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Central Cuba Trek

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Central Cuba Trek

  • Duration 8 days
  • Activity level Moderate
  • Carbon emissions 16.2kg CO2e per day
  • Included accomodation meals staff

An easy to medium intensity trekking holiday through the stunning natural parks of the Zapata Peninsula, Topes de Collante and the Escambray mountains.

GO PRIVATE
From £1,299.00/pp

Trek

Follow Che’s footsteps in the Escambray Mountains

Discover

The world’s smallest bird in the Bay of Pigs

Havana

Visit Cuba’s vibrant and beautiful capital with a local guide

Culture

Visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Havana, Cienfuegos & Trinidad)

What's included?

Accommodation

2 nights in hotels, 5 nights in casas particulares

Meals

All Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 1 Dinner

Staff

English-Speaking Cuban tour guide, bus driver, Cubania office 24 hour contact

What's not included: Flights, travel insurance, vaccinations, visas, gratuities

    Central Cuba Trek

    Essential Information

  • Day 1

    General

  • Day 2

    Activity

  • Day 3

    Accommodation

  • Day 4

    Food and Drink

  • Day 5

    Guides

What is included?

  • Transfers from airport upon arrival and departure
  • Transfer of luggage throughout but not hotel porterage
  • Accommodation:   2 nights in hotel, 5 nights in casas particulares on B&B basis
  • Meals:  all breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner.  Lunches will be in restaurants or picnics depending on the day
  • Entrances to Cienaga de Zapata National Park, Topes de Collante National Park, Che Guevara’s Mausoleum and museum.
  • Staff:  English-speaking Cuban active guide throughout, trek guides (with specialist knowledge of terrain, and local flora and fauna), driver. 
  • Transport: all bus transfers in private air-conditioned bus
  • Mineral water included on trekking days

What is not included?

  • Flights to and from Cuba
  • Travel / medical Insurance (compulsory to provide proof of cover for entry into Cuba)
  • Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, phone calls etc)
  • Vaccinations
  • Visas (Tourist Cards)
  • Tips for guide, driver and local staff.  We recommend that each participant contributes a minimum of CUC 25 – CUC 30 to be shared between the local staff.

Is this tour right for me?

  • Group Size 4 – 18 people of mixed nationalities and walking ability. Minimum age 16 years (accompanied by an adult).
  • The trekking is on dirt roads or single-track paths, some are rocky and slippery when wet. Some of the paths are exposed but others are shaded by jungle vegetation and trees.  Hot and humid conditions during summer months. 
  • On most days you will be walking for a minimum of three hours.  Participants should be used to exercising and active.

Trekking

  • Dirt roads or single-track paths, some are rocky and slippery when wet. The use of two walking poles will distribute shock to the upper body and reduce damage to the knees when on the stepped paths. Some of the paths are exposed but others are shaded by jungle vegetation and trees. 
  • No. of days trekking: 5 (+Havana city walking tour)
  • Total Distance:  approx. 55 km 
  • Moderate Pace

Essential packing list

  • Comfortable waterproof walking boots
  • Water bottle or Camelback
  • Light trousers/ shorts
  • Small rucksack (about 30 litres)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Sunglasses and cap or sunhat (wide-brimmed hats are best)
  • High factor sun cream (SPF 50+) lip salve and mosquito repellent
  • Lightweight cotton / linen clothes suitable for tropical climates, and full-length clothes and a jacket or fleece for the cooler evenings from November to March. Avoid bringing expensive or flashy jewellery.
  • Swimming gear
  • Towel
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Camera
  • Small personal first-aid kit and some antihistamines in case of insect bites
  • A sense of humour and patience are useful in Cuba!

Optional items

  • Walking sticks/Trekking poles (due to the slippery and uneven nature of some of the trails)
  • Torch
  • Binoculars

Throughout the tour we stay in a range of accommodation typical to any trip to Cuba, with a mixture of hotels and private accommodation (casas particulares). It’s fair to say that the standard of Cuban accommodation is not always comparable to that which you would expect in other countries owing to years of isolation, under-investment in the country’s infrastructure and effect of the US trade Embargo. Anyone travelling to the island should be prepared to rough it a bit at times! Décor tends to be a little dated, there might be the occasional power cut, and you may find that your water pressure isn’t all it could be. Fortunately, it’s warm enough most days that the lack of hot water is not a major problem!

