Hola Cuba

9 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Experience the splendour of Cuba – a cobblestoned Caribbean gem where the rum is plentiful, the smiles infectious and dancing is essential. Join our Hola Cuba adventure and wind your way from sultry Havana and its crumbling churches, through the valleys and farms of Pinar del Rio, and on to the Afro-inspired beats of Trinidad. Along the way we’ve assembled a ...
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$2,509
From$2,040
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Learn the local customs, folklore and beliefs behind Afro-Cuban religion as you’re welcomed into the homes of devoted residents on a colourful and unconventional Urban Adventure in Havana.
    • Relish a real garden-to-plate dining experience at a privately-owned organic eco-farm in picturesque Vinales – indulge in a variety of fresh produce all while gazing across sweeping views of the valley.
    • Receive a fascinating insight into the rise and fall of the charismatic and highly celebrated Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara at his mausoleum and museum in Santa Clara.
    • Experience Cuban hospitality and old-world charm in the coastal town of Trinidad. Wander through cobblestone streets among colourful colonial buildings and relax on the picturesque Playa Ancon.
    • Support the Cuban community by staying at privately-owned guesthouses, dining at home-grown restaurants, and gaining insider knowledge into Cuba’s history, thanks to the expertise of local guides.

What's this trip about?

    Experience the splendour of Cuba – a cobblestoned Caribbean gem where the rum is plentiful, the smiles infectious and dancing is essential. Join our Hola Cuba adventure and wind your way from sultry Havana and its crumbling churches, through the valleys and farms of Pinar del Rio, and on to the Afro-inspired beats of Trinidad. Along the way we’ve assembled a cast of Cuban characters to give you a proper welcome – tobacco farmers, expert chefs, local artists, historians and salsa dancers that understand where Cuba came from, where the country sits now and, more importantly, where it’s going.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityHavana
End CityHavana

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Attractions

  • Caribbean
  • Havana
  • Trinidad
  • Vinales

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
    • Havana - Afro-Cuban Religion Tour (guide and transport included)
    • Havana - Leader led City Tour of Old Havana
    • Havana - American Vintage Car Tour (No guide and transport included)
    • Havana - Jaimanitas (Mosaic-laden Neighbourhood) including Fusterlandia (Entrance fee)
    • Las Terrazas - Sustainable Rural Economy Project (Entrance fee and Guide included)
    • Vinales - Leader-led orientation walk
    • Vinales - Farm-to-table dinner at an eco-friendly ranch
    • Vinales - Half-day Valley tour on foot including Tobacco Farmhouse
    • Vinales - Salsa dance lesson (1 hour)
    • Vinales - Cooking Demonstration by Local Chef
    • Cienaga de Zapata - Korimakao Cultural Project (entrance fee, guide and transport included)
    • Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk
    • Trinidad - Leader-led City Tour including Museums (entrance fees, guide and transport included)
    • Trinidad - Pottery Centre
    • Trinidad - Sunset Picnic at Playa Ancon (Weather Dependent)
    • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
    • Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee & dinner)

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Havana

Bienvenido a Cuba! Welcome to Cuba! Upon arrival, soak in the decaying beauty of Havana and the surreal feeling that you have entered a bygone era. This is a very historic time to visit Cuba, as the gates finally creak open to a country so long forbidden, an opportuni...

Day 2 Havana

This morning, find out more about the local customs, folklore and beliefs of Cuba’s Afro-Cuban religion from an insider on a colourful and unconventional tour with Urban Adventures. Be welcomed into private homes and take the opportunity to learn from the devoted res...

Day 3 Las Terrazas / Vinales

This morning, head east to Vinales. En route stop by an outer-Havana suburb to see the passion project of Jose Fuster, an artist who has turned an entire neighbourhood into a lively and colourful series of mosaics. Known as 'Fusterlandia', the inspiring and whimsical ...

Day 4 Vinales

Today at 9 am, spend the morning (approximately 3 hours) finding out more about Cuban agriculture with a visit to a local tobacco farm to learn about the tradition of Cuban cigars. Get an insight as to how the communist system works, how much tobacco they keep, how mu...

Day 5 Bay of Pigs / Cienfuegos

Depart Vinales at 8 am and head to Cienfuegos – drive for approximately 4.5 hours before stopping for lunch. This afternoon you’ll visit the Korimakao Cultural Project in Ciénega de Zapata, an area famous for its wetlands. Founded in 1992, Korimakao is a project to br...

