Cuba Nature & Culture

Begin your Cuban adventure in Havana, where you'll meet your guide at the airport before heading to the Buen Viaje in downtown Havana. In the afternoon, join the group for a welcome cocktail and orientation, followed by a dinner at one of the city’s top paladares—privately-owned restaurants located in local homes. After dinner, you can either unwind with a good night’s sleep or venture out to enjoy some live music in town. Overnight at Buen Viaje. Dinner is included.

Havana’s architecture is a captivating blend of styles developed over centuries. You’ll notice the influences of the Spanish and British, who both ruled the city at different times, as well as French, Italian, Middle Eastern, and more modern designs. Old Havana is currently undergoing an impressive restoration, starting with its stunning European-style squares. This morning, we’ll embark on a walking tour of Old Havana, followed by lunch in the city.

After lunch, we’ll board a private bus for a two-hour drive to the Viñales Valley, Cuba’s famous tobacco-growing region. This area is renowned for its "mogotes," massive isolated rock formations that offer some of the most picturesque views on the island. After some downtime, we’ll enjoy dinner at a wonderful organic farm with a fantastic view of the valley, followed by a leisurely walk through the charming town. In the evening, you’ll attend a welcome party organized by the local town committee, featuring dancing and snacks. Overnight at Hotel La Ermita or a similar accommodation. All meals included.

This morning, join your guide for a walk through the stunning Viñales Valley to explore its unique geography. We’ll have lunch at the impressive Mural of Prehistory before boarding our bus for a three-hour drive to Guanahacabibes National Park. We’ll be staying in community-owned cabins right on the beach, arriving in time for a refreshing dip in the ocean or some relaxation on the sand before dinner.

Guanahacabibes National Park extends into the ocean, protecting a vast coral reef that is home to numerous fish species and three types of sea turtles: hawksbills, loggerheads, and greens. After dinner, the group will receive a presentation from Dr. Julia Azanza, a leading sea turtle biologist who has managed this program for over a decade. You’ll learn about the incredible efforts involved in protecting and studying these turtles and the success they've had in increasing the number of nesting green and loggerhead turtles. Later that night, we’ll drive to the nesting beach to search for nesting green sea turtles and hatchlings (about a 30-minute drive each way). We’ll spend the night at Cabinas La Bajada for the next three nights. All meals included.

Guanahacabibes is a diverse mix of forest, beach, ocean, mangroves, and other habitats, home to over 170 bird species and numerous other animals. This morning, you’ll join a park ranger to search for some of the park’s unique birdlife, including the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird, which is surprisingly easy to spot, as well as many other species.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to snorkel in one of the park’s reefs, either from a boat or right from the beach. Around 9 pm, we’ll return to the beach to observe turtles coming ashore and witness the nesting process as researchers collect data. Some participants may also have the opportunity to assist with data collection. All meals included.

Today, you’ll have the chance to snorkel in the park's coral reefs both before and after lunch. Take a boat out to explore the deeper reefs in search of hawksbill turtles. In the evening, there’s an optional visit to the nesting beach to look for green and loggerhead turtles, with an early return to the hotel to ensure you get enough rest for the drive back to Viñales the following day. All meals included.

After breakfast, we’ll board our bus for a 2-3 hour drive back to the Pinar del Río region. There, we’ll explore the intriguing Cueva del Indio (Indian’s Cave) and enjoy a horseback riding tour through the scenic valley. We’ll spend the night at a local guesthouse. All meals included.

After breakfast, we’ll board the bus for our return to Havana, making a lunch stop en route (a 2-3 hour drive). Upon arrival, you'll have some free time to explore the city’s impressive museums later in the afternoon. Dinner will be at your own expense, allowing you to choose from Havana’s many excellent dining options. Afterward, you can enjoy live music at a local venue (entrance fees not included). We’ll spend the night at Buen Viaje for the next two nights. All meals included.

After enjoying a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we’ll board the bus to visit Ernest Hemingway's former home, located in a picturesque spot outside the city. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to explore Havana at your own pace, and later, we’ll experience live music. Dinner will be at one of the city’s renowned paladares—privately owned restaurants located in local homes. After dinner, you can either head out to enjoy more music or relax in preparation for the journey home. All meals included.

We'll drop you at the airport in time for your flight home. Breakfast is included.