Kuba Erlebnisreise

1. Tag: Havanna

Bienvenido a Cuba! Welcome to Cuba! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, the day is yours to explore. Consider a stroll through Old Havana to acquaint yourself with its colourful mix of '50s Americana, colonial architecture and budding modernity. There are plenty of good museums to check out, such as the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts). Perhaps line up with the locals for a taste of the legendary Coppelia ice cream, or wander along the Malecon (ocean walkway), the sea wall that skirts the coastline. With so much to do in this eclectic capital, we recommend arriving a few days early to make the most of this exciting city.

Special Information: A complimentary arrival transfer is included with your trip. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organised.
Please see ‘Joining instructions’ for more information about exiting the arrivals hall and connecting with your arrival transfer driver who will take you to your guesthouse.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Optional Activities:
Havana - Tourist bus day pass - CUC10
Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts - CUC5
Havana - Revolution museum - CUC5

2. Tag: Havanna

Havana's history is as colourful as its cars and buildings, and today you’ll get to experience the magic of Old Havana on a walking tour with your local guide. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1982, this well-preserved area within Cuba’s capital remains virtually unchanged, making it one of the Caribbean’s most impressive historical cities. An air of faded glory comes through in the peeling paint of some of its grand old buildings and its narrow streets, spacious plazas and Spanish architecture make it a charm to explore on foot. Visit La Catedral San Cristobal de la Habana, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras and the Plaza de Armas. Also visit the Museo de la Revolucion, to learn about the history of the Cuban Revolution. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to further explore on your own – perhaps check out a cigar factory or cruise around outer-Havana in a vintage American car.

Optional Activities:
Havana - Camera Obscura entrance - CUC2
Havana - Vintage American car tour - USD55
Havana - Ernest Hemingway tour - CUC70
Havana - Cigar factory tour - CUC12

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana

3. Tag: Baracoa

After breakfast, take a 1.5-hour flight from Havana to Baracoa. Set in a beautiful bay, Baracoa was the first colonial town, and remains one of the most beautiful in Cuba. You'll have a couple of days here to explore and relax, perhaps take a walk around the town to get your bearings, then maybe head to a lovely black sand beach an easy walk from town. As one of Cuba’s major agricultural zones, Baracoa is a great place to try local foods including chocolate and local specialties like prawns in coconut sauce and banana-stuffed tamales. One particularly sought-after Baracoa specialty is the cucurucho, a sweet treat of coconut, sugar, and fruit wrapped in dried cone-shaped palm leaves.

Special Information: Due to safety concerns with Russian-made planes used by some domestic Cuban airlines, Intrepid groups only uses French-made ATR planes. If French-made ATR planes are not available or if the flight is delayed or cancelled, alternative arrangements will be made, and occasionally this may not be known to us right up until boarding time. Alternatives include, completing the entire leg from Havana to Baracoa by land, flying to a nearby airport and travelling the remainder of the journey by land, or in some cases, it will be run in reverse.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Baracoa - Orientation walk

4. Tag: Baracoa

Today is a free day to explore Baracoa. The town was only accessible by sea until 1960, and even after a road linking Baracoa to Guantanamo was built, the settlement maintained a small-town colonial feel. Uncover its individuality as you wander along its beautiful malecon or ramble over various forts that were built to withstand pirate attacks. The Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion boasts a bust of the indigenous leader Hatuey, who was burned at the stake for refusing to accept the Spanish and their Catholicism. You might prefer to chill on a beach or get active with a hike to El Yunke, the famous table-top mountain sighted by Columbus during his first voyage to the island.

Special Information: Most activities in Baracoa have a minimum passenger number so that the suppliers avoid using some local cars which do not meet our safety requirements, and instead use a new model minivan. We recommend you avoid using a car known as a ‘Willy’ particularly if requesting a taxi for any activity – Willy cars are open-air jeeps with bench seats without seatbelts. Your leader will be able to communicate this if you require assistance in ordering a taxi.

Optional Activities:
Baracoa - Full-day El Yunque Mountain Hike with river crossing (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - Minimum of 6 people to operate - CUC16
Baracoa - Bar or nightclub entrance (various) - CUC1
Baracoa - Half-day El Yunque Waterfall Hike with river crossing & swimming hole (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - Minimum of 6 people to operate - CUC16

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Baracoa - Informal Salsa lesson

5. Tag: Baracoa

Enjoy another free day in Baracoa. Why not set out on a hike through the rainforest to explore nearby caves and waterfalls. Perhaps pay a visit to Humboldt Nation Park, looking out for colourful parrots, lizards and hummingbirds. Take a boat tour down a nearby river, spotting wildlife along the way, or maybe stop in at a working farm to learn about life on the land. After the sun goes down, enjoy a cocktail near the beach or check out the town's nightlife.

