Your Travel Experience with Tierra Maya Tours
Day 1
Meet and greet at Havana airport. Then transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner at your own discretion.
Included meals: none
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 2
Havana - Authentic life
Real life for Cubans is marked by difficulties and challenges that have to be faced on a daily basis. Nevertheless, this incredibly friendly and open-minded people have never forgotten the pleasure of being alive. Discover first-hand what it means to be Cuban. In the morning, take a ride in the bright yellow tuk-tuk-like cocotaxis through Centro Habana, a neighbourhood that is still largely untouched by tourism. Stop at various shops that offer a glimpse into the real life of Cubans far away from the tourist trade. Immerse yourself in the vibrancy and colour of one of Havana's farmers' markets to get a real overview of the home cooking of the Habaneros. Then continue on foot through the alleys and across the squares of Havana's colonial Old Town. After lunch, discover a " different" Havana. Sit in a restored old-timer and be chauffeured through the modern districts of Vedado and Miramar. The ride ends along Havana's famous promenade, the Malecón, filled every evening with Cubans enjoying the fresh breeze along with a sip or two of rum. Feel free to join them and be a part of the authentic Havana way of life.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 3
Havana - The taste of Cuba
After gaining first insights into Cuban home cuisine the day before, today it's all about cooking it. But first let's start on the other side of the bay of Havana. In the morning, visit the fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña, one of the largest defensive fortifications built by the Spanish during the colonial period. Next, it's time to put on your apron and take up the cooking spoon. Drive to the fishing village of Cojimar, where Hemingway once liked to spend his time. There, you will create delicious Cuban specialities together with a chef. Enjoy your homemade lunch accompanied by a delicious cocktail and, in the afternoon, immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of the Cuban Santería. Get an introduction to the Afro-Cuban belief in the Orisha deities and learn about the connectiion with European Catholicism. From today on, you will never wonder again why so many Cubans are completely dressed in white.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 4
Havana - Viñales
In the morning, we travel along the tobacco route to the province of Pinar del Río, the greenest of all Cuban provinces with the best tobacco grounds in the world. Here lies the finca of Héctor Luis Prieto, one of Cuba's best-known and most successful tobacco farmers. Visit his estate and get an insight into the art of manufacturing the best cigars in the world. If you wish, light up a real Habano yourself and soak in the pleasure of the tobacco's sharp sweet aroma. After a typical Creole lunch, continue towards Viñales. Stop at the Los Jazmines viewpoint. Then drive past the imposing limestone cliffs called Mogotes to reach the Viñales Valley and your accommodation.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 5
Viñales - At the heart of nature
In the morning, hike through the unique landscape of the Viñale Valley and discover the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The local ecosystem is a true mosaic. The route takes you past farming settlements, tobacco fields and limestone cliffs. On the way, you will surely meet a tobacco farmer who will give you very special insights into his life and work, but don't be surprised if you see him ploughing his field with an ox and a cart. Time seems to have stood still here to some extent. After the hike, you will be served lunch by Alberto Vitamina. The friendly owner of the restaurant of the same name likes to sit down and chat with his guests. Back in the village of Viñales, you visit the small botanical garden of Caridad. The garden, built and maintained by two sisters, is privately owned and houses numerous different plant species. The afternoon is at leisure and dinner is at your own discretion.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 6
Viñales – Matanzas
Leave the lovely farmland for the Venetian-style city of Matanzas, also known as the Athens of Cuba for its profusion of arts. En route, enjoy Cuba's best piña colada on the Bacunayagua Bridge, a jewel of Cuban engineering offering an impressive view. Once in Matanzas, check in at a hotel in the Parque de la Libertad. Right across, there is the Pharmaceutical Museum, formerly a French Drugstore, one of the oldest and best preserved in the world. Appreciate the original tools and containers dating back to the 19th century as well as nearly 800 thousand formulations. Admire the city as you stroll down the Paseo Narvaes, a gorgeous pedestrian path, recently renovated, along the San Juan River. You will have the chance to visit various art galleries, including the Lolo Studio-Gallery, where you can find artists at work giving form to creations in bronze, steel and canvas.
Included meals: Breakfast
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 7
Matanzas - Cienfuegos – Trinidad
In the early morning, you start your journey towards central Cuba to Cienfuegos, also known as the Pearl of the South, a city marked by French colonial architecture. Since Cienfuegos only received its city status in 1881, it is one of the youngest cities in Cuba. The port and the connection to the Cuban railway network in 1860 made the city economically prosperous. Stroll through the main square Parque Martí with the nostalgic Terry Theatre, where the Italian tenor Caruso once sang. At lunch you can sample local delicacies from the sea.
In the afternoon, drive along the panoramic coast to the open-air museum of Trinidad. Experience a medieval-like city with small winding streets, cobblestone streets and magnificent buildings. Get to know the colourful Trinidad better on a walking tour, past the colonial houses and over the main square Plaza Mayor. During a visit to a pottery workshop, you will get a small introduction to the handicraft typical for Trinidad. To dive deeper into Cuban life, sit down on the steps at the main square in the evening and listen to the captivating music of the "Casa de la Música".