The two hotels in the mountains above Trinidad are 3 star with en suite bathrooms and air conditioning. In Havana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos we use casas particulares – Cuban homestays.  Most people love the opportunity this gives to stay in a relatively normal Cuban home and see how Cubans live. These homes are simple compared to ours but the welcome is warm and rooms clean. All the casas also have air conditioning an en suite bathrooms. You’ll be spoilt at breakfast in the mornings.

Cuba doesn’t have the same variety of international cuisine we might be used to although in recent years lots of privately run restaurants (“paladars”) have opened (particularly in Havana) offering a wider choice and better quality food than the government run establishments. Think soul food – rice, black beans, slow roast pork and chicken, fresh fish, lobster and plenty of tropical fruit.   

For those with special dietary requirements, be prepared for a very limited menu while you are in Cuba. There are very few vegetarians and vegans in Cuba so there are sometimes misperceptions as to what you can eat. Vegetarians often bring snacks and spreads to liven up their meals.

It can also be difficult to find a decent sandwich in Cuba so please don’t give your guide a hard time if he recommends a proper sit-down meal for lunch! Cubans generally eat two full meals a day and don’t have many places that cater for snack lunches yet, so the sandwiches tend to be pretty basic. 

Cuba is the land of the Mojito, Daiquiri and Cuba Libre. You’ll find that plenty of rum-based drinks all over the country with prices ranging from 2-6 CUC for most cocktails. But beware, they don’t use measuring glasses, so they might be stronger than the ones you have tried at home!

All our guides at Cubania are Cuban nationals who are registered with and trained by Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism. They come from all kinds of different personal and professional backgrounds. They’ve been teachers, I.T. professionals, bakers, vets, army officers and even underwear salesmen! What they have in common is that they are all highly educated graduates who are passionate about guiding and proud of their beautiful country. They all speak excellent English and receive annual training in first aid.

All our guides receive annual Tour Leader training which focuses on enhancing the enjoyment of your stay. Your guide will not simply give you the historical facts; he or she will also show you the best places to eat, share personal stories with you, teach you how to dance salsa and help you make the most of your time in Cuba.

In line with our Responsible Tourism policy we employ local guides from remote rural communities to show us the way as most of the trails in Cuba are unmarked and unmapped. They have a wealth of knowledge about the local fauna and flora and can share insights into rural life. 

Download essential trip notes Download essential trip notes
  • Day 1
    Day 1

    Arrival in Havana

    Welcome to Cuba! A Cubania representative will meet you upon arrival at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation in the heart…

    • Casa Particular, Havana
  • Day 2
    Day 2

    Ciénaga de Zapata natural park

    Today we transfer to the Ciénaga de Zapata natural park. This area is a protected nature reserve and one of the most important…

    • 4 km
    • Casas particular, Cienfuegos
    • Breakfast, lunch
  • Day 3
    Day 3

    Trek through the Escambray Mountains

    A short transfer from Cienfuegos takes us to the Escambray mountains, Cuba’s central mountain range that dominates the landscape.  We leave our…

    • 12 km
    • Hotel Hanabanilla, Hanabanilla
    • Breakfast, lunch
  • Day 4
    Day 4

    To Topes de Collante

    Today we leave the hotel by boat and cross Lake Hanabanilla to the Cortina de Jibacoa. From here we trek for an easy…

    • 16 km
    • Hotel Los Helechos
    • Breakfast, lunch
  • Day 5
    Day 5

    Trek the Codina trail in Topes de Collante natural park

    This morning we set off from our hotel on foot heading first for la Casa del Café where we enjoy a cup of local coffee and…

    • 10 km
    • Casa particular, Trinidad
    • Breakfast, lunch
  • Day 6
    Day 6

    Visit the colonial town of Trinidad

    A transfer this morning takes us to the beginning of our trail at the look-out point where we stop for pictures of the…

    • 13 km
    • Casas particular, Trinidad
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Day 7
    Day 7

    Return to Havana

    We leave Trinidad early this morning and head east to the city of Santa Clara, the site of the last battle of the…

