THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP IN CUBA Self-Drive Tour.

Havana – Arrival. Upon landing at José Martí International Airport, our guide will greet you with a warm smile and friendly service, making you feel at home from the very first moment. During the comfortable transfer to your 5-star hotel, you'll begin to glimpse the vibrant character of the city: classic cars, colonial facades, and the unmistakable rhythm that flows around every corner. Once settled in, you can take your first stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At every turn, you'll discover balconies adorned with bougainvillea, lively plazas, and street musicians inviting you to stop and enjoy.

To end the day on a high note, we suggest dinner at a traditional paladar, where the warmth of the hosts and the aroma of Cuban flavors blend with a cheerful and authentic atmosphere. Savor dishes like ropa vieja, roast pork, or fresh fish, paired with a delicious mojito or daiquiri, and let the Caribbean spirit take over. Tonight, rest in your elegant hotel and prepare to begin your Cuban adventure with renewed energy.

Included services: Hotel in Havana, 5-star standard + arrival transfer

Our top food and entertainment recommendations to start your stay in the city:

• El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio – iconic bars where history blends with legendary cocktails
• Paladar La Guarida – renowned for its creative cuisine and bohemian atmosphere
• Doña Eutimia – famous for its homemade flavors and friendly service

From Havana to Viñales: Tradition, Nature, and Country Flavors. Wake up early to begin a day that will take you from the vibrant capital to the serenity of the Viñales Valley, a natural paradise declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At dawn, you'll pick up your all-terrain vehicle, ready to delve into a landscape of limestone mountains, green fields, and roads that seem to stand still. After a drive of approximately two hours, you'll arrive in Viñales, where you'll be greeted with the characteristic warmth of a local family. They will open the doors of their home and their hearts to you, offering you a traditional country lunch, prepared with fresh ingredients and recipes passed down from generation to generation. During the afternoon, you'll experience tobacco-making traditions up close: you'll walk among tobacco plantations, learn about the artisanal process of cigar-making, and hear stories that speak of pride, heritage, and love for the land. Then, you'll hike along the valley trails, surrounded by mogotes and palm trees, breathing fresh air and experiencing the tranquility of the surroundings. Evening will surprise you at the family estate, where you can refresh yourself with a shower, enjoy a home-cooked dinner surrounded by conversation, and be lulled by the nighttime sounds of the Cuban countryside.

Services included: Tent in the area of Casa Particular in Viñales, Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Must-sees in Viñales:

• Tropical climate that beautifies every sunrise
• Handcrafted cigars and tobacco plantations
• UNESCO-protected landscapes

Viñales: Caves, Outdoor Art, and Unforgettable Landscapes. Wake up to the crowing of roosters and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee on the farm. After a comforting breakfast, begin your day by exploring the Indian Cave, a natural wonder inside which you'll discover an underground river that you can travel by boat, while the lights reflect on the limestone walls and the murmur of the water surrounds you. Back above ground, one of the valley's cultural gems awaits you: the Mural of Prehistory, a gigantic work of art painted on the side of a mogote. Its vivid colors tell the story of the evolution of life, creating a fascinating contrast with the surrounding tropical vegetation. In the afternoon, you set the pace: you can explore the valley on foot, feeling every step on the red earth; go horseback riding like the local farmers; or explore the trails on a trekking bike, the wind caressing your face as panoramic views unfold before you. At dusk, you'll return to the Viñales Valley campsite, where the peaceful surroundings and the warmth of your host family will make you feel right at home. Enjoy a light dinner, gaze at the stars, and let the tropical night envelop you.

Our recommendation for your free time in Viñales is to take the optional tour to the Coco Solo - Palmarito Trail.

Included Services: Tent camping in the Casa Particular area in Viñales and breakfast.

