Cuba
Great discovery of Cuba
Réf : UCUBGDX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration22 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAmerica / Cuba
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions6686.14 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
From Havana to Baracoa , this trip offers a comprehensive exploration of Cuba , from colonial cities and rugged mountains to Caribbean beaches . The itinerary begins in the unique atmosphere of the capital, then unfolds amidst the verdant landscapes of Viñales , with its impressive mogotes , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traveling along the southern coast, the Bay of Pigs , Cienfuegos , and Trinidad reveal exceptional colonial architecture and a rich historical heritage.
Further east, the route passes through Sancti Spiritus and Camagüey , then climbs into the Sierra Maestra mountains, a key location in revolutionary history. In Santiago , Afro-Cuban culture pulsates through its narrow streets and traditional music, before reaching Baracoa , isolated and mysterious, at the foot of the Yunque massif, for accessible hikes amidst lush nature .
This journey, punctuated by local encounters and leisurely strolls, offers a rare immersion into the Cuban soul, amidst rhythms, traditions, and tropical nature . A traveling adventure , rich in contrasts, ideal for discovering the diversity of the Crocodile Island , accompanied by passionate guides .
The highlights
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Immersion in the colonial cities of Havana, Trinidad and Santiago
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A historical hike in the Sierra Maestra, following in the footsteps of Che Guevara
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Exploring diverse landscapes, from the mogotes of Viñales to Caribbean beaches
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 4 to 15 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
Program
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Paris - Havana
- Transportation Plane - 14h30 - 7586km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Havana. Airport pick-up, transfer to Old Havana and check-in at a casa particular (guesthouse/private homestay). Meals at your own expense or on the flight.Day 1 -
Visit to Havana
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our exploration of Havana with a tour in a classic convertible (approximately one hour) to get a panoramic view of the Cuban capital. Then, we continue on foot through "Old Havana," which dates back to the Spanish colonial era, with its majestic squares, cobblestone streets, and 16th-century military fortresses. Havana, the city from which Spanish ships laden with the riches of the New World departed for Europe, still retains its charm and showcases the result of a blend of European, African, and even Chinese cultures.Day 2 -
Havana - las Terrazas - Viñales
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 186km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for Viñales. Stop en route and visit to Las Terrazas, a farming community in the mountains founded in the 1960s by families who came together to work cooperatively. The site is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Lunch at a restaurant on the ruins of a 19th-century French farmhouse dedicated to coffee cultivation. We continue our journey and arrive in Viñales in the afternoon. Welcome and check-in with a local family. Dinner with the family. Evenings are often very lively in Viñales.Day 3 -
Viñales Valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off for a hike in the Viñales Valley and its famous mogotes (limestone hills). Lunch will be at a traditional restaurant. In the afternoon, we'll visit the tobacco farm of Alexis and his mother, Nerys. They'll reveal the secrets of tobacco cultivation, and we'll learn how to roll one of the famous Habanos cigars, which we can then enjoy with a coffee or a glass of rum. The evening will conclude with live music in the town center.Day 4 -
Viñales - Cayo Jutias beach - Viñales
- Transportation 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for a day at the beach in Cayo Jutias, 60 km from Viñales. The cayo (islet) is connected to the main island of Cuba by a causeway. It boasts over 4 km of beach, most of which remains virtually untouched, with white sand and turquoise water. A day to enjoy the beach and take beautiful photos. Snorkeling (mask and snorkel) is available on the coral reef (optional, to be discussed locally). Lunch is at your leisure. Return to Viñales in the late afternoon, followed by an evening of music in the village center for those who wish to participate.Day 5 -
Viñales - Pinar del Rio - Soroa - Playa Larga (Bay of Pigs)
- Transportation 05h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure eastward. En route, we stop in Pinar del Rio and Soroa. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Playa Larga, in the Bay of Pigs, a historical site and the scene of the invasion of Cuba in April 1961. Arrival in the late afternoon and check-in at a local's home. Dinner. Opportunity for a swim in the eternally warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.Day 6 -
Playa Larga - Cienfuegos
- Transportation 02h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We depart for the city of Cienfuegos, the "Pearl of the South," founded by the French in the early 19th century. En route, we stop at Caleta Buena for swimming and snorkeling in one of the most beautiful spots in the Bay of Pigs. Lunch is served there. Upon arrival in Cienfuegos, we visit the central square, home to the magnificent cathedral, the city hall, the cultural center, and the Tomás Terry Theater—true gems of the colonial era. We take a short stroll along the main street and its craft market. We make another stop on the Punta Gorda peninsula to admire the stunning Palacio de Valle and its superb Moorish style. Its terrace offers a splendid panoramic view of Cienfuegos Bay.Day 7 -
Cienfuegos and surrounding areas
- Transportation 01h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day to explore the area around Cienfuegos. After breakfast, we depart for Laguna de Guanaroca, formed by the Arimao River before flowing into Cienfuegos Bay. We set off with our local guide for a pleasant boat trip on the lagoon. This stunning saltwater lagoon is surrounded by mangroves and is a true paradise for flamingo watching. We then explore El Nicho National Park, a natural paradise with the opportunity to swim in beautiful waterfalls. Lunch is provided. Return to our hosts in Cienfuegos. Dinner.Day 8 -
Cienfuegos - Trinidad
- Transportation 01h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for Trinidad. Upon arrival, a tour of Trinidad, including a visit to the craft market, local pottery workshops, and the Plaza Mayor. In the afternoon, we continue our exploration of the cobblestone streets of Old Trinidad and its artists' studios (painting, sculpture). In the late afternoon, there's an opportunity to go for a swim at Playa Ancon, located 15 km from Trinidad. Overnight stay with a local family. The nights in Trinidad are lively, perfect for dancing or enjoying a drink while listening to music.Day 9 -
