Cuba differently
In the heart of authentic Cuba, between the mogotes of Viñales, Havana casa particulares and campesinas fiestas.
Duration
14 days
From
€2,516/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Dive into an authentic trip to Cuba, between Havana, Viñales, Playa Larga, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. This private and guided circuit takes you to meet Cubans, their rural traditions, their revolutionary history and their vibrant culture.
Between horseback rides, swimming in cenotes, country celebrations, colonial visits, paradisiacal beaches and shared meals with locals, you will experience complete immersion in a warm and surprising island, far from the beaten path.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Havana!
Upon arrival at José Martí Airport, a driver will be waiting 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.
Havana: Art and Revolution
After breakfast, a comfortable American car, accompanied by a driver, an English-speaking guide and a lecture guide, will take you on a guided tour of the city.
Walk through the four emblematic squares of Old Havana: Plaza de Armas, Cathedral Square, Plaza Vieja and Plaza de San Francisco de Asís.
Lunch in a local restaurant in the city.
Then, a stroll along the Paseo del Prado, with its 19th century architecture.
Depending on time, visit to the National Capitol of Cuba, a replica of the one in the United States (last entry at 3pm).
In the afternoon, continue the tour of the city center before crossing the Bay of Havana to reach the Christ Statue of Casablanca, offering a stunning view over the city and the bay.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Night in a guesthouse in Havana.
Havana: Panorama and Mosaic Art at Fusterlandia
After breakfast, drive to the famous Plaza de la Revolución or Revolution Square José Marti.
Visit the square and the Museum dedicated to the national hero, then climb to the Mirador, the highest point in Havana at 141 meters altitude, offering a panoramic view of the city.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, drive along the Malecón, the emblematic coastal road running along the sea, before heading to the Fusterlandia district. Visit for approximately one hour to discover the colorful universe of mosaic artist M. Fuster, who, with the help of residents, has transformed an entire neighborhood into a work of art.
Dinner in a local restaurant or at the guesthouse.
Night in a guesthouse in Havana.
From Havana to Viñales: Nature, Waterfall and Horseback Riding in the Heart of the Mogotes
After breakfast, departure towards Viñales with a stop in the mountain village of Soroa.
Visit to the Arcoiris waterfall with the possibility of swimming, either directly under the fall or in the natural pool of the "avioneta"
Possible option: discovery of the Soroa Orchidarium, renowned for its orchids and its view over the royal palm forest.
Continue towards Viñales. Check-in at a guesthouse.
In the afternoon, horseback riding accompanied by a local guide through the emblematic landscapes of the region, in the heart of the mogotes.
Visit to a tobacco plantation with coffee tasting, cigar and local alcohol (approximately 2 hours on horseback, plus 3 hours total including visits).
Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse in Viñales.
Opportunity to go listen to musicians playing in a bar, to dance between locals and tourists accompanied by your guide. Invite him for a drink as a thank you.
Viñales: Rural Immersion or Tropical Forest Adventure
Option 1 – Immersion in Cuban peasant life
After breakfast, set off to discover a remote valley accompanied by your guide and a local farmer (guajiro). Hiking through a tropical forest unique to this region of Cuba. A horse will accompany you if needed.
On the program: initiation into traditional agricultural techniques, such as ploughing with two oxen ("arado"). Bring a torch for this authentic immersion into Cuban rural life.
Option 2 – Adventure hiking and secret cave
Early departure for an 11 km hike through hills and forest, to a river that mysteriously flows through a mogote. According to legend, pirate treasure is hidden in this natural cave carved by water. Bring a torch to cross this spectacular underground passage, one kilometre long.
Return on foot through the mogotes.
In both cases, you will share a criollo meal at the farmer's house, for a moment of simple and warm exchange.
In the afternoon, resume hiking in another part of the forest. Possible swimming break in a waterfall pool, sometimes joined by the local family's children.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house in Viñales.
Cayo Jutías Island: Relaxation, Beach and Local Flavors
Théâtre Tomás Terry → Cayo Jutías
After an early breakfast, departure towards a still unspoiled island, Cayo Jutías. The road, sometimes difficult, requires careful driving, but the reward is well worth it: a day of rest on a magnificent beach awaits you.
Free day on this unspoiled island, ideal for relaxing, enjoying the beach and, if you wish, snorkeling. Chairs and hammocks will be at your disposal.
Rustic lunch on site, according to the day's arrivals offered by the fishermen: fresh fish or lobster on the menu.
Return to Viñales at the end of the day.
Dinner served in your guesthouse room.
Opportunity to attend a local musical evening (costs at your own expense).
Possible option: meeting and dinner with lobster fishermen (subject to availability).
Night in a guesthouse room in Viñales or Puerto Esperanza.
Playa Larga: Authentic Encounters
Upon your arrival at Playa Larga, you will have a choice between two visits:
The Hummingbird House, to observe different species of hummingbirds in their natural habitat, including the famous zunzuncito, the world's smallest bird – a rare experience and highly recommended.
Or the Cuba crocodile breeding centre, to learn more about this unique species.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Free afternoon according to your preferences: beach relaxation or snorkeling session (optional).
At the end of the day, immersion in the daily life of charcoal makers: cart ride through the national park, then dinner at our local friends' home to share a simple and warm moment.
Night in a guesthouse at Playa Larga.
From Playa Larga to Cienfuegos: nature, heritage and salsa
After breakfast, set off on a hike in the National Park, accompanied by a passionate scientific guide. He will introduce you to the wealth of fauna, flora and local geology. Swimming opportunity in the cenotes for a refreshing moment in nature.
