Cuban Rhythms

Cuban Rhythms Map

 

Cuban Rhythms

For too many people, Cuba is nothing more than a beach resort. That’s crazy; the island practically buzzes with energy and you should do likewise—get moving. Journey through the culture-soaked streets of Trinidad and Old Havana for your fill of drinking and dancing. The music here pours out of open windows. Hit the beach and explore the outdoors then connect with the locals in homestays and make friends for life as you hit the sites with other young people like yourself. Boring? Impossible!

What’s Included

 

Itinerary

Day 1 Havana

Arrive at any time.

It is important to note that Cuba tends to be quite different to other areas of the world you may have travelled in. Buildings and infrastructure are generally old and may not have been maintained to the highest standard. Elevators, internet and A/C often break down, things happen very slowly and water pressure and hot water can be minimal. Cuba is an amazing place to visit but to fully enjoy and relax, western expectations should be left at home and your sense of adventure should be your guide.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Tonight, the adventure begins. Feel free to explore — but make sure you’re back in time to meet your group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your trip.

Day 2 Havana/Trinidad (1B)

Stop by Santa Clara en route to Trinidad and visit important historical sites, including the famous Che monument. Enjoy an orientation walk of Trinidad’s beautiful centre after settling into the homestay.

Private Vehicle

Havana – Trinidad8h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.

Santa Clara Visit

Santa Clara

Stop by Santa Clara en route to Trinidad and visit important historical sites, including the famous Ché monument. Santa Clara played a key role in the Cuban Revolution. In 1958, rebels led by Ernesto (Ché) Guevara captured an army garrison and they bulldozed and derailed a train full of troops and supplies bound for Havana. Visit the monument and site (referred to as “Tren Blindado”), as well as the Museo Histórico de la Revolución, which chronicles the Battle of Santa Clara and honours the revolutionary hero with a large bronze statue.

Orientation Walk

Enjoy a brief walk with the CEO, designed to orient you with useful places in new destinations like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in depth destination information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Trinidad Homestay

Trinidad

Live amongst the locals in this “casa particular”, Cuba’s equivalent of a bed & breakfast homestay. Learn about the lifestyle, culture and real-life realities of our hosts. Enjoy an open-air meal on top of the main house one evening. More intimate than a hotel, experience a slice of Cuban life as it’s actually lived.

Day 3 Trinidad

Enjoy a free day to explore the area, and then learn some moves during a salsa dancing lesson. Take in some live music and practice salsa moves at an evening out at the Casa de la Trova.

Those visitors who wish to pursue outdoor activities will find Trinidad a haven for horseback or bicycle riding (don’t expect any modern mountain bikes though!). If a beach sounds like what you’re looking for, try snorkeling or diving in nearby Playa Ancón, just 12 km (7.5 miles) from town.

Free Time

Trinidad Full Day

Explore this beautiful colonial town and its surrounding beach and attractions.

Salsa Lesson

Trinidad Evening

Loosen up those hips and get ready to salsa. Classes are led by expert Cuban instructors and you even get your own practice partner. Rumba, mambo and cha-cha-chá your way across the floor. Never danced salsa? Have no fear, Cubans are happy to share the secrets behind one of their national pastimes.

Casa de la Trova Visit

Trinidad Evening

For nearly four decades, the Casa de la Trova has been the centre of culture and nightlife in Trinidad. This bar/performance space is home to some of Cuba’s finest singers and musicians. These former “trovadores” (troubadours) once walked the streets in twos and threes, performing ballads (boleros). Now – people come to them to listen, dance and soak in the laid-back rhythms of this made-in-Cuba music.

Trinidad Homestay

Trinidad

Live amongst the locals in this “casa particular”, Cuba’s equivalent of a bed & breakfast homestay. Learn about the lifestyle, culture and real-life realities of our hosts. Enjoy an open-air meal on top of the main house one evening. More intimate than a hotel, experience a slice of Cuban life as it’s actually lived.

Optional Activities

Biking

Trinidad

Rent a bike, pack some water, put on a hat and head south of Trinidad toward the beaches. La Boca is a small seaside village at the mouth (“boca”) of a river about 5km (3 mi) from town. Keep going and end up at Playa Ancón. Avid cyclers can head towards Sugar Mills Valley 18kms (11 mi) away to explore the historical site, but just a heads-up, the route is very hilly.

Diving

Playa Ancón

The waters around Cuba are known for their gentle tides, warmth and diversity of underwater flora and fauna. Grab a mask and tank, pull on some flippers and head down into the depths to discover all this for yourself. Off the Ancón Penninsula, find a narrow shelf with a sandy bottom, home to marine sponges, black coral and schools of colourful tropical fish.

Horseback Riding

Trinidad

Escape the cobblestone streets, hop on your horse and ride through the countryside in the Valley of the Sugar Mills. Pass plantations of sugar cane and mango trees. Take the trail to a cascading waterfall where you can wash off the dust and feel refreshed.

Snorkelling

Playa Ancón

Rent a mask and snorkel and head out into the warm blue-green waters off the Ancón Peninsula. Centuries of ocean currents have created beautiful beaches, a perfect backdrop to see coral, fish and shells. Explore the reef just offshore from Playa Ancón and be sure to wear lots of sunscreen!

Day 4 Trinidad (1D)

Enjoy a free day to explore the area. Enjoy a group dinner at a local host’s house.

Free Time

Trinidad

Explore this beautiful colonial town and its surrounding beach and attractions.