    • Casa particular, Havana
    • Breakfast
  • Day 8
    Day 8

    Guided tour of old Havana and departure day

    After breakfast your guide will take you on a walking tour of Old Havana which is the finest surviving Spanish colonial city in…

    • City tour
    • Breakfast, lunch
  • Day 1

    Day 1: Arrival in Havana

  • Day 2

    Day 2: Ciénaga de Zapata natural park

  • Day 3

    Day 3: Trek through the Escambray Mountains

  • Day 4

    Day 4: To Topes de Collante

  • Day 5

    Day 5: Trek the Codina trail in Topes de Collante natural park

  • Day 6

    Day 6: Visit the colonial town of Trinidad

  • Day 7

    Day 7: Return to Havana

  • Day 8

    Day 8: Guided tour of old Havana and departure day

Day 1: Arrival in Havana

  • Casa Particular, Havana

Welcome to Cuba! A Cubania representative will meet you upon arrival at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation in the heart of Havana.  The largest island in the Caribbean, Hemingway’s much-loved abode and one of the last planned economies in the world. You’re soon to discover that Cuba is all that and much, much more, but first relax and enjoy your first night in enchanting Havana.

Day 2: Ciénaga de Zapata natural park

  • 4 km
  • Casas particular, Cienfuegos
  • Breakfast, lunch

Today we transfer to the Ciénaga de Zapata natural park. This area is a protected nature reserve and one of the most important birdwatching sites in Cuba.   It’s the natural habitat of the smallest bird in the world, the bee hummingbird (Zunzuncito), and there’s a good chance you’ll see one of these as well as Cuba’s national bird, the Cuban Trogon (Tocororo) which has red, white and blue plumage. We take a gentle warm-up walk in Bermejas to observe local flora and fauna, particularly birds such as the bee hummingbird and the Cuban pygmy owl.  We also make a short stop at the museum in Playa Girón which explains events surrounding the CIA-backed ‘Bay of Pigs’ invasion of Castro’s Cuba in April 1961. We have lunch in Caleta Buena where we can also swim in the beautiful natural sea pools. Afterwards we transfer to Cienfuegos for a brief orientation tour and overnight. Tonight dinner isn’t included so you’ll be able to try out a local paladar – a privately owned restaurant.

Day 3: Trek through the Escambray Mountains

  • 12 km
  • Hotel Hanabanilla, Hanabanilla
  • Breakfast, lunch

A short transfer from Cienfuegos takes us to the Escambray mountains, Cuba’s central mountain range that dominates the landscape.  We leave our bags at the Hotel Hanabanilla, collect a packed lunch and head for the ‘La Atalaya’ trail.  This trail takes us along the banks of the Lake Hanabanilla through the Escambray Mountains with a steep climb to the top of La Atalaya hill where you’ll have amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The trail ends on the banks of Lake Hanabanilla, where a boat will pick us up and take us for refreshments at the Rio Negro Café. At Rio Negro there’s an opportunity to climb to another mirador (lookout point) for those who still have the energy! We return to Hotel Hanabanilla for check in and overnight. Dinner isn’t included this evening so you’re free to eat out locally or at the hotel.

Day 4: To Topes de Collante

  • 16 km
  • Hotel Los Helechos
  • Breakfast, lunch

Today we leave the hotel by boat and cross Lake Hanabanilla to the Cortina de Jibacoa. From here we trek for an easy 13 km on jeep tracks along a finger of the lake and upstream above the Rio Guanayara, stopping halfway at Tito’s Farm for a water break. The route today is low-medium intensity on a good surface. It’s also very pretty, skirting between forested hillside and the lake. We arrive at Casa de la Gallega for lunch and some time to relax. We then continue upstream on a 3 km trek to the beautiful El Rocio waterfall where there is a natural swimming pool close-by for you to enjoy a refreshing dip and enjoy the views.  From here we continue across a coffee plantation to reach the local transport which takes us to our accommodation for the night.