Optional Activities:
Baracoa - Return Taxi to Maguana Beach - CUC25
Baracoa - Full-day Duaba Cocoa Farm Tour and Toa River Boat Ride (Guide, Transport & Entrance Fee) - CUC18
Baracoa - Full-day Humbolt Park Hike (3, 5 or 9 km) including Maguana beach and village tour (Entrance fee, Transport & Guide) - CUC23

6. Tag: Santiago de Cuba

A spectacular 5-hour journey to Santiago de Cuba winds through verdant mountains, then along the dramatic Atlantic coastline, before taking you through the dry region surrounding Guantanamo, dotted with cacti and wiry goats. Time dependent, on the way you might get the chance to visit the Mirador de Malones for a pretty good view of the Guantanamo Naval Base and surrounding bay. Continue on to Santiago de Cuba, picking up some Spanish during an informal Spanish lesson from your leader along the way. Set between the indomitable Sierra Maestra mountain range and the azure Caribbean, Santiago de Cuba’s historical centre and colonial architecture retain a timeworn air ideal for photographers. With no activities planned after your arrival, perhaps join with some of your travel buddies and head out for a group dinner. Alternatively, get a good night’s rest ready for a day of exploration tomorrow.

Optional Activities:
Guantanamo Bay Lookout Tower (Entrance fee) - CUC1

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Guantanamo Bay Viewpoint (Time & weather dependent)
Informal Spanish lesson with leader
Santiago de Cuba - Orientation walk

7. Tag: Santiago de Cuba

Set off on a 3-hour city tour of Santiago. You'll visit El Morro Castle, Ifigenia cemetery and the Moncada barracks and learn about the city’s rich history. For nearly a century, the city was the island's seat of power and it also played a vital role in the Revolution. The people of Santiago were the first to rise up in arms against government troops in 1956, and it was in Santiago on January 1st, 1959 that Fidel Castro declared the triumph of the Revolution. With a strong Afro-Cuban heritage it's no surprise that Santiago has a vibrant music scene and is seen as Cuba’s capital of music. It’s the home of son music, which is a mix of Spanish guitar and African percussion. Santiago's half million residents are proud of their cultural traditions, so you'll find many museums and cultural clubs around the city. The city is also famous for its energetic Carnaval celebrations and its lively Festival of Caribbean Culture. All this will entice the shyest, most left-footed dancer and the non-musically inclined to learn some salsa moves or take a lesson in local music.

Optional Activities:
Santiago - Use of a Hotel Pool - CUC5
Santiago - Tropicana Cabaret Show (Closed Tuesdays) - CUC35
Santiago de Cuba - Music instrument lesson - CUC12

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Santiago de Cuba - half day city tour Including El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery & Moncada Barracks (Entrance Fees)

8. Tag: Camaguey

Today, head west along the Carretera Central to Camaguey with a stop in Bayamo. Today is the longest travel day of the trip. Depending on how many stops are made, this usually takes six to seven hours. Despite its size, Cuba's third largest city has managed to retain much of its colonial heritage. Exploring the city's winding streets is half the fun. The city was planned in a deliberately confusing pattern to disorient any would-be assailants. As you walk through the city you may still see tinajones – large clay pots used for collecting water. On your explorations, stop by the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad to see its baroque frescoes. Camaguey has a rich tradition of cultural and technological leadership within Cuba. It is the birthplace of poet laureate Nicolas Guillen and home of the Ballet de Camaguey. Cuba's first radio and television emissions were broadcast from Camaguey, and the country's first airport and commercial flights were planned and executed here.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Camaguey - Orientation walk

9. Tag: Camaguey

Enjoy a tour of Camaguey by bicycle taxi. Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cuba, and bicycle taxis are very common – in the confusing streets of Camaguey, it's a particularly good way to get around. On the tour, you'll visit a local market, parks, plazas and an art gallery. Your leader may suggest visiting a local farmers' market where you’ll get a fascinating insight into daily Cuban life and the local economy – this is where farmers can sell their produce after meeting the quota they have to sell to the state. Camaguey's is a particularly busy and colourful market and there are separate areas for produce sold by the state and produce sold by farmers directly to the public. There are plenty of interesting tropical fruits, vegetables and herbs available. Later, your leader will take you to a local bar where you'll get to compare a white rum to an aged rum – Cuba specifically is known as the origin of some of the smoothest and most sought-after rums on the entire planet.

Special Information: Each bicycle taxi carries two passengers and the tour is led by an English-speaking local guide.

