Cuba Experience - Havana to the West
Cuba Experience - Havana to the West
6 Days Starting and ending in Havana, Cuba
Visiting: Havana, Soroa, Vinales
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CX
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
1-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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From:
$575
$546 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$29
Tour Overview
A journey into the Western provinces of Cuba offers a taste of both Cuba's rural and urban life with some spectacular scenery along the way. We visit some community art projects in Havana and then the mountain communities of Las Terrazas and Soroa, that are surrounded by some of Cuba's lush forest. Viñales offers a charming village atmosphere, and some stunning mountainous scenery, sprawling tobacco fields and friendly locals. We include a visit to a tobacco farmer's house and learn how to roll the perfect Cuban cigar. There are also opportunities to experience Cuba's famous white sand beaches of Cayo Levisa and Cayo Jutias near to Vinales.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: You will be staying at a casa particular a licensed and professionally run guesthouse that has been vetted for cleanliness and comfort
Meals Included: No Meals
Arrive in Havana at any time. Today is the arrival day of the tour so there are no planned activities and you can check into the arrival guesthouse and relax or go and explore the city. One of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Adventure among the splendorous crumbling architecture of the streets of Central and Old Havana, and sit on the famous sea wall (El Malecon) to take in the view and some fresh air, and to socialize with the colourful and friendly 'Habaneros'.
Day 2 : Soroa Via Jaimanitas & Las Terrazas
Location: Soroa
Accommodation: You will be staying at a casa particular a licensed and professionally run guesthouse that has been vetted for cleanliness and comfort
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the way to Soroa we stop by at a couple of street art projects as well as the eco-community of Las Terrazas. The first street art project is the Callejon de Hammel where local resident Salvador Gonzáles Escalona has decorated, and painted in vibrant colours, a pedestrian alleyway with scrap objects like bathtubs, hand pumps, and pin wheels, with many works being dedicated to various Afro-Cuban deities. It has now become a cultural focal point with workshops for young Cuban children to learn painting.
Then we visit the fishing village of Jaimanitas and the home of the famous artist Jose Fuster. Fuster has made his entire home, and much of the surrounding neighbourhood, into an artwork using tiles in mosaic forms. Now referred to as Fusterlandia, it is a unique work of public art with over 80 houses decorated with ornate murals and domes to suit the personality of each of Fuster's neighbours. He has built a chess park with giant boards and tables, a theatre, and public swimming pools. Nowadays, Fuster’s art is a cherished part of Cuban culture and joins the rank of other public artworks such as that of Gaudi in Barcelona or that of Brâncuși in the Romanian city of Targu Jiu.
About lunch time we reach the mountain community of Las Terrazas which was built as a reforestation project in the 1960s and is now a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. You can take a walk around the town to meet the friendly locals. In Las Terrazas there are also art, woodwork and pottery studios that are open to the public.
We eventually arrive to the mountain resort town of Soroa where we stay in the homes of the local humble residents. There are quite a few attractions around this heavily forested area including a short trek to a waterfall, a steep walk to a lookout, and an orchid garden.
Day 3 : Vinales
Location: Vinales
Accommodation: You will be staying at a casa particular a licensed and professionally run guesthouse that has been vetted for cleanliness and comfort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Reaching Viñales we find ourselves surrounded by picturesque limestone pincushion hills - called (“mogotes”). Vinales is one of the more agriculturally productive areas, so an abundance of local seasonal fruit and vegetables is always on offer such as enormous avocados and mangoes, pineapples, papaya, guava, and a several varieties of sweet potatoes. It's one of the cooler areas of Cuba, so it's also a nice escape from the hotter parts of the country. The nightlife is very active in this village with the local residents more than willing participants in dancing to the local live music.
This afternoon we include a visit to a tobacco farmers house to learn how to roll a perfect Cuban cigar.
Day 4 : Vinales
Location: Vinales
Accommodation: You will be staying at a casa particular a licensed and professionally run guesthouse that has been vetted for cleanliness and comfort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day to choose your own adventure in Vinales. There are plenty of outdoor activities on offer, such as exploring caves, hiking in the valley, biking, horseback riding or simply enjoying the views of the valley and sprawling tobacco fields.
There are also the options of doing some voluntary work in a local organic farm (and staying for dinner!), or heading to one of the beautiful beaches nearby - Cayo Levisa or Cayo Jutias.
