Cuba Off the Beaten Path
Three weeks in the heart of Cuba's soul, among tobacco plantations, charcoal makers' villages and hidden waterfalls.
Duration
21 days
From
€3,838/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This immersive trip to Cuba takes you to discover the island's must-see highlights, while immersing you in its most authentic daily life.
From Havana to Trinidad, passing through Viñales, Playa Larga and Santa Clara, you alternate between historical visits, encounters with local communities, nature hikes, relaxation moments on preserved beaches, and unique cultural experiences such as a meal with charcoal makers or a festive evening on a peasant farm.
A complete itinerary, rich in human exchanges, off the beaten path.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Havana!
Upon arrival at José Martí Airport, your English-speaking guide will be waiting to transfer you to your guest house located in the Vedado neighborhood.
Depending on your arrival time, dinner or a light supper will be organized before your night in Havana in a casa particular.
Diving into the history of Havana and sunset over the bay
After breakfast, you will meet your English-speaking guide and your driver.
The day will begin with a guided tour of the historic center of Havana accompanied by an expert lecturer.
You will explore the four main squares dating from the 18th century, visit the Cathedral as well as the Havana Colonial Art Museum, to better understand the history of Cuba to the present day.
For those who wish, an alternative will allow you to join, after the second square, a driver who will take you to the Fine Arts Museum.
At the end of the day, you will enjoy a magnificent sunset from the Castillo del Morro and the Christ of Casablanca, with breathtaking views over the bay and the old town.
In the evening, dinner at the restaurant and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Havana.
Optional: a musical dinner with former members of the Buena Vista Social Club (€60/person, of which €10 is covered, so €50/person). An original experience that we recommend – to be booked the same day with your guide.
Art, History and Nightlife in Havana
After breakfast, departure for a new day of discoveries in Havana.
You will start with a visit to Fusterlandia (approximately 1 hour), a colorful neighborhood entirely decorated with mosaics by Cuban artist José Fuster.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will continue with a visit to The National Capitol of Cuba, a national monument since 2010. Inspired by its American counterpart, it now houses the Academy of Sciences and the National Assembly of the people's power.
The day continues with the discovery of the Colon Cemetery, a unique place in the world combining funerary art and history.
After dinner, a night visit to Plaza de la Revolución or Revolution Square, one of the most emblematic sites of the capital.
Dinner at the restaurant then night in a guest house in Havana.
In the evening, a recommended outing to the Casa de la Musica (at your own expense) will allow you to experience the local festive atmosphere. If you wish to be accompanied, remember to invite your guide.
From Havana to Viñales: Nature, Traditions and Rural Immersion
After breakfast, departure towards Viñales with a stop in the mountain village of Soroa.
Visit to the Arcoiris waterfall with the possibility of swimming, either directly under the cascade or in the natural pool of the « avioneta ».
Creole countryside lunch under the trees or in a guesthouse, depending on the weather.
Continue on to Viñales, where you will settle into your guesthouse room.
The afternoon is devoted to visiting a tobacco plantation, on foot or on horseback, accompanied by a local guide. This immersion in the heart of the mogotes lasts more than 3 hours (including approximately 2 hours on horseback) and includes a coffee tasting, tobacco and local alcohol.
Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse room in Viñales.
Optional: evening entertainment (at your own expense), your guide can accompany you at no extra charge – simply think about offering him a drink if you feel so inclined.
Authentic Immersion in the Secret Valley of Viñales
After breakfast, set off for a unique day discovering an isolated valley, accompanied by your guide and a local farmer (guajiro).
You will cross a tropical forest with unique characteristics specific to this region, and take a underground passage of approximately 400 m using a flashlight (don't forget it) to exit the closed valley.
On site, you will share the local agricultural life by experiencing the traditional plow drawn by two oxen, under the guidance of your host.
A criollo meal will be served in the farmer's house, for a warm and authentic moment, far from conventional tourist circuits.
Depending on the day, you may also visit a rural school and, if you wish, make a donation.
In the afternoon, swimming in a waterfall pool alongside the village children.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Viñales.
Escape to the seaside and relaxation on a wild island
After an early breakfast, departure towards Cayo Jutías. The road, sometimes difficult, requires careful driving, but the reward is worth it: a day of rest on a magnificent beach awaits you.
Free day on this preserved island, ideal for relaxing, enjoying the beach and, if you wish, snorkeling. Chairs and hammocks will be made available to you.
Lunch, simple and tasty, will depend on the day's catch offered by the fishermen: fish or lobster depending on the season.
Return to Viñales at the end of the day.
Dinner served in your guesthouse room.
Night in a guesthouse in Viñales or Puerto Esperanza.
In the Footsteps of Che
Viñales → Soroa
After breakfast, departure towards the Cueva de los Portales, nicknamed the Che's cave.