Trinidad Homestay

Trinidad

Live amongst the locals in this “casa particular”, Cuba’s equivalent of a bed & breakfast homestay. Learn about the lifestyle, culture and real-life realities of our hosts. Enjoy an open-air meal on top of the main house one evening. More intimate than a hotel, experience a slice of Cuban life as it’s actually lived.

Optional Activities

Biking

Trinidad

Rent a bike, pack some water, put on a hat and head south of Trinidad toward the beaches. La Boca is a small seaside village at the mouth (“boca”) of a river about 5km (3 mi) from town. Keep going and end up at Playa Ancón. Avid cyclers can head towards Sugar Mills Valley 18kms (11 mi) away to explore the historical site, but just a heads-up, the route is very hilly.

Diving

Playa Ancón

The waters around Cuba are known for their gentle tides, warmth and diversity of underwater flora and fauna. Grab a mask and tank, pull on some flippers and head down into the depths to discover all this for yourself. Off the Ancón Penninsula, find a narrow shelf with a sandy bottom, home to marine sponges, black coral and schools of colourful tropical fish.

Horseback Riding

Trinidad

Escape the cobblestone streets, hop on your horse and ride through the countryside in the Valley of the Sugar Mills. Pass plantations of sugar cane and mango trees. Take the trail to a cascading waterfall where you can wash off the dust and feel refreshed.

Snorkeling

Playa Ancón

Rent a mask and snorkel and head out into the warm blue-green waters off the Ancón Peninsula. Centuries of ocean currents have created beautiful beaches, a perfect backdrop to see coral, fish and shells. Explore the reef just offshore from Playa Ancón and be sure to wear lots of sunscreen!

Day 5 Trinidad/Viñales

See sugarcane and tobacco plantations en route to this rich agricultural area. Practice some Spanish while staying in a local homestay.

Viñales is in the Pinar del Rio province and located in a fertile valley surrounded by the unusual mogotes, or limestone pincushion hills. Arguably one of the prettiest natural areas in Cuba, we have many opportunities here to enjoy the area, whether it be horseback riding, hiking, or simply sitting back and enjoying the view. While you’re here, visit a “vega” or cigar factory, to see how the famous Cuban cigars are made.

Private Vehicle

Trinidad – Viñales7h-8h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.

Vinales Homestay

Viñales

Live amongst the locals in this “casa particular”, Cuba’s equivalent of a bed & breakfast homestay. Learn about the lifestyle, culture and real-life realities of our hosts. More intimate than a hotel, experience a slice of Cuban life as it’s actually lived.

Optional Activities

Cigar Factory Tour

Viñales

Pinar del Rio is tobacco country. Fans of the ubiquitous Cuban cigar will be hard-pressed not to be impressed by this tour. See fields of green plants punctuated by thatch roof drying huts, then witness a demonstration of how the cured leaves are hand-rolled, cut and packaged. Prepare for the smell. The smell of tobacco is heady and headache-inducing. Buy a box to bring home to friends. Or smoke them all by yourself.

 Day 6 Viñales

Take a day trip to beautiful Cayo Jutias, 3km of white sand on Cuba’s coastline. It is a perfect spot for snorkeling or just blissing out on the beach.

Day Trip Cayo Jutias

Cayo Jutías

Channel your inner Gilligan and strand yourself on this cay off the north-west coast of Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province. Other than local restaurants with delicious seafood, a bunch of palm trees and a mangrove, there isn’t much here except a gorgeous white sand beach accented by aquamarine waters—but what else could you need? Bliss out. Snorkel. Swim. Enjoy!

Vinales Homestay

Viñales

Live amongst the locals in this “casa particular”, Cuba’s equivalent of a bed & breakfast homestay. Learn about the lifestyle, culture and real-life realities of our hosts. More intimate than a hotel, experience a slice of Cuban life as it’s actually lived.

Optional Activities

Snorkeling

Slather on the sunscreen and head out into the tantalizing waters. Float effortlessly in the clear warm water and look for schools of fish, coral, sponges and more. Spot a sea turtle in the sea grass.

Day 7 Viñales/Havana

Stop at lush Las Terrazas en route back to Havana. Discover Old Havana on a short walking tour with your CEO.

Private Vehicle

Viñales – Havana4h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.

Las Terrazas Stop

Las Terrazas

Less than an hour outside of the bustle and hustle of Havana, escape to Las Terrazas, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Once hectares of deforested farmland, Castro ordered the planting of millions of plants and trees. Travel through bamboo groves, past teak and royal palms. See birds and flowers and waterfalls of the Rio San Juan, a clear mountain stream.

Havana City Walking Tour

Havana

Take a walking tour of Havana and find out what your CEO loves best about this amazing city. See city highlights that may include La Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana, the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras (which now houses a restaurant), the Museo de Arte Colonial and the Plaza de Armas, with its statue of Manuel de Céspedes (one of the leaders of the Cuban independence movement). Use this walk as a jumping off point to explore the rest of this lively city.

Day 8 Havana (1B)

Depart at any time.

Date:Price:
December 17, 2015$899Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
December 24, 2015$899Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
January 14, 2016$929Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
January 16, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
January 21, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
January 23, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
January 28,2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
January 30, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
February 6, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
February 11, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
February 13, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
February 20, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
February 25, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
February 27, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
March 5, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
March 12, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
March 19, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
March 26, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
April 2, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
April 9, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
April 16, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
April 23, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
Arpil 30, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
May 7, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
May 14, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
May 21, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
May 28, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
June 4, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
June 11, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
June 18, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
June 25, 2016$879Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).
July 2, 2016$929Cnd.( $359Cnd My own room).