This thoughtfully crafted itinerary combines excursions to the peaceful countryside with cultural encounters as you travel through Cuba by bike, kayak and on foot.
You can experience this first hand Cuba's interesting history and transformation to the modern world with visits to colonial capital of Havana, the Bay of Pigs, Playa Girón, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Sancti Spíritus. Colonial plazas and palaces, in various stages of disrepair and renovation, tell stories of a colonial past still merged with the dynamic present.
*Christmas departure supplement - $300, per person.
Maximum of 16 travelers per departure.
This itinerary can be arranged as a custom private trip at additional cost.
Lost World Adventures itineraries can be tailor-made according to your plans and preferences: budget, hotel selections, travel dates, optional excursions, length of trip, etc.
Upon arrival at the airport in Havana you will be met at the airport by your guide and given a brief orientation before transferring into Cuba’s largest city. Your trip will start with a visit to a natural history research center that has been instrumental in the conservation of Cuba’s natural resources, some of which you will see on your trip.
Some of attractions you will visit today are: the Plaza de la Revolución, Havana’s city square, where political rallies still gather under the imposing murals of Cuba’s most beloved guerrilleros.
This afternoon you wander the narrow streets of Old Havana on a guided walking tour. Your guide will explain the city's neoclassic Spanish and Baroque architecture and colonial history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tonight, enjoy a authentic Cuban dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a Havana hotel, breakfast included.
Lunch and dinner are included today.
After breakfast, drive southeast toward Playa Larga, a peaceful village on the Bay of Pigs. After lunch you will paddle your kayak on the waters of the Bay of Pigs, where the legendary failed U.S. invasion of 1961 took place. After checking in at your hotel, set off on a 10-15 mile warm-up bike ride on the backroads of Zapata National Park.
Stop at the small village of Palpite for lunch. Afterward, the Director of the National Park, Frank Medina, will give you an engaging overview of the Park’s history and future.
Overnight at a Casa Particular in Playa Larga.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today.
Your morning will be spent in Playa Girón, where you will visit the Museum of Playa Girón and learn about the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion and battle. After a short drive you will go snorkeling on crystal clear water with healthy reefs.
After lunch you will set off on bicycles for a easy and scenic ride (20-30 miles, relatively flat) to the city of Yaguamayas. From there you will transfer by bus to Cienfuegos. Check in at your casa particular for the night.
After some time to relax you will set off on a tour of Cuba's cleanest city. Explore the city, the charming waterfront and colonnaded streets. Teatro Tomás Terry is a 19th-century theater famed for grand mosaics and frescoes. Dinner is include at a local restaurant.
Overnight at a Cienfuegos casa particular. All meals included today.
After breakfast at the casa, you will set off for Laguna Guanaroca. Kayak the protected waters this lake - an ideal location for paddling and bird watching. With some luck you might be able to spot the tocororo (Cuban trogans, the National Bird of Cuba), flamingo, pelicans and more. Paddle about two more hours towards a remote seaside restaurant near La Milpa.
A fresh Cuban lunch will be served. After lunch, switch to a bike for a scenic ride through the countryside to the Jardin Botánico Cienfuegos, home to over 2000 plants species.
Take a short ride through the gardens and meet with staff members who will tell you more about how the agricultural and botanical sector has played pivotal roles in Cuba’s history and culture. From the Gardens you will be driven to Trinidad, Cuba’s second oldest city where you will have dinner and overnight at a Trinidad hotel.
Overnight at a Trinidad casa or hotel, breakfast included - 2 nights.
All meals included today.
Kayaking - about 5 miles/3 hours total
Biking - about 15 miles, moderate ascents/descents
Depart Trinidad early this morning and head to the Caribbean pine-coated Sierra Escambray mountains in the Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes. You will hike the Salto del Caburní Trail, park's outstanding hike. At the end of the trail, you will find a 190’ waterfall from overhanging cliffs into swimming holes below.
Depending on water levels, you may hike the Vegas Grandes Trail, which also leads to a waterfall and pool, or the Sendero La Batata, or Sweet Potato Trail, which leads to a underwater river.
An al fresco lunch will be served in the cool mountain air before descending to the coast and mouth of the river at La Boca. Climb into your kayak for a nice river paddle. Return to your Trinidad. Dinner will be included at a restaurant in town.
All meals included today.
Hike - 3-4 miles
Ride your bike along a scenic road from Trinidad towards Sancti Spíritus. Sancti Spíritus is often compared to Trinidad with its colonial charm. Sancti Spiritus was founded in 1514 by Diego Velazquez and is one the original seven villas.
After checking-in at the hotel or casa, you may explore the city on your own. Walk across the Puente Yayabo (a bridge with four arches befitting the English countryside) or visit the Teatro Principal, Cuba’s oldest theater. Tonight, enjoy an authentic Cuban dinner.
All meals included today.
After breakfast, spend your morning revisiting the city. Later this morning you will transfer to Santa Clara. Here you will have lunch and visit the Che Guevara mausoleum. Afterward, you will transfer to Havana Airport for your international departure. For morning flights you will spend the night at a Havana hotel (not included). Breakfast included today.
Price from | $3,490.00 per person, based on double occupancy |
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Days | 6 |
Nights | 5 |
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