US$ 495 + 200 CUC Local Payment
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Group Size: Minimum 2 / Maximum 12 / Average 7
- Accommodation: Twin-share. 5 nights simple hotels, 2 nights homestays
- Transport: Local bus, private mini-bus, taxi
- Inclusions: 7 breakfasts, local guide throughout
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1 - Arrival Day Havana
- Day 2,3 - Viñales
- Day 4,5 - Maria la Gorda
- Day 6 - Soroa
- Day 7 - Havana
- Day 8 - Departure Day
Notes - Itineraries for the tours in Cuba can and do change during the course of the year due to a variety of reasons. We are not always able to advise you in advance of these changes. We ask for your understanding and flexibility in these cases.
Description
A relaxing week-long tour offering a taste of Cuba's famous white sand beaches and spectacular scenery through the "Garden Province" of Cuba. The remote and beautiful beach destination of Maria la Gorda sits within the Guanahacabibes Park, which UNESCO has declared a Biosphere Reserve. It is rated by many as Cuba's best diving destination. Viñales offers a charming village atmosphere, and some stunning mountainous scenery, sprawling tobacco fields and friendly locals. A local Cuban tour guide accompanies the group throughout.
Itinerary Details
Day 1 - Arrive Havana
Arrive in Havana at any time. Today is the arrival day of the tour so there are no planned activities and you can check into the hotel and relax or go and explore the city. One of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Adventure among the splendorous crumbling architecture of the streets of old Havana and sit on the famous sea wall (El Malecon) to take in the view and some fresh air, and to socialize with the colourful and friendly 'Habaneros'
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Arrive in Havana at any time. Today is the arrival day of the tour so there are no planned activities and you can check into the hotel and relax or go and explore the city. One of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Adventure among the splendorous crumbling architecture of the streets of old Havana and sit on the famous sea wall (El Malecon) to take in the view and some fresh air, and to socialize with the colourful and friendly Day 2,3 Viñales
There is time in the morning for a walking tour of Old Havana before we take the 3 hours bus-ride to Viñales. Surrounded by picturesque limestone pincushion hills (“mogotes”), this small and culturally rich village, offers friendly and welcoming residents and wide variety of outdoor activities. This is where you will get your first experience staying with a Cuban family. Exploring caves, hiking, biking, horseback riding or simply enjoying the views of the valley and sprawling tobacco fields are all options. Vinales is one of the more agriculturally productive areas, so an abundance of local seasonal fruit and vegetables is always on offer such as enormous avocados and mangoes, pineapples, papaya, guava, and a several varieties of sweet potatoes. Its one of the cooler areas of Cuba, so its also a nice escape from the hotter parts of the country. The nightlife is very active in this village with the local residents more than willing participants in dancing to the local live music.
Day 4,5 Maria la Gorda
Travelling further West, we spend 2 nights and 1 whole day at the isolated and serene María La Gorda. It is located on the western tip of Cuba, within the UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve of the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. The area is filled with legends of pirates, old cannons and buried treasures. Maria La Gorda is famed for its clear seabed where you may see many species of coral and tropical fish. Some of the best snorkelling can be done right off the beach! Enjoy the water, the beach and the amazing sunsets in this Cuban paradise. Some guided treks are also options through the surrounding forest to spot deer and birds such as the world's smallest - the zunzuncito (bee-hummingbird).
Day 6 Soroa
Heading back to Havana we stop for the night at the mountain resort town of Soroa. There are quite a few attractions around this heavily forested area including a short trek to a waterfall, a steep walk to a lookout, a very impressive orchid garden.
Day 7 Havana
We return to Havana for the final night of the tour. Havana is a big and bustling, and your tour guide will help you find the best parts of this unique city.
Day 8 Depart Havana
Today you are free to depart at anytime.
Summary of Travel Times
- Havana to Viñales – 3 hours
- Viñales to Maria la Gorda – 4 hours
- Maria la Gorda to Soroa – 6 hours
- Soroa to Havana – 2 hours
Joining Hotel Havana
Hotel Colina
Calle L e/ 25 y 27
Vedado, Havana
Tel/Fax: + 537-836-4071
The hotel is centrally situated in Havana’s vibrant district of Vedado just down the road from the Hotel Havana Libre, which was formerly the Havana Hilton. It is diagonally opposite the University of Havana and 2 blocks from Vedado’s central park and Cuba’s largest ice-cream palour - La Coppelia. Vedado is also known as “New Havana” as many of Havana’s newer hotels, business and government offices, restaurants, and bars are found there. The hotel is also just a few blocks from the Malecon, which is the scenic walkway along the bay of Havana and a thriving centre of Havana social life.
HOTEL UPGRADE - Most of our travellers find the 2 star Hotel Colina adequate. However, for a little more comfort we offer some upgrade options for your accommodation in Havana. Click here to see the options.
Extra Accommodation
If you require extra accommodation at the joining hotel in Havana before or after the tour, you can book this on the booking form when you sign up for the tour. Current prices per night are:
If you require extra accommodation at the joining hotel in Havana before or after the tour, you can book this on the - Single room - US$45
- Double or matrimonial room - US$65
- Triple room - US$85
Single Supplement
Accommodation on the tour is twin-share. This means two people to a room, and if you join the tour as an individual, you may be sharing a room of two beds, with another member of the same sex from the group. If there is no-one to share with, and you end up with a room to yourself, you don't have to pay extra. If you decide at the booking stage, that you want a single room throughout the tour, the “single supplement” amount is US$215. This is payable along with your payment for the tour.
Airport Arrival Transfer
It is very safe and simple to catch your own taxi from the Havana Airport to the joining hotel. Only official tourist taxis are allowed to pick up tourists at the airport, and the standard fare is 25CUC (don't pay more than this!). If you prefer us to send someone to pick you up at the airport and provide you with this transfer, our price is US$63 for up to 4 people.
If your flight arrives to Varadero airport you can catch a taxi to the Viazul bus terminal. Click here to see the timetable. We provide transfers in private taxi from Varadero airport to Havana for US$137 for up to 4 people (2 hours travel time).
Not Included in the Tour
- International Flights
- Visa and passport fees
- Insurance (Travel Medical Insurance is required to participate on the tour)
- All meals (except for 7 breakfasts)
- Drinks
- Tips
- Optional activities/day-tours/excursions
- Departure taxes and excess baggage fees
Spending Money
We estimate you will need between US$350 and US$550 for local expenses during the tour, such food and optional activities (but not including the Local Payment). Click here to see details of expenses you will have while on the tour in Cuba.