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 8
Trinidad - A day at the beach
The warm turquoise Caribbean Sea is the protagonist for today. Have a sun and sand day at the Trinitarian beach of Ancón, or go for an excursion (not included) to a small island where you will feel like Robinson Crusoe. Your vehicle picks you up at 8:15 am to take you to the beach or, if you paid extra for the excursion, to the spot where you will embark for Cayo Iguana (for an additional charge). Enjoy a relaxing day by the sea and in the afternoon around 4:30 pm, a transportation will be organise to take you back to your accommodation.
Optional excursion Cayo Iguana: Head out on the water to Cayo Iguana and gain a different perspective of Trinidad on your way to this small Caribbean dream island. Passing it and the small fishing village of Casilda, you will arrive at your first stopover. Jump into the cool water and take the opportunity to observe the underwater world while snorkelling. On the boat as well as on Cayo Iguana you will have plenty of time to soak up the sun and unwind while listening to Cuban rhythms. Enjoy a typical Creole lunch on "Robinson Crusoe" Island before returning to Trinidad in the early afternoon.(Cost: $55 per person)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 9
Trinidad – Sancti Spiritus – Camagüey
The day begins with a drive to the nearby Valley of the Sugar Cane Mills. There you will find the hacienda of the former sugar baron Iznaga with the Torre Manaca lookout tower. Continue through the foothills of the Sierra Escambray to one of Cuba's first seven cities, Sancti Spiritus. Stroll past the medieval-looking brick bridge Puente Yayabo and enjoy your lunch nearby. Then continue through the centre of Cuba to the city of clay jars, Camagüey. Once here, you will be driven by a bicitaxi through the historic centre of Camagüey, clearly different from all other Cuban cities, as the streets are not arranged in the usual chessboard pattern. The town is more like a labyrinth, with its numerous narrow intricate alleys that were once used to prevent pirates from finding their way during attacks.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 10
Camagüey – Bayamo – Santiago de Cuba
Your journey takes you to Bayamo, where the fight for independence from the Spanish crown began and where the national anthem "La Bayamesa" was composed. Take a ride in one of the typical carriages through the town before continuing through the foothills of the Sierra Maestra to the pilgrimage site of El Cobre. In El Cobre, visit the impressively situated basilica with Cuba's patron saint, la Virgen de la Caridad - the Virgin of Mercy. In the late afternoon you arrive in Santiago de Cuba - city of the revolution and cradle of the Cuban Son, a true melting pot of colours and cultures. You will certainly melt away under the Caribbean sun as well as to the sounds of the trova, which can be heard on every street corner in Santiago. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious dinner at your casa particular.
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 11
Santiago de Cuba - The Hero City of the Republic of Cuba
“Rebellious yesterday, hospitable today, heroic forever”. That is the motto of the second largest city of the island. Above all, it is the Santoaguenese hospitality that you will experience during your stay in a private home. The city tour begins right after a rich breakfast. Behold the Moncada Barracks, former police station attacked by Fidel Castro in 1953 in an action that ignited the sparks of the Cuban Revolution. Visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, final resting place of the most illustrious Cuban patriots, including national hero José Martí, former president Fidel Castro and Mariana Grajales, mother of the Maceo generals. Buried here are also eminent members of the Bacardí dynasty, the ousted Cuban rum powerhouse. Continue to the center of the city to appreciate the iconic Céspedes Park and the Enramada Street. In the afternoon, head southbound for San Pedro de la Roca Fort, an outstanding military engineering work in the Caribbean. Relish the spectacular view of the mountains and the sea. Rest of your day at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 12
Santiago de Cuba – Guantánamo - Baracoa
Today's journey takes you to Guantánamo - stronghold of the Afro-Cuban Santería, also known for the nearby US naval base. The journey continues through a desert-like cactus landscape, which turns into tropical green mountains just a few kilometres later. You pass the breathtaking pass road La Farola to Baracoa, where Columbus once landed. At the roadside you will surely meet a farmer or two selling homemade cucurucho, a sweet made of coconut wrapped in a dried banana leaf, that you will only found here. After arriving in Baracoa, visit the Matachín Municipal Museum and take a tour of the main square, where you will also find the Nuestra Señora de Asuncíon Church with the Cross of Columbus. The local and varied cuisine of Baracoa is a special highlight, also thanks to the unique use of coconut milk which conveys the dishes a special Caribbean touch. You will definitely experience this culinary treat during your dinner at your Casa Particular.
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 13
Baracoa
Baracoa is situated against the picturesque backdrop of the El Yunque table mountain, nestled in a lush tropical natural landscape with coffee, cocoa and banana plantations - pure Caribbean feeling awaits you. Spend this day in the beautiful surroundings of Baracoa and reach the estuary of the river Río Yumurí. During an enjoyable hike, you will learn more about the diverse flora and fauna and have the option to swim in the river. Afterwards you will drive to a Cuban farm, where you will receive a short introduction into the world of cocoa. Lunch is served here amidst the stunning nature. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight stay in Casa Particular
Day 14
Baracoa - Holguin - Guardalavaca
Today we travel along the adventurous and bumpy coastal road towards Moa and Holguín. The tour is completed for guests staying in the Holguín-Guardalavaca region for a beach holiday. No further services or domestic flights are included thereafter.
Included meals: Breakfast