Adventure Overview

For those who want to get off the beaten path and explore the natural wonders of Eastern Cuba.

Trip Highlights

  • Learn from the masters of Salsa and dance the night away in Santiago de Cuba
  • Hike through Humboldt National Park, one of the most biologically diverse sites on Earth
  • Visit uninhabited Cayo Saetia where nature is conserved and the environment is pristine
  • Savor the cigars, seafood and culture of coastal Gibara

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1: Santiago de Cuba (Dinner)

    After your arrival into Santiago de Cuba, you’ll meet up with your
    guide who will take you on a panoramic tour of the city and perhaps the v. You’ll be dining home-style for lunch at a privately owned Paladar where you’ll experience the authentic flavors of Cuba, including roast pork, grilled fish, and fried bananas. Then you’ll have a walking tour of downtown Santiago de Cuba, with some surprise stops included, followed by checking in to your hotel. Enjoy your welcome dinner with your group.

    3-Star Hotel, Santiago de Cuba

  • Day 2: Santiago de Cuba (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Today you’ll visit an art school to learn more about the Cuban education system and talk to the artists one on one. For lunch, we’ll eat in the shadow of El Morro Castle, built in 1589 to guard the entrance to Havana bay from pirates (and we’ll have plenty of time to tour the castle). Spend the afternoon learning to Salsa or Son dance with a professional dance troupe and watch them perform. In the evening, we’ll get out on the town at one of Santiago de Cuba’s hottest live music venues. Get ready to practice those dance moves!

    3-Star Hotel, Santiago de Cuba

  • Day 3: Santiago de Cuba (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Say ciao to Santiago de Cuba as we head to Baracoa, the oldest city in Cuba and at the very tip of the island. Along the way we will make a quick stop to see
    Guantanamo Bay from a distance. We’ll have a light lunch before arriving in Baracoa where we’ll check into our bed and breakfasts before exploring downtown. Casas are privately owned and small enough to give you a chance to really
    interact with the locals – we love them!

    Casas Particulares, Baracoa

  • Day 4: Baracoa (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Today, we get to visit one of the most biologically diverse places in the world with a hike
    in Humboldt National Park. Expect an up-close look at wildlife you can’t find anywhere
    else. We’ll have lunch under palm leaf-roofed huts with an unforgettable view of the
    jungle, after which we’ll visit a local chocolate farmer’s home and learn about cacao.
    Tonight, you’ll have dinner on your own in Baracoa at one of the many unique paladares –
    Baracoans are known for putting coconut sauce on their food (muy sabrosa!)

    Casas Particulares, Baracoa

  • Day 5: Baracoa to Cayo Saetia (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Baracoa is the oldest city in Cuba and has a rich history, which you’ll learn about when
    we meet one one one with the city historian and visit the local museum for a deeper sense of place (and to see incredible snail shells!). Then, you’ll want to hold onto your hats on the wild drive West to Moa, a region rarely visited by tourists, where we’ll explore Cayo Saetia.
    Cayo Saetia is well off the beaten path with 12 virgin beaches and a peaceful lagoon.
    We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon swimming, snorkeling and SUP-boarding before heading to the Cayo Saetia Hotel for the night.

    Cayo Saetia Hotel, Cayo Saetia

  • Day 6: Cayo Saetia to Gibara (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    This morning, we’ll explore Cayo Saetia in greater depth with a local guide, seeing unique flora and fauna. After lunch at the hotel, we’ll depart for Gibara, a small seaside town on a beautiful harbor. Along the way, we’ll stop at a local farmer’s house to talk with him and his family and tour his farm. We’ll arrive in Gibara in perfect time for sunset and to stretch our legs for a walk in this charming town. Dinner is at a local restaurant with an incredible view of the bay.

    Hotel Arsenita or Ordoño, Gibara

  • Day 7: Gibara (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Whether you indulge or not, no visit to Cuba is complete without visiting a cigar factory,
    which we’ll do this morning before moseying on over to the fascinating Museum of
    National History. There, we’ll chat with the local historian about her life
    and work. Then we’re off to explore the Gibara river by boat. Keep an eye out for
    unusual birds and exotic wildlife! Today is very much about coastal living, which means
    we’ll not only enjoy a seafood lunch, but also visit with local fisherman to learn about
    their lives and see their boats. Free time in the afternoon before gathering for your
    farewell dinner of grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp in coconut sauce, followed by live
    music in the cultural center of town.

    Hotel Arsenita or Ordoño, Gibara

  • Day 8: Departe for the States from Holguin (Breakfast)

    After breakfast, we’ll drive one hour to Holguin to board your return flight to the States.

  • Includes

    -Air-conditioned transportation while in Cuba
    -Airport transfer to and from Cuban airports
    -Bilingual expert guide
    -Entrance fees for all listed activities
    -Meals as listed in itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
    -Accommodation in 3-star hotels and private bed and breakfasts in Cuba
    -Legal, people-to-people licensed travel as specified by the Office of Foreign Assets Control
    -Gratuities for meals included in the itinerary
    -Two bottles of water per day per person

  • Excludes

    -Medical and evacuation insurance (all travelers to Cuba are required to have medical insurance)
    -Tourist visa
    -Airfare to Cuba
    -Any meals not included in the itinerary
    -Personal items such as laundry, phone calls, and extra alcoholic drinks
    -Gratuities for local guides and driver

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