Best of Cuba
15 Days Starting and ending in Havana
Visiting: Havana, Santa Clara, Bayamo, Baracoa, Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey, Trinidad, Cienfuegos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
QUSH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
From Cuba's historical streets to the shores of the Caribbean, you'll stroll through UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities, learn about a fascinating history and experience the music and dance culture Cuba's renowned for. Dive into the incredible marine world and history of the Bay of Pigs, discover Baracoa’s mountainous surrounds, visit the birthplace of salsa and admire Trinidad on this two-week adventure. From historic cars to fragrant cigars, and with plenty of rum and rumba in between, this adventure will take you into the heart of all things Cuban.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Cuba. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, consider a stroll through Old Havana to acquaint yourself with the colourful mix of '50s Americana, colonial architecture and budding modernity. There are plenty of good museums to check out, like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts). Maybe line up with the locals for a taste of Coppelia ice cream, or wander along the Malecon (ocean walkway) – the sea wall that skirts the coastline.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
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 leader. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, this well-preserved area 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 the grand old buildings, and the 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. Visit the Museo de la Revolucion to learn about the history of the Cuban Revolution, then you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Perhaps check out a cigar factory or cruise around outer-Havana in a vintage American car.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Santa Clara
Location: Santa Clara
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to Havana and head towards Santa Clara – the final resting place of Cuba’s most famous son, Che Guevara. 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 life. Check into your guesthouse, follow your leader on an orientation walk and enjoy the rest of the afternoon free.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Bayamo
Location: Bayamo
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, continue your journey to Bayamo. On the way, stop at Ciego de Avila to visit a local jewellery workshop that sprung from a community-based project that provides training to young people and the unemployed. Much of the work on display here is from local artisan, made from discarded old silverware that’s repurposed and recycled. Arrive in Bayamo in the early afternoon, one of the original Spanish settlements, you’re more likely to see locals travelling on horses than in cars here. Take a walk through the slow-paced city, then settle in for a restful night.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Baracoa
Location: Baracoa
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, hop back on the bus and travel to Baracoa through central Cuba, tucked between forests and the Caribbean Sea. On the way, stop at Guantanamo Bay and if time permits, visit a lookout for a view of the Guantanamo Naval Base and surrounding bay. Join your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings – the town was only accessible by sea until 1960, and even after a road linking Baracoa to Guantanamo was built, the settlement maintains a small-town feel. In your free time, wander along the beautiful Malecon, chill at the beach or explore the forts that were built to withstand pirate attacks. Maybe visit the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion to see the bust of the Indigenous leader Hatuey, who was burned at the stake for refusing to accept the Spanish and their Catholicism.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Baracoa
Location: Baracoa
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, head to Boca de Yumuri Canyon. On the way, visit a local cocoa plantation and learn about these magic beans. When you arrive, take a walk in the nature and ride in cayuca (traditional boat) along the canyon formed by the Yumuri River. From the boat, maybe take the chance to cool off with a swim in the river. Then, return to Baracoa for a free evening. As one of Cuba’s major agricultural zones, Baracoa is a great place to try local foods like chocolate, prawns in coconut sauce and banana-stuffed tamales. Don’t miss the cucurucho tonight (a sweet treat of coconut, sugar and fruit wrapped in dried cone-shaped palm leaves).
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Santiago De Cuba
Location: Santiago de Cuba
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
A spectacular journey to Santiago de Cuba will take you through the mountains and along the Atlantic coastline to the dry region surrounding Guantanamo. Grab a windowseat if you can, to see the passing cacti and wiry goats. Arrive in the hottest place in Cuba – both in temperature and atmosphere – in the mid-afternoon. Set between the Sierra Maestra Mountain Range and the Caribbean, this city's historical centre retains a timeworn atmosphere, ideal for photographers. After an orientation walk with your leader, 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Santiago De Cuba
Location: Santiago de Cuba
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Set off on a half day 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 that Fidel Castro declared the triumph of the Revolution. The city is also famous for its energetic Carnaval celebrations and its lively Festival of Caribbean Culture. 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. In the evening, maybe head to a live music venue and dance the night away.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Camaguey
Location: Camaguey
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Head east along the Carretera Central to Camaguey today. When you arrive, explore the winding streets – the city was planned in a deliberately confusing pattern to disorient any would-be assailants – and look out for tinajones (large clay pots used for collecting water). Stop by the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad to see its baroque frescoes, then the rest of the day is free to uncover more of the city’s history at your own pace.