Then head to Cienfuegos, a city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its French colonial architecture from the 19th century.
Lunch on the way or upon arrival, then check-in to your guesthouse.
Stroll through the city center to admire the boulevard, central square and emblematic monuments.
Visit the Tomás Terry Theatre, an architectural jewel of the city, as well as the viewpoint of the Casa de la Cultura.
Salsa lesson as an option to learn Cuban rhythms.
Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse in Cienfuegos.
Hanabanilla Lake & El Nicho Waterfalls
Very early departure (7am) towards Hanabanilla Lake
Upon your arrival, you will meet our friend, a peasant fisherman, who will welcome you warmly.
Embark on a 45-minute boat crossing to reach his family living in a traditional bohio, atop a picturesque hill.
At noon, taste delicious fresh fish, a local specialty that will give you an insight into the flavors of the region. You will have the opportunity to exchange 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 the Escambray Massif can be organized.
In the afternoon, board a small boat 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 guesthouse.
Trinidad - Colonial Jewel and Sugar Valley
Head to Trinidad, nicknamed the "Museum City" and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the way, stop at the viewpoint of the Valle de Los Ingenios to admire the view over the sugar valley and the Sierra de l'Escambray.
Arrival in Trinidad and accommodation with a local family.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the historic center of Trinidad, a true colonial gem. Then, return to the Valle de Los Ingenios to meet peasant women (guajiras) who will introduce you to traditional embroidery of tablecloths and guayaberas, which you can purchase on site.
End the day with a visit to the Iznaga Tower, a 50-meter-high monument that was used to monitor slaves and plantations. Enjoy the breathtaking views over the valley and the surrounding landscape.
In the evening, enjoy an original and immersive dinner at a family practicing santeria: a unique experience combining gastronomy and discovery of this Afro-Cuban religion, in the presence of practitioners (Santos).
Night in a guest house in Trinidad.
Trinidad: History, Caribbean Beach and Fishermen's Life
After breakfast, visit the downtown area of Trinidad and one of its emblematic museums – Museum of Romanticism or City Museum – to immerse yourself in the refinement of the great plantation owners era in the Los Ingenios valley.
Lunch at a local restaurant, then departure to Ancon Beach, 13 km away, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.
Swimming and free time to relax.
In the late afternoon, opportunity to enjoy a massage or take a salsa class (optional).
In the evening, discovery of Casilda Port with our fishermen friends, who will show you their boat before welcoming you to their home for a simple and warm dinner. An authentic immersion in their daily life.
Optionally, musical evening at Casa de la Trova to end the day to the rhythm of Cuba.
Night in a guesthouse in Trinidad.
In the Footsteps of Che
After breakfast, departure for Santa Clara, a major site of the Cuban revolution.
Visit to the museum dedicated to Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara, followed by the emblematic site of the « tren blindado », where your guide will tell you about the decisive battle that sealed the victory of the revolutionaries.
A short stroll through the popular neighborhood of El Condado, an opportunity to chat with its welcoming and warm residents.
Lunch at a local restaurant, then return to Playa Larga. Check-in at your guesthouse.
Free time to enjoy the beach, rest or practice snorkeling.
In the evening, a grand fiesta campesina at the charcoal makers' home: an orchestra will enliven this moment of sharing with the local community. You will enjoy a festive meal around a whole pig roasted over a wood fire, accompanied by local specialties. A convivial and authentic moment not to be missed.
Night in a bed and breakfast at Playa Larga.
Wild coastline
After breakfast, departure for Girón (30 km), where you will board a rikimbili, a three-wheeled vehicle typical of Cuba, cousin of the tuk-tuk, but invented locally.
Journey of approximately 1 hour along the wild coastline to a small fishing village. Along the way, possible stops in a traditional hamlet and near several cenotes.
Exceptional lunch of varied seafood, prepared by a lobster fisherman who will share with you his passion and fishing techniques.
After the meal, your English-speaking guide will leave you.
Free afternoon: swimming, relaxation on Playa Girón or snorkeling, accompanied or not by the fisherman.
Dinner and overnight in a seaside guesthouse.
See you soon in Cuba!
After breakfast, the rikimbili will pick you up to reach Girón, where your vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide await you.
Depending on available time, you may make a final stop at the beach or visit the Hummingbird House if this has not already been done.
Then, drive towards Havana.
Upon arrival, free time or continuation of the city tour, with or without a guide, according to your preference and your flight schedule.
Last shopping at the San José artisanal market before the transfer to the airport.
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 airplane tickets
- Beverages (water, juice, alcohol, etc.)
- Optional evening outings (e.g.: live music evenings, Casa de la Trova…)
- The fees for using cameras/video equipment in certain museums or sites
- The 25 €/person supplement for Cuba Criolla association (to be paid by bank transfer before departure)
- Any modification to the program at the client's initiative on site: these adjustments will entail an additional cost to be paid directly to the guide
- Any service not mentioned in the program
Included
- The entire program mentioned (unless otherwise specified)
- American private vehicle with driver
- Fuel
- English-speaking guide throughout the circuit
- Accommodation in guest houses
- All breakfasts
- All meals (lunches and dinners)
- All activities, excursions and visits mentioned
- Ground and boat transfers (lake, sea, rikimbili, etc.)
- Meeting with local people (farmers, fishermen, charcoal makers, etc.)
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