Day 5: Trek the Codina trail in Topes de Collante natural park

  • 10 km
  • Casa particular, Trinidad
  • Breakfast, lunch

This morning we set off from our hotel on foot heading first for la Casa del Café where we enjoy a cup of local coffee and hear about its history and production in Cuba.  We then continue our trek through the Topes Arboretum, a wooded area planted in the 1930s with over 300 varieties of trees.  We keep moving until we reach La Batata, a point where the river pushes through a crack in the limestone; here there’s time for a swim before continuing on to Codina for a traditional Cuban lunch of roast pork.  After lunch we take the ‘’Alfombra Magica’’ trail, a trek of approximately 1 hour at a height of 1100 metres, taking in a visit to an orchid plantation and exploring a cave to see the rich natural fauna where we complete the walk at the arboretum.  There’s time to enjoy a swim before we head down to Trinidad and check into our casa particular for the night.

Day 6: Visit the colonial town of Trinidad

  • 13 km
  • Casas particular, Trinidad
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

A transfer this morning takes us to the beginning of our trail at the look-out point where we stop for pictures of the spectacular views across the mountains and down to the Caribbean Sea. From here we cross the road and take the jungle trails back towards Trinidad cutting through the gorgeous tropical forest. After a 6 km descent we have an opportunity for a refreshing swim in a natural pool before trekking the last 2-3 km to the El Cubano restaurant for a drink.  We then return to Trinidad for lunch and an afternoon sightseeing tour of the town.

Trinidad is probably Cuba’s most famous provincial town and rightly so.  It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and is perhaps the best-preserved colonial town on the island. Exploring Trinidad is like stepping back in time; the pastel coloured houses, cobbled streets and horse drawn transportation whisk you back to colonial times. There are a number of interesting museums housed in old colonial buildings to visit during the day, but it is as the sun sets that Trinidad really comes alive with music and dance.  It’s a great opportunity to meet the locals and have a go at practising your salsa moves to those catchy Cuban salsa rhythms. Dinner will be at one of the local paladars in town.

Day 7: Return to Havana

  • Casa particular, Havana
  • Breakfast

We leave Trinidad early this morning and head east to the city of Santa Clara, the site of the last battle of the Cuban Revolution. In December 1958, Che Guevara and his troops ambushed an armoured train carrying arms to Santiago de Cuba and this was a major turning point in the Revolution. We visit the Mausoleum of Che Guevara and his comrades who died in Bolivia. The museum attached to the Mausoleum has many of his former belongings and is a fascinating insight into one of the 20th Century’s most revered icons.  We then continue our journey, stopping for lunch (not included) before reaching the capital. This evening you are free to explore on your own and dine out locally (dinner not included).

Day 8: Guided tour of old Havana and departure day

  • City tour
  • Breakfast, lunch

After breakfast your guide will take you on a walking tour of Old Havana which is the finest surviving Spanish colonial city in the Americas. Since it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site millions of dollars have been invested in its restoration. The many marvellous monuments, cathedrals and palaces of the city’s historical centre are brought to life by a constant hustle and bustle and the unmistakable sound of Cuban son. We’ll also take time to have a mojito and lunch (included) at one of Hemingway’s favourite haunts, La Bodeguita del Medio. It will then be time to part ways and say Adios, or, as we prefer to say hasta luego, see you later! Afternoon transfer (30–40 minutes approx.) to Havana airport.

What to bring

1. Waterproof walking boots

and Leki sticks if required

2. Water bottle

or Camelbak

3. Sun protection

high strength sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat/cap

4. Light clothing

trousers/shorts for trekking

You should bring light cotton and linen clothing suitable for tropical climates. For the evenings bring lightweight clothes, some mosquito repellent and a jacket or fleece. Cubans dress casually but are always impeccably turned out. Avoid bringing expensive or flashy jewellery.

Is this tour for me?

Travel style: Trekking

Discover Cuba’s spectacular nature while immersing yourself in local culture.

Difficulty Level: Medium intensity

At least 3 hours walking on most days. You should be used to exercising and being active.

Group style: Small

4 - 18 people, mixed nationalities. Minimum age 16 years (accompanied by an adult).

GO Private:

Create your own travel bubble by booking a private trip with friends or family. Private departures confirmed with two participants.

Notes:

The trekking is on dirt roads or single-track paths, some are rocky and slippery when wet. The use of two walking poles will distribute shock to the upper body and reduce damage to the knees when on the stepped paths. Some of the paths are exposed but others are shaded by jungle vegetation and trees. Hot and humid conditions during summer months.

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Central Cuba Trek • FREE TRIP NOTES

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