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Family Active Adventure

Active

Family Active Adventure

  • Duration 8 Days
  • Activity level Leisurely
  • Carbon emissions 17.5kg CO2e per day
  • Included accomodation meals staff

An 8-day family holiday adventure exploring the best of Cuban culture and nature.

GO PRIVATE
From £1,344.00/pp

Cycle Havana

Explore Cuba’s capital by bicycle

Kayak in Cienfuegos

Paddle the Bay of Cienfuegos

Trek in Che’s Footsteps

Explore the Escambray Mountains by foot

Snorkel in the Bay of Pigs

Discover the dazzling underwater world of corals and fish in the Bay of Pigs

What's included?

Accommodation

2 nights in hotels, 5 nights in casas particulares

Meals

All Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Staff

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

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

    Family Active Adventure

    Essential Information

  • Day 1

    General

  • Day 2

    Activity

  • Day 3

    ACCOMODATION

  • Day 4

    FOOD & 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, 5 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Havana Classic Car tour, entrance to Las Terrazas Biosphere reserve, zip-lining, Cueva del Indio, Mural de la Prehistoria, maritime transfer to Cayo Levisa.
  • Staff:  English-speaking Cuban guide throughout. Driver.
  • Transport: all bus transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle

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.
  • The tour offers a balance between fun and varied activities for people of all ages whilst seeing the best of Cuban culture and nature. There is also free time built into the itinerary for you to relax or continue exploring as a family. 
  • If travelling with older children and teenagers, please be aware that accessing the internet will be extremely difficult.
  • Hot and humid conditions during summer months. 

Essential packing list

  • Small day pack
  • Swimming things and beach towel (consider UVA tops for the children on the beach)
  • Trainers or comfortable shoes to walk in
  • Light trousers/shorts
  • Lightweight cotton / linen clothes suitable for tropical climates. A jacket or fleece for the cooler evenings from November to March. Avoid bringing expensive or flashy jewellery.
  • Sunglasses and cap or sunhat (wide-brimmed hats are best)
  • High factor sun cream (SPF 50+), lip salve and mosquito repellent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Small personal first-aid kit and some tropical strength insect repellent and antihistamines in case of insect bites
  • Camera
  • A sense of humour and patience are useful in Cuba!

Optional items

  • Snacks that your children enjoy (for example cereal or fruit bars)
  • Card games for the evening
  • 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!

You will stay in the full board 3 star hotel on Cayo Levisa that has ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. In Havana and Viñales 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. Snacks such as biscuits and crisps are also less varied (and often more basic) than those at home. Whilst there is plenty of fresh fruit, you may want to bring a few snacks that your children particularly enjoy. Beware of ones containing chocolate as it will melt!

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.

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

    ARRIVAL IN HAVANA

    Welcome to Cuba! A Cubania representative will be waiting for you on arrival at Jose Martí International Airport in Havana. Once you’ve collected your…

    • Casa Particular, Havana
  • Day 2
    Day 2

    GUIDED TOUR OF OLD AND NEW HAVANA

    After breakfast, your guide will take you on your city tour of old and new Havana, Cuba’s capital and the largest city in the…

    • Casa Particular, Havana
    • Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 3
    Day 3

    SWIMMING AND ZIP-LINING AT LAS TERRAZAS

    After breakfast, we head for Las Terrazas, an eco-community tucked away in the Sierra del Rosario biosphere reserve where large numbers of endemic and…

    • Casa particular, Viñales
    • Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 4
    Day 4

    EXPLORE CAVE SYSTEM AT CUEVA DEL INDIO

    Viñales is famous for its dramatic scenery that is found in only two other places in the world – Southern China and Thailand –…

    • Casa particular, Viñales
    • Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 5
    Day 5

    TAKE A BOAT TO CAYO LEVISA

    This morning we drive to Palma Rubia where we take the morning boat to Cayo Levisa, an island with stunning white sand beaches and…

    • Hotel Cayo Levisa
    • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Day 6

    FULL DAY ON CAYO LEVISA ISLAND

    Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Cayo Levisa.

    • Hotel Cayo Levisa
    • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Day 7

    RETURN TO HAVANA

    We take the morning boat back to Palma Rubia where our bus will be waiting to take us to Havana for our last day…

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

    DEPARTURE DAY

    On the final morning of your stay in Cuba you’ll have the morning free to enjoy at your leisure before your transfer to the…

    • Breakfast
  • Day 1

    Day 1: ARRIVAL IN HAVANA

  • Day 2

    Day 2: GUIDED TOUR OF OLD AND NEW HAVANA

  • Day 3

    Day 3: SWIMMING AND ZIP-LINING AT LAS TERRAZAS

  • Day 4

    Day 4: EXPLORE CAVE SYSTEM AT CUEVA DEL INDIO

  • Day 5

    Day 5: TAKE A BOAT TO CAYO LEVISA

  • Day 6

    Day 6: FULL DAY ON CAYO LEVISA ISLAND

  • Day 7

    Day 7: RETURN TO HAVANA

  • Day 8

    Day 8: DEPARTURE DAY

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN HAVANA

  • Casa Particular, Havana

Welcome to Cuba! A Cubania representative will be waiting for you on arrival at Jose Martí International Airport in Havana. Once you’ve collected your luggage you’ll be transferred to your accommodation with time to relax after your long flight. You can have dinner in town a short walking distance away.

Day 2: GUIDED TOUR OF OLD AND NEW HAVANA

  • Casa Particular, Havana
  • Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, your guide will take you on your city tour of old and new Havana, Cuba’s capital and the largest city in the Caribbean. Setting off in classic 1950s American cars, we’ll visit the well-to-do 1950s Miramar district, home to some of Havana’s most striking 20th century architecture. Keep an eye out for the imposing Russian embassy and the elegant neoclassical homes, many of which are now embassies. We will drive through the beautiful residential district of Vedado where wealthy sugar barons built elegant mansions in the early 20th century and stop in Revolution Square where Fidel made his famous speeches. Driving back along the picturesque coast road (the Malecon), the classic cars will drop us off in the Old Town where we will continue on foot, concentrating on the four original squares around which the city was founded. Old Havana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and millions of dollars have gone into this area in order to bring it back to its original splendour. It has the finest surviving Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas preserved by a combination of little war damage, post Revolution restoration work and the current restoration project. After lunch we have the option of taking a relaxing drive in one of the horse-drawn carriages or you can enjoy time for shopping before heading back to our accommodation. This evening you can eat dinner at a local restaurant in town.

Day 3: SWIMMING AND ZIP-LINING AT LAS TERRAZAS

  • Casa particular, Viñales
  • Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we head for Las Terrazas, an eco-community tucked away in the Sierra del Rosario biosphere reserve where large numbers of endemic and migrating birds can be spotted in the woods that have been planted here. After visiting the community we go to the San Juan River, a popular swimming spot with the locals because of its crystal-clear waters. We have lunch in the reserve and then have some time afterwards for the adventurous to have a go at zip-lining. This is an 1500m course with 5 wires that takes you flying through the canopy over the Las Terrazas community and lake. In the afternoon we drive to Viñales and check into our accommodation. You can have dinner at your casa or walk to the main street where there is a selection of restaurants.

Day 4: EXPLORE CAVE SYSTEM AT CUEVA DEL INDIO

  • Casa particular, Viñales
  • Breakfast, Lunch

Viñales is famous for its dramatic scenery that is found in only two other places in the world – Southern China and Thailand – and for its world-famous tobacco plantations. We visit La Cueva del Indio, a cave that is 4 km long with an underground river where we also take a short boat ride, and El Mural de la Prehistoria, Cuba’s largest mural depicting Cuba’s first indigenous inhabitants. We’ll have a relaxed lunch at the restaurant near the mural where they serve delicious roast pork. Along the way to these destinations we’ll be passing farms where malanga, maize, coffee, yucca and of course, the world’s finest tobacco is grown. The evening is free to enjoy at your leisure and you can either have dinner at your casa or head into town.

Day 5: TAKE A BOAT TO CAYO LEVISA

  • Hotel Cayo Levisa
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we drive to Palma Rubia where we take the morning boat to Cayo Levisa, an island with stunning white sand beaches and turquoise seas. A little slice of Caribbean heaven for you to relax and enjoy with the family for the next 2 days. You’ll be staying at the only hotel on the tiny island with full board service.

Day 6: FULL DAY ON CAYO LEVISA ISLAND

  • Hotel Cayo Levisa
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Cayo Levisa.

Day 7: RETURN TO HAVANA

  • Casa particular, Havana
  • Breakfast

We take the morning boat back to Palma Rubia where our bus will be waiting to take us to Havana for our last day in Cuba. The rest of the day is free to do some last minute souvenir shopping or exploring the old town and re-visiting some of your favourite spots. Alternatively, (and time permitting) if you fancy another beach day you can head to the eastern beaches of Havana which are around a 40 minute drive out of the city.

Day 8: DEPARTURE DAY

  • Breakfast

On the final morning of your stay in Cuba you’ll have the morning free to enjoy at your leisure before your transfer to the airport for check-in 3 hours prior to flight departure.

What to bring

1. Sun protection

high strength sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat/cap

2. Light Clothing

Light trousers/shorts for activities

3. Shoes

Trainers or comfortable shoes to walk in

4. Swimming things

Swimming things and beach towel

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 (November – March). Cubans dress casually but are always impeccably turned out. Avoid bringing expensive or flashy jewellery.

Is this tour for me?

Travel style: Family holiday

Family holiday offering a variety of activities for all ages whilst exploring the best of Cuban culture and nature.

Difficulty Level: Leisurely

You like the idea of having an active holiday and seeing the Cuban countryside from a different perspective. Suitable for the whole family.

Group style: Small

4 - 18 people, mixed nationalities.

Go Private:

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

Notes:

Hot and humid conditions during summer months. If travelling with older children and teenagers, please be aware that accessing the internet will be extremely difficult. Option to stay in a hotel with pool in Havana – please get in touch for a quote.

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Family Active Adventure • FREE TRIP NOTES

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