Day 5 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: You will be staying at a casa particular a licensed and professionally run guesthouse that has been vetted for cleanliness and comfort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Returning to Havana, the guide will take you on a walking tour to the must-see parts of Old Havana. In Havana, there are plenty of restaurant and bar options to celebrate this last night of tour with your guide.
Day 6 : Departure Day
Location: Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
You can depart Havana at any time today or maybe you have arranged to stay on for extra days
What's Included
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Accommodation
Standard casa particular (guesthouse)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Arrival transfer included
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Private air conditioned transportation in taxi, minibus, or bus
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Fully Guided
English and Spanish speaking tour leader
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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2 hour walking tour in Old in Old Havana. Bottled water to refill your personal water bottle, please bring bottle
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Drinks with Meals
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Meals – Full Board
Lunch and dinner not included
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Departure transfer not included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Gratuities for tour leader, driver, local guides, musicians, etc not included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Entrance Fees
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Entrance Fees
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Check out our Q&As
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We will gladly arrange for pre- or post- tour accommodation.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
The visa (or tourist card) is not included, it can be obtained from your airline, local embassy, or third party seller.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
The guesthouses we stay in are all professionally run, and have been vetted for cleanliness and standard level comfort. They are all air-conditioned or sufficiently cooled, and nearly all have an en-suite bathroom. They are more like a bed & breakfast and less like a homestay and are all unique. We encourage you to interact with the families and staff, but it is not necessary.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival transfer is included, as long as we have arranged your first night stay. Otherwise the transfer is included from your pre-tour accommodations to your first night casa.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
At a minimum all guides speak English and Spanish
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
You must be able to carry your own luggage up stairs, so we suggest packing lightly.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, children 18 and under are welcome accompanied by an adult
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What is the tipping policy?
Cuba is a tipping country. You can budget $2-5/day for the tour leader, $1-3/day for the driver, $1-5 for a local guide, $1 for musicians in restaurants or on the streets, $.25 for bathroom attendants
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
You will receive the name and address of your Havana casa 10 days in advance. Your accommodations in the rest of the provinces are assigned upon arrival.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No flights are included
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, all of our transportation is air conditioned
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Most accommodation do not offer free wi-fi, although increasingly they do have a connection. You must buy a wi-fi card to connect, it is around US$1
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Cuba requires citizens from most countries to have a visa (tourist card)
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
This tour is designed for the traveller that wants the freedom to do what they want while in Cuba. The only thing you need to do is make sure you are ready for the bus to the next destination, aside from that you have complete freedom in each destination. The guide gives a walking orientation tour, suggestions for restaurants and activities, and then you're off on your adventure.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
The tour will be cancelled and booked travellers will be given a full refund
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Travellers from all countries are welcome on this tour.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes, we require proof of vaccination or a signed medical waiver.
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What documentation will I receive?
When you book you will receive your Trip Notes (Essential Trip Information) and maps. Then 10 days before your tour you will receive a pre-departure email with the accommodations information, guide name and contact, and airport arrival information.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
We suggest you bring spending money in euros. USD is not accepted by banks or currency exchange places, so we do not recommend it.
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What is the maximum group size?
14 travellers
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Solo travellers are invited to share a room with a same sex traveller on the tour. If you prefer a single room, you can pay the single supplement of US$436
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
There is a lot of walking on this tour, so travellers should feel comfortable with that.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, we can normally arrange for you to meet up with the group. Transportation at traveller's own expense.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We can often change the dates with no penalty if it's far enough in advance. Otherwise, our cancellation policy will apply.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, there are strict health and safety guidelines that all casas particulares must adhere to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We adhere to all local protocol and best practices, including social distancing, sanitizing, and mask wearing. Travellers must be fully vaccinated.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
When you are confirmed on the tour you will receive the Essential Trip Notes with information to help you prepare for your tour and maps of each of the destinations. Then 10-days before the tour you'll receive a pre-departure message with the tour leader's name, arrival instructions, and the name and phone number of the casa where you'll be staying in Havana.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have proudly been in operation since 2005
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Solo travellers are not required to pay single supplement if they are willing to share with someone of the same gender.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded individuals of all ages who are interested in a cultural adventure and getting to know the real Cuba
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Dates & Availability
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Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 14, 2026Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Cuban Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Cuban Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform cuban adventures, 15 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Cuban Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 100 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cuban adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Cancellation for Covid Reasons
If you must cancel 15 days or less prior to your tour for COVID reasons and you have a doctors note, we offer either 50% refund plus 50% credit, or 100% credit for travel with us on a future date.
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