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  4. Vintage Cuba
Days
8
Price from
€935EUR
Map of Vintage Cuba including Cuba

Go back in time on the streets of Cuba on this trip that take you from Havana to Santa Clara, Trinidad and Vinales.

Mojito’s are delicious. And available in abundance in Cuba. Yesssss. Start and finish in Havana, swing through Santa Clara (aka Che Guevara town), Trinidad (aka beach, markets, fun time town), and Vinales (aka tobacco town).

How to make a mojito: crush mint leaves, caster sugar and lime in a glass; fill with ice; pour white rum over the top and add soda. Alternatively, come here and ask a local to make it for you.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Havana, Cuba
Finish
Havana, Cuba
Destination
Cuba
Code
GSCF
Physical rating
Traveller’s rating
68 reviews
Ages
Min 18 , Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Geckos Adventures is moving to Intrepid Travel

From October 1st, all Geckos tours will be operated by Intrepid Travel, as part of their brand new range for 18 to 29-year-old travellers.

Find out more on Intrepid Travel

Why you'll love this trip

  • There’s a world of difference between Cuban life in the city and in the country, and you’ll learn all about it with a walking tour of Havana and strolls down the rural dirt roads of Vinales, watching the tractors, vintage cars and horse drawn carriages pass by

  • Discover the man behind the t-shirt with a visit to revolutionary Che Guevara’s Mausoleum and Museum

  • Music’s the fuel that makes Cuba move, so fill up on the rhythm and learn to move like a local

  • Get a hands-on experience with one of the country’s most famous exports; a tobacco farmer will teach you how to roll a cigar with his prestigious harvest

Is this trip right for you?

  • The guesthouses (Casas) we use are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling but keep in mind that each and every room is unique. Regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country.

  • Funds can be difficult to access in Cuba. Ideally bring multiple credit cards from several different banks just to be sure.

  • You might have to save your status updates and photo posts for when you get home, as Internet is hard to find, unreliable and expensive. Treat Cuba as a holiday from social media too!

  • Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humour will go a long way in this beautiful destination.

  • You’ll get to know the simplicity of rural life in Cuba’s small towns and villages, but this means you’ll have quite a bit of free time – use it to get active with optional activities or continue your education in local rum.

cuba havana street ladies talk
cuba havana street car
cuba havana street bicycles
cuba havana street music band
cuba street soccer

Itinerary
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Bienvenido a Cuba! Welcome to Cuba! A complimentary arrival transfer is included with your trip. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organised. Kick off your adventure in Cuba’s gloriously old-school capital; you'll be dodging ’50s Cadillacs as you stroll the Melancon and smile at every local you pass.

There will be a welcome meeting at approximately 6pm this evening. Please expect a letter from your leader in the afternoon of Day 1 to confirm the place of your meeting (if by 5pm you cannot locate this letter then please ask your guesthouse owner if one has been delivered, or ask to call our assistance line listed in the "Problems and emergency contact information" section of this document). We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. The tour briefing is generally followed by an optional group dinner.

As there's a great deal to do in Havana, we recommend staying a few extra days to make the most of this exciting city. If you need help booking extra accommodation, our reservations team will be happy to assist. If you arrive early, please note most activities in Cuba can only be booked through the tourist desk in the lobbies of the larger hotels or direct with the venue. Otherwise, there are plenty of good museums to check out, including the Museo de la Revolucion and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Random facts about Cuba: one in four cars on the road is a Russian Lada, there are no poisonous snakes, sex-change operations are free and legal. Practical stuff: there are two types of currency here; you'll use convertibles (CUC), while the locals use pesos (CUP). Hola, Havana!
Accommodation
  • Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Tourist bus day pass - CUC5
  • Havana - Camera Obscura entrance - CUC2
  • Havana - Revolution museum - CUC5
  • Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts - CUC5
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please see "Joining instructions" for more information about exiting the arrivals hall and connecting with your arrival transfer driver. Please trust that your driver will know the address of your assigned guesthouse.

Some departures of this trip are part of a combination trip. As such, some of your fellow travellers may have started their trip 15 days ago in Mexico City on A taste of Mexico & Cuba (GSRMC).

First up, hit the pavement with a walking tour of old Havana. Go to the cathedral, Plaza de Armas, San Francisco de Asis, Plaza Vieja and Central Park.

Later you will drive inland (approximately 3.5-4 hours) to the historic city of Santa Clara. You've seen his face on so many t-shirts and posters, but what do you really know about Che Guevara? Well it'll be a lot more after today, as Santa Clara is home to his mausoleum and museum. Stand in the shadow