From 3,125 / person
Latin Excursions is a true believer in the unique and intense transformative travel experience that the magical island of Cuba offers. Our Cuba private tours will show you just what we mean! Located in the Caribbean Sea and situated just 90 miles from the United States, Cuba is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is rapidly becoming one of Latin America’s hottest destinations for US travellers. Cuba offers amazing coastline with more than 300 natural white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, colonial cities, picturesque mountain ranges, savannah and numerous lush valleys, a vibrant culture and soulful people. This introductory adventure starts in Cienfuegos, an architectural jewel of the nineteenth century and nicknamed “the Pearl of the South” after its magnificent bay. Continue to Havana to explore the old and new while interacting with highly respected local personalities such as architects, entrepreneurs and artists. During your stay in Cuba’s capital, visit the picturesque Viñales Valley to learn about the tobacco production and drying process. From the moment you arrive to Cuba, you will delve into its diverse culture, colonial gems, impassioned people and natural splendor.
- UNESCO World Heritage sites: Iconic Old Havana and picturesque tobacco-growing Viñales Valley
- Engaging and inspiring people-to-people encounters with architects, artists, musicians and local farmers
- Discover culinary secrets, sampling some of Havana’s top Paladares (new privately run restaurants)
DAY;
1
ARRIVE IN CIENFUEGOS
Located on Cuba’s south coast, Cienfuegos is a pleasant colonial gem with pockets that look distinctly like 1950s Floridian suburbia. Its private restaurants, or “paladares,” are known for their seafood. Other attractions include the magical Botanical Gardens and the countless old fashioned facades (don’t miss the Catedral de la Purisima Concepción). The marina here is the embarkation point for many catamaran excursions to the southern Keys near Cayo Largo. On the Paseo del Prado, the longest street in Cuba, people-watching and ice cream seem to be the main events
Optional Activities:
Overnight Luxury Apartment, or First-Class Apartment
Meals L,D
DAY;
2
EXPLORE TRINIDAD
Trinidad is far and away, and arguably the most beautiful town in Cuba, with multi-colored pastel hued terraces and rust-red roofs. This fertile land of mountain and sea has always brought wealth to lucky locals. In the colonial area, especially between 1750 and 1850, sugar cane was its main economic activity and fabulously wealthy Spanish families built gorgeous mansions around Trinidad’s main square. These days, their descendants rent rooms to visiting foreigners. Mountain and sea collide around Topes de Collantes, producing rich soil for crops. And, as produce is bountiful here, home-cooked meals have always been superior, even in bad economic times. The private restaurants and paladares, and even the meals offered by your own casa particular, are above par.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Luxury Apartment, or First-Class Apartment
Meals D
DAY;
4
HAVANA
Spend a full day exploring this colorful and dynamic city, selecting the activities and excursions that most suit your interests.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Luxury Apartment, or First-Class Apartment
Meals L,D
DAY;
5
PINAR DEL RIO AND VALLEY OF VINALES
To the west of Havana lies the rolling green hills of Pinar del Rio. This is tobacco-growing country, with an old fashioned agrarian economy. Farmers trot down dusty tracks in spurs, plough the rust-red earth with oxen and sow seeds by hand. The valley of Vinales, spiked with limestone peaks, is a hypnotically beautiful Eden and its eponymously named little town is one of the best weekenders near Havana. Here, a functioning private-sector tourist economy means that old-fashioned country Cuban life has been spruced up for international consumption (in a good way): the porches are recently painted, and the locals are especially cheerful. For visitors, biking, caving and horseback riding in the valley are popular activities.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Luxury Apartment, or First-Class Apartment
Meals B
DAY;
6
HAVANA
Enjoy another full day exploring Havana. We will custom design the day based on your interests and preferences. Sample activity options outlined below.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Luxury Apartment, or First-Class Apartment
Meals B
DAY;
7
DEPARTURE DAY
Return to the airport for your outbound flight.
Optional Activities:
Overnight
Meals B
DAY
2
Quito
This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.
Optional Activities:
Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection
Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito
2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar
Meals B
all our
preferred
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Cuba