Guided walking holiday

Cuba • Havana & Trinidad

Salsa and sugar plantations, beaches and waterfalls
Wander through cobbled streets of colonial buildings while music drifts out of doorways, follow the river through sugar valleys, or stroll barefoot along the sandy beach – as you get into the rhythm of Cuba.

Some of our days

Olá Havana

Arriving at Havana airport around 5pm it's a short drive into the centre of Havana Centro where we stay overnight. Stroll around the square to soak up the atmosphere before dinner and get an idea of what you can expect from your stay in Cuba. 30 minute airport transfer approximately.

Pearl of the south

After breakfast we head south by coach to Trinidad on the coast, stopping en-route for lunch. Arriving in Trinidad by mid-afternoon we will have time for a short walk around the charming squares admiring the pastel coloured houses before dinner.

La Boca beach

We wander down through the cobbled side streets and charming squares of Trinidad, whose museums include the House of the Troubadours and a Casa de la Musica. Guys ride into town on horseback and music drifts from doorways of bars and courtyards. Then on to the village of La Boca where clear sea laps the sands, for lunch on the beach and a swim.

Down on the farm

We start at our local tour manager Julio's riding stables where farm hands arrive on horseback or sit playing guitar in the shade. From here we'll wander through rich arable land, along the surrounding valley and up into the hills. Along the way we'll meet the local people in this farming community, see oxen pulling loads or perhaps glimpse the farmer's daughter washing an old Cadillac in the river.

Sweet as sugar

Walking along the verdant valley past relics from centuries of colonial sugar plantations, we'll climb gently to the viewpoint or Mirador where we can stop for a drink or taste fresh-pressed sugar cane juice, before our descent into the valley.

Free day to explore

The many options include horse riding from the ranch, taking a catamaran to an offshore island to see the wildlife and iguanas, a day walking barefoot along the sandy beach, visiting the museums, or relaxing around the hotel pool.

Water water everywhere

We'll follow the course of a lovely river through rich arable land and small farms. Later we'll climb steadily to a wonderful waterfall where we can picnic.

Cuba libre

Waving farewell to gentle Trinidad we return to the excitement of Havana, where we stay in some splendour in the Hotel Parque Central. We'll do as the locals do and walk along El Malecon sea wall boulevard for sunset, with its view of the fortress guarding the harbour from pirates, before dinner in a local restaurant. Cuban cigars or cocktails and salsa dancing after dinner are optional!

Old Havana

A day of sightseeing on foot through old Havana, exploring landmarks of museums and cathedrals, grand squares and street life. Everywhere we go, live music fills the streets, horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past and people drive their cherished but dilapidated old Chevvies and Cadillacs. We'll take time out over lunch in a shaded patio.

Walking along the waterfront

We walk back from Alamar, where the barrios are home of the Cuban hip-hop scene, along the coast towards Havana. We end up at the small fishing village of Cojimar, the setting for Ernest Hemingway's story The Old Man and the Sea, which he wrote while living in Cuba in 1951. We'll have lunch in Hemingway's favourite bar, while pelicans perch on posts.

Fond farewell

The final morning is left free for guests to explore Havana, then a special farewell lunch in town before catching the coach for airport at 4pm. 30 minute transfer approximately.