G Adventures
Save 15%Epic Central America: Seven Countries & the Softest Sand Ever
Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belize, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador · 45 days · Easy
fromCAD 3,814
Next: 28 JunThe adventure
The melody of horns floating through the air, classic cars parked in colonial squares, revolutionary statues — get over the resort wall and discover the real Cuba! Travel east to Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa and encounter the birthplace of Cuban rhythms and revolutionary fervour. Soak in Spanish heritage while exploring churches, forts, and cobblestoned streets. Stay overnight in homestays for an immersive Cuban experience few travellers get to enjoy. Don't just walk down the road less travelled — dance down it. Viva la Revolución!
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Cuba
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included to the tour's starting point, a "casa particular" (Cuban home used as a bed and breakfast), for an authentic Cuban experience.
Arrive at any time. An arrival transfer is included to the tour's starting point, a "casa particular" (Cuban home used as a bed and breakfast), for an authentic Cuban experience.
Day 2Tour the city by vintage car before…Havana
HavanaTour the city by vintage car before a walking tour of Old Havana with the CEO. In the afternoon, opt to visit museums, or attend a cabaret performance at the Tropicana.
Day 3Travel to Sancti Spiritus today and enjoy…
Travel to Sancti Spiritus today and enjoy an orientation walk of this beautiful, but often overlooked, colonial city.
Day 4Travel overland across Eastern Cuba to Bayamo
Travel overland across Eastern Cuba to Bayamo. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore – opt to hire a horsecart like the locals to tour the area or people watch in the pedestrian only Plaza de la Revolución.
Day 5Continue on to BaracoaThe best way to get around this colonial town, situated on the bay with mountains towering in the background, is on foot and with 2 1/2 days to explore the area, there's plenty of time to see it all. Wander the malecón (boardwalk) and visit the forts built to defend the city from pirates.
The best way to get around this colonial town, situated on the bay with mountains towering in the background, is on foot and with 2 1/2 days to explore the area, there's plenty of time to see it all. Wander the malecón (boardwalk) and visit the forts built to defend the city from pirates.
Day 6Explore Cuba’s rural communities and small businesses in Baracoa
Explore Cuba’s rural communities and small businesses in Baracoa, a G Adventures-supported project. Enjoy a free evening to wander the seaside boardwalk or to find a bite to eat in town.
Day 7Take advantage of a full free day…Take some time to visit the city then head further afield to the mountains or visit the striking black sand beaches. Playa Maguana and the smaller Playa Nava are both nearby and accessible by bike or taxi. Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt is approximately 40 km outside of town and well worth a visit.
Take some time to visit the city then head further afield to the mountains or visit the striking black sand beaches. Playa Maguana and the smaller Playa Nava are both nearby and accessible by bike or taxi. Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt is approximately 40 km outside of town and well worth a visit.
Day 8Drive along the rugged coast towards Santiago de…Santiago de Cuba is the cradle of the Revolution and home of traditional son rhythms. Opt to visit museums, colonial churches and buildings like the Moncada Barracks. Santiago has a vibrant traditional music scene that will entice even the shyest dancer out to experiment with some salsa moves.
Santiago de Cuba is the cradle of the Revolution and home of traditional son rhythms. Opt to visit museums, colonial churches and buildings like the Moncada Barracks. Santiago has a vibrant traditional music scene that will entice even the shyest dancer out to experiment with some salsa moves.
Day 9Travel into the heart of Sierra Maestra National Park
Travel into the heart of Sierra Maestra National Park, and stay in quaint wooden cabins next to the Yara River. Enjoy free time for hikes or relaxing in nature.
Day 10Hike through the Sierra Maestra mountains…Your journey will continue west across the Carretera Central to Camagüey, the third largest city on island. It retains much of its colonial heritage in its buildings, plazas and its tinajones, large clay pots traditionally used in Spain and in its New World colonies for collecting rain water. Explore the narrow winding streets and impressive sites.
Your journey will continue west across the Carretera Central to Camagüey, the third largest city on island. It retains much of its colonial heritage in its buildings, plazas and its tinajones, large clay pots traditionally used in Spain and in its New World colonies for collecting rain water. Explore the narrow winding streets and impressive sites.
Day 11Enjoy an orientation walk and included salsa lesson in TrinidadEnjoy the beautiful scenery continuing on to the colonial city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to lovely Spanish-style churches and great museums, Trinidad is a hub of cultural activity, never out of earshot from a group of musicians playing local salsa or son. Enjoy an included salsa lesson during your time in Trinidad.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery continuing on to the colonial city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to lovely Spanish-style churches and great museums, Trinidad is a hub of cultural activity, never out of earshot from a group of musicians playing local salsa or son. Enjoy an included salsa lesson during your time in Trinidad.
Day 12Enjoy free time in Trinidad
Enjoy free time in Trinidad. Opt to hike in nearby Topes de Collantes National Park to see the Salto del Caburni waterfall, or visit Ancón Beach for diving, snorkelling or lounging. Savour a local dinner as a group hosted by one of the homestay families.
Day 13Travel along the coast to colonial Cienfuegos
Travel along the coast to colonial Cienfuegos. Detour along the way through Santa Clara to visit the Che Mausoleum. Then continue on to Cienfuegos and enjoy an orientation walk to learn more about this city.
Day 14Drive along the picture-perfect Bay of PigsHavana
HavanaDrive along the picture-perfect Bay of Pigs, and learn more about the Cuban victory in 1961 at the Giron Museum. Enjoy free time for swimming and snorkelling before returning to Havana. Enjoy a final evening with the group in Cuba's vibrant capital.
Day 15Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Traveller reviews
“A fantastic view of a truly unique and vibrant country. Amazing contrasts from one town to the next.”
“Very enjoyable and interesting. Cuba lived up to the comments from my friends who had visited there before. I highly recommend this country as a must to visit.”
“great unforgettable experience....loved the home stays, great way to see a bit more of the real Cuba...”
Discover Cuba
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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