BEST OF CUBA Private Circuit

Welcome to Cuba! Your plane will land at José Martí International Airport in Havana. You have the option to book your hotel transfer in Havana with us or arrange your own transportation separately. Choose your best accommodation option: Comfort, authenticity, and personalized attention, perfect for relaxing after your flight and immersing yourself in Cuban life. Option 1: Accommodation in a Casa Particular / Option 2: Accommodation in a 5-star hotel in Havana. Your adventure begins in style and comfort from the very first moment:

What to see in Havana upon arrival? During your first day or days in the city, don't miss these must-sees: History and Culture:

• The Capitol – One of Cuba's most iconic buildings, inspired by Washington, D.C.
• Museum of the Revolution – Located in the former Presidential Palace, steeped in recent history.
• National Museum of Fine Arts – Extensive collection of Cuban and world art.

Colonial Architecture and Local Life:

• Plaza Vieja – Restored with life and color; cafes, galleries, and a local atmosphere.
• Plaza de la Catedral – A baroque gem with cobblestone streets and colonial buildings.

Outdoor Activities:

• Stroll along El Malecón – Ideal for a sunset stroll, feeling the sea breeze, and watching Havana residents hanging out.
• Visit Morro Castle – A fortress with spectacular views of the bay.

Discover classic flavors:

• El Floridita – Hemingway's favorite bar, famous for its daiquiris.
• La Bodeguita del Medio (optional) – Try a mojito at another of the city's iconic bars.

Helpful Tips:

• Change some money to Mexican pesos or check if you can pay in foreign currency (euros/USD).
• Wear light clothing, sunscreen, and always carry water.
• Many historic sites are close together, so you can explore much of the Old Town on foot.

A full day to discover Havana in all its essence – history, culture, flavor, and style. Today you'll enjoy an authentic experience, combining a walking tour of the Old Town with a classic car ride in true Cuban style.

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at the reception of your accommodation. Ready to explore! In the morning: Walking tour of Old Havana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). During this tour, you will discover the most famous squares, colonial streets, revolutionary history, and daily life. Among the city's highlights, you will visit the Plaza de Armas – the oldest square in the city; the Plaza de la Catedral – with its magnificent Baroque cathedral; the Plaza Vieja – restored, colorful, and full of life; Calle Obispo – a pedestrian street full of shops, bars, and atmosphere; and the Rum Museum (Havana Club) – where you will learn about the history of Cuban rum and its production... and get an included tasting! Your guide will also share information about: Daily life in Havana, colonial architecture, and Cuba's role in the history of the Caribbean. Lunch included: Served in a typical restaurant (paladar).

In the afternoon: Vintage car ride, hop aboard a classic 1950s American convertible, and tour the most iconic places in modern Havana. The route will cover Havana's Malecón – Cuba's most iconic seafront promenade, the Vedado area – a residential area with mansions and cultural life, José Martí Revolution Square – the scene of historic speeches and major events, and the University of Havana with its historic Alma Mater monument – a key site in the country's intellectual history. Finally, a luxurious finish: Enjoy a cocktail at the legendary Hotel Nacional de Cuba – from its terrace, you'll have a privileged view of the sea and the Malecón.

Included Services: 5-star hotel in Havana or a standard 5-star Casa Particular.

In the evening, you can enjoy your choice of dinner (I recommend booking in advance at a paladar!): Suggestions for the evening: Paladar La Guarida – Cuban haute cuisine, sophisticated ambiance; Bar Restaurante El Floridita – Daiquiri in Hemingway's favorite bar; or La Bodeguita del Medio – Mojito and traditional music in a bar steeped in history.

Today you will delve into the green heart of Cuba: the Viñales Valley, a spectacular region for its natural beauty and its deep connection with Cuban peasant traditions. Viñales is a World Heritage Site for its cultural landscape and traditional agricultural system. The region is famous for its artisanal cigars, produced organically and entirely by hand. Its mogotes are unique limestone rock formations, the result of millions of years of erosion. The route from Havana to Viñales takes an estimated 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Early departure from your hotel or private home after breakfast. Stop at the Los Jazmines Viewpoint. Before reaching the town of Viñales, you will make a mandatory stop at the Los Jazmines Hotel viewpoint where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley: mogotes (unique rock formations), tobacco fields, and typical rural houses. This is an ideal spot for photos and to appreciate the red earth and green contrasts of the Cuban landscape. Lunch included at a local restaurant or rural paladar, surrounded by nature, with traditional dishes: roast pork, yuca with mojo sauce, congrí rice, and fresh fruit.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Viñales: Visit the Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave), a natural cave crossed by an underground river. Part of the tour is done on foot and part is done by boat, discovering stalactite and stalagmite formations and a very photogenic ride. Afterwards, we will visit the Mural of Prehistory, painted on one of the mogotes. It depicts the natural evolution from ammonites to the aboriginals. Although artistically controversial, it is a popular and interesting site for visitors.

