Nowadays, Sustainable Tourism is a paramount objective for Cubans all across the island. It allows us to conserve ecosystems as well as the environment, and proudly exhibit cultural and natural heritage. All of this ensures the social well-being of the Cuban population and the safety of our visitors.
We already know that travelling increases our well-being and significantly reduces stress. Cubans also improve our quality of life when we receive visitors. Sustainable Tourism makes this synergy between travelling and helping possible.
In this experience, you will be able to learn about the impact of Sustainable Tourism in Cuba and how it has contributed to improving the lives of Cubans, with a ripple effect on the quality of life of the people.
Meals and dinners, accommodations, and transfers are included, according to the program. If you need help with plane tickets, do not hesitate to ask us via email or even through a consultation.
Route
La Habana – Las Terrazas – Viñales – Cienfuegos – Trinidad – La Habana
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at the international airport of Havana and transfer to a casa particular in the center of Havana where you will have dinner with Cuban hosts (dinner and transportation included).
Day 2
Breakfast (included). We start the day with a brief explanation about our island and begin a walking tour through the historic center of the city (Old Havana). We will visit cultural and historical landmarks and learn about the traditions of the day-to-day in the city.
Around noon, we will have lunch (included). Then, we will continue the tour in a convertible car to modern Havana. We will visit the Malecón, the Revolution Square, and the 5th Avenue. We will return through the “forest” of Havana, which will be an opportunity to discover the architectural and cultural richness of the city mixed with unique landscapes.
We will return to the accommodation and have a free evening to explore Havana at night.
Day 3
Breakfast (included) and visit to Callejón de Hamel, where we will learn about the Afro-Cuban traditions and how Cubans have managed to develop private projects to guard traditions as well as to improve their quality of life.
Lunch (included). Rest of the afternoon free. In the evening, dinner at the Cuban family’s house where we will help prepare Caribbean-flavored cocktails and dinner.
Day 4
Departure for Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve, where we will learn how sustainability is applied in tourism. We will also get to know the life of the local inhabitants.
They will tell us about their experiences in the development of tourism in the region and how farmers have integrated their experiences in coffee, tobacco, and sugarcane cultivation while developing life in the region. We will visit coffee plantations and mountain farmers with meals (included) at the locals’ homes.
After that, we’ll venture to the San Juan River, where therapeutic waters will enchant us, creating a deep appreciation for Cuba’s western region.
Dinner and overnight stay on-site.
Day 5
Breakfast and departure to Viñales, a place declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll visit the viewpoint overlooking the valley, the Mural of Prehistory, and farms owned by local farmers. Witness firsthand the positive impact of Tourism Development in the region, empowering local communities to thrive economically and achieve greater autonomy. This place demonstrates how Sustainable Tourism creates growth and advancement for farmers while preserving the natural beauty of the land.
Countryside lunch (included) and continuation of the tour around the village.
Night at the casas particulares of the farmers, who will share with us their customs and traditions.
Day 6
Visit to Cayo Jutías, a paradisiacal beach in western Cuba, where we will have seafood for lunch and will be able to bask in the beauty of its clean sands and turquoise waters. In the afternoon, return to Viñales and free evening to explore the “Casa de la Cultura y la Música”.
Day 7
Continuation of our journey to Cienfuegos, a beautiful city located in the south-central region of the island. We’ll take a city tour, exploring the central plaza and then venturing towards Punta Gorda, where we’ll visit the unique architectural masterpiece, Palacio de Valle. Here, we’ll learn about the Valle family, pioneers in the development of Tourism in the region and significant contributors to enhancing the city’s quality of life.
Dinner will be served at the palace, and we’ll spend the night by the seaside, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of southern Cuba.
Day 8
After breakfast, we’ll prepare to visit El Nicho, a pioneering site in Tourism and economic development in Cienfuegos. Its stunning waterfalls attracted the first American and Cuban tourists back in the 1950s.
To this day, El Nicho continues to welcome countless visitors to indulge in the medicinal waters and experience Sustainable Tourism, which has played a vital role in the economic development of central Cuba.
Following lunch, we’ll leave El Nicho and head towards the city of Trinidad, where we’ll stay in a casa particular in the city center.
Day 9
Breakfast at home, followed by a tour of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a gem of Cuban architecture. You will also learn how Sustainable Tourism has had a significant impact on the city, improving the lives of its residents. Spend the day admiring the beautiful landscapes of the city and getting to know its people and culture.
Lunch is included in the Historical center, followed by a continuation of the tour.
Experience a Trinidadian evening at “Casa de la Música y la Trova”, with dinner featuring shrimp and lobster.
Day 10
Departure to Havana and arrival in the late evening to enjoy a Cuban show with dinner included.
Day 11
Breakfast and free time until flight departure. You can shop at the craft market for souvenirs. Light dinner at home and transfer to the airport for the outbound flight.