Roaming over its green hills or sailing along its tiny, white-sanded islands, you’ll wonder what took you so long to see "the other Cuba."
This unique combo adventure on land and water will take you places most people don’t know even exist. Meander through the lush, laid back communities of Cuba’s "Garden Province" and dive into local culture for a night at a unique homestay. Sail aboard a catamaran to tour (and lay on) the secluded beaches of the thinly populated Canarreos Archipelago islands. Experience life in the sun you’ve always hoped was real.
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Day 1
Havana
Arrive Havana at any time. You will be transferred to the hotel to stay overnight and relax.
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Day 2
Havana & Viñales
Travel to Viñales. Spend time exploring the beautiful valley.Travel into the Pinar del Rio province to the small town of Viñales, beautifully located in a fertile valley surrounded by the unusual mogotes, or limestone pincushion hills.
Arguably one of the prettiest natural areas in Cuba, there are myriad opportunities to enjoy the area— go horseback riding, hiking, or simply sit back and enjoy the view. While you're here, visit a "vega" or cigar factory, to see how the famous Cuban cigars are made.
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Day 3
Viñales
Enjoy a free day in the area. Opt to go caving, hiking, biking, horseback riding, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the valley.
Horseback Riding
Saddle up and hop on your horse as you set off to explore the lush valleys of Viñales. Ride past farmers working in their fields of coffee and tobacco. See the mogotes – limestone hills – on the horizon. Stop at one of the many caves in the area, head inside and take a dip in the cool natural pools.
Hiking
The countryside around Viñales is lush, fertile and punctuated with mogotes – limestone “haystack” hills. Hire a guide or head off with some friends to explore the area. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. You may stumble upon a cave with an underwater spring. Dive in and cool off.
Cave Exploration
The limestone terrain of the area in the Pinar del Rio province is perfect for creating massive cave systems. Opt for an excursion to visit one or two and explore these unique underground caverns.
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Day 4
Viñales, María la Gorda
Travel to María la Gorda, a UNESCO beach town, visiting a cigar factory en route. Opt to go on a sunset boat ride, go snorkelling, or relax on the beach.Maria la Gorda's location on the Northwestern tip of Cuba offers some of the best sunsets, beaches and marine life you will find in Cuba, an ideal place for water sports.
Cigar Factory Tour
Pinar del Rio is tobacco country. Fans of the ubiquitous Cuban cigar will be hard-pressed not to be impressed by this tour. See fields of green plants punctuated by thatch roof drying huts, then witness a demonstration of how the cured leaves are hand-rolled, cut and packaged. Prepare for the smell. The smell of tobacco is heady and headache-inducing. Buy a box to bring home to friends. Or smoke them all by yourself.
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Day 5
María la Gorda
Enjoy an excursion to Cabo San Antonio with a stop at the Roncalí lighthouse. From María la Gorda, head out to Cabo San Antonio, a protected area famous for the sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beach. After learning some information about the region, stop by the Roncalí lighthouse. Enjoy some free time on the beach.
Cabo San Antonio and Roncalí Lighthouse Excursion
Cuba's westernmost tip benefits from the region's warm crystal-clear waters, with sea bottoms full of varied treasures — like reefs and shipwrecks. The peninsula was declared a Biosphere Reserved by UNESCO in 1987. Known for the famous Roncali Lighthouse marking Cuba's westernmost point in the region, this area is considered the last refuge of aboriginals during Spanish colonization. Learn more about the region's lore from pirates and old cannons to the treasures that lie on the bottom of the sea around peaceful Corrientes Cove.
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Day 6
María la Gorda, Las Terrazas
Travel to Las Terrazas and enjoy the stunning scenery in this UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its flora and fauna.
Less than an hour outside of the bustle and hustle of Havana, Las Terrazas is a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its stunning flora and fauna. Once acres of deforested farmland, today Las Terrazas is a lush oasis after Castro organized thousands of trees be planted. Travel through bamboo groves, past teak and royal palms and keep your eyes peeled for birds and exotic flowers.
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Day 7
Las Terrazas, Havana
Travel back to Havana, and enjoy a night in the city with the group.
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Day 8
Havana, Cienfuegos
Enjoy free time in Havana before heading to Cienfuegos in the afternoon to spend the first night aboard the catamaran.
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Day 9
Cienfuegos, Canarreos Archipelago
After breakfast, set sail from Cienfuegos and head towards the Canarreos Archipelago by a 24m long catamaran. Stretch out and stay balanced aboard a roomy double-hulled watercraft.
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Day 10
Canarreos Archipelago
Travel through the islands of the Canarreos Archipelago and spend the next five days soaking in everything these island communities have to offer. Discover paradise among the rustic, sparsely populated islands, go snorkelling, explore secluded beaches or simply relax on deck.
Today we begin to explore some of the the Caribbeans most beautiful islands.Composed of approximately 350 islets, the islands are known to be more rustic and quiet than many of the other popular Cuban travel destinations. Relax and enjoy the warm Caribbean air, or take the opportunity to fish. The cook will happily prepare any fish that are caught.
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Day 11 to Day 13
Canarreos Archipelago
Explore the remote and beautiful islands of the Canarreos Archipelago. Snorkel the crystal-clear waters in search of colourful fish, relax on the beach, and dine on some of the best seafood you’ll ever have.
Cayo Largo Visit
Visit Cayo Largo, the largest island in the Canarreos Archipelago, known for its 25km (15 mi) of pristine white-sand beaches and mangrove forests. Let your worries melt away – you won’t have any trouble relaxing here! Sit back and relax with a book while sipping on a refreshing beverage, play a game of beach volleyball or enjoy some snorkelling. Or take a river cruise among the maze of mangroves to spot crocodiles resting in their natural habitat.
Cayo Rico Visit
Be welcomed by bright turquoise waters on this island visit. Enjoy a cocktail at a friendly beach bar, and soak in amazing waterfront views. Feed iguanas indigenous to the island or snorkel right off the boat – try and spot one of the rays that like to hang out here
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Day 14
Canarreos Archipelago, Cienfuegos
Wake up and admire the view from the lighthouse in Cayo Guano. Enjoy one last snorkel before sailing back from the Canarreos Archipelago to the town of Cienfuegos. Enjoy some final time on deck, and keep an eye out for fish and other marine life along the way.
After arriving back in Cienfuegos, relax at the end of the evening while taking in the local sites of this rustic town.
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Day 15
Cienfuegos, Havana
Depart Cienfuegos after breakfast and arrive back into Havana around midday when the trip will end.
After being dropped off at the airport and we'll be able to help with onward travel arrangements
