CUBA FOR FAMILIES Group Tour

Havana – Welcome to Cuba! Your adventure begins in Havana, a vibrant and unique city where history, music, and colonial architecture welcome you with open arms. You can arrange your transfer (optional). Your driver can pick you up at José Martí International Airport and take you directly to your accommodation at the 5-star standard hotel in Havana. Check-in and rest. Once settled in, you can relax after your flight or take advantage of the remaining time of the day to explore Havana for the first time.

Accommodation: Hotel in Havana, 5-star standard (breakfast)

Tourist suggestions for your first exploration of Havana:

• The Capitol, a symbol of the city with impressive neoclassical architecture
• The Cathedral Square, with its baroque charm, perfect for taking photos and enjoying a coffee
• The Malecón, an 8-km seafront promenade; Ideal for watching the sunset
• El Morro Castle, an impressive colonial fortress overlooking the bay
• The National Museum of Fine Arts, with its galleries of Cuban and world art
• The Plaza Vieja, recently restored with cultural life, bars, and galleries
• The Gran Teatro de La Habana, a majestic building, home to the National Ballet
• The Museum of the Revolution, steeped in Cuban history from colonial times to the present
• Bar-Restaurant El Floridita, Hemingway's favorite bar, famous for its daiquiri

If you're coming to an end for the day, a short walk along the Malecón and dinner in the Old Town might be the perfect ending.

Would you like a recommendation for dinner today?

• Paladar La Guarida – Contemporary Cuban cuisine in a colonial mansion (reservations required)
• Restaurante Doña Eutimia – Traditional Cuban fare, next to the Plaza de la Catedral
• Restaurante San Cristóbal – Elegant cuisine, where Obama dined

Havana – A full day of history, art, and culture. Today, you'll immerse yourself in the soul of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover both its colonial heritage and its most vibrant artistic expressions. At 8:30 a.m., meet your guide after breakfast at your 5-star hotel. Your local guide will meet you to begin your day's walking tour. During this walk, you'll discover: Plaza de Armas – surrounded by colonial palaces and antique bookstores; Plaza de la Catedral – with the impressive San Cristóbal Cathedral; Plaza Vieja – restored and full of life, perfect for photos; and Plaza de San Francisco de Asís – facing the port, with its church and convent. You'll also walk through iconic alleys filled with music, colorful balconies, and everyday Cuban life. After continuing along Havana's Malecón, your tour will include a visit to the Malecón, the iconic promenade that connects the Old Town with the rest of the city. It's an excellent place to take photos with the ocean in the background and feel the Caribbean breeze. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon: Visit Callejón de Hamel. You'll delve into the world of Afro-Cuban art in this colorful alley decorated by artist Salvador González Escalona. In Callejón de Hamel, you'll see varied murals filled with Afro-Cuban symbolism, sculptures made from recycled objects, and enjoy live rumba music (especially on Sundays) with an authentic look at Yoruba culture, Santería, and community art. Your guide will explain the cultural, religious, and social elements represented.

Return to the hotel and free afternoon. You can rest at your accommodation or continue exploring on your own, as an option. Some ideas:

• Photo walk along the Malecón at sunset
• Cocktail on the terrace of the Hotel Nacional or El Floridita
• Live music at La Zorra y el Cuervo or a local bar

Popular options for dinner at night:

• Restaurante Doña Eutimia – Traditional, next to the Cathedral (ropa vieja, roast pork)
• Paladar La Guarida – Cuban haute cuisine in an elegant mansion (reservations required)
• Restaurante El Rum Rum de la Habana – Traditional dishes with a modern fusion