Day 6 Trinidad

This morning at approximately 8.30 am, your leader will show you around the charming streets of Cienfuegos before getting back on the road around 10 am, heading towards the National Park of Topes de Collantes (approximately 2 hours). Here there is a stop for a swim in...

Day 7 Trinidad

This morning is yours to explore Trinidad by selecting one of the many optional activities on offer. Perhaps you’d like to hire a bike and cycle along the city’s colorful streets, past once-grand mansions, pastel buildings and wrought iron features – or instead you mi...

Day 8 Havana

Leave Trinidad around 9 am, heading to Santa Clara (approximately 2 hours), a key city in the Cuban Revolution to see the iconic statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara, built to commemorate his death and that of the revolutionaries. There will be time to explore the museum whi...

Day 9 Havana

Your adventure ends today after breakfast. There are no activities planned for the final day so remember to say good-bye to your leader before you head back to the U.S.  

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,040
Price per day$227
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
23 Nov 2024
01 Dec 2024
$2,116
30 Nov 2024
08 Dec 2024
$2,138
07 Dec 2024
15 Dec 2024
$2,326
11 Dec 2024
19 Dec 2024
$2,160
14 Dec 2024
22 Dec 2024
$2,057
18 Dec 2024
26 Dec 2024
$2,200
21 Dec 2024
29 Dec 2024
$2,490
28 Dec 2024
05 Jan 2025
$2,575
30 Dec 2024
07 Jan 2025
$2,115
08 Jan 2025
16 Jan 2025
$2,204

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Intrepid Travel

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Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

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Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

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On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

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Logistics

Accommodation

Comfortable Guesthouse (8 nights)

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. We have partnered with Allianz Global Assistance to provide you with a travel insurance program.
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements HOLA CUBA – FOR US CITIZENS This trip is for United States passport holders only. If you are travelling to Cuba on a passport of any other nationality you will need to book one of our other trips to Cuba. You may need to change the website region at the bottom of the page if you are viewing our website from within the US. If you are a US citizen, US permanent resident, or hold any type of US visa, and are travelling to Cuba, please refer to the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website - https://travel.state.gov – and the U.S. Department of the Treasury - https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/pages/cuba.aspx - for the latest advice. The Cuban Tourist Card must be purchased from the airport before boarding your flight to Cuba (pink in color USD50). This should be obtained by presenting your boarding pass at the check-in counter, or for some airports, at the gate. At check-in you might be asked to present your trip vouchers and Essential Trip Information (ETI) Document when procuring the Cuban Tourist Card, so be sure to bring printed copies of these with you. Your chosen airline should have more information about the departing airport’s process on flying directly from the US to Cuba. 48 hours before departing for Cuba, you will need to fill out the customs, immigration, and health declaration form on the D'Viajeros website. This generates a QR code that you will need for the airport check in process. https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio You require a signed and countersigned travel affidavit for this trip. This form will be provided to you when your place on the trip is confirmed. Once you sign and return the affidavit to your booking agent, they will countersign it and return it to you. You will be required to show this affidavit when you re-enter the US. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Cuba for the most up to date information. To enter the country, visitors are required to have evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay, proof of travel medical insurance, as well as onward travel ticket. US citizens travelling from the US must comply with the regulations set by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury. Individuals travelling to Cuba are not required to obtain licenses from OFAC if their travel is covered by a general license. There are 11 permitted reasons for travel and by traveling on the ‘Hola Cuba – for US citizens’ you would comply with the license category “Support for the Cuban People” (516.574). The responsibility of tracking and recording activities and interactions with Cuba people is on the onus of the traveler which will be encouraged and facilitated by your tour leader. The US government is allowed to ask you for receipts and records from your trip to Cuba for up to five years. PROHIBITED ITEMS WHEN TRAVELLING FROM CUBA TO THE US Travellers cannot bring alcohol or tobacco products from Cuba into the US for personal use. More information can be found here: https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-82?language=en_US
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. The laws around health and safety in Cuba are very different than in more developed countries, even for government licenced accommodation. While we endeavour to source accommodation that is compliant to our own health and safety standards there will be occasions where the accommodation will not have a marked fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. Please ask your guesthouse owner to explain the fire evacuation plan to you when you check in. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • A Comfortable Guesthouse
  • Please read Joining and Finishing Point Instructions in the Essential Trip Information Document for details about your assigned guesthouse
  • Havana
  • CUBA
Trip ID
intrepid-QUKP

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