9 Day this Cuban Life
9 Day this Cuban Life
9 Day this Cuban Life
9 Days Starting and ending in Havana, Cuba
Visiting: Havana, Viñales Valley, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SCP9
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 12
Age range:
1-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Gluten Free
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
This 9 Day Cuba tour makes it easy for travellers arriving from the U.S. to comply with the travel rules for Americans. It is a fantastic introduction to Cuba that gets you out of Havana so that you can see what many visitors to Cuba do not, that Havana is not Cuba and Cuba is not Havana. Visit the rural Viñales Valley with its gorgeous landscapes and friendly locals, stroll the romantic sea wall in Cienfuegos, a city with a French influence. Spend time in Trinidad, a traveller favorite, with its colorful buildings and cobblestone streets. The focus on this tour is to learn about ordinary life in Cuba, and how individuals are impacted by the government, social structure, and the embargo. You’ll learn about Cuba’s proud and patriotic culture, its tumultuous history, its thriving arts scene, and its burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit. You’ll meet with locals from different walks of life and learn about family life, favorite pastimes, the school system and the workplace. You’ll learn about the challenges that Cubans face in getting access to necessities, comforts, and luxuries, and the interesting and often ingenious ways they've developed of "resolviendo" (resolving) to get what they need.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Cuba! You will be greeted upon your arrival to Havana Airport by our representative who will assist you in locating the currency exchange house CADECA and then provide a private taxi or car service to your guesthouse.
You tour leader will have left you some information at the guesthouse about the orientation meeting time for the group.
Tonight’s included dinner is at a local privately owned restaurant - a great example of Cuba’s incremental shift to a more free-market economy.
Day 2 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning we take a guided walking tour. Apart from going to some of the standout sites of Old Havana, we will learn about Cuba’s dual-currency economy when we visit some different places where locals go to do their daily shopping. After lunch we head to the Havana suburb of Jaimanitas where we visit the home of one of Cuba’s most famous artists. Jose Fuster’s entire residence is covered in artworks made of carefully broken tiles. Over the years Fuster continued the colourful mosaic decoration and incorporated his neighbors’ houses, a local medical clinic, and a community centre into the art project. Nowadays, practically the whole neighborhood surrounding his home is covered in Gaudi inspired mosaics. Referred to as Fusterlandia, this unique work of art is internationally recognized. We meet Fuster’s family and and can view the gallery inside his home. Tonight we have free time for dinner. You can try a home cooked meal, or perhaps another local paladar. Later in the evening we head out to see a cannon blast ceremony at a fort on the other side of Havana harbour.
Included Activities: Walking city tour led by local tour leader, Fusterlandia Visit, Cannon Blast Ceremony
Day 3 : Vinales Via Las Terrazas
Location: Viñales Valley
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the way to the spectacular valley of Viñales, we stop by Las Terrazas. This small rural village was built by the Cuban government as part of a reforestation project that has since been given a biosphere UNESCO listing. We meet a local community leader who will give us some insight into how the local society works. Upon reaching the quaint village of Viñales, we settle into our guesthouses and have a quick orientation tour of the town. After this we tour an organic farm and learn about sustainable farming in Cuba. We meet a local Cuban farmer and his family who will show us around their organic farm and explain to us the methods they use to grow their produce without using pesticides or artificial fertilisers. Our included dinner tonight will be at this farmhouse while we watch the sun set over the limestone hills that surround the valley. It’s one of the best views you will see in Cuba!
Included Activities: Las Terrazas Tour, Vinales Orientation Walk, Organic Farm Visit
Day 4 : Vinales
Location: Viñales Valley
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning we visit a local tobacco farm to learn about the making of Cuba’s famous cigars. Vinales is one of the premier locations in the world for producing cigar tobacco. A local farmer will give us a cigar rolling demonstration and also an insight into how the socialist system in Cuba works, with regards to how much of the tobacco produced by the family that is given to the government, and how much of it they are free to sell on the private market. The whole production process will be explained, from planting the tobacco all the way to rolling the final cigar. The family will offer us to sit down with them to enjoy some coffee, freshly roasted on their own farm. Our afternoon activity is a group introductory salsa lesson at a private dance school. Even if you are a complete novice you should at least be able to learn something you can use later tonight at the local live music bar.
Before that, we head to another family house out of town for a cooking demonstration of typical Cuban dishes. After the cooking lesson we can sit back and relax to enjoy the well-prepared meal.
Included Activities: Tobacco Farm Visit, Group Salsa Lesson, Cooking Demonstration
Day 5 : Cienfuegos Via Bay Of Pigs
Location: Cienfuegos
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cienfuegos was founded by the French and you can sense this when contemplating the layout of this small elegant city that also has the luxuries of a vast calm bay, and a beautiful Malecón.