You will cross the north coast by a charming country road to this historic site. This cave sheltered Soviet missiles under the command of Che Guevara during the 1962 missile crisis, a key episode of the Cold War that could have triggered a third world war.
Lunch at a restaurant on the way to Soroa.
Check-in, dinner and overnight stay in a guest house in Soroa.
In the evening, possibility to participate in a salsa class (optional).
Soroa - Hiking Among Coffee Plantations, Endemic Forest and Wild Waterfall
After breakfast, drive to the starting point of a 10 km trail through the Soroa mountains. This hike will immerse you in an endemic forest and lead you to meet descendants of enslaved coffee planters.
You will share a privileged moment with several local families and have lunch at a small farm. The planter couple will introduce you to the secrets of coffee cultivation, which you will taste after grinding it in a mortar, according to the traditional method.
The loop ends with a swimming break at a wild waterfall.
Dinner and night in a guesthouse in Soroa.
Nature, endemic fauna and festive atmosphere at Playa Larga
Soroa → Playa Larga
Early morning departure at 8am to reach Playa Larga, an emblematic place where history, wild nature and the Caribbean Sea meet.
On site, you will visit the Hummingbird House, a sanctuary where you can observe several species of hummingbirds, including the zunzuncito, the smallest hummingbird in the world – an unforgettable moment.
You will continue with a visit to the Crocodile Breeding Center, an endemic and feared species, as well as the Cuban parrot breeding center, also endemic.
Lunch based on crocodile or fish, depending on your preferences.
The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation on the beach, with the possibility of snorkeling in turquoise waters.
In the evening, dinner at the charcoal makers' home, a rare immersion in their daily life, followed by a horse-drawn cart ride or a walk through marshes and savannas. The evening will end with a charcoal makers' fiesta, animated by a local orchestra that will get visitors and locals dancing.
Night in guest house accommodation in Playa Larga.
Wild Coast, Cenotes and Marine Immersion in Guasasa
After breakfast, drive to Girón, 30 km away. There you will change vehicles to board a rikimbili, a three-wheeled motorcycle typical of Cuba.
Accompanied by Eduardo, a renowned scientist, you will discover the wild coastline and cenotes during a 3-hour excursion (approximately 30 km), punctuated by stops to observe fishermen and explore the surroundings.
Arrival at Guasasa, a small hamlet with the look of a Robinson Crusoe refuge, with a pretty sandy beach bordered by rocks (bring water shoes) and an accessible cenote for swimming.
Tasty lunch based on fish, seafood and local specialties.
In the afternoon, you can choose between a guided snorkeling session (to be booked the day before) or a relaxing moment on the beach.
In the evening, lobster dinner, accompanied by explanations from a local fisherman, also your snorkeling guide.
Night in a guesthouse room in Guasasa.
Jagua Castle and Colonial Charm of Cienfuegos
After breakfast, departure towards Cienfuegos with a planned detour to visit the Jagua Castle, a splendid fortress dating from the 17th century. This masterpiece of Spanish military architecture once protected the entrance to Cienfuegos Bay against pirate incursions.
Lunch at a fisherman's home in the coastal village of Péché, for an authentic moment of conviviality.
Upon arrival in Cienfuegos, check-in at a guest house with a local family.
You will then set off for a stroll along the boulevard and around the central square, in the heart of a historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkable French colonial architecture from the 19th century.
You will visit the Tomás Terry Theatre, one of the city's iconic buildings, and enjoy a panoramic view from the Casa de la Cultura viewpoint.
Dinner and overnight stay at a guest house in Cienfuegos.
Hanabanilla Lake & El Nicho Waterfalls
Very early departure (7am) heading towards the Hanabanilla Lake
Upon your arrival, you will meet our friend the peasant fisherman, who will welcome you warmly.
Embark on a 45-minute boat crossing to reach his family living in a traditional bohio, at the top of a picturesque hill.
At noon, taste delicious fresh fish, a local specialty that will give you an insight into the flavors of the region. You will have the opportunity to exchange with your hosts and discover their history and authentic way of life.
Weather permitting, a visit to an organic coffee plantation nestled in the forest and mountains of the Sierra de l'Escambray can be arranged.
In the afternoon, board a boat for an easy 2-hour hike to the magnificent El Nicho waterfalls.
Enjoy swimming in a natural pool located at the foot of the last waterfall, a moment of pure relaxation in the heart of nature.
At the end of the day, drive to Trinidad.
Dinner and night in a guesthouse in Trinidad.
Trinidad, Afro-Cuban Traditions and Spirituality
After breakfast, you will set out to discover Trinidad, founded in 1514 and nicknamed the Museum City for its remarkably restored historic center. You will visit the colonial heart of the city, the Museum of Colonial Architecture, then climb to the viewpoint for a panoramic view over Trinidad.
