The landscape of Cuba tells stories of the island, from its indigenous peoples to the Cuban Revolution. Your custom tailored tour leads you on an outdoor adventure through the valleys and into the mountains for an immersive trekking experience. A bust of the father of Cuban independence welcomes hikers at the peak of Cuba’s tallest mountain. Colonial churches cast shadows over antique cobblestone streets. Tobacco fields thrive in the red soil near natural limestone caves. Traverse the three distinct...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Havana – Settling in the City
As the plane descends into Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, you look out the window and notice the tall grass swaying in the breeze. Palm fronds rustle. The ocean stretches to the horizon to the north. The Sierra del Escambray rolls across the sky to the west. Disembark the plane and your private transfer greets you at baggage claim, ready to escort you to your hotel in the heart of Havana. The city maintains a captivating rhythm emanating from the historic architecture and endless sources of music, from jazz to salsa.
The sea breeze washes over the edges of the city across the seaside boulevard known as the Malecón. Couples stroll along the walkway beside the thick sea wall. Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro rises above the entrance of Havana Bay. The 16th-century fortress points cannons towards the water, continuing its guardianship of the city. A museum on the grounds commemorates the seven-year war in the 18th century when British forces captured the City. The twin edifice of Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana sits across the water. A large chain of metal and wood once connected the two structures. During naval attacks, soldiers would tighten the chain restricting ships from passing into the bay.
What's Included:
Day 2
Vinales – Crossing the Sierra del Escambray
Day 3
Vinales – Stretching your Legs in Vinales
Day 4
Hanabanilla – Travel to New Heights
Day 5
Guanayara – On the Lake
Day 6
Trinidad – Along the Caburni Trail
Day 7
Trinidad – The Free Spirit of Trinidad
Day 8
Bayamo – In the Footsteps of Fidel
Day 9
Aguado de Joaquin – Trials of the Trails
Day 10
La Platica – Overtaking the Crown
Day 11
Camaguey – Reaching Camaguey
Day 12
Sancti Spiritus – Magnificence in the Maze
Day 13
Havana – Hiking in Havana
Day 14
Havana – Enjoying the Ride
Trip Highlights
- Trek to the highest point in Cuba for an unforgettable journey and sensational panorama stretching to the Caribbean Sea
- Hike through jungle terrain to Fidel Castro’s former headquarters located in the mountains
- Ride in an antique Soviet all-terrain vehicle to the entrance of the Caburni Trail
- Discover the magnificent karsts and limestone cave networks of the Vinales Valley
- Search the forest canopy for bee hummingbirds, the smallest birds in the world
- Journey through the dense vegetation in search of pristine waterfalls hidden in the mountains and trees
- Tour well-preserved colonial cities across Cuba for an immersive experience of culture and history
- Lounge on a pristine white sand beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea
Detailed Description
The saying goes, “Every journey begins with the first step.” Your first step begins a 14-day tour hiking through the mountain ranges of Cuba on a guided trek. The beauty of the island comes into focus, from the gregarious citizens to the emerald colored trees, turquoise sea to the elegant tobacco fields. Your flight lands at Jose Marti International Airport, where your private transfer awaits your arrival. Your first night in Havana is at your leisure to enjoy the thrilling energy of the city’s streets. The following morning, your guide leads you to the province of Pinar del Rio to explore the limestone karsts of the Vinales Valley.
Your introductory trek is brief, leading you to the Cueva del Indio to explore a cave once utilized by the indigenous people of Cuba. You then make your way along the trails near San Vicente, connecting the karsts to the nearby forests. Depart Vinales by heading over the Sierra del Escambray Mountains. Stop in Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara Monument en route to the lakeside town of Hanabanilla. The next day begins with your boarding a boat to cross Lake Hanabanilla. Once across the water, your guide leads you along the trails of Topes de Collantes Reserve to see the El Rocio Waterfall.
Step into a Russian 6x6 former military vehicle, which takes you to the head of Caburni Trail. Search for wildlife and waterfalls before continuing to the colonial city of Trinidad. The next day is yours to enjoy the serene atmosphere of Trinidad. Tour the cobblestone streets or ride a train to the nearby valley to see the former sugarcane plantations. Next, you make your way to Gran Parque Nacional Sierra Maestra. Trek to Comandancia La Plata, Castro’s hideout during the Cuban Revolutionary War, before enjoying an evening in Bayamo.
You begin your ascent from the top of Alto Naranjo, following the Pico Turquino Trail. The following day takes you over three separate peaks until you reach the top of Pico Turquino at 6,476 feet above sea level. Afterward, you meet your private transfer on the road to Comandancia La Plata. After lunch at a small villa overlooking the mountains, you continue to the labyrinthine city of Camaguey.
Tour Camaguey and relish the unique winding streets and jovial urban atmosphere. In the afternoon, you make your way to the colonial town of Santa Spiritus. Explore the streets and culture of Santa Spiritus before returning to Havana. Your guide leads you on a vibrant tour of the old city. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. Your private transfer greets you at the hotel on your final day, ready to escort you to Jose Marti International Airport for your flight home.
Click here to browse our other Cuba tours, and gain further inspiration to perfect your dream Cuba vacation.
Starting Price
$7,500 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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