Accommodation: Standard 3-star hotel or private home in Viñales. Enjoy the tranquility, fresh air, and warm hospitality. Or, stay in a private home: a more authentic option, with local hosts.

And at night? You can stroll through the town center, visit a bar with live music, or enjoy a simple dinner at your accommodation. Some private homes offer delicious home-cooked meals overlooking the countryside.

Good morning from the natural paradise of Viñales — today you'll connect with the Cuban land in its purest form: hikes among mogotes, tobacco plantations, and peasant hospitality. In the morning after breakfast, ideally, you'll depart at dawn or early in the morning, when the valley is shrouded in mist and calm: the Coco Solo–Palmarito Trail, a light and unforgettable hike through the World Heritage-listed landscape. You should expect a 2 to 2.5-hour hike (depending on your pace and stops), with a terrain of red dirt roads, crossing tobacco fields, coffee plantations, and peasant homes. You should be accompanied by a local guide (if you wish), who will explain the flora, fauna, and agricultural culture of the area. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and sunscreen. After the hike, you'll make an educational and very Cuban stop to visit a Casa del Veguero, a traditional farm where tobacco is grown and processed by hand. You'll see the entire process: planting and harvesting, drying in tobacco houses (natural curing houses), the hand-rolling process of the famous Cuban cigars, and you'll have the chance to try a fresh cigar and coffee from the farm, an authentic opportunity to learn about the work behind Cuba's most iconic product.

Free afternoon in Viñales. Options to spend your time according to your energy: We recommend renting a bicycle or horse to explore other trails or viewpoints, relaxing at your accommodation, visiting a local art gallery, or simply having a drink on a terrace in the town while watching the sunset fall over the mogotes.

Accommodation: 3-star standard hotel or private home in Viñales.

Our restaurant suggestions for dinner in Viñales: Paladar Don Tomás – A local classic with good Creole cuisine; Restaurante El Olivo – More contemporary cuisine, excellent service, and vegetarian options; or Finca Agroecológica El Paraíso – Dinner with panoramic views of the valley; organic food from the farm. Ideal for an unforgettable sunset.

Today you will have the opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful and biodiverse natural areas of Cuba. You will enjoy the Soroa Natural Park and the Biosphere Reserve, Las Terrazas. Option 1: Hotel in Las Terrazas, 4* level, (lunch). / Option 2: Hotel in Las Terrazas, 4* level, (breakfast, lunch).

Today you'll delve into the Sierra del Rosario, a natural reserve declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where nature, sustainability, and local culture coexist in perfect harmony. After breakfast, we'll take a morning transfer between Viñales and Soroa Natural Park to visit the Salto de Soroa waterfall and orchid garden. The Salto de Soroa waterfall, 22 meters high, is surrounded by tropical rainforest and cascades into a natural pool ideal for swimming. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and non-slip shoes if you plan to swim. Soroa is known as the "Rainbow of Cuba" for its humid climate and lush vegetation. Afterward, we'll visit the Soroa Orchid Garden, one of Cuba's most important botanical gardens, with more than 700 species of orchids, many of them endemic or exotic. The orchid garden, founded in the 1940s, also includes tropical plants from around the world. It is ideal for lovers of botany and macro photography.

Transfer to the Las Terrazas Community. Lunch is included at a local restaurant within the ecological complex, possibly featuring locally grown produce. In the afternoon, you will explore Las Terrazas, a model of a sustainable community in Cuba, born from a reforestation project in the 1960s, where you will learn about its history, its people, and its ecological approach. At your own discretion, within the Las Terrazas Community, you can visit the San Juan River: ideal for strolling, swimming in its natural pools, or simply relaxing; Café de María: taste an authentic Cuban coffee overlooking the mountainous landscape; the Artisan Workshops: visit ceramics, screen printing, or painting studios; and the Tree House: a structure suspended among branches, perfect for a panoramic view (and unique photos). You can also simply take a guided hike (optional) through the surroundings of the beautiful natural area.