Trinidad - hiking in Sierra del Escambray -Trinidad
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for Topes de Collantes Natural Park, located in the Sierra del Escambray mountains. Several trails are available in this ideal hiking area. Hike to the "El Caburni" waterfall, where you'll have the opportunity to swim. Lunch, then return to Trinidad and free time to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.Day 10 -
Trinidad - Sancti Spiritus - Camaguey
- Transportation 04h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for Sancti Spiritus. En route, visit the village of Manaca Iznaga, climb to the top of the tower, and visit the main house. Continue to Sancti Spiritus and visit the central square. Lunch, then we continue our journey to Camagüey. Arrival in the colonial city of Camagüey and visit of the historic center: Plaza de San Juan de Dios and Plaza Ignacio Agramonte. Check-in at a local's home and dinner.Day 11 -
Camaguey - Bayamo - Santo Domingo (Sierra Maestra)
- Transportation 04h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Continuing east, our route takes us through several small towns and the rice paddies of eastern Cuba. We arrive in Bayamo. We visit the historic center of the city, including Plaza Céspedes, the Plaza del Hymnón, and the Bayamo Cathedral—everything here is steeped in history. Lunch. We then continue to Santo Domingo, in the heart of the Sierra Maestra mountains. We stay with a local farmer and have dinner.Day 12 -
Sierra Maestra: hike to the Comandancia de la Plata
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hike through the rainforest of Sierra Maestra National Park to the Comandancia de la Plata: the former clandestine headquarters, isolated in the mountains, where Fidel Castro took refuge to prepare for the revolution at the beginning of the guerrilla war. We visit the former facilities: the field hospital, the site of "Radio Rebelle," and Fidel's residence during the revolution. Return to Santo Domingo.Day 13 -
Santo Domingo - Santiago de Cuba
- Transportation 03h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for Santiago de Cuba. Upon arrival, lunch at a typical restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the main monuments of "the most Caribbean of Cuban cities," whose colonial houses and narrow streets climb the hill overlooking Santiago Bay. Overnight stay with a local family.Day 14 -
Visit to Santiago de Cuba
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
As Cuba's second-largest city, Santiago deserves another day to soak up its rhythm and experience its culture. We'll begin with a visit to Antonio Maceo Revolution Square, followed by the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where the remains of José Martí and Fidel Castro, among other figures in Cuban history, are laid to rest. We'll then head back to the bay to reach Trocha Street and cross through Tivoli, the city's former French quarter. Next, we'll visit San Juan Hill, the site of the land battle for Santiago de Cuba during the Spanish-Cuban-American War of 1898, which led to the signing of the Treaty of Paris and the end of the Spanish Empire. Return to the hotel. Dinner.Day 15 -
Santiago - Baracoa
- Transportation 04h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off towards Baracoa. The island's south coast contrasts sharply with Baracoa's: coconut palms replace cacti here. We travel along a winding road, the Farola, which offers beautiful views, and arrive in Baracoa, the first city founded in Cuba. We explore the city and then check into our accommodation.Day 16 -
Baracoa and Yunque Region
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A walk around El Yunque, a table-shaped mountain that characterizes the Baracoa region, surrounded by a beautiful rainforest. Arrival at Duaba Beach to cross the Toa River by rowboat, then we go to La Esperanza, a typical Cuban farm. Tour of the farm and lunch. Return to Baracoa in the afternoon.Day 17 -
Baracoa - Holguin
- Transportation 04h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for the city of Holguín. On the way, we cross Humboldt National Park. Visit of the city and check-in with a local family.Day 18 -
Holguin - Santa Clara
- Transportation 07h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer by minibus to the city of Santa Clara. Often called "Che's city," it is a symbol of the Cuban Revolution. Check-in at the hotel and dinner.Day 19 -
Visit to Santa Clara - Havana
- Transportation 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, we visit downtown Santa Clara, discovering its colonial past, including Revolution Square, the statue, and the mausoleum of Che Guevara. Then, we travel to Havana. We'll check into our homestay in Old Havana. Dinner is on your own.Day 20 -
Havana and return flight
- Transportation Plane - 14h30 - 7586kmper day
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A free day in Havana to enjoy its squares and monuments one last time. Transfer to the airport and overnight flight to France. Meals at your leisure or on board.Days 21 to 22
Note
This itinerary has been revised following the discontinuation of regular flights between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. This route inevitably involves a significant amount of time on the road (but that's part of the journey!).
Depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may indeed modify this itinerary, for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
Staying with a local resident
Access
Departure
La Havane, Cuba
Day 1
End of stay
La Havane, Cuba
Day 22
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isLa Havane
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Price details
The price includes
- Regular flights departing from Paris (departures from other French cities possible on request and subject to availability).
- Air taxes.
- Local transportation.
- Accommodation.
- Full board except for dinners in Havana (and meals on days 1 and 21-22 free or on flights).
- Supervision by a French-speaking Cuban guide assisted by local guides at the various sites.
The price does not include
- Visa fees (see the "formalities" section): electronic visa (to be applied for directly online): €22
- The contribution to carbon neutrality: €10 per person.
- Personal expenses, drinks and tips.
- Dinners in Havana (and meals on days 1 and 21-22, which are free or during flights)
- Entrance fees to sites and museums (approx. €5).
Options
- Additional night in a private room in Havana : CHF71.25 / person
- Additional night in a double room with a local family in Havana : CHF38.00 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
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• 821 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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