Havana – Rhythm, glamour, and social awareness. Today you'll enjoy a day that combines culture, music, history, and social commitment. From salsa steps to classic cars and community projects, you'll experience an authentic Havana experience. In the morning, after breakfast, you can enjoy a Cuban salsa class. Start the day by getting moving with a salsa class, ideal for both beginners and those who already have some rhythm. You'll learn the basic steps and techniques with local instructors in a relaxed, fun, and very Cuban atmosphere. Often held at a local academy or in a lounge within the hotel. Discover modern Havana on a vintage car tour. After the class, hop aboard a classic convertible from the 1950s and explore the most iconic spots in modern Havana: the Miramar area – a residential neighborhood with embassies, stately homes, and wide avenues; Metropolitan Park – the city's largest green lung, known as the "Havana Forest"; Revolution Square – with iconic images of Che Guevara and Camilo, the José Martí Memorial, and the Malecón. The tour ends by the sea, enjoying the Caribbean breeze, ideal spots for taking retro photos and panoramic views of the city. Optionally, you can visit the La Fela – Luyanó Project. This community project in the municipality of 10 de Octubre focuses on social inclusion and artistic education for children and youth, offering art workshops, recycling, and mural painting. The project promotes values such as equality, sustainability, and cultural identity, making it perfect for travelers interested in responsible tourism and local development.

Lunch (optional, nearby suggestions):

• Atelier Restaurant – Signature cuisine in Vedado
• La Cocina de Lilliam Restaurant – Ideal after visiting Miramar
• Café Laurent Restaurant – Cuban food with a view in a restored apartment

Free afternoon of your choice – Recommended museums:

• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Cuban building), Cuban visual works from the colonial period to the 21st century, highly recommended if you are interested in the country's art and cultural history
• Museo de la Revolución (Museum of the Revolution): Former presidential headquarters, with exhibits on the revolutionary process, including vehicles, uniforms, maps, and the yacht Granma
• Museo Hemingway (Finca Vigía) (requires private taxi or tour), the house where Ernest Hemingway lived, preserved as it was in the 1950s, with his library, hunting trophies, and his boat, El Pilar

Havana – Viñales: Nature, tradition, and picture-postcard landscapes. Today, you'll leave the hustle and bustle of Havana behind to explore the tranquil western region of Cuba: the Viñales Valley, a landmark for its natural beauty and artisanal production of the world's finest tobacco. The transfer from Havana to Viñales takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Enjoy the change of scenery as you cross through rural areas, pine forests, and hills. Viñales: One of Cuba's most impressive natural sites with its limestone cliffs (mogotes) – Unique geological formations in the valley, its tobacco and coffee plantations – Guided or independent tour, its Viñales Cultural Landscape – Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and the Los Jazmines viewpoint – Panoramic view ideal for watching the sunset. Upon arriving in the Viñales area, you will take a walk through the tobacco fields. Once in Viñales, begin with a brisk walk through the fertile valleys, then visit a local tobacco farm. Learn how cigars are grown, dried, and hand-rolled. Chat with a vegüero (tobacco farmer), who will explain the entire process, from seed to finished cigar. You can sample or buy cigars directly from the source (no middlemen or additives!). Then, visit the Mural de la Prehistoria (Prehistoric Mural), a huge mural painted on a natural limestone wall (mogote) depicting biological evolution. A work by artist Leovigildo González in the 1960s, it features figures of dinosaurs, mollusks, and primitive humans. This spot is a classic stop for curious and colorful photos. Finally, you'll enjoy an exploration of the Indian Cave, accessed on foot through a gallery of impressive rock formations, and then explore part of the cave by boat on an underground river. It's undoubtedly one of the most striking experiences in Viñales.

Accommodation: Casa Particular in Viñales (breakfast included). Staying with a Cuban family offers authentic hospitality and the opportunity to experience daily life in the Cuban countryside. Many hosts offer optional homemade dinners featuring local products.

