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 46 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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USD $1,782
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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

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

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 46 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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Hailey · Traveled July 2024
Cuba is a fascinating place to visit, and I learnt so much more than I expected to about its history and current state on my trip. The Cuban people obviously have their share of problems and you will not be visiting for the cuisine (except the gorgeous tropical fruits!) but at no point did I feel unsafe or lost, I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would recommend to solo or small group travellers. If you can tip a little extra to people along the way, it goes far.
Review submitted 15 Aug 2024

Dilys · Traveled May 2024
Cuba is a colourful country with so much that is very interesting. The people are welcoming despite their constant daily battles with lack of resources and money. There are some long travel days (with breaks) especially the first few days. Maybe the itinerary should be tweeked to reflect this with 3 nights spent in somewhere like Baracoa or Trinidad. Nothing was too much trouble for our guide Gloria who was a great personality and our driver Marlon made the journey as comfortable as he could. Not for the faint hearted but certainly a trip you will never forget.
Review submitted 28 May 2024

Carole · Traveled April 2024
I’ve travelled with other tour groups and my experience with Intripid has been the best one, small group structure works well in showcasing the best a location has to offer and the quality of the tour leader Alejandro was excellent in his knowledge of Cuba and it’s people , I recommend both Intripid and Alejandro
Review submitted 24 Apr 2024

Michaela · Traveled April 2024
Fantastic trip. Cuba is beautiful. The people are warm and welcoming. So much more to see than just the beautiful architecture of Havana. Fascinating history.
Review submitted 23 Apr 2024

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
Best of Cuba
From
USD $1,782