Cuba on a Shoestring
Cuba on a Shoestring
Cuba on a Shoestring
8 Days Starting and ending in Havana
Visiting: Havana, Old Havana, Vinales, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad, Santa Clara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
QURA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
City, countryside and dazzling Caribbean coast – take an eight-day Lonely Planet Experience straight to the heart of Cuba. Set off from the charming capital of Havana, where old-time American cars, wafts of cigar smoke and laidback vibes permeate the streets. Experience the small-village vibes of Vinales and the colonial charisma of Trinidad, and immerse yourself with the history, music and mojitos of a country caught in a bygone era. With plenty of time to swim, snorkel, cycle and hike, this adventure combines Cuba’s old-world charm with some seriously scenic vistas in a jam-packed itinerary.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Standard guesthouse
Meals Included: No Meals
Bienvenido a Cuba! Welcome to Cuba! There are no activities planned until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Once you’ve arrived, why not take a stroll in Cuba’s capital, where vintage cars, Neo-Gothic churches and Art Deco theatres come together in a colourful mismatch on the streets. If you have time, you might like to visit Museo de la Revolucion, which focuses on the events leading up to, during and immediately after the Cuban revolution. After your welcome meeting, perhaps dig into some delectable street snacks and join the group for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have a few recommendations.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2 : Vinales
Location: Old Havana, Vinales
Accommodation: Standard guesthouse
Meals Included: No Meals
This morning, join your leader on an two-hour walking tour around Old Havana – a district that reflects an eclectic mix of colonial, baroque and neoclassical architecture. Founded in 1519 by the Spanish, this area within Cuba’s capital remains virtually unchanged. Wander through Havana’s oldest square at Plaza de Armas, stroll around the buildings that frame 16th-century Plaza Veija, admire the basilica of San Francisco de Asis and visit the Havana Cathedral with its elaborate baroque facade. After your walking tour, take a taxi to the bus station and head west to Vinales (approximately 4 hours). This charming rural village is your base for the next couple of days, so why not do as the locals do – drink rum and dance the night away.
Included Activities:
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Day 3 : Vinales
Location: Vinales
Accommodation: Standard guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy free time in picturesque Vinales, which you'll soon see is home to some of Cuba’s best scenery. Together, your group will decide the best time to take an included informal Spanish lesson where you’ll learn some simple greetings like ‘hola’ and ‘hasta luego’, plus how to order an all-important ‘cerveza’ (beer)! The rest of the day is yours to soak up the slow, old-world pace of rural Cuba, where donkeys plod along the dirt roads. You might like to cruise around the area on a bicycle, hike through the tobacco fields or explore one of the Americas’ largest cave complexes up in the mountains. If you select the valley walk, you'll learn more about the lifestyle here and meet the farmers who grow tobacco for some of the world's most sought after and expensive cigars.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4 : Bay Of Pigs / Trinidad
Location: Bay of Pigs, Trinidad
Accommodation: Standard guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, travel by private vehicle to the World Heritage-listed city of Trinidad. En route, you’ll stop at the Bay of Pigs for a dip in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, and if there’s time you can hire snorkel gear and swim among the tropical fish that call these waters home. Be sure to ask your local leader about the Bay of Pigs Invasion – a battle between the USA and Cuban revolutionaries which resulted in the first defeat of a US-backed takeover in Latin America. Continue to Trinidad where you'll spend the night.
Included Activities:
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Day 5 : Trinidad
Location: Trinidad
Accommodation: Standard guesthouse
Meals Included: No Meals
Trinidad is a standout destination for many visitors to Cuba, in no small part to well-preserved colonial buildings, friendly locals and its old-school feel. Today, you’ve got the full day to do as you please. For some beachside fun and perhaps a little snorkelling, head down to Playa Ancon – just be careful you don't stand on a sea urchin! Hiking and cycling are equally good options, and there are some excellent walking trails in the nearby Sierra del Escambray mountains. For an insight into the colourful post-revolutionary period, why not visit the Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos and the Casa de los Martires de Trinidad. Nearby is the sprawling Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see. In the evening, your leader will take you to a local bar for a rum tasting – Cuba is home to some of the best!
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6 : Santa Clara
Location: Santa Clara
Accommodation: Standard guesthouse
Meals Included: No Meals
This morning, travel by private vehicle to the historic city of Santa Clara – less crowded and slower paced than the bustling Havana, and home to all things Che Guevara. First, visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial; the final resting place of the physician-turned-guerrillero leader. Che's remains were brought to rest here after they were found in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. The memorial is home to an impressive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle, and inside the museum you can learn about his amazing life and see photos and exhibits such as his famous black beret. Afterwards, your leader will take you on an orientation walk of the town and point you in the right direction. If there's time, why not take the short walk up to one of the best lookout spots in town, Loma del Capiro, where you can share sweeping views of the city with a statue of – you guessed it – Che Guevara!Â
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Standard guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, travel back to Havana by bus (approximately 4 hours) where you’ll return to your guesthouse to enjoy some free time. If you’re a cigar aficionado, you might like to purchase a tour for tomorrow morning of one of Cuba’s best tobacco factories where they produce a range of top-quality Montecristo, Partagas and Romeo y Juliet cigars. Tonight’s again up to you, so why not head out with the group and hit the town for a night of salsa.
Optional Activities:
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Day 8 : Havana
Location: Havana
There are no activities planned for today, so you are free to leave your guesthouse at any time, provided you comply with any internal check-out times. This doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you’ve got time, consider heading out in a 1950s convertible on a Classic American Car Tour of Havana with Urban Adventures. Take to the streets in style as you cruise through the capital – visit urbanadventures.com/havana-tour-classic-american-car-tour-of-havana for more information and to book.
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Santa Clara - Leader-led Orientation Walk
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Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
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Havana - Leader-led Walking Tour of Old Havana
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Vinales - Leader-led Orientation Walk
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Bay of Pigs - Coastal Swim Stop
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Trinidad - Leader-led Orientation Walk
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Trinidad - Rum Tasting in a Local Bar
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Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee included, no guide)
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Accommodation
Standard guesthouse (7 nights)
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Transport
Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- Private vehicle , Public bus , Taxi
Included Activities
- Havana - Leader-led Walking Tour of Old Havana
- Vinales - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Bay of Pigs - Coastal Swim Stop
- Trinidad - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Trinidad - Rum Tasting in a Local Bar
- Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee included, no guide)
- Santa Clara - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Accommodation
- Standard guesthouse (7 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, except optional activities
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
The trip is requires a reasonable level of fitness as you will be exploring the places you visit on foot.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes. All prices listed are on a twin-share basis. If you are travelling solo, you can pay the twin-share rate to be roomed with another solo traveller of the same sex. Alternatively a single supplement is available for an additional cost. Single supplements are subject to availability.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
We are a global company, on most of our tours we will have passengers from all over the world joining.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
If you wish to have a hotel list, please ask a booking agent. Please note, these are subject to change.
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What is the maximum group size?
16
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
No
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What currencies are required for this tour?
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
This trip will run with just one person booked on
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visas are the responsibility of the traveller and vary depending on your nationality, please speak to the relevant consular or embassy regarding your travel plans. While we will not arrange a visa for you, should you need any supporting documents from the operator, we can provide these for you’
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Please speak to a medical profession regarding vaccinations before you travel
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
A complimentary arrival transfer is included, a departure transfer can be arranged at an additional cost
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Are internal flights included in this tour?
All transport while you're on the tour, including flights is included. International airfares are not included, but we can arrange these for you at an additional cost
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
A tour leader will be with you throughout the trip, except for free time
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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