Viñales – Cayo Jutías: A day of beach and Caribbean nature. Today, a well-deserved rest awaits you on one of northern Cuba's hidden gems: Cayo Jutías, a paradise island ideal for disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with nature. The trip from Viñales to Cayo Jutías is 65 km long and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Access is via a causeway (pedraplén) that connects the island to the mainland. The road is picturesque but can be uneven in sections; it's recommended to leave early to make the most of the day. Arrive at Cayo Jutías, where you can enjoy a dreamy beach with fine white sand, ideal for walking barefoot, shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming or relaxing, naturally shaded areas of mangroves, and coral reefs accessible for snorkeling (you can rent equipment locally). Other optional activities on the island include kayaking through coastal mangroves, snorkeling over live coral, leisurely walks along nature trails, and photo sessions among fallen trees that adorn the coast like natural sculptures. Lunch is included on Cayo Jutias, which is usually offered at a small ranch by the sea.

Return to Viñales in the afternoon. After a day of sun and sea, you'll return to your private home in Viñales to rest. The return journey offers rural views with the warm light of the sunset.

Suggestions for the evening in Viñales:

• Dinner at Finca Agroecológica El Paraíso (spectacular views and organic food)
• Sip a mojito at Paladar Don Tomás in the city center
• Live music at the Polo Montañez Cultural Center (if open)

Accommodation: Private home in Viñales (breakfast included)

Viñales – Las Terrazas: Nature, coffee history, and Cuban ecotourism. Today, you will leave the Viñales Valley and head into the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, home to the eco-sustainable community of Las Terrazas, an emblematic example of rural development, culture, and environmental conservation in Cuba. The transfer from Viñales to Las Terrazas is approximately 100 km long, with a 2-2.5-hour drive through hills, tropical forests, and rural landscapes. Discover Las Terrazas, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Las Terrazas is an ecological community founded as part of a reforestation project in the 1970s. Today, it combines nature, art, and sustainability.

Free afternoon to explore or relax in Las Terrazas. You can enjoy suggested optional activities such as:

• Visit the San Juan River, ideal for enjoying a swim in its natural pools, surrounded by lush vegetation, with hiking trails, or simply relaxing in the jungle environment. 19th-century coffee plantation ruins
• Visit Cafetal Buenavista, a former coffee plantation built by French settlers, where you can learn about the history of coffee, slavery, and agriculture in Cuba.
• (Optional) Zipline: Soar over part of the forest and river on a zipline circuit with spectacular views. This is ideal for those seeking an active and unique experience in the Cuban jungle.
• Visit artisan workshops and the community, where you can meet local artists, ceramists, painters, and instrument makers.
• Visit the Tree House – A charming spot where you can climb and relax in the treetops.
• Visit Café de María, a traditional stop for a strong Cuban coffee, served in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Included Services: Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in Las Terrazas. Hotel Moka (4-star), nestled among the trees, is the main accommodation in Las Terrazas. Dinner is included at the hotel. Dinner features local ingredients, possibly accompanied by soft music or nature songs.

Las Terrazas – Cienfuegos: From the rainforest to the "Pearl of the South." Today, you'll cross the heart of Cuba to reach Cienfuegos, an elegant coastal city known for its French flair, wide bay, and neoclassical architecture. Founded by French settlers from Louisiana in the 19th century, Cienfuegos is unique within the Cuban colonial style. The transfer from Las Terrazas to Cienfuegos is approximately 330 km (200 mi) long and takes an estimated 5–6 hours. The route passes through rural landscapes, pastures, and agricultural fields. You can make brief stops along the way to rest or take photos. Cienfuegos is a UNESCO World Heritage city for its urban layout and unified architecture. Nicknamed the "Pearl of the South" for its elegance and tranquil atmosphere, it has one of the largest and most beautiful natural bays in the country.

Recommended optional activities:

• Sunset boat ride, cruising Cienfuegos Bay as the sun sets behind the horizon. The views of the Palacio del Valle, the fishing boats, and the seawall from the water are unforgettable.

