Grand tour of Cuba

Welcome to Cuba! Our adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6:00 PM in Havana. If your flight arrives before this time, we will have some time to explore the city on our own, perhaps taking a walk through Havana to discover its colorful mix of 1950s American colonial architecture.

Today, we're setting off on a walking tour to explore the enchanting Old Havana with our local guide. This area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, is one of the most awe-inspiring historical cities in the Caribbean. Its Spanish architecture, narrow streets, and spacious squares narrate tales of past glory. We'll visit the San Cristobal Cathedral, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras, and the Plaza de Armas, delving into the history of the Cuban Revolution at the Museo de la Revolución. Afterwards, we'll have some free time to explore. You might choose to visit a cigar factory or take a spin in a vintage American car.

We'll bid farewell to Havana for now and set our course for Santa Clara (around 4 hours away), the final resting place of Cuba's most famous son, Che Guevara. Here, we'll visit his mausoleum and memorial. Che's remains were brought here after being discovered in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the Bolivian army backed by the CIA. We'll marvel at the imposing bronze statue of Che holding his rifle and delve into his extraordinary life. Next, we'll continue to Sancti Spiritus (about 1.5 hours away), arriving in the late afternoon. Founded in 1514 as one of the original seven settlements by the Spanish, Sancti Spiritus is now declared a historical monument and the well-preserved architecture of bygone centuries survives. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy some free time to explore this ancient city and perhaps take a peek at the oldest bridge and church in Cuba.

We will leave this morning for a long journey up to Holguin (about 6 hours). Although the trip will be long, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop and stretch our legs, and the majestic scenes of central Cuba will make us wish it never ends. Upon arrival in Holguin, we won't be surprised if we don't encounter any tourists: this less-visited city offers a real glimpse into local life. We will follow our leader on an orientation walk to get to know the lively streets, charming squares, and colorful buildings, then we will make the short climb to the Loma de la Cruz viewpoint to watch the city bathed in the sunset.

This morning, we will get back on the bus and travel towards Baracoa (about 7 hours) crossing the heart of Cuba, surrounded by lush green forests and the vast Caribbean Sea. Baracoa, clinging to the coast, boasts the title of Cuba's first city, and the stories of its past are as captivating as the beautiful city we will see today. We will join our leader in an orientation walk to get our bearings and receive some tips on how to spend our time here. We will have a couple of days to explore the city and relax on its charming beaches. Being one of the main agricultural areas of Cuba, Baracoa is the perfect place to taste local foods, including chocolate and local specialties such as shrimp in coconut sauce and banana-stuffed tamales. A particularly sought-after specialty of Baracoa is the cucurucho, a sweet made of coconut, sugar, and fruit, wrapped in dried palm leaves shaped into a cone.

This morning, we will head to the Boca de Yumuri Canyon to immerse ourselves in the extraordinary nature that awaits us. We will stop along the way to visit a local cocoa plantation and discover the secrets of these magical beans that delight the world. Upon arrival at Boca de Yumuri, we will take a walk in nature and paddle in a cayuca (a typical boat of the area) along the canyon formed by the Yumurí river, seizing the opportunity to cool off with a swim in the Yumuri river. We will return to Baracoa in the early afternoon and enjoy some free time. The city, accessible only by sea until 1960, has maintained the colonial atmosphere of a small town even after the construction of a road that connects it to Guantánamo. We will explore its uniqueness by wandering along its beautiful Malecon or strolling among the various forts built to withstand pirate attacks. The Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, which features a bust of the indigenous leader Hatuey, burned at the stake for refusing to accept the Spaniards and their Catholicism, or relax on one of its beaches.

A spectacular journey to Santiago de Cuba will take us through lush green mountains from Baracoa, along the stunning Atlantic coast to the arid region surrounding Guantanamo, dotted with cacti and bristly goats. The trip to Guantanamo Bay will last about 3 hours, so, weather permitting, we will have the chance to visit a lookout to admire the view of the Guantanamo naval base and the surrounding bay (entrance fee for the Mirador La Gobernadora tower not included). In the afternoon we will continue to Santiago de Cuba (about 2.5 hours), the hottest place in Cuba, both in terms of temperature and atmosphere. Nestled between the untamed Sierra Maestra mountain range and the Caribbean, the historic center and colonial architecture of this city retain an ancient air, ideal for photographers. After an orientation walk with our leader, perhaps we will join some of our travel companions and go out for a group dinner. Alternatively, we will rest well at night and prepare for a day of exploration tomorrow.

We will depart for a 3-hour tour of the city of Santiago. We will visit El Morro Castle, the Ifigenia Cemetery, and the Moncada Barracks, delving into the rich history of the city. Santiago, for nearly a century the center of the island's power, played a pivotal role in the Revolution, being the place where the people first rose up against the government troops in 1956 and where, on January 1, 1959, Fidel Castro declared the triumph of the Revolution. Its half a million inhabitants are proud of their cultural traditions, making the city rich in museums and cultural clubs. Famous for the energetic celebrations of Carnival and the vibrant Caribbean Culture Festival, Santiago, with its strong Afro-Cuban heritage, boasts a lively music scene and is considered the capital of Cuban music, the cradle of 'son', a mix of Spanish guitar and African percussion. In the evening, we will visit a venue with live music to immerse ourselves in the vibrant musical culture of Santiago de Cuba.