Included Activities:
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Day 10: Camaguey
Location: Camaguey
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today you’ll take a guided tour of Camaguey on a 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. Visit a local market, some of the local parks and plazas and an art gallery. Maybe head to a local farmers' market for an insight into daily Cuban life. 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 white rum to aged rum – Cuba is known as the origin of some of the smoothest and most sought-after rums on the entire planet!
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Trinidad
Location: Trinidad
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel through the centre of the country to Trinidad, which sits on the scenic Caribbean coast. No other city is as well preserved and the residents are extremely friendly here. Trinidad is also steeped in religion, including the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria. On an orientation walk, you’ll 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.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Trinidad
Location: Trinidad
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today, you'll have plenty of free time in Trinidad. 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! You could also take a hands-on percussion workshop. A bike is a great way to explore the local area, but like its cars, Cuba's bicycles are vintage, which means a little bit of practicality may be sacrificed for the romance. You could even take a trip to Playa Ancon and relax on the beach or go snorkelling through the clear waters (just watch for sea urchins, which can be a problem here). Party the night away at one of the town’s live music venues or attend a folklore show at one of the town's open-air venues.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Cienfuegos
Location: Cienfuegos
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Travel on 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. On the way, stop at Guanaroca Lagoon, one of the most unique ecosystems in Cuba, constituting an essential link in sustaining marine life in Cienfuegos bay. A large number of waterfowl find refuge in its waters, such as pink flamingos, sea corúas, gannets, Florida ducks. Take a boat tour on the lagoon for a unique opportunity to see these birds in their natural habitat. Then continue onto Cienfuegos. Drive along the peninsula to see Cienfuegos' architectural pride and joy, the Moroccan-influenced Palacio del Valle. On arrival, join your leader on an orientation walk to admire the city’s elegant architecture and glittering bay. Then enjoy an afternoon for your own discoveries. The province is known for its coffee production, so perhaps find a spot to enjoy a fantastic brew, visit the Jardin Botanico de Cienfuegos, Cuba’s oldest botanical gardens, or head to Club Cienfuegos to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Standard Guesthouse
Meals Included: breaksfast
Return to Havana today, stopping at a local cigar factory along the way. Here, you'll learn the process of manufacturing the most popular product of Cuba (the Cuban cigar). Carry on to the Playa Giro, which sits on the eastern side of the Bahia de Cochinos (the Bay of Pigs). With crystal clear Caribbean waters, a deep underwater wall and a huge variety of coral and fish, the bay is a haven for a taking a refreshing swim. Then, continue your journey to Havana. At the end of a long day, it's time for a mojito and one final night of salsa in Habana Vieja's bars. Hit the streets and celebrate the end of a fantastic adventure!
Included Activities:
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Day 15: Havana
Location: Havana
Meals Included: breaksfast
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Standard guesthouse (14 nights) -
Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
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Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
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Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
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Holguin - La Loma de Cruz (sunset lookout)
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Holguin - Leader-led orientation walk
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Baracoa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
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Santiago de Cuba - Leader-led Orientation Walk
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Guantanamo Bay Viewpoint (time & weather dependent)
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Santiago de Cuba - Half-day City Tour including El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery & Moncada Barracks (guide, transport &entrance fees included)
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Santiago de Cuba - night live music
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Transport
- Private vehicle , Taxi , Boat
Accommodation
- CUBA GUESTHOUSES
- We have classified guesthouse rooms into three standards for the comfort levels of our trips: standard, comfortable and premium. Most differences can be a little hard to tell at first, particularly when taking aesthetic into account which varies greatly not only between rooms but also between cities and provinces. Be assured though that the comforts to which foreign travellers are accustomed have been taken into account when classifying guesthouses.