Restaurant suggestions for dinner in Cienfuegos:

• Paladar Aché Restaurant – Gourmet Cuban cuisine in an intimate setting
• Villa Lagarto Restaurant – Ocean views, ideal for fresh seafood
• Paladar La Enramada Restaurant – Tropical decor and traditional dishes
• Paladar Sol y Son Restaurant – Great atmosphere, live music, and a varied menu

Accommodation: Overnight stay in a Casa Particular in Cienfuegos, where you can interact with local hosts and receive authentic recommendations. Some houses offer homemade dinners upon request.

Cienfuegos – Trinidad: From French elegance to Cuba's colonial soul. Today, your journey continues to Trinidad, one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But before you depart, you'll experience a unique local experience in Cienfuegos. A visit to the Cienfuegos farmers' market and a stroll through an authentic farmers' market, where locals buy fruits, vegetables, spices, and farm produce, is an ideal opportunity to observe Cuban daily life, taste fresh tropical fruits, and chat with vendors. Bring local currency (CUP) if you wish to purchase something directly. The transfer from Cienfuegos to Trinidad covers a distance of 85 km and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The journey offers coastal views and mountainous areas before reaching the colorful city of Trinidad. A tour of Trinidad's historic center with your guide will take you to explore the cobblestone streets, colonial houses with red tiles, and wooden balconies that make Trinidad a trip back in time. The city's highlights include the Plaza Mayor – the heart of the city, surrounded by churches, palaces, and museums; the Romantic Museum – a former mansion with 19th-century furniture and art; the Parochial Church of the Holy Trinity – the largest in colonial Cuba; and the Canchánchara Bar. A must-visit historic bar where you can try the "Canchánchara" cocktail, a blend of aguardiente, honey, and lemon. Live music is often featured, with traditional Cuban sounds that fill the atmosphere with rhythm and authenticity. This is undoubtedly a must-see experience to experience the musical soul of Trinidad.

Accommodation: Stay in a Casa Particular in Trinidad, with personalized attention and traditional decor. Some houses offer terraces overlooking the city's rooftops or traditional dinners upon reservation.

Optional attractions in and around Trinidad:

• Valle de los Ingenios – Former sugarcane plantation area
• Torre Manaca Iznaga – Colonial watchtower with panoramic views
• Museum of Colonial Architecture
• Casa de la Música – Ideal for salsa dancing at night

Trinidad – Free day between history, nature, and the beach. Today you can enjoy a free day in Trinidad, perfect for exploring at your own pace. You can relax in the city, take a cultural or nature excursion, or simply spend the day at Ancón Beach, one of the best beaches on Cuba's southern coast.

Our top optional recommendations for today:

• Transfer to Ancón Beach (recommended if you're looking for relaxation). Just a 15-minute drive from Trinidad, this beautiful beach with white sand and calm, clear Caribbean waters is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling. Beachside paladares offer fresh seafood and cocktails.
• Catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco, a coastal cruise with lunch included and open bar, snorkeling stops on coral reefs, and free time on an uninhabited island with pristine beaches. This excursion requires advance reservation. Ideal for those seeking a unique maritime experience.
• Excursion to the Valle de los Ingenios, a sugarcane region that was once the epicenter of sugar production in Cuba. Visit the Manaca Iznaga Tower, a symbol of the slave era, with a panoramic view of the valley. Option to visit old colonial haciendas and rural communities. It's an excellent spot for photography and historical learning.

Dining suggestions in Trinidad for lunch or dinner:

• Sol Ananda Restaurant – Cuban cuisine with colonial decor and an intimate atmosphere
• Vista Gourmet Restaurant – Rooftop restaurant with spectacular views of the city
• San José Restaurant – Very popular, with generous portions and a varied menu
• La Ceiba Restaurant – Located next to a huge tree, good food in a natural setting

Accommodation: Accommodation in a Casa Particular in Trinidad, with breakfast included. The houses often offer assistance with booking tours, taxis, or transfers to the beach.