The excursion continues in the Valley of Los Ingenios, at the foot of the Sierra de l'Escambray, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will meet peasant women (guarijas) who will introduce you to the traditional embroidery of tablecloths and guayaberas, the famous Cuban shirts – which you can purchase directly from them.
End the day with a visit to the Iznaga Tower, a 50-meter-high monument that was used to oversee slaves and plantations. Admire the breathtaking view over the valley and surrounding landscape.
In the evening, a unique experience awaits you: a shared meal with a family practicing Santería, one of the most vibrant Afro-Cuban religions. An opportunity to taste refined local cuisine and better understand this tradition through the stories of the Santos.
Night in a guesthouse in Trinidad.
Evening outings recommended to enjoy the musical atmosphere of the city.
Colonial treasures, beach and meeting with Casilda fishermen
After breakfast, you will continue discovering Trinidad, a colonial jewel of the 17th and 18th centuries. Renowned for the unity and beauty of its architecture, it is considered the most beautiful Spanish colonial city on the continent, fully restored and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the meal, head to Ancón Beach, 17 km away, for a well-deserved moment of relaxation by the sea.
Return to Trinidad in the afternoon to rest or participate in a Cuban dance class (optional).
At the end of the day, you will meet the fishermen of Casilda Port, discover their boats and share a meal in their modest home. A moment rich in authenticity to better understand their daily life and the realities of their profession.
Night in a guesthouse in Trinidad.
Musical evening possible (at your own expense) to end the day in rhythm.
Hiking in Banao and Discovery of Sancti Spiritus
After breakfast, departure for the Parc Naturel Alturas de Banao.
You will set off on a hike through the heart of the forest, along a river that you can explore at your own pace. Two waterfall pools will offer you refreshing swimming breaks in an unspoiled natural setting.
Lunch on site, followed by an afternoon of relaxation and swimming in the pools.
At the end of the day, visit to the charming colonial town of Sancti Spiritus, one of the oldest in Cuba. You will meet the town priest, with the possibility of making a donation if you wish.
Dinner at the restaurant, night in a guesthouse in Sancti Spiritus.
Revolutionary History and Peasant Immersion at La Picadora
Sancti Spiritus → La Picadora
After breakfast, you will head to Yaguajay, where you will visit the memorial museum dedicated to Camilo Cienfuegos, an emblematic figure of the Cuban Revolution, still little known in Europe.
You will then join La Picadora, a community project created by farmers in this remote region over 15 years ago. This unique place invites you to share the daily life of Cuban farmers, in a spirit of exchange and authenticity.
After a convivial lunch with the host family, you will set off on a walking tour through the fields, with the possibility of participating in the day's agricultural activities. You can also purchase local organic honey.
An optional hike will take you to a Taino pre-Columbian archaeological site, to discover the surrounding forest and typical landscapes.
Installation in your guesthouse, followed by dinner and an evening of "fiesta campesina" where you will share dancing and music with the locals.
Industrial Heritage and Colonial Charm in Remedios
La Picadora → Remedios
After breakfast, departure for Remedios, one of the oldest cities in Cuba.
You will visit the steam train and sugar industry museum, housed in a former factory still in operation. This fascinating place has a collection of locomotives and traces the history of sugar production, from its beginnings to today, driven by the expertise of passionate workers.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, discover the Remedios church, the oldest still standing in Cuba. A donation is possible to support its maintenance.
You will continue with a free tour of the city and time to relax.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Remedios, in an 18th-century house-museum, a true immersion in local history.
In the Footsteps of Che in Santa Clara and Solidarity Immersion in Matanzas
After breakfast, you will travel to Santa Clara, a major site of the Cuban Revolution. You will visit the impressive Mausoleum and museum of Che, accompanied by your guide who will tell you about the life and exploits of this emblematic figure. A small museum completes the visit, retracing the major moments of his journey.
You will then discover the armored train battle site, commented on by your guide, before visiting one of Cuba's most renowned cigar factories, to better understand the secrets of this traditional craftsmanship.
Lunch in Santa Clara.
In the afternoon, an off the beaten path visit will take you to a disadvantaged neighborhood in the city, for a moment of genuine human exchange with its residents.
Possibility to make a donation if you wish.
At the end of the day, continue the journey to Matanzas.
Dinner and overnight in a guest house.
Culture, Nature and Relaxation between Matanzas and the Yumuri Valley
You will start the day with a visit to the downtown area of Matanzas, with a stop at its old French pharmacy, the most remarkable on the island.
You will continue by discovering the artistic studios of the Malecón, where local art is expressed through contemporary creations.
Then, you will head towards the splendid Yumuri Valley, for lunch in a small local finca, followed by a visit to a farm and its plantations.