- You can read more about the guesthouse we use here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cuba-casa-particular/
- Stairs are prevalent in Cuban homes. If this presents a problem to you, then please advise us at time of booking so we can request rooms on or closer to ground level.
- For this itinerary, the standard guesthouse rooms will have an ensuite and air-conditioning however will not necessarily have a split system, an in-room or in-house safe or imported bedding.
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Included Activities
- Havana - Leader-led Walking Tour of Old Havana
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Bay of Pigs - Coastal Swim Stop
- Cienfuegos - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (entrance fee included, no guide)
- Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee included, no guide)
- Trinidad - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Trinidad - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)
- Camaguey - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Camaguey - Bicycle Taxi City Tour (guide and transport included)
- Camaguey - Rum tasting in a local bar
- Santiago de Cuba - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Santiago de Cuba - Half-day City Tour including El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery & Moncada Barracks (guide, transport &entrance fees included)
- Guantanamo Bay Viewpoint (time & weather dependent)
- Baracoa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Havana - Revolution Square
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 7 days prior to travel
- 3. The Cuban government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers. Proof of insurance may be requested at Havana Airport by immigration officials.
- 4. We recommend you bring enough cash to last your whole time in Cuba. This is currently the best option and will provide you with the best value for money. Please see the ‘Money Matters’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Mode of Transport
- Private vehicle , Taxi
Accommodation
- CUBA GUESTHOUSES
- We have classified guesthouse rooms into three standards for the comfort levels of our trips: standard, comfortable and premium. Most differences can be a little hard to tell at first, particularly when taking aesthetic into account which varies greatly not only between rooms but also between cities and provinces. Be assured though that the comforts to which foreign travellers are accustomed have been taken into account when classifying guesthouses.
- You can read more about the guesthouse we use here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/cuba-casa-particular/
- Stairs are prevalent in Cuban homes. If this presents a problem to you, then please advise us at time of booking so we can request rooms on or closer to ground level.
- For this itinerary, the standard guesthouse rooms will have an ensuite and air-conditioning however will not necessarily have a split system, an in-room or in-house safe or imported bedding.
- PRE-TOUR ACCOMMODATION
- We aim to confirm the first night of your tour in Old Havana however occasionally due to availability we will confirm it in either Central Havana or Vedado. If you book pre-tour accommodation through us we will also aim to book these nights in Old Havana. Late requests and requests of 3 nights or more have a lower chance of being confirmed in Old Havana.
- POST-TOUR ACCOMMODATION
- The final night of your tour may be booked in either Vedado, Central Havana or Old Havana. If you book post-tour accommodation through us, we aim to confirm it at the same property (regardless of the area we have secured) to avoid the inconvenience of you having to move. If you specifically prefer your post accommodation to be booked in Old Havana you must inform your booking agent and we will request this. You will need to make your own way between the final guesthouse and your post-tour guesthouse. Late requests and requests of 3 nights or more have a lower chance of being confirmed in Old Havana.
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
The guesthouses (casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling and each room is unique. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water supply are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country – but we believe that this is all a part of the local experience. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
Luxuries such as air conditioning, plush pillows, and fly screens, are often scarce. Part of the experience here is learning to appreciate everyday Cuban resourcefulness.
Internet access can be hard to come by, and when it's available it's often unreliable and expensive. Treat this as a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true holiday.
Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humour will go a long way in this beautiful destination.
As this trip covers a lot of land, there are a few long travel days. Cuba's road condition and infrastructure is still fragile in various parts of the country so delays may often happen. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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