US$ 495 + 200 CUC Local Payment
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Group Size: Minimum 2 / Maximum 12 / Average 7
- Accommodation: Twin-share. 4 nights hotels, 3 nights homestays
- Transport: Local bus, private mini-bus, taxi
- Activities included: Farm visit in Vinales, Walking tour of Old Havana
- Other Inclusions: 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner, local guide throughout
Suggestion: You can combine this tour with a 15 day Original Cuba Tour, or a Beach stay package.
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1 - Arrival Day Havana
- Day 2 - Viñales via Soroa
- Day 3,4 - Viñales
- Day 5,6 - Maria la Gorda
- Day 7 - Havana
- Day 8 - Departure Day
Please note: 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 Pinar del Rio - 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. We include a visit to a local farm where you spend an afternoon learning the ways of the local farmers. You'll have the opportunity to join in and do some voluntary work. 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'
.
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 - Viñales via Soroa
We start with a guided walking tour of Old Havana before heading west to Viñales. On the way we stop 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, and an orchid garden. We arrive in Viñales before dinner, at it is here that you will get your opportunity to experience
staying with a Cuban family.
Day 3,4 - 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, such as exploring caves, hiking, biking, horseback riding or simply enjoying the views of the valley and sprawling tobacco fields.
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.
On the last afternoon in Vinales we head to a local farm house where the farmers will show you around the farm to explain the different activites that go on there. You have the option of doing some voluntary work with the farmers, or toasting and grinding coffee and making mojitos in the homestead. We include dinner at the farm house with some local specialty dishes.
Day 5,6 - 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 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 via Soroa – 4 hours
- Viñales to Maria la Gorda – 4 hours
- Maria la Gorda to Havana – 6 hours
Joining and Departure Hotel in Havana
Hotel Nacional
Calle 21 y O, Vedado
Havana
Tel: +53(7)8363564
We use the Hotel Nacional as our hotel in Havana for the first and last nights of the tour.
Cuba's Hotel Nacional is a grand and beautiful building with an elegant ambience, and situated on rocky outcrop looking over the Bay of Havana. The hotel was built in 1930 and renovated in 1992. Over the years numerous famous guests have stayed at the Hotel Nacional, including Winston Churchhill, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Marlon Brando and Ernest Hemingway. The hotel has 457 rooms and 15 suites. Rooms typically have air conditioning, marble bathroom, a mini bar, safe, and nice views.
The hotel has a CADECA exchange house, as well as internet facilities in its business centre. Current price for internet is 10CUC/hour. The wifi service in the lobby (6CUC/hr) hasn't been working of late.
Extra Accommodation in Havana
If you require extra accommodation in Havana at the joining hotel before or after the tour, you can book this with us...
| Hotel Nacional | 3.5 stars | US$ |
|---|
| Dates | Extra night Single | Extra night Twin | Extra night Triple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3 to Feb 28 | $95 | $135 | $195 |
| Apr 1 to 8 | $95 | $135 | $195 |
| Jul 1 to Aug 31 | $95 | $135 | $195 |
| Nov 1 to 24 | $95 | $135 | $195 |
| Dec 22 - Jan 02 | $128 | $196 | $285 |
| rest of year | $84 | $108 | $156 |
Other extras for the tour
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$248.
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$55
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$127 for up to 4 people (2 hours travel time).
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CUBA
We offer travel insurance to cover you for your time in Cuba.
CLICK HERE for more information.
FLIGHT TO HAVANA FROM CANCUN
We arrange flights from Cancun to Havana that include the Cuban Tourist Card.
CLICK HERE for more information.
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 (25CUC/person) 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.
