Hola Cuba

9 Days | Travel to Cuba and experience the enthralling history of this fascinating Caribbean island.

4.9 out of 5 based on 131 reviews submitted.
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Explorer
From
NZD $5,795
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Experience the splendour of Cuba – a cobblestoned Caribbean gem where the rum is plentiful, the smiles infectious and dancing is essential. Join our Hola Cuba adventure and wind your way from sultry Havana and its crumbling churches, through the valleys and farms of Pinar del Rio, and on to the Afro-inspired beats of Trinidad. Along the way we’ve assembled a cast of Cuban characters to give you a proper welcome – tobacco farmers, expert chefs, local artists, historians and salsa dancers that understand where Cuba came from, where the country sits now and, more importantly, where it’s going.

Trip overview

Map of Hola 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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
QUKP
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
  • Learn the local customs, folklore and beliefs behind Afro-Cuban religion as you’re welcomed into the homes of devoted residents on a colourful and unconventional Urban Adventure in Havana.
  • Relish a real garden-to-plate dining experience at a privately-owned organic eco-farm in picturesque Vinales – indulge in a variety of fresh produce all while gazing across sweeping views of the valley.
  • 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.
  • Experience Cuban hospitality and old-world charm in the coastal town of Trinidad. Wander through cobblestone streets among colourful colonial buildings and relax on the picturesque Playa Ancon.
  • Support the Cuban community by staying at privately-owned guesthouses, dining at home-grown restaurants, and gaining insider knowledge into Cuba’s history, thanks to the expertise of local guides.

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.
  • Part of Cuba’s appeal is its old-fashioned style – this includes the banking systems. Funds in Cuba can be difficult to access. Please read our Essential Trip Information to be fully prepared.
  • 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 humor will go a long way in this beautiful destination.
  • Due to licensing restrictions, only 1-night pre-tour accommodation may be requested. Post-tour accommodation cannot be offered.

Itinerary

Map of Hola Cuba including Cuba

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable Guesthouse (8 nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Havana - Afro-Cuban Religion Tour (guide and transport included)
  • Havana - Leader led City Tour of Old Havana
  • Havana - American Vintage Car Tour (No guide and transport included)
  • Havana - Jaimanitas (Mosaic-laden Neighbourhood) including Fusterlandia (Entrance fee)
  • Las Terrazas - Sustainable Rural Economy Project (Entrance fee and Guide included)
  • Vinales - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Vinales - Farm-to-table dinner at an eco-friendly ranch
  • Vinales - Half-day Valley tour on foot including Tobacco Farmhouse
  • Vinales - Salsa dance lesson (1 hour)
  • Vinales - Cooking Demonstration by Local Chef
  • Cienaga de Zapata - Korimakao Cultural Project (entrance fee, guide and transport included)
  • Cienfuegos - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Trinidad - Leader-led City Tour including Museums (entrance fees, guide and transport included)
  • Trinidad - Pottery Centre
  • Trinidad - Sunset Picnic at Playa Ancon (Weather Dependent)
  • Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee)
  • Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee & dinner)
Add on activities
  • Trinidad - Afro-Cuban folklore show (entrance fee) from - EUR3
  • Trinidad - Cave Disco (entrance fee) - EUR14
  • Trinidad - Musical Instrument Lesson (guitar, double bass, tres, percussion) per hour - EUR10
  • Trinidad - Trek to El Nicho Waterfall (entrance fee, guide and transport included) - EUR257

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A visa or tourist card, organised prior to arrival, is required for all nationalities visiting Cuba. American citizens and residents also require a signed and countersigned travel affidavit for this trip. Please refer to the ‘Passports, visas and entry requirements’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
2. Our licensing agreement allows one night of pre-tour accommodation to be booked only when airline scheduling impedes your ability to arrive in time for the welcome meeting on Day 1 (subject to availability). Post-tour accommodation cannot be offered under our license.
3. 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.
4. Complimentary airport arrival & departure transfers are 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 14 days before travel.
5. 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.
6. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel to aid guesthouse and rooming allocations.
7. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Havana. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
8. If you wish, you may request your confirmed guesthouse name and address inside 7 days from departure from your booking agent. You don’t need to request this – your arrival transfer driver will know the address of your assigned guesthouse.
9. Intrepid US, Inc. ("Intrepid US") provides legal tours to Cuba for Americans under the ‘Support for the Cuban People” category (§ 515.574); to be declared when selecting from the 11 permitted categories of travel. United States law specifies that to comply with this category, travelers must engage in the full-time schedule of activities provided by our program. The responsibility of tracking and recording activities and interactions with Cuba people is on the onus of the traveler which will be encouraged and facilitated by your tour leader. The US government is allowed to ask you for receipts and records from your trip to Cuba for up to five years.

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 131 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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Lakshmy · Traveled February 2024
My recent visit to Cuba was fantastic. Many thanks to Interpid Travel for making it happen. Our tour guide Will was absolutely wonderful for taking care of the group and answering all my questions.
Review submitted 02 Mar 2024

Jennifer · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 02 Mar 2024

Cassandra · Traveled February 2024
This trip to Cuba was once in a life time! I learned so much about the culture, geography and agriculture. The art everywhere is amazing and the locals are so nice and welcoming. This trip exceeded all my expectations and I can’t wait to go back.
Review submitted 02 Mar 2024

Kathleen T. "Katie Grové " · Traveled February 2024
This was my 3rd Intrepid trip. I highly recommend Intrepid. Smaller groups than many other tour companies. Very good guides and trip leaders. Comfortable accommodations and transportation. Interesting itineraries.
Review submitted 27 Feb 2024

Alison · Traveled February 2024
Don’t hesitate, book the trip! This experience was everything I could have asked for and more. I learned about the history, the culture, the food. But most of all, I learned how exceptional the Cuban people are. Our tour leader, Maurice, was a gem - guiding us, teaching us and showing us as we explored the beautiful island. The accommodations are clean and comfortable; you will experience blackouts and lack of hot water. It adds to the charm. Bring donations - medicine, feminine products, seeds. A fun and rewarding trip!
Review submitted 27 Feb 2024
Hola Cuba
From
NZD $5,795