Other extra suggestions for enjoying Las Terrazas:

• Try local honey or organic produce from the community market.
• If you're a fan of ecotourism, Las Terrazas offers: Guided hikes along ecological trails, birdwatching, and zip lines (canopy) over the forest (optional activity).

Accommodation: Hotel in Las Terrazas – 4* standard. Includes breakfast and lunch, surrounded by nature, with architecture integrated into the landscape.

On the way to Cienfuegos, stop at the Laguna del Tesoro and take a boat trip. You will also visit the museum at the Bay of Pigs. Option 1: Overnight stay in a Casa Particular, (lunch). / Option 2: Hotel overnight stay in Cienfuegos, 5* level, (breakfast).

Today you head to south-central Cuba, crossing unique ecosystems and sites steeped in history. From wetlands teeming with wildlife to stories of ideological struggles, the trip to Cienfuegos will be as diverse as it is fascinating. The route: Las Terrazas - Ciénaga de Zapata - Cienfuegos will have an estimated total duration of 5.5 to 6 hours with stops. Prepare for an intense and very full day. Our first stop will be the Ciénaga de Zapata, one of the largest and richest ecosystems in the Caribbean. In the Guamá Tourist Park, you will take a boat excursion through Laguna del Tesoro. You will navigate through canals surrounded by mangroves, palm trees, and tropical vegetation. Finally, you will arrive at Guamá, a recreation of a Taino village built on islets connected by wooden bridges, where you will see sculptures depicting indigenous life before the arrival of Europeans. Optionally (depending on time available), you can visit a crocodile farm (not included in the program price). The Ciénaga de Zapata area is an ideal spot for birdwatching (a key site for the tocororo, Cuba's national bird). We will continue our trip to the town of Playa Girón to visit the Playa Girón Museum, dedicated to the failed 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. It features a large exhibition of documents, photographs, and artifacts related to the conflict, allowing you to learn about the Cuban perspective on one of the most tense moments of the Cold War. (Tip: ask for a guided tour at the museum if you'd like a more in-depth look).

Arrive in Cienfuegos in the afternoon. Known as "The Pearl of the South," this elegant city is strongly influenced by France.

Accommodation: Standard 5-star hotel or quality casa particular in Cienfuegos. Ideal location near the center or with ocean views

Restaurant suggestions for enjoying this evening in the historic city of Cienfuegos:

• Paladar Aché – Modern cuisine, cozy atmosphere
• Villa Lagarto – Oceanfront, ideal for dinner at sunset
• La Enramada – Good mix of Cuban and international dishes
• Sol y Son – Artistic decor and good music, perfect for a dinner with a cultural atmosphere

You will first explore the beautiful old town of Cienfuegos before going on a hike in the Topes de Collantes national park. You will then travel to Trinidad. Option 1: Overnight stay in a Casa Particular, (lunch). / Option 2: Hotel, 3-4* levels, (breakfast).

Today you will enjoy unique contrasts: the neoclassical charm of Cienfuegos in the morning and the natural exuberance of Topes de Collantes National Park in the afternoon, culminating in your arrival in Trinidad, a colonial gem. After breakfast, you will take a walking tour of Cienfuegos' historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town stands out for its French layout, neoclassical buildings, and tranquil, elegant atmosphere. Among the places not to be missed are José Martí Park—the nerve center of the city—the Tomás Terry Theater—inaugurated in 1890; splendid frescoes and interior decoration (if open, worth a visit), the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Ferrer Palace – ideal for climbing the dome and enjoying views of the entire city, strolling along the Paseo del Prado – the longest in Cuba, with sculptures, cafes, and local life; and finally, the Cienfuegos Malecón – if you have time, take a short coastal walk.

At noon: Depart for the Topes de Collantes Natural Park, traveling a beautiful scenic route along the Caribbean Sea toward the Sierra del Escambray (1.5 hours from Cienfuegos), where the road becomes steeper and more wooded as you enter the nature reserve. In the afternoon, we will hike the Javira Trail and Waterfall, located in the El Cubano Natural Park, part of the Topes de Collantes Park. The easy trail will be a short walk (approximately 1 hour round trip) along jungle paths, passing ancient coffee plantations, butterflies, and tropical birds. Javira Waterfall is a waterfall with a natural pool at its base: perfect for a refreshing dip. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and hiking or water shoes.

Late afternoon: Arrival in the beautiful city of Trinidad, one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America.

Accommodation: 4-star standard hotel or private home in Trinidad. Located near the historic center or in quiet areas with mountain or ocean views.