Trinidad – Topes de Collantes: Adventure in the Escambray Mountains. Today you will delve into the green heart of Cuba: Topes de Collantes National Park, in the Escambray Mountains. This is one of the country's most important ecotourism destinations, ideal for lovers of nature, hiking, and the tranquility of the mountains. Enjoy the hiking trail: We will visit Codina Natural Park. "The Magic Carpet," a charming and moderately challenging route that passes through orchid and bamboo gardens, small caves and unusual rock formations, several viewpoints with views of the valley and the Caribbean Sea in the distance, and meditation areas surrounded by nature. The trail's name comes from the dense, soft vegetation that covers the ground like a "carpet." Picnic lunch with local products.

Accommodation at Hacienda Codina – Night of rustic camping, ecological refuge in the middle of the forest, known as "Codina." Basic, camp-style accommodations with single beds and a natural setting, ideal for disconnecting from the digital world and connecting with the jungle. Traditional Cuban dinner at the hacienda itself. Sleeping surrounded by nature and waking up to the sound of tropical birds is something many travelers remember as the most authentic part of their trip to Cuba. We recommend bringing hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, insect repellent, a flashlight, and some warm clothing for the evening (it can get chilly in the mountains).

Other recommendations and tips for tourism in Topes de Collantes. If you have more time or are interested in exploring in depth, here are some other notable trails:

• Salto del Caburní – One of the most famous waterfalls, with a natural pool (intermediate-advanced level)
• Sendero Vegas Grandes – Another waterfall and rainforest trail
• Guanayara Park – Hike among coffee plantations, rivers, and the beautiful Salto El Rocío

Topes de Collantes – Santa Clara – Varadero: From the Sierra to the Caribbean Sea. Today, your journey takes you from the lush nature of Topes de Collantes, through the revolutionary history of Santa Clara, to the idyllic beaches of Varadero, where you can relax after intense days of exploration. Stop in Santa Clara, a city steeped in historical significance, especially linked to the figure of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. Here, you will visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum, a memorial complex where the remains of Che and his comrades who fell in Bolivia rest. It includes a sober museum complete with personal objects, photographs, and documents. Then, you will visit the Armored Train Monument, a group of cars and sculptures commemorating the decisive battle led by Che in 1958. The site recreates how a group of revolutionaries derailed a military train belonging to the Batista regime. Ideal for those who enjoy recent history and seek to understand Cuba's revolutionary legacy.

Upon arrival in Varadero, after the cultural stopover, you will continue to Varadero, Cuba's main sun and beach resort.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Varadero, with breakfast and dinner included. Perfect for enjoying the sea, relaxation, and the comfort of the resort.

Restaurant suggestions in Varadero (in case you decide to dine outside the hotel):

• La Aldaba Restaurant – Gourmet Cuban cuisine with excellent service
• Paladar El Alba – A cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices
• El Nicho Restaurant – Inspired by natural flavors, fusion cuisine
• Paladar Atelier – More exclusive, with an artistic atmosphere and signature cuisine

Optional recommendations for the afternoon/evening in Varadero:

• A walk through Josone Park
• A visit to the Casa del Ron Cultural Center
• Enjoy a cocktail by the sea at sunset at the Xanadu Mansion.

Varadero – Relaxing day in Cuban paradise. Today is a completely free day for you in Varadero, one of the most famous beach destinations in the Caribbean. Ideal for relaxing, enjoying the sea, and making the most of your resort's services.

Included Services: Accommodation in a standard 4-star hotel, breakfast, lunch, and dinner (probably all-inclusive). Access to the private beach, pools, bars, sports activities, and entertainment.

Optional recommendations for enjoying the day in Varadero:

• Enjoy the beach, its white sand, warm, shallow waters, and ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing under an umbrella.
• Varadero Dolphinarium, optional dolphin interaction (show and swimming opportunity). Admission at an additional cost.
• Visit Ambrosio Cave, a natural cave with cave paintings from the ancient indigenous inhabitants. It can be visited in less than an hour and is located in the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. - Varadero Golf Club, an 18-hole course with ocean views, ideal for beginners and amateurs. Clubs are available for rent and lessons are available.