We will head east along the Carretera Central until Camaguey. The journey will take about 5-6 hours, with numerous stops to relax and stretch our legs. A mandatory stop along the way will be Bayamo, also one of the original Spanish settlements and a city frozen in time, where it's more likely to see locals traveling on horseback rather than by car. We will take a stroll in this delightful slow-paced town, then we will continue our journey towards Camaguey. Despite its size, Camaguey, the third-largest city in Cuba, has managed to preserve much of its colonial heritage. Exploring the winding streets of Camaguey will be half the fun, as the city was deliberately planned to be confusing to disorient any potential attackers, and as we walk through the city we might still see the tinajones, large terracotta jars used to collect water. During our explorations, we will stop at the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad to admire its baroque frescoes. Camaguey also boasts a rich tradition of cultural and technological leadership within Cuba, being the birthplace of the national poet Nicolas Guillen and home to the Ballet de Camaguey. The first radio and television broadcasts in Cuba were transmitted from Camaguey, and it was here that the country's first airport and commercial flights were planned and executed.

We will take a bicycle-taxi tour of Camaguey, a popular mode of transportation in Cuba that proves to be particularly practical in its labyrinthine streets. During the tour, we will visit a local market, parks, squares, and an art gallery. We might also stop at a local agricultural market to closely observe Cuban daily life and the local economy, where farmers sell their produce after fulfilling state quotas. The market in Camaguey is lively and colorful, with areas dedicated to state products and those sold directly by farmers, offering a variety of tropical fruits, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Later, our leader will take us to a local bar for a rum tasting, comparing a white rum with an aged rum, to appreciate the refinement of Cuban rums, known to be among the smoothest and most sought-after in the world.

We will travel through the heart of Cuba up to Trinidad, located on the picturesque Caribbean coast. Our first stop will be at Ciego de Ávila (after about 2 hours), where we will visit a jewelry workshop born from a community project that trains young people and the unemployed. Many of the displayed works are created by local artisans using old discarded silverware, recycled from the country's more prosperous times' stocks. After about an hour's journey, we will stop for lunch, and then continue towards Trinidad, reaching it in about 2 and a half hours. Trinidad is considered by many visitors to be one of the most fascinating destinations in Cuba, thanks to its excellent colonial preservation and the friendliness of its inhabitants. The city is deeply rooted in religion, including Afro-Cuban Santeria with its Voodoo connections. During our orientation walk, we will admire the ancient opulence of the sugar industry reflected in the majestic mansions, colorful public buildings, wrought iron grilles, and cobblestone streets.

Today, we'll have the chance to delve into the revolutionary history of Trinidad by visiting the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra los Bandidos and the Casa de los Martires de Trinidad, both dedicated to the city's revolutionary struggles. We'll also have the opportunity to join an informal salsa lesson, exploring Cuba's rich musical and dance tradition, rooted in African and French influences and the source of influential genres like mambo, cha-cha-cha, son, and rumba. There might also be a chance to participate in a percussion workshop to try out the musical instruments firsthand. Exploring Trinidad and its surroundings by bike will allow us to experience the island's vintage atmosphere, despite some possible compromises in terms of convenience. The nearby Sierra del Escambray mountains offer excellent hiking opportunities, like the scenic route to El Nicho, leading to a spectacular waterfall. The nearby Playa Ancon provides relaxation moments on its wide beaches or snorkeling opportunities in the crystal-clear waters, being careful of the sea urchins. In the evening, Trinidad comes alive with live music. We could join the nighttime celebration in one of the city's many venues or enjoy an outdoor folkloric show, fully immersing ourselves in the vibrant local culture.

We will continue our journey towards Cienfuegos, nicknamed "The Pearl of the South", in about an hour. The charm of this city lies in its colonial center, with its wide Parisian-style boulevards and elegant colonnades. Along the way, we will make a stop at the Guanaroca Lagoon, a unique ecosystem in Cuba that plays a crucial role for marine life in the bay of Cienfuegos, a refuge for numerous water birds such as pink flamingos, cormorants, boobies, and Florida ducks. We will take a boat ride on the lagoon to closely admire these birds in their natural habitat. Once in Cienfuegos, we will explore the peninsula to discover the Palacio del Valle, an architectural masterpiece with Moroccan inspiration. With our leader, we will immerse ourselves in an orientation walk to appreciate the city's elegant architecture and its sparkling bay. We will visit a cigar factory to discover the elaborate process that leads to the creation of the famous Cuban cigar, from the raw leaf to the finished product. The afternoon will be free for our personal explorations. Cienfuegos is renowned for its coffee production, so it might be the perfect opportunity to enjoy an excellent coffee. We could also visit the Jardin Botanico de Cienfuegos, the oldest botanical garden in Cuba, or head to the Club Cienfuegos to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand, enjoying the serene local atmosphere.

We will continue towards the peaceful Playa Giron, located on the eastern side of the Bay of Pigs, about a 2-hour journey. This place is known for the failed CIA-sponsored invasion in 1961, but beyond its historical significance, it attracts visitors with its crystal-clear waters, deep underwater walls, and incredible marine biodiversity, making it a paradise for snorkeling. If possible, we will rent equipment to dive into the sapphire waters to explore the tropical marine life. After lunch, we will resume our journey towards Havana, which will take about 3 hours. Once there, we might visit the Plaza de la Revolucion, the beating heart of Cuban revolutionary history, dominated by monuments dedicated to emblematic figures such as Ernesto "Che" Guevara, Jose Marti, and Camilo Cienfuegos. In the evening, there will be an opportunity to stroll along the Malecon or explore the atmospheric Habana Vieja. We will conclude the day by toasting with a mojito or a cuba libre, immersing ourselves in the last evening of salsa in the lively bars of Habana Vieja. It will be the perfect moment to hit the streets and celebrate the conclusion of this incredible adventure in Cuba.

After breakfast our journey will have come to an end! Goodbye beautiful Cuba!