It’s from this bay side walkway where you can watch fishermen casting nets and locals socialising. To get here we drive along the scenic Bay of Pigs and past the site where the landing of U.S. sponsored counter-revolutionary exile militia occurred in 1961. There is a museum here that houses articles and objects from this conflict which helped Fidel Castro cement his power in Cuba in the early days of the Revolution. Incongruously, despite the macabre history of this area, there are some beautiful places where we can stop for a swim and snorkel including a sinkhole that resembles a huge natural tropical fish tank. Snorkel gear can be rented on-site for about 5CUC. Along this route we will also visit a community centre and school where we will meet local students and learn more about Cuba's education system. Upon arrival in Cienfuegos we settle into our guesthouses before taking a walk around the city to learn some of its history.
Included Activities: Bay of Pigs Museum Visit, Cienfuegos Orientation Walk, Korimakao Community Centre
Day 6 : Trinidad Via Santa Clara
Location: Trinidad
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cienfuegos is a very pretty town, and you may have time in the morning for a quick stroll along the boulevard or to the main square. However we only spend a short time here as there are many interesting things ahead. In Santa Clara, we will be welcomed with the sight of a huge statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara.
We take time to visit the museum that is directly under the statue, and which tells the story of Ché’s fascinating life. On the way towards Trinidad we stop at a small rural farm where we enjoy a local farm lunch with all local produce from the farm itself or nearby farms. We will also have the chance for a quick swim in a hidden waterfall.
In Trinidad, you’ll probably find the nightlife to be the most accessible in all of Cuba. There are a plethora of small live music venues scattered around the colonial parts of town, some of which have nightly dance shows.
Included Activities: Che Guevara Museum, Waterfall Swim
Day 7 : Trinidad
Location: Trinidad
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We take a morning hike to a waterfall just outside the city of Trinidad in the foothills of the forested Escambray mountains. The walk is not steep, nor long (40min to 1 hour each way) however there are some sections that are a bit rocky and uneven. The park staff however, do a great job maintaining the trail and the handrails they have in place for the less simple sections. Along the way we stop at a very simple farmer’s house. Here we get a further sense of what life is like in rural areas such as this in Cuba. Once reaching the pretty waterfall and cooling off in its natural pools, we return to Trinidad where we take a cultural tour of the historic center of town. There were some very wealthy residents here in the 18th and 19th centuries, having made fortunes out of the sugar industry. Some of their grand houses have been made into museums. Visiting these will give you a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the elite class during that time. At a local bar we take a rest to enjoy the shade and the taste a local drink called canchanchara, which is made from Rum, lemon, and honey. If the weather permits, tonight we’ll have a dinner picnic at a nearby Caribbean beach.
Included Activities: Waterfall hike, Walking City Tour, Beach Picnic (weather permitting)
Day 8 - 9 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
En route back to Havana we pass by a historic sugar plantation. A 147 ft tower dominates the skyline. It was built here so that the estate owners could keep vigil on the slaves as they worked in the cane fields.
The village around the old mansion is inhabited by the direct descendants of those slaves. It’s an apt place for us to learn a bit more about the history of the slave trade and slavery in Cuba.
Back in Havana you’ll have time to get ready for our farewell group dinner. For those who are willing, there are plenty of options for one more night of music and dancing!
Included Activities: Manaca Iznaga Sugar Mill Visit
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights in privately owned comfort class Bed & Breakfast Guesthouses (casas particulares), double occupancy. - Comfort Class
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Fully Guided
Private local Cuban guide throughout.
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Transport
Private transportation in air conditioned bus.
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All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Airport Arrival Transfer
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Airport Arrival Transfer
What's Not Included
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International airfare (Tour starts and ends in Havana)
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Additional Services
Tips, Drinks, airport departure Transfer, Cuba Tourist visa
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Insurance
Mandatory medicinal insurance ( included in flights from USA.
Trip insurance recommended -
Meals
Except all breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners
Mode of Transport
Private transportation in air conditioned bus.
Accommodation
8 nights in privately owned comfort class Bed & Breakfast Guesthouses (casas particulares), double occupancy.
Check out our Q&As
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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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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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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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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes, we require proof of vaccination or a signed medical waiver.
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What is the maximum group size?
12 travellers
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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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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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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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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Cuba requires citizens from most countries to have a visa (tourist card)
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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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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 children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, children 18 and under are welcome accompanied by an adult
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What documentation will I receive?
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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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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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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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 US322
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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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What currencies are required for this tour?
We suggest you bring spending money in USD or Euros
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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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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, all of our transportation is air conditioned
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Are flights included in this tour?
No flights are included
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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.