And tonight in Trinidad? These are our recommendations:

• You have the afternoon free to rest or take a first walk through the city:
• Stroll around the illuminated Plaza Mayor
• Dinner at a paladar with live music
• Optional: Visit the Casa de la Trova for a traditional music show

Together with your tour guide, you will explore the colonial center of the city. In the afternoon, you will drive to the nearby sugar mill valley, where you will visit a former sugar cane plantation. Option 1: Overnight stay in a Casa Particular, (lunch). / Option 2: Hotel, 3-4* levels, (breakfast, lunch).

Today you'll discover the most authentic Trinidad, with its colonial history, its sugar-producing legacy, and its vibrant, colorful atmosphere. This day combines culture, history, and unforgettable landscapes. Morning: Tour of Trinidad's historic center. This beautiful and historic city seems frozen in time, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. You'll walk through its cobblestone streets with your guide, surrounded by colonial gems and vibrant culture, such as its Plaza Mayor—the historic heart of colonial mansions and palaces; the Romantic Museum (Palacio Brunet)—showing how the sugar-producing elite lived in the 19th century; and the Church of the Holy Trinity, its cobblestone streets, and colorful facades, perfect for photos. Tip: Bring extra battery for your camera or cell phone—Trinidad is a photographic paradise. Stop at Bar Canchánchara, an old mansion converted into a bar. Try canchánchara: a traditional drink made with aguardiente, honey, and lemon, served in clay pots. Live music (son, trova, or traditional Cuban music) is often featured. Lunch is included, served at a local paladar with typical Creole dishes.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy an excursion to the Valle de los Ingenios (Sugar Mill Valley). Located a few kilometers from Trinidad, this valley was the epicenter of sugar production in Cuba during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical and scenic value. In the Valle de los Ingenios (Sugar Mill Valley), you can see the ruins of sugar mills and slave barracks, the Loma del Puerto Lookout—with stunning panoramic views of the valley—and the Manaca Iznaga estate, a former colonial hacienda with an impressive 45-meter tower from which slaves were monitored on the plantations. You can optionally climb the tower for spectacular photos of the valley. In the city of Trinidad and its surroundings, you can delight in its intact colonial architecture, see traces of the legacy of slavery and the sugar industry, experience the vibrant culture of music, art, and cuisine, and discover the stunning natural landscapes between the sea and the mountains surrounding the city.

Accommodation: Standard 4-star hotel or Casa Particular in Trinidad.

In Santa Clara you will visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum with the associated museum before heading to your hotel in Cayo Santa Maria. Option 1: Hotel, 5* level (lunch, dinner). / Option 2: Hotel, 5* level, (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Today you'll cross the heart of Cuba, from Trinidad, passing through the revolutionary history of Santa Clara to the paradisiacal beaches of Cayo Santa María, a day of unforgettable contrasts between culture and Caribbean indulgence. Stop in Santa Clara: the cradle of the Revolution, a vibrant city deeply linked to the legacy of Che Guevara. Santa Clara is a living history, with architecture and culture: colonial and contemporary. Your guide will accompany you to discover its main historical landmarks, such as the Che Guevara Mausoleum, a monumental complex where the remains of Che and several fallen combatants in Bolivia rest. It includes a museum with personal objects, photographs and documents, and an imposing 6.7 m bronze statue that dominates the square. Afterwards, we will visit the Monument to the Armored Train, a symbolic site where Che led the capture of a military train during the Battle of Santa Clara (1958). Real train cars have been converted into a museum with explanations of the battle and its impact on the triumph of the Revolution. Other gems of Santa Clara (optional, if time permits) include Leoncio Vidal Central Park – a central square surrounded by colonial architecture; and the historic La Caridad Theater – still in use. Lunch is included in Santa Clara. A typical restaurant or paladar offers Creole cuisine.

In the afternoon, continue to Cayo Santa María, in the Jardines del Rey cays, in the north of Villa Clara province. You will cross the Pedraplén, an impressive 45-km long ocean road that connects the mainland with the cay, offering stunning views of mangroves, turquoise waters, and seabirds along the way. Arrival at Cayo Santa María, one of Cuba's most exclusive beach destinations, famous for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and all-inclusive resorts.

Accommodation: 5-star standard hotel on Cayo Santa María. Includes lunch and dinner (all-inclusive or half-board). Welcome cocktail, pool, private beach, and access to water and recreational activities.

Enjoy your free day on one of the most beautiful beaches of Cuba! Options 1 & 2: Hotel, 5* level (all inclusive).

Free day in Cayo Santa María—your tropical reward after a tour steeped in history, culture, and nature. Today is a day to unwind, breathe in the salty Caribbean air, and enjoy leisurely.