Optional Activities:
Camaguey - Casa de la Trova - CUC3
Camaguey - Ballet performance - CUC5

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Camaguey - Bicycle taxi city tour
Camaguey - Rum tasting in a local bar

10. Tag: Trinidad

Today travel through the centre of the country to Trinidad (approximately 5-6 hours). For many visitors to Cuba, Trinidad is a standout destination. No other colonial city in Cuba is as well preserved, and the residents are extremely friendly and festive. Trinidad is steeped in religion, including the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria, which has connections to Voodoo. On an orientation walk today, see the former wealth generated by the sugar industry in the town's once-grand mansions, colourful public buildings, wrought iron grill work and cobblestoned streets. With over two days to explore the area and soak up the atmosphere, why not kick off by partying the night away at one of the town’s live music venues or perhaps take in a folklore show at one of the town's numerous open-air venues.

Optional Activities:
Trinidad - Santeria Priest Visit - CUC2

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Trinidad - Orientation walk

11. Tag: Trinidad

Today is a good opportunity to visit the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra los Bandidos and the Casa de los Martires de Trinidad – both chronicle the struggles of the revolutionary period in the town's history. At some point while you're here you'll have the opportunity to get involved in an informal salsa class. Cuba has a hugely rich and varied dance and musical tradition that draws its roots from Africa and France. Many styles that have greatly influenced music worldwide originated in Cuba, such as Mambo, Cha-cha-cha, son and rumba. There’s also a chance to get a hands-on lesson with the musical instruments themselves in a percussion workshop. By now, hopefully you've learnt enough of the local rhythms to join in with the locals – maybe at a certain venue hidden within a cave!

Optional Activities:
Trinidad - Live music venues entrance (varies depending on venue) - CUC2
Trinidad - Disco in a cave - CUC5
Trinidad - Museo Romantico - CUC2
Trinidad - Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra los Bandidos - CUC1
Trinidad - Musical instrument lesson (guitar, double bass, tres, percussion - per hour) - CUC10

12. Tag: Trinidad

Trinidad is one of Cuba’s standout cities, but it's also the gateway to the Valle de los Ingenios, and a bike is a great way to explore the local area. However, Cuba's bicycles, like its cars, are vintage, which means a little bit of practicality may be sacrificed for the romantic element! There are also some great treks to be made in the nearby Sierra del Escambray mountains – maybe drive along the legendary twists and turns of the road to El Nicho, then hike to its beautiful waterfall. Playa Ancon is also close by – there’s plenty of opportunity for relaxing on its long, unspoilt beaches or snorkelling through the clear waters (just watch carefully for sea urchins, which can be a problem here).

Optional Activities:
Trinidad - Ancon beach shuttle bus - CUC4
Trinidad - Trek to El Nicho Waterfall (taxi, entrance fee & guide) - CUC65

13. Tag: Santa Clara - Cienfuegos

On the way to Cienfuegos today, drive north through the Topes de Collantes National Park to Santa Clara (1 hour) and the final resting place of Cuba’s most famous son, Che Guevara, where you’ll visit his mausoleum and memorial. Che's remains were brought here after they were found in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. Check out the impressive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle and learn about his incredible life. Then it’s a short drive south (approximately 1.5 hours) to Cienfuegos, known affectionately as 'The Pearl of the South'. Part of the city's appeal lies in its colonial centre, which features wide Parisian-style boulevards and elegant colonnades. Drive along the peninsula to see Cienfuegos' architectural pride and joy, the Moroccan-influenced Palacio del Valle.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Santa Clara - Visit to Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum
Cienfuegos - Orientation Walk
Cienfuegos - Visit to the Palacio del Valle

14. Tag: Schweinebucht - Havanna

On the way to Havana today, stop at the peaceful sandy arc of Playa Giron (approximately 2.5 hours), which sits on the eastern side of the Bahia de Cochinos, better known as the Bay of Pigs. It was famously here that the CIA sponsored a failed invasion by exile forces in 1961. It’s not just the history that’s the attraction here – with crystal clear Caribbean waters, a deep underwater wall, and an outstanding variety of coral and fish, it’s a haven for snorkelers. If there's time, hire a mask and some flippers and take a dive into sapphire-coloured water teeming with tropical marine life. After arriving back into the capital, head to Plaza de la Revolucion for your final taste of Cuban revolutionary history, watched over by the memorials of Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, Jose Marti and Camilo Cienfuegos. In the evening perhaps take a stroll along the malecon or soak up the atmospheric vibes of the Old Town. At the end of a long day, it's time for a mojito or cuba libre and final night of salsa in Habana Vieja's bars. Hit the streets and celebrate the end of a fantastic adventure.

Optional Activities:
Havana - Jose Marti Memorial Tower - CUC2
Havana - Buena Vista Social Club - CUC30

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Bay of Pigs - Visit and swim
Havana - Revolution Square

15. Tag: Havanna

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Check-out time from the guesthouse is by 10am.