After breakfast in our casas and an introductory meeting with our Cuban tour leader, we start the day with an interesting visit to Fundación Antonio Núñez Jiménez to learn about Cuban nature and the conservation of biodiversity on the island. Afterwards we’ll take a walking tour of Old Havana, seeing some of the main sights that make this historical capital a fascinating and unique destination to visit. We’ll have lunch in a private ‘paladar’ restaurant in the Old Town.

Departing Havana, we drive south eastwards (approx. 2.5 hours) into Matanzas Province and to the lowlands of the Zapata Peninsula. Upon arrival in the laid back coastal town of Playa Larga we’ll check in to our ‘casa particular’ private homestay located just one block from the scenic beach. We will also meet our kayak instructor and have dinner together, and no doubt enjoy the sunset whilst having a drink on the roof-top terrace.

This morning we’ll go on our first kayaking expedition, exploring the distinctive mangroves of the Zapata Peninsula coastline along the western side of the famous ‘Bay of Pigs’. This region is a flourishing natural habit for all kinds of bird species (such as flamingos and bee hummingbirds) as well as crocodiles and iguanas. We’ll see sandy beaches, rocky islands, and forests of mangroves today and learn all about the nature and history of this part of Cuba. After eating a packed lunch in the area, we’ll then return to Playa Larga in our vehicle and continue onwards along the southern coastline to the beautiful city of Cienfuegos (approx. 1.5 hours). Along the route we’ll 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. Upon arrival in Cienfuegos we’ll take an orientation tour of the main plaza and Malecon coastal road, check in to our casas, and go out for dinner in a local paladar restaurant.

In the morning we’ll transfer to the mouth of the bay and to a scenic start point for today’s kayaking route which is called ‘La Milpa’. Crossing the entrance of the bay we’ll disembark on the other side to visit the strategically placed fortress ‘Castillo de Jagua’ protecting the shipping channel into Cienfuegos. Back on our kayaks we’ll continue on towards our lunchtime destination ‘Rancho Cristal’ passing several small fishing communities along the way. After enjoying lunch with a view over the bay, we’ll take to the road and head inland towards the looming Escambray mountain range. Our destination is Hanabanilla, a Soviet style hotel wonderfully located in the mountains next to a lake and surrounded by a lush green forest habitat. Hotel facilities and food are basic as per most state-run hotels in Cuba, however we believe that the location more than makes up for this. Dinner will be in a paladar restaurant in the nearby community.

Today we are on fresh water for the first time as we launch our kayaks onto Lake Hanabanilla and paddle towards the amazing waterfall known as ‘Cascada Los Helechos’. Here we’ll stop to walk along a short hiking trail and either have a swim in the waterfall’s cold and clear waters or simply take a moment to enjoy this fantastic spot. We launch our kayaks again in the direction of ‘Río Negro’, another beautiful place located half way down the lake. Here we’ll have another opportunity to walk up to a lookout point offering magnificent views. Lunch will be at the Río Negro Restaurant and afterwards we’ll paddle gently across the lake enjoying the surrounding scenery before arriving back at the hotel. In the afternoon we transfer by road out of the mountains and back down to the south coast. Our destination for the night is Villa Guajimico. Once again, the hotel is not the highlight here, it is the beautiful natural habitat, tranquil surroundings, and marine opportunities that draw up to this location. In the early evening we can take our kayaks out once again onto the Caribbean Sea and see the sunset from the water.

This morning we take to the Caribbean waters again and paddle to an isolated beach with rocky cliffs on both sides. Here we’ll enjoy some beach time and there will be an opportunity to snorkel at a section of coral reef. We return by kayak back along the coastline to Guajimico. From here we’ll drive along the coastal ride and stop for lunch in ‘La Vega’ community. Here there will be an optional activity for those who are comfortable on horseback – a 5 km trail down to a small cove and beach. Continuing onwards by road we arrive at one of Cuba’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the town of Trinidad. The small town’s picturesque cobbled streets and colourful buildings rightly attract visitors from all over the world, and there are plenty of cultural delights to explore in our time here. Our guide will give an orientation tour and include a visit to a traditional pottery making house and a vendor of the local rum and honey drink known as ‘Canchánchara’. After checking into our casas particulares we’ll go out for dinner in the evening and then on to a live music venue in the town.

After breakfast at our casas we’ll take a short transfer to the outskirts of Trinidad town and the start point of today’s kayaking expedition. We’ll be navigating ‘Rio Guaurabo’ winding our way down to the fishing port of ‘La Boca’ before reaching open sea and paddling up the Ancon peninsula to a beach called ‘Playa Maria Aguilar’. Here we’ll stop for a swim and rest before transferring to another nearby fishing town called Casilda where we’ll have lunch in a paladar restaurant. After lunch we have a fairly long drive back to Havana, stopping along the route to visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum in the outskirts of Santa Clara. Arriving in Havana we’ll check in to our casas particulares and then go out for our last dinner together. Enjoy your last night out in Havana!

Our tour ends today as we say goodbye to Havana. Check out of casas and enjoy the morning at leisure – you’ll be able to store your luggage. Depending on your flight time, transfer to airport for departure flight. Should you wish to book extra nights in Havana or any extra services then contact Cubania in advance.