Postcards from Viñales:

• Limestone cliffs and green-covered mogotes
• Breathtaking panoramic views
• National parks teeming with life
• Mysterious caves and underground rivers

Viñales – Las Terrazas: Nature, Culture, and Relaxation in an Ecological Paradise. After a final country breakfast in Viñales, you'll bid farewell to the valley and head toward Las Terrazas, a hidden gem in the Sierra del Rosario and declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After a picturesque drive, you'll arrive just in time to enjoy a typical lunch at one of the cozy local restaurants, where fresh ingredients and traditional cuisine combine to delight your palate. In the afternoon, the landscape will be your best guide. You can dive into the crystal-clear waters of the San Juan River, an ideal place to swim, relax, and let nature envelop you with its sounds. If you're looking for adventure, the Soroa Waterfall, known as the "Rainbow of Cuba," a waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation awaits. Las Terrazas is also a paradise for art and culture lovers: stroll through its artisan workshops, try María's famous coffee, or visit the unusual Tree House, a magical spot that blends nature and creativity. At nightfall, you'll have two options for overnight stays: camp under the stars in specially designated areas within the community, or opt for the comfort and charm of Hotel Moka, an eco-friendly accommodation nestled in the forest that offers all the comforts you need.

Services included: Hotel in Las Terrazas (lunch)

Points of interest in the Las Terrazas Community:

• San Juan River and its natural pools
• María's Coffee, famous for its flavor and aroma
• Local craft workshops
• Las Terrazas Tree House
• Hikes and ecotourism activities in the Sierra del Rosario

Las Terrazas – Playa Larga: From the Forest to the Turquoise Waters of the Bay of Pigs. After a delicious breakfast at Las Terrazas, you'll bid farewell to the mountainous surroundings and embark on a journey south to the legendary Bay of Pigs, a place steeped in history and surrounded by unique natural landscapes. Along the way, you'll make a special stop at the Cueva de los Peces (Fish Cave), a cenote with crystal-clear, deep-blue waters, ideal for swimming or snorkeling among tropical fish and underwater rock formations. Fed by an underground river, this enclave is one of the area's best-kept secrets and a paradise for sea lovers. After this refreshing experience, you'll continue to Playa Larga, a quiet coastal town overlooking the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, one of the largest and most biodiverse wetland reserves in the Caribbean. The afternoon will be completely free for you to enjoy at your own pace in this beautiful and natural area of Cuba:

• Relax on the beach, enjoying the sun and the sea.
• Dive into the turquoise waters while diving or snorkeling on nearby reefs.
• Embark on a kayak or boat trip to explore the bay.
• Or delve into the park's unique ecosystem to observe endemic birds and discover the region's natural beauty.
• In the evening, you can savor the local cuisine, where fresh fish and seafood are the mainstays, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal spot.

Included Services: Tent camping in the Casa Particular area in Playa Larga (breakfast and lunch).

Our top recommended activities:

• Diving and snorkeling in coral reefs.
• Kayaking and boat trips.
• Traditional fishing.
• Birdwatching in the Ciénaga de Zapata.
• Relaxing on the beach at sunset.

Playa Larga – Trinidad: From the Caribbean Sea to Cuba's Colonial Jewel. After breakfast overlooking the calm waters of Playa Larga, you'll embark on a picturesque three-hour journey to Trinidad, one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, one of our expert guides will greet you and lead you on a tour that begins with a traditional lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, you'll explore the cobblestone streets of the historic center, where every corner tells a story. Stroll through the iconic Plaza Mayor, surrounded by colorful colonial mansions, and visit the Romantic Museum, which houses 19th-century treasures and furniture evoking the golden age of the sugar industry. The afternoon will offer a change of scenery: you can relax on María Aguilar Beach, a small paradise of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming or simply letting the calm sea carry you away. You'll set up your camp here, with all the necessary amenities to enjoy a magical night by the coast. After a refreshing shower, an al fresco dinner awaits you on nearby La Boca Beach, where the flavors of the sea and the local atmosphere combine for an unforgettable experience. And if you still have energy left, Trinidad will seduce you with its vibrant nightlife: live music, salsa rhythms that invite you to dance, and an atmosphere that blends history, culture, and Caribbean joy.

Services included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Things worth knowing about the historic city of Trinidad:

• UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• History of sugarcane and slavery.
• Cultural capital with music, arts, and crafts.
• Proximity to beaches and nature.