And at night? Our top recommendations:

• Enjoy the evening show at the hotel or explore a nearby bar.
• Optional: dinner outside the resort at a local paladar (I can recommend one).

Varadero – Another day in tropical paradise. Today you continue your stay in Varadero with another full day of leisure, ideal for combining total relaxation, aquatic adventure, and cultural discovery.

Included Services: Accommodation in a standard 4-star hotel. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Access to the beach, pools, entertainment, bars, sports, and more.

Other notable and recommended activities for today in Varadero:

• Water sports, included in many hotels or available for an additional cost: Kayaking, paddleboarding, catamaran and dinghy sailing, jet skis and banana boats, and snorkeling in nearby coral reefs. Many hotels have nautical centers on-site.
• Scuba Diving (optional): Dive centers like Barracuda offer guided dives in nearby areas: Cayo Piedras del Norte (shipwrecks and marine life). This activity requires a certification or basic course.
• Varahicacos Ecological Reserve: Short trails among giant cacti, caves, and birds. Visit the Muslim Cave or the Aboriginal Stone. Low-cost admission and self-guided tour.
• Cultural activities and nightlife: Cultural events at the hotel or in downtown Varadero. Options include: Varadero Music House, Rumba Palace, and local craft markets.
• Relaxation: Spa and massages available at the hotel (reservation required).
• Afternoon on the beach with a cocktail in hand and ocean views.

Varadero – Havana: Return to the capital. Today begins the final leg of your trip to Cuba. After a free morning in Varadero, you will be transferred privately to Havana, where you will enjoy your last night immersed in the unique energy of this vibrant city. On your free morning in Varadero, take advantage of the last few hours to take a last stroll along the beach, sip a tropical cocktail by the sea, shop for souvenirs at the local craft market, or take a short visit to the Varahicacos Reserve if you enjoy nature. Tip: Pack early for a comfortable and unhurried transfer. Transfer to Havana (in the afternoon) with an estimated travel time of 2.5 to 3 hours. Direct arrival at your hotel in downtown Havana.

Included Services: Accommodation in a standard 5-star hotel in Havana, breakfast included.

Tips for your last night in Havana: Enjoy at your leisure, optional:

• Sunset photo walk along the Malecón | Paseo del Prado | Plaza Vieja illuminated at night
• Souvenir shopping, visiting art galleries and craft shops (coffee, rum, cigars, local art)
• Enjoy a farewell cocktail on one of the terraces of the Hotel Nacional or the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski. The classic cocktail: a mojito or a daiquiri with live music
• Nightlife: Jazz Café or Fábrica de Arte Cubano for a final night of culture and rhythm
• Relax: The hotel's spa for a relaxing end to your trip.

Havana – End of the trip. Today concludes your unforgettable trip to Cuba. It's time to say goodbye, but not before taking advantage of the last few hours in Havana to enjoy the city's unique atmosphere. Optional transfer to Havana International Airport (José Martí).

Services included: Breakfast

Final recommendations for your departure:

• Arrive at the airport with enough time to catch your flight. It is recommended to be at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight, have your identification, passport, and plane ticket ready.
• Spend your last bit of foreign currency and buy souvenirs such as Cuban coffee, rum, cigars, handicrafts, music, or local books. Don't forget that CUPs (Cuban pesos) cannot be exchanged outside the country.

Final recommended activities if your departure flight is late:

• Express visit to the San José Market or a local art gallery.
• Enjoy one last Cuban coffee on a colonial terrace in the historic center.

Thank you for traveling to Cuba. We hope to see you soon to discover new regions of the country or to repeat this adventure at your own pace!

End of program.