Included Services: Standard 5-star hotel with all-inclusive service: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Snacks, drinks, and cocktails throughout the day. Access to the pool, private beach, and resort activities.

Options to enjoy your day in Cayo Santa María:

• Beach and relaxation: Cayo Santa María is famous for its fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water.
• Sun loungers and umbrellas available.
• Read a book, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves.
• Water sports (usually included in the resort): Kayaking, paddleboarding, or catamaran sailing. Snorkeling (often in areas near the hotel). Windsurfing or pedal boats.
• Boat excursion (optional, with advance reservation). Sunset catamaran ride.
• Snorkeling trip to coral reefs
• Tour to Cayo Ensenachos or Cayo Las Brujas
• Ecotourism: Guided tour of the Cayo Santa María Nature Reserve or the Cayo Francés Wildlife Refuge, ideal for birdwatching and walks along coastal trails
• Recreational fishing (optional): Boat trip with a local guide for calm-sea fishing
• Wellness and spa activities: Many 5* hotels offer oceanfront spa services and massages. They also offer treatments with natural Cuban ingredients: aloe, honey, coffee, or tobacco.
• Special dinner (optional). Some resorts offer themed restaurants (Italian, Creole, seafood, Asian). You can book a private romantic dinner on the beach (check with reception).

Tips to make the most of your day:

• Bring a high-factor sunscreen
• Hydrate well (cocktails count... but water counts even more)
• Ask at reception about the day's activities: salsa classes, yoga, live music, etc.

A private transfer takes you back to Havana. Enjoy your last evening! Option 1: Overnight stay in a Casa Particular, (breakfast). / Option 2: Hotel, 5* level, (breakfast).

Last stop: Havana. After a few relaxing days in the Caribbean paradise, today you return to the beating heart of Cuba to bid farewell with style and excitement. Private transfer: Cayo Santa María → Havana, approximately 5–6 hours. Cross the causeway over the sea, followed by a tour of the rural and urban Cuban landscape with possible brief stops for rest or coffee, depending on your pace.

Accommodation: Standard 5-star hotel or premium casa particular in Havana. Recommended location: Old Havana or El Vedado to enjoy the nightlife.

Last night in Havana, our suggestions:

• Photo tour. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Havana at dusk, capturing the pastel colors of the facades, the almendrones (classic cars), and everyday life, visiting key locations: Plaza Vieja, El Malecón, Plaza de la Catedral, Calle Obispo, among others. - Souvenir shopping, visit the San José craft market (if it's still open), art, jewelry, or local product shops (coffee, tobacco, rum), or the famous bookstores with unique Cuban editions.
• Enjoy a cocktail or special dinner at your leisure. We recommend the rooftop terrace of the Iberostar Parque Central or Kempinski Hotel, with magical views of the city.
• Dinner at one of Havana's most recommended paladares: La Guarida – a cultural icon with a bohemian atmosphere; El Cocinero – with a terrace and contemporary art; or Doña Eutimia – Creole cuisine in the heart of the historic center.
• Relaxation: Many 5* hotels have spas with massages, a sauna, and a jacuzzi, ideal for ending your trip with a touch of wellness.
• Take a stroll along the Malecón at dusk: enjoy the breeze, street music, and the relaxed atmosphere, or simply sit and contemplate the sea.

Final tip: Your return flight will be tomorrow, so tonight:

• Check your documents and reservations
• Pack your bags (don't forget fragile souvenirs)
• Exchange or spend your remaining CUP coins (they aren't usually exchanged outside of Cuba)

Your private transfer will take you to the international airport. Option 1: (no meals) / Option 2: (no meals).

Last Day: See you soon, Cuba! The time has come to say goodbye to this island full of music, history, color, and soul. We hope you take with you unforgettable memories and a longing to return. Private transfer to José Martí International Airport (Havana)

Departure Tips:

• It is recommended to leave at least 3 hours before your international flight.
• Have important documents ready for your return trip.
• Make your last purchases and buy souvenirs, spend your last few Cuban pesos or dollars. You can use them in airport shops to buy Cuban rum, cigars, coffee, handicrafts, and traditional sweets.

Last tip?

Take advantage of those last few minutes in the departure lounge to review photos, write a digital postcard, or simply watch the sunset over the Caribbean as Cuba says, "See you next time." Thank you for trusting us with this adventure. We would love to join you again on your next trip to Cuba, whether it's for culture, nature, relaxation, or a mix of all!

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