Trinidad – Valle de los Ingenios – Topes de Collantes: Between History and Wilderness. Start the morning exploring the Valle de los Ingenios, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site where time seems to have stood still. Dotted with old haciendas and watchtowers, this valley was the epicenter of Cuba's thriving sugarcane industry in the 19th century. Here, you'll learn about its rich history, marked by the sugarcane tradition and the traces of slavery, while enjoying panoramic views that stretch to the horizon. You'll return to Trinidad for a typical lunch that will delight your palate with authentic Creole cuisine. Afterward, you'll begin the ascent to the green heart of the island: Topes de Collantes, a nature reserve nestled in the Escambray Mountains, known for its cloud forests, idyllic waterfalls, and hiking trails that lead deep into the rainforest. Upon arrival at Hotel Los Helechos, you'll pick up your car. From there, you'll take a Russian truck to Hacienda Codina. Here, you'll set up camp in a specially prepared area, surrounded by peace and fresh air. As night falls, the silence will only be interrupted by the birdsong and the whisper of the wind through the mountains. When you look up, you'll be greeted by thousands of stars, a perfect natural spectacle to end the day with calm and wonder.

Included Services: Tent camping in the Hacienda Codina area in the Topes de Collantes Natural Park. Lunch.

Landscapes that await you in the Topes de Collantes Natural Park:

• Jungle-covered mountains.
• Crystal-clear waterfalls.
• Exotic botanical garden.
• Trails for all hiking levels.

Topes de Collantes: Waterfalls, Jungle, and Adventure. Spend the day discovering one of Cuba's most spectacular natural treasures: Topes de Collantes National Park, a green paradise hidden in the Escambray Mountains. In the morning, you'll begin a hike along trails that wind through cloud forests, listening to the songs of endemic birds and the distant murmur of water. The highlight of the day will be your arrival at the Vegas Grandes waterfalls, a stunning waterfall that plunges into natural emerald pools. Here you can refresh yourself with an unforgettable swim surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and moss-covered rock faces. After this immersion in nature, you'll return to enjoy a comforting dinner and a well-deserved hot shower at Hotel Los Helechos, where the fresh mountain air and silence invite you to rest deeply.

Services included: Hotel in Topes de Collantes (breakfast and dinner).

Recommended places to explore:

• Salto del Caburní – One of Cuba's most iconic waterfalls.
• Hacienda Codina – History and nature in one place.
• Sendero Vegas Grandes – The perfect route for trekking lovers.
• Guanayara Park – Jungle trails and crystal-clear rivers.

Topes de Collantes – Jibacoa: Beach, Reefs, and Tropical Relaxation. After bidding farewell to the lush jungle of Topes de Collantes, you'll drive to the idyllic Jibacoa Beach, a coastal destination famous for its white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Upon arrival, you can settle into your comfortable hotel room or, if you wish, enjoy camping near the beach under the starry sky. The afternoon will be full of options for all tastes: explore the coral reefs by snorkeling or scuba diving, relax sunbathing on the beach, or enjoy water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding. For those seeking wellness and relaxation, the hotel offers massages, spa treatments, and fitness areas, while nature lovers can explore the surroundings with hiking or boat excursions. In the evening, be captivated by the local cuisine at a nearby restaurant and take advantage of the hotel facilities, while the sea breeze and the sound of the waves accompany you.

Included Services: Hotel in Jibacoa (breakfast).

Most recommended activities at Jibacoa Beach:

• Relaxing and sunbathing on the beach.
• Massages and spa treatments.
• Water sports: snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Hiking and nature observation.
• Boat trips and fitness activities.

Playa Jibacoa – Havana: Farewell with Unforgettable Memories and Experiences. On your last day of this fascinating tour of western Cuba, you'll begin the return trip to Havana, where you'll return your rental car and have the opportunity to enjoy the last few hours exploring the city at your own pace. Immerse yourself in Havana's vibrant culture, browse the craft markets, shop for unique souvenirs, and capture the last photographic moments of your adventures. Before boarding your return flight, reflect on all the unforgettable experiences you had: from the landscapes of Viñales and the tranquility of Jibacoa to the historical and cultural richness of Havana. Your trip will leave you with lasting memories and a deep connection with the essence of Cuba.

Included Services: Breakfast.

Additional options to expand your experience in Cuba:

• Extend your stay at the Memories Jibacoa Hotel to enjoy a few extra days of beach, sun, and relaxation.
• Selected accommodations in Havana to explore the city further, sample its cuisine, and enjoy the nightlife.

End of program.