In the afternoon, you will have the choice between a moment of rest or a hike in a natural setting: either along a forest stream with swimming possibilities, or towards an old gold mine transformed into a lake, ideal for a refreshing swim.
At the end of the day, drive towards Giron.
Beach, History and Local Flavors in Giron
In Giron, you will have a choice between a comfortable guesthouse or a simpler option, run by a local chef who offers tasty meals and optional cooking classes.
After breakfast, visit the Battle Museum of the Bay of Pigs, a unique testimony to the only victory of a Latin American people over the United States. An unmissable place to understand a key moment in Cuba's history.
Then, head to the beach, accessible by car or bike (less than 1 km). With its shaded kiosks and coconut trees, it's the ideal place to relax or go snorkeling (remember your mask and snorkel).
Lunch at the restaurant, then free afternoon to return to the beach or discover the marine depths of Punta Perdiz, renowned for their richness.
In the late afternoon, optional cooking class for those who wish to discover Cuban flavors.
Dinner and night in a guesthouse in Giron.
Return to Havana
After breakfast, and depending on the time available before departure, you can enjoy a last moment at the beach or visit the Maison du colibri if it has not yet been done.
You will then head to La Havane.
Before the transfer to the airport, stop at the San José craft market, ideal for a few souvenir purchases and discovering the craftsmanship of Cuban artisans.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- The international round-trip airplane ticket
- Beverages during meals and outside of meals
- Unspecified evening outings not included (e.g.: musical evenings at your own expense)
- Camera usage fees in museums (if applicable)
- Cuba Criolla association fees: €25/person to be paid before departure by bank transfer
- Any modification to the program decided during the tour by the client: these will result in additional costs, calculated by the guide and our team, to be paid directly to the guide
Included
- All transfers and transportation by American car with private driver and fuel included
- Accompaniment by an English-speaking guide throughout the journey
- All breakfasts, meals, nights in guest house rooms, and activities mentioned in the program
- The Buena Vista Social Club Evening
- All entrances and visits included in the program
- The personalized organization of the circuit and coordination with local service providers
- Commitment to Fair Tourism and Fair Compensation for Stakeholders
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant à Cuba dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer à Cuba, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Carte touristique (Tarjeta del Turista)
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada n'ont pas besoin de visa pour un séjour touristique à Cuba, mais doivent obligatoirement se munir d'une carte touristique (également appelée Tarjeta del Turista ou « tourist card »).
Cette carte permet un séjour initial de 30 jours, renouvelable une fois sur place pour une durée supplémentaire de 30 jours auprès des services d'immigration cubains, soit un séjour total pouvant atteindre 60 jours.
La carte touristique peut être obtenue :
auprès de la compagnie aérienne au moment de l'achat du billet ou à l'aéroport,
auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Cuba dans le pays de résidence,
via certaines agences de voyage spécialisées.
Les autorités cubaines peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une assurance médicale de voyage couvrant l'intégralité du séjour sur le territoire cubain.
Assurance médicale obligatoire
Cuba exige que tout voyageur étranger soit couvert par une assurance médicale valide pour toute la durée du séjour. Cette assurance doit être souscrite avant le départ ou peut, dans certains cas, être proposée par les compagnies aériennes à l'arrivée.
Il est fortement conseillé de conserver une preuve écrite de votre couverture (attestation d'assurance) afin de pouvoir la présenter aux autorités à l'entrée sur le territoire.
Santé et vaccins
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer à Cuba pour les voyageurs en provenance de l'EEE, de la Suisse ou du Canada dans des conditions normales. Cependant, certaines vaccinations sont recommandées à titre préventif :
mise à jour du calendrier vaccinal habituel (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite, rougeole),
hépatites A et B,
typhoïde.
Il est conseillé de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccination international au moins quatre à six semaines avant le départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour ainsi que de leur propre carte touristique.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Cuba de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Oui, une carte de tourisme (visa touristique simplifié) est obligatoire pour les ressortissants français. Elle s'achète auprès du consulat, d'agences spécialisées ou parfois au comptoir d'embarquement (environ 25-30 euros). Valable 90 jours, prolongeable une fois sur place. Passeport valide 2 mois après le retour requis.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 150 et 260 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement (casas particulares ou hôtels), repas, transports internes et activités. Les vols internationaux (600-1000 euros A/R) sont en supplément. Prévoyez du cash : les cartes étrangères sont peu fiables.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Let's talk about your adventure — Havana Surroundings
Cuba travel's first accomplice, based in Cuba
A trip to Cuba requires a lot of exchange and preparation. My role is to help travelers lay the right foundations, so that their on-the-ground experience is simple, human, and true to their wishes.
— Thierry
