Best of Cuba

15 Days | Salsa your way from the colourful capital of Havana through the very best of Cuba.

4.5 out of 5 based on 42 reviews submitted.
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From Cuba's historical streets of Havana to the pristine shores of the Caribbean, stroll through World Heritage cities, relive a fascinating colonial history and experience the rich heritage of music and dance that Cuba is renowned for. Dive into the incredible marine world and history of the Bay of Pigs, prepare to be wowed as you discover Baracoa’s mountainous surrounds, visit the birthplace of salsa and admire Trinidad’s unrivalled ambience on this two-week adventure. From historic cars to fragrant cigars, and with plenty of rum and rumba in between, this adventure will take you into the heart of all things Cuban.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Cuba including Cuba
Start
Havana, Cuba
Finish
Havana, Cuba
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Cuba
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QUSH
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Old-world charm, rich history, exciting nightlife – evocative Havana is like nowhere else on Earth. See the difference between city and coastal life on a guided walking tour of the old capital.
  • Receive a fascinating insight into the rise and fall of the charismatic and highly celebrated Cuban revolutionary – Che Guevara – at his mausoleum and museum in Santa Clara.
  • With its vibrant music scene and Afro-Cuban roots, sultry Santiago de Cuba is a great place to bust out some moves and hit the dance floor with the locals.
  • Experience old-world charm in the colourful coastal town of Trinidad. Delve into the city’s sultry Latin rhythms with a salsa class and enjoy plenty of free time for seaside relaxation.
  • Take inspiration from the locals and mix things up with a bicycle-taxi tour of Camaguey – roll through the winding streets on two-wheels, visiting markets, plazas and an art gallery.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The guesthouses (casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling and each room is unique. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water supply are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country – but we believe that this is all a part of the local experience. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
  • Luxuries such as air conditioning, plush pillows, and fly screens, are often scarce. Part of the experience here is learning to appreciate everyday Cuban resourcefulness.
  • Internet access can be hard to come by, and when it's available it's often unreliable and expensive. Treat this as a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true holiday.
  • Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humour will go a long way in this beautiful destination.
  • As this trip covers a lot of land, you'll be spending quite a bit of time travelling.Cuba's road condition and infrastructure is still fragile in various parts of the country so delays may often happen. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.

Itinerary

Map of Best Of Cuba including Cuba

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Taxi, Boat

Accommodation

Standard guesthouse (10 nights), Hotel (4 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Havana - Leader-led walking tour of Old Havana
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
  • Holguin - La Loma de Cruz (sunset lookout)
  • Holguin - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Baracoa - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Baracoa - Boca de Yumuri Canyon boat tour
  • Baracoa - Cocoa plantation visit
  • Santiago de Cuba - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Guantanamo Bay Viewpoint (time & weather dependent)
  • Santiago de Cuba - Half-day City Tour including El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery & Moncada Barracks (guide, transport &entrance fees included)
  • Santiago de Cuba - night live music
  • Camaguey - Leader - led orientation walk
  • Bayamo - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Camaguey - Rum tasting in a local bar
  • Camaguey - Bicycle Taxi City Tour (guide and transport included)
  • Trinidad - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Ciego de Ávila - Jewellery workshop (Community-based project)
  • Trinidad - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)
  • Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (from entrance fee)
  • Guanaroca Lagoon - boat tour
  • Cienfuegos - cigar factory visit
  • Bay of Pigs - Coastal swim stop

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 7 days prior to travel
3. The Cuban government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers. Proof of insurance may be requested at Havana Airport by immigration officials.
4. We recommend you bring enough cash to last your whole time in Cuba. This is currently the best option and will provide you with the best value for money. Please see the ‘Money Matters’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 based on 42 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Barbara · Traveled February 2024
Cuba is not your usual tourist destination, but this trip was the perfect opportunity to see the country as it is, and Chino was the best guide to show us around. Be open minded, prepared to spend a lot of time in the car, eat more than expected and just have fun :)
Review submitted 01 Mar 2024

Jennifer · Traveled January 2024
In-depth tour of Cuba avoiding beach resorts. If you like history/architecture then you'll find this interesting. But be warned, anyone who visited Cuba 5+ years ago probably won't give you good advice on what Cuba is like now. Cubans are facing many challenges; this tour is not easy mentally.
Review submitted 08 Feb 2024

Layton · Traveled November 2023
Cuba is a wonderful experience for all back packers. There is plenty to see and do with its breath taking lstin culture that would take your breath away.
Review submitted 27 Jan 2024

Steven · Traveled November 2023
An excellent trip for experiencing and gaining an understanding of Cuba today, the history, politics and geography with plenty of opportunity to meet Cubans and see how they live. They are some of the most friendly and welcoming people making do with a lot less than we are used to.
Review submitted 18 Dec 2023

Zena · Traveled November 2023
The Best of Cuba holiday was one amazing experience, the historical and cultural heritage was amazing. Felt safe , our Casas we stayed at was as expected . Out intrepid Tour Guide Juan Carlos was very approachable . I'd recommend Cuba any time . Be mindful of the temperature can get pretty hot.
Review submitted 01 Dec 2023
Best of Cuba
From
USD $2,019