18th centuries, in perfect architectural harmony.
Depending on timing, there is an opportunity to visit a cigar factory.
Lunch at a restaurant, then an excursion to the "Valley of Los Ingenios", an emblematic place where sugarcane is still produced today. In the 17th century, this valley was the center of world sugar production.
Stroll at the foot of the Sierra de l'Escambray and explore the old plantations and planters' homes. Visit a former estate to understand the life of enslaved people and the sugar-making process of that era.
Meet the "guarijas" peasant women, who will show you how to embroider tablecloths and the famous "guayaberas", traditional shirts that you can purchase on site.
End the day with a visit to the Iznaga Tower, a monument 50 meters high that was used to monitor enslaved people and plantations. Enjoy the breathtaking views over the valley and surrounding landscape.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Trinidad.
Trinidad - Culture, Nature and Local Rhythms
After a delicious breakfast, we offer you the opportunity to visit a Cuban school. It is worth knowing that in Cuba, primary school marks the beginning of schooling, with kindergartens being rare or anecdotal. (depending on available timing).
Continue your exploration of Trinidad, with an immersion in the warm and historic atmosphere of this emblematic town.
In the afternoon, choose between a snorkeling session at the beach or, if you prefer, a short one-hour trip to the Alto de Banao natural park. Discover the primary forest and the foothills of the Sierra de l'Escambray during a guided hike.
After the effort, dive into the natural pools of the waterfalls for a refreshing swim.
Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation with a massage or a salsa class to continue immersing yourself in Cuban culture.
In the evening, experience an authentic encounter with local fishermen and share a warm family meal.
For a lively evening, you can also choose to participate in a musical evening, optional and at your own expense.
On the Tracks of Che
After breakfast, head to Santa Clara for a day filled with history and discovery.
Visit the Mausoleum and Che Museum, with the Musée Complejo Escultorico Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara, where you will immerse yourself in the biography of this revolutionary hero and discover the famous armored train.
Next, set off to explore the cigar factory, the most renowned in Cuba, to understand the manufacturing process of this emblematic product of the island.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Walk through a local neighborhood: meet the residents and discover the ingenuity and kindness of the Cuban people in their everyday setting.
On the way back to Havana, take a break at the San José crafts market, a perfect place to buy paintings and souvenirs unique to your stay.
Finally, we will drop you off at the airport for your return flight, your head full of unforgettable memories.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tips for the guide and driver
- The musical dinner option with a concert by former members of the Buena Vista Social Club (€60/person, €10 discount included)
- Activities or visits not specified in the itinerary
- Insurance
Included
- Accommodation in a guest house (casa particular) in Havana, with breakfast included
- The service of an English-speaking guide for 6 days
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Cuba for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Cuba, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista)
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Cuba, but must obtain a tourist card (also called Tarjeta del Turista or « tourist card »).
This card allows an initial stay of 30 days, renewable once in the country for an additional period of 30 days with Cuban immigration services, for a total stay of up to 60 days.
The tourist card can be obtained:
from the airline at the time of ticket purchase or at the airport,
from the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country of residence,
through certain specialized travel agencies.
Cuban authorities may also request:
an outbound travel document (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a travel medical insurance covering your entire stay in Cuba.
Mandatory Medical Insurance
Cuba requires that all foreign travelers be covered by valid medical insurance for the entire duration of their stay. This insurance must be purchased before departure or, in some cases, may be offered by airlines upon arrival.
It is strongly recommended that you keep written proof of your coverage (insurance certificate) in order to present it to the authorities upon entry into the country.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Cuba for travelers from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada under normal circumstances. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a precaution:
update of your routine vaccination schedule (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid.
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of their stay as well as their own tourist card.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the Cuban embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for following the claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist card (simplified tourist visa) is mandatory. It can be purchased from the consulate, specialized agencies, or sometimes at the departure counter. Your passport must be valid for at least 2 months after your scheduled return date. Before booking your trip, check with the consular authorities of your destination for the specific rules applicable to your nationality regarding this tourist card and its access procedures.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a customized quality trip, budget between 150 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (casas particulares or hotels), meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (600-1000 euros round-trip) are additional. Bring cash: foreign cards are unreliable.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your desires, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage, which protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Havana Surroundings
Cuba travel's first accomplice, based in Cuba
A trip to Cuba requires a lot of exchange and preparation. My role is to help travelers lay the right foundations, so that their on-the-ground experience is simple, human, and true to their wishes.
— Thierry