There’s more to Cuba than sandy beaches and cigars. Beyond its beautiful coastlines and tobacco farms lies a place filled with more adventure than you can imagine. Dive into the ocean for incredible snorkelling, learn to whip up some of the finest mojitos from the local experts of Playa Larga, and find your rhythm as you salsa dance in the cradle of the Cuban Revolution. Whether you’re in it for the food or the fiestas, this 15-day venture will have all the ingredients needed to spice up your journey.
Day 1: HavanaArrive 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.
Day 2: Havana/ViñalesEnjoy 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.
Day 3: ViñalesEnjoy 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.
Day 4: Viñales/Playa LargaSet 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!
Day 5: Playa Larga/RemediosSet 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.
Day 6: Remedios/BayamoSetting 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.
Day 7: Bayamo/BaracoaBegin 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.
Day 8: BaracoaExplore 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.
Day 9: Baracoa/Santiago de CubaDrive 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.
Day 10: Santiago de CubaEnjoy a free day in Santiago. Explore this Afro-Cuban city by visiting important revolutionary sites, like the Moncada Barracks.
Day 11: Santiago de Cuba/Sierra MaestraTransfer to Bayamo and take an orientation walk. This afternoon, travel to Sierra Maestra.
Day 12: Sierra Maestra/CamagüeyEmbark 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.
Day 13: Camagüey/TrinidadThis 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.
Day 14: TrinidadEnjoy 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.
Day 15: Trinidad/HavanaReturn to the bustling capital, stopping off at Cienfuegos along the way.
Day 16: HavanaDepart at any time.
