Discover Western Cuba

Itinerary

Day 1 Havana

Arrive at the airport where you will be met and transferred to hotel.One of the oldest cities in the western hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. It contains a wealth of colonial architecture, and the old city and streets around the malecon (ocean-side walkway) are best discovered on a walking tour.The Spaniard Diego Velázquez moved San Cristóbal de la Habana in 1519 from its original site to its present location and the city remained a port of relative obscurity, within the empire, until gold and silver began to flow from New World mines back to Spain. Havana became the gathering hub for shipments of treasure from the ports of Cartagena (Colombia) and Veracruz (Mexico).Soon pirates turned their attention to the port and the city of Havana and its annual treasure trove became the number one target for the Dutch, English and French. Eventually the Spanish began construction of various forts and a protecting wall to repel the invaders. Nevertheless, the city was sacked in 1762 and held by the British under the command of Lord Albermale for nearly a year. Eventually, the Spanish exchanged the Florida territory in trade for the island. The end of the British occupation also signalled the beginning of more economic freedom for the islanders, as they were given the right to trade with cities other than Cadiz in Spain. The ensuing economic boom translated into steady growth in population and material progress.The main area of interest to visitors is La Habana Vieja (The Old City), where walking or a taxi tour are the best modes of transportation. Points of interest in this part of town 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). The Palacio de los Capitanes Generales is also located on the Plaza de Armas, which now houses the Museo de La Ciudad. You will find the oldest colonial fortress on the plaza’s northeast sector, the Castillo Real de la Fuerza, whose construction began in 1558.The city is home to various museums, and depending on your area of interest, there is practically a museum for everyone. One of the city’s (and the island’s) most prominent attractions though, are its music and clubs. Everywhere you go you will hear and feel the music and see people freely dancing in the streets. The island literally pulses with the beat and blend of Afro-Hispanic rhythms and movement.

Day 2 Havana (B,L)

Today you will go sightseeing in Old Havana, full of bustling squares, museums and streets. After the tour, visit the Rum Museum and walk to Plaza Vieja, one of the oldest squares in Latin America. Then try some local dishes in the city centre. Overnight

Day 3 Pinar del Rio/Viñales (B,L)

Today you will travel to the Pinar del Rio region - famous for the best tobacco in the world. See the interesting cigar making process before continuing to Viñales where you will have time to visit tobacco plantations and more before enjoying lunch in a typical local restaurant. In the afternoon you will make your way to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the day to relax.On Viñales’ main plaza there’s a cultural centre as well as a municipal museum, however most visitors to the area come for the views and the nearby outdoor activities. The region has many extensive cave systems, as a result of the slow deterioration of the limestone bedrock by underground rivers, also creating the striking mogotes, reminiscent of the hills of Quilin in southern China. There are plenty of opportunities here for the outdoor enthusiast, such as horseback riding, and hiking which allow for incredible views of the valley and the sprawling tobacco fields.

Day 4 Cayo Jutias (B,L)

Today you’ll enjoy a full day excursion to this small island on the North coast, where you can relax on the beautiful white sand beach with crystal-clear turquoise water. In the late afternoon return to hotel.Cristobal Colón (Columbus) found the main island of Cuba in October of 1492, following a route indicated by the Arawak people he first encountered in the Bahamas. Looking for the fabled Cipango, he noted in his log book that this newly found island was one of the most beautiful he had ever set eyes upon. The Spanish settlement and exploitation of the island began in earnest with the founding of towns such as Baracoa, Santiago and Havana. The Arawak population was soon decimated by both disease and enslavement and the Spanish replaced the native work force with African slaves.Though they did not find the metal treasures found in other conquered lands such as Mexico, Bolivia and Peru, the island did become a hub for the transportation of the New World wealth and treasure, via galleons, back to the Old World. It soon became the focal point for pirate activity in the Caribbean and eventually the islanders began to export their own wealth in the form of agricultural produce such as tobacco, sugar cane, and coffee.The unique blend of cultural traditions on the island continues to this day, with vibrant rhythms and a rich heritage of literature and dance. The island’s character is also influenced by the social injustice of its past and the present generation’s efforts to address that situation.Cuba, and Cubans are unique among Latin Americans in many ways, and though the country has been a magnet for sun seeking tourists for some time, it is only slowly opening up to less traditional tourism. We sincerely hope you will take the opportunity to explore this uniquely beautiful and captivating land and its friendly and open people.

Day 5 Las Terrazas/Havana (B,L)

In the morning, you will head east towards Playas del Este. Stop on route for sightseeing tours in Las Terrazas and enchanting Sierra de Rosario, the first Cuban biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO. See typical handicraft and artist workshops or visit the ruins of an 18th century French coffee plantation. After lunch you will have time to relax by the crystal-clear water of Rio San Juan. Continue by bus to Havana and overnight at hotel.Originating in a 1968 reforestation project, Las Terrazas was created as part of a government funded conservation and reforestation project. Today residents are encouraged to play an active role in the preservation of their local environment. The site became an ecotourism resort in 1990, providing jobs to the 850 inhabitants of the area. At the resort is also located a centre of ecological research and investigation, which offers great hikes and guided trips to the nearby coffee plantation of Cafetal Buenavista. Some local pottery, silkscreen and painting workshops are also offered to visitors where you can participate, shop, or just watch.

Day 6 Havana (B,L)

Today you’ll enjoy an excursion to Rio Canimar for a boat ride on this fascinating and slow-moving river. After a delicious lunch you will journey back to the hotel. One of the city’s (and the island’s) most prominent attractions is its music and clubs. Everywhere you go you hear and feel music, and people dance in the streets. The island literally pulses with the beat and blend of Afro-Hispanic rhythms and movement. Enjoy one last musical night on the town.

Day 7 Havana (B)

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.