5 Day Cuba Trip Havana Weekend Tour
5 Day Cuba Trip Havana Weekend Tour
5 Day Cuba Trip Havana Weekend Tour
5 Days Starting in Havana and ending in Havana, Cuba
Visiting: Havana, Vinales
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SCP5
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-89
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
If you only have a few days in Cuba but want to go beyond the usual tourist experience, this is the tour for you! It encompasses a little bit of all that makes Havana one of the most unique cosmopolitan cities in the world. In a short time, we cover several aspects of the culture and history of Cuba, from its mafia past, to its present blossoming private sector. You’ll learn about the societal impact of the revolution and the social challenges that Cuba currently faces. On this tour you won’t find museum visits, we want you to immerse yourself in Havana with discussion, exchange, and hands-on experiences sure to create lasting memories. This tour encompasses three action packed days in Havana, and an optional one-day extension to include a visit to the rural village of Viñales. Each day is a full schedule of interactions with private business owners, community leaders, and artists and is designed to comply with US legal travel regulations. For that reason, you won’t see chill beach time instead you’ll find a fun and diverse selection of activities that we have cultivated to give you the most multidimensional understanding of Havana within a short time. Feel free to stay as long as you want, there is so much more to do in Havana! Add on some extra days for museum visits, day tours, visit the beautiful beaches of Eastern Havana, or take classes in Spanish, Dance or Percussion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Havana - Start Time 9:30Am
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Due to the early start time, we encourage you to arrive the night before. At 9:30 am you’ll meet your tour leader and group members for a warm welcome before we dive into a historic tour of Old Havana, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the four main plazas on a 2-hour walking tour, followed by a delicious lunch at a paladar, a Cubanism for privately owned restaurant.
After lunch, we will explore the less touristy neighbourhoods of Old Havana on the Off Beat Havana Tour, where you'll get to experience the local community and learn about the ration system at a neighbourhood bodega. End the evening with a cocktail lesson and dinner at a classic paladar.
Included Activities:Historic tour of Old Havana, Offbeat Old Havana tour walk, Cocktail lesson
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Included accommodations: Vieja Habana or similar
Day 2 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay, HomestayHomestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll learn about how individuals used their talents to fuel positive change in their neighborhoods on this special tour to three remarkable neighborhoods in Havana, including one which caught the notice of President Obama on his 2016 visit to Cuba.
After lunch we cover the topic of ‘cuentapropistas’ entrepreneurship in Cuba. In 2011 the Cuban Government began opening the private sector and legalising private businesses not seen since the 1959 Revolution. We will illustrate this topic with a visit to two of Havana’s successful new businesses to hear their stories.
Included Activities: ‘Murals and Mosaics’ local art communities tour with lunch, meet & greet at two local businesses.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we visit a neighborhood that previously would not have stood out from any other suburb. One man’s dream and enthusiasm turned this suburb of Havana into a successful project involving the entire community and has even caught the notice of President Obama! Today we’ll learn about how individuals used their talents to fuel positive change in their neighborhoods on this special tour - Don’t forget your camera, you’ll visit two of the most artistically remarkable neighborhoods in Havana.
After lunch we cover the topic of ‘cuentapropistas’ entrepreneurship in Cuba. Beginning in 2011 the Cuban Government began opening the private sector and legalising private businesses not seen since the 1959 Revolution. We will illustrate this topic with a visit to two of Havana’s successful new businesses to hear their stories. We will have a special demonstration of local manufacturing processes and even partake in some delicious product samples.
In the evening we will have our group dinner in one of Havana's private restaurants.
Included Activities: ‘Murals and Mosaics’ local art communities tour with lunch, meet & greet at two local businesses.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 : Vinales Excursion
Location: Vinales
Accommodation: Homestay, HomestayHomestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the last day of your tour, we have a full day of breathtaking natural beauty and rural charm in store. Depart by 8am in the morning for a 3-hour journey west towards the mountains and the province of Pinar del Rio. On our way into the town of Vinales we will stop at the Cuevas del Indio (Indian Caves) for a boat ride. You will also see the controversial Prehistoric Mural (is it art or eyesore?).
Arriving in the town of Viñales, we will explore tobacco fields, roll cigars, and taste local coffee with our local guide. After our light trek through the valley, we will enjoy a farm-to-fork lunch at an organic farm before returning to Havana for our final night and farewell meal.
Included Activities: Day trip to Viñales - visit to tobacco farm, organic farm, Indian caves and Prehistoric Mural.
Day 5 : Departure Day
Location: Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is the end of your tour and you can depart at any time, there are no included activities. Your airport departure transfer is included. If you choose to stay longer, we are happy to help you make arrangements.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights accommodations, premium casa particulares
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Fully Guided
English-speaking Local Tour Leader
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Transport
Air-conditioned transportation for all included activities
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Transfer
Arrival & Departure transfers to Cuban Adventures arranged accommodations
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Meals
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in private restaurants (1 drink incl)
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Water
Filtered water to refill water bottles
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Gratuities
Gratuities (except for tour leader)
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Documentation
General license documentation & support (US travellers)
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Activities
Old Havana Walking Tour Off Beat Havana Walk Discussions with community members and entrepreneurs Visit to art communities Afro-Cuban culture performance Classic car tour Mafia history tour Fabrica de Arte Cubano Cocktail lesson Day tour to Viñales including farm trek, cave visit, and mural visit
What's Not Included
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Insurance
Mandatory medical insurance (included in flights from USA)
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International Travel
International airfare (Tour starts and ends in Havana)
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Visa
Cuban Tourist Visa
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Gratuities for the Tour Leader
Gratuities for tour leader (suggested US$20-50)
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Meals & Activities
Meals and activities not listed above
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Trip Insurance
Trip insurance recommended
Mode of Transport
Private transportation in air-conditioned bus
Panoramic city tour in Classic Car,
Accommodation
Premium class Bed & Breakfasts , double occupancy.
Check out our Q&As
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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 passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Travellers from all countries are welcome on this tour.
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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 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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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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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We will gladly arrange for pre- or post- tour accommodation.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
We suggest you bring spending money in USD or Euros
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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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What is the maximum group size?
12 travellers
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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 vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes, we require proof of vaccination or a signed medical waiver. This is also a requirement to enter the country.
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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 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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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.
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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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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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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Cuba requires citizens from most countries to have a visa (tourist card)
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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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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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How long is a Cuba visa / tourist card valid for after entry to Cuba?
The standard Tourist Card is valid for 90 days. However, this can be extended once when you are in the country upon payment of a small fee – our local team can help you. This means you can stay for up to 180 days maximum on a single visit.
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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 currencies or money should I take to Cuba?
Following the abolition of the CUC (convertible peso) in 2021 the only official national currency now in circulation is the Cuban Peso (CUP, also known as ‘Moneda Nacional’). However, it is not necessary to exchange money to local currency, USD and Euro cash are widely accepted. We do not recommend exchanging money at official institutions, the rates are very unfavourable. Ask your guesthouse staff or guide for help exchanging to CUP. Travellers must bring USD or EUR cash sufficient for the length of their stay in Cuba. Bank cards cannot be relied on to work in Cuba and US affiliated cards will not work at all in Cuba. Card payments are usually only accepted at government run institutions and hotels, the majority of restaurants, galleries, and privately owned shops are cash only.
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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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I am a US citizen. Can Americans go on these tours?
Yes, Americans can join all our tours legally. Our Ultimate Cuba tours (coded SCP) are designed with a full itinerary to satisfy USA requirements. Other tours are fine as well, but since there is a lot of free time they require the traveller to select activities appropriate under Support for the Cuban People, such as visiting private business or interacting with locals. US travellers on any tour must maintain a daily record to show that they are complying with Support for the Cuban People and keep it for 5 years.
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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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Are Cuban Adventures tours legal for Americans?
Yes. Our programs comply with ongoing US travel restrictions and are legal for US and non-US citizens alike. It is not necessary to apply to ‘OFAC’ for special permission to visit Cuba, We will provide you with an affidavit to sign that will serve as proof of your legal travel. When reserving airfare, the airlines will require you to confirm that you are travelling to Cuba under one of 12 permitted categories of travel. For general purpose visits, select ‘SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE’, this is a travel category our programs comply with.
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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
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Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Citizens of most countries will need to get a visa (also known as a Tourist Card) to enter Cuba. When flying from a country in the Americas to Cuba, you can purchase these tourist cards at the departure airport. Flying from Europe you can request the tourist card from the consulate or buy in advance online from companies such as https://www.easytouristcard.com?aff=43 A pink coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required for any nationality when flying to Cuba directly from the USA and a green coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required to visit Cuba when flying from any country except the USA. NOTE: From 1 January 2025 the Tourist Card will be replaced by an eVisa which will be obtainable in the same way as above.
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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 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.