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Hike and Kayak Cuba’s Wild Side

Duration8 days
Activity levelModerate
Carbon emissions14.1kg CO2e per day
Included
Accommodation
Gear
Meals
Staff
Water

See Cuba from a different perspective! Explore Cuba’s hidden trails, lakes and coastal waters with locals – sustainably.

GO PRIVATE
From £2094/pp
Enquire or book
512x388 Havana

Havana & Trinidad

Go beyond the guidebook—discover Cuba with locals.

Paddle

Paddle through Cuba’s pristine lakes and hidden shores

Trek

Explore Cuba’s scenic trails—where waterfalls meet rainforest

Flora and fauna

Immerse yourself in Cuba’s lush landscapes and rare wildlife

What's included

Cubania Icon Accomodation

Accommodation

1 night in hotel, 1 night in eco-lodge, 5 nights in casas particulares

Cubania Icon Kayak

Gear

Kayaks (single/double), personal flotation devices, dry bag

Cubania Icon Meals

Meals

All Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

Cubania Icon Staff

Staff

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

Water

2 litres mineral water per person on kayaking and trekking days

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

  • Cuban Car Driving Along the Malecón, HavanaCuban Car Driving Along the Malecón, Havana
    Day 1

    Arrival in Havana

    Welcome to Cuba! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation for the night.

    • Casa Particular, Havana
    View details
  • Day 2

    Transfer to Guamá and Kayaking in Laguna del Tesoro

    Transfer to Guamá and Kayaking in Laguna de Tesoro

    • Casa Particular, Playa Larga
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    View details
  • Day 3

    Kayaking in "Salinas de Brito"

    Kayaking in Salinas de Brito, Transfer to Hanabanilla Hotel

    • 5 km (5 hrs activity time)
    • Hotel Hanabanilla
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    View details
  • Day 4

    Kayaking Hanabanilla lake and trekking

    Kayaking in Hanabanilla Lake and trekking

    • 3 km (3.5 hrs activity time)
    • Eco-Lodge in Rio Negro
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    View details
  • Kayaking in Cuba
    Day 5

    Kayaking to Cortina de Jibacoa and Trekking in Guanayara

    Kayaking to Cortina de Jibacoa and trekking

    • 4 km (4.5 hrs)
    • Hotel Los Helechos
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    View details
  • Day 6

    Trekking to Caburni - Vegas Grandes

    Trekking trough Escambray mountains

    • 3.5 km (4 hrs activity time)
    • Casa Particular, Trinidad
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    View details
  • Day 7

    From Trinidad to Havana

    Transfer to Havana, short stop in Cienfuegos

    • Casa particular, Havana
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    View details
  • Day 8

    Departure Day

    End of tour; Transfer to airport

    • Breakfast
    View details

What to bring

  1. Appropriate clothing

    and footwear for water-based activities

  2. Kayaking gloves

    and snorkelling gear if you have them

  3. Sun protection

    high strength sunscreen, sunglasses, cap or sun hat (wide rimmed best)

  4. Light clothing

    Light cotton and linen clothing suitable for tropical climates.

Cubans dress casually but are always impeccably turned out. Avoid bringing expensive or flashy jewellery.

Is this tour for me?

Travel style: Kayaking

Discover Cuba from the water while immersing yourself in local culture.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

You are used to exercising regularly and enjoy being active.

Group style: Small

2 - 20 people, mixed nationalities. Minimum age 12 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:

No previous experience necessary but should be confident in water (able to swim) and have a reasonable level of fitness. Hot and humid conditions during summer months.

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Hike and Kayak Cuba’s Wild Side Group Tour Enquiry Form

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Please fill in the form below and we will get back to you to discuss and personalise your Cubania Travel experience!

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Hike and Kayak Cuba’s Wild Side

SMALL GROUP

Select date to join small group departure. Confirmed with a minimum of 2 paying participants. Choose to pay in full now or secure your trip by paying a deposit for each participant.

From  £2094/pp

2026 Feb
Saturday 21st February – Saturday 28th February
£2094/pp
Enquire or Book
2026 Mar
Saturday 14th March – Saturday 21st March
£2094/pp
Enquire or Book
2026 Oct
Saturday 17th October – Saturday 24th October
£2094/pp
Enquire or Book
2026 Nov
Saturday 7th November – Saturday 14th November
£2094/pp
Enquire or Book
2026 Dec
Saturday 12th December – Saturday 19th December
£2094/pp
Enquire or Book

GO PRIVATE

Make your own Private Group from  £2094/pp

Book Now

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Telephone: 0208 355 7608
Email: sales@cubaniatravel.com

Copyright © 2025 Cubania Travel

Day 1: Arrival in Havana

  • Casa Particular, Havana

Welcome to Cuba! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation for the night. Tonight is at leisure for you to relax into your exciting new surroundings. Your guide will be able to recommend nearby restaurants and bars for this evening.

Day 2: Transfer to Guamá and Kayaking in Laguna del Tesoro

  • Casa Particular, Playa Larga
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, begin your journey to the Zapata Peninsula on Cuba’s southern coast.
Drive time: Approximately 2.5 hours

Your adventure kicks off with a scenic boat ride across the shimmering waters of Laguna del Tesoro (Treasure Lake), heading toward one of the lake’s small islands.

Meet our expert kayak guides—local specialists who know every corner of this stunning Biosphere Reserve. We’ll launch our kayaks and glide through narrow channels between the islands, surrounded by untouched nature.

Far from the noise of modern life, this peaceful haven is home to thriving endemic flora and fauna. As you paddle through the tranquil waters, keep an eye out for rare waterfowl and other wildlife unique to the region.

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch amidst nature. In the afternoon, we’ll drive to Playa Larga for an overnight stay right by the beach.
Drive time: Approximately 30 minutes

Day 3: Kayaking in "Salinas de Brito"

  • 5 km (5 hrs activity time)
  • Hotel Hanabanilla
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, we head to the turquoise waters of Salinas de Brito on the southwest side of the Bay of Pigs. Driving through the Zapata Biosphere Reserve, you’ll likely spot Roseate Flamingos, Spoonbills, and possibly endemic species like the Zapata Sparrow and the tiny Bee Hummingbird.

We paddle through shallow coastal waters, winding past mangroves and untouched cays with sandy beaches. There’s time for a swim and a packed lunch on one of these virgin cays, with chances to see iguanas, jutías, and maybe even crocodiles in the wild.

Before heading inland, we stop at Cueva de los Peces, a stunning natural cenote in the Bay of Pigs, for a snorkelling session in its crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish.

In the afternoon, we drive to Hanabanilla in the Escambray Mountains for an overnight stay at the lakeside Hanabanilla Hotel.
Drive time: Approximately 2 hours

From the hotel, enjoy stunning views of Lake Hanabanilla, a peaceful mountain lake fed by three rivers and nestled 364 meters above sea level. It’s a truly majestic spot to end the day.

Day 4: Kayaking Hanabanilla lake and trekking

  • 3 km (3.5 hrs activity time)
  • Eco-Lodge in Rio Negro
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, we paddle across Lake Hanabanilla toward El Nicho Natural Park, a hidden paradise in the Guamuhaya Mountains. This lush area features waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and untouched flora and fauna. We explore the “Sendero Reino de las Aguas” trail, soaking in the natural beauty along the way.

Returning to our kayaks, we cross the lake to Rio Negro lodge, nestled in forested slopes. On arrival, we enjoy a well-earned lunch at the small lakeside restaurant. Thatched shelters will be our camping spot for the night.

In the afternoon, we walk the short “Sendero El Mirador” trail, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. As evening falls, we gather for dinner under the stars in this peaceful, remote setting.

Day 5: Kayaking to Cortina de Jibacoa and Trekking in Guanayara

  • 4 km (4.5 hrs)
  • Hotel Los Helechos
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After a night under the stars, we set off after breakfast, paddling our kayaks toward the stunning Los Helechos waterfall. A short walk along the “Cascada de los Helechos” trail brings us to this peaceful spot, perfect for a refreshing dip or simply soaking in the natural beauty.

We continue paddling south toward Jibacoa, where our kayak journey comes to an end. From here, we hop into a jeep or truck for a scenic drive to Casa de la Gallega, a historic hacienda where we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch.
Drive time: Approximately 40 minutes

After lunch, we walk to Salto de Rocío, a 25-meter waterfall ideal for a late afternoon swim. This trail is also a great place to spot Cuban trogons, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers. We return on foot to Casa de la Gallega, then transfer by truck to Topes de Collantes village where we have dinner and spend the night.

Day 6: Trekking to Caburni - Vegas Grandes

  • 3.5 km (4 hrs activity time)
  • Casa Particular, Trinidad
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, we set off on foot from the hotel, descending a steep forested trail toward Caburní. The path winds through dense vegetation deep in the Escambray Mountains, leading to the stunning waterfall and natural pool at Vegas Grandes. After a swim and some time to relax, we climb toward Mi Retiro restaurant, where a traditional Cuban country lunch awaits.

From there, we transfer to Trinidad for check-in and overnight in a casa particular—a locally owned guesthouse offering an authentic Cuban experience.
Drive time: Approximately 45 minutes

On arrival, there’s time to explore Trinidad by foot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad is one of Cuba’s best-preserved colonial towns, known for its cobbled streets, pastel-colored buildings, and vibrant cultural life.

Day 7: From Trinidad to Havana

  • Casa particular, Havana
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, we check out and explore Trinidad’s cobbled streets on foot with our local guide. You’ll share the road with horses, carts, bicycle taxis, and a few classic 1950s cars—making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Life moves slowly here, and it’s easy to imagine how generations before lived. The town is a living museum, barely changed in the past century, and a perfect place to soak up Cuba’s unique atmosphere.

By mid-morning, we set off for Havana, stopping for visit to the elegant coastal city of Cienfuegos.  We’ll have a picnic lunch en route to Havana.
Drive time: Trinidad–Cienfuegos: 1 hour / Cienfuegos–Havana: 2¾ hours

This evening, we enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Old Havana, surrounded by the city’s vibrant colonial architecture and lively streets.

Day 8: Departure Day

  • Breakfast

Our final morning together! After breakfast, we head out on foot to explore Old Havana’s charming streets and historic squares. The city’s faded grandeur tells a story of resilience, and despite economic challenges, Cuba’s warmth and love of music shine through every open door and window.

There’s time to enjoy lunch and perhaps a final mojito before we transfer to Havana Airport for your return flight.

And so, it’s adiós—or, as we prefer to say, hasta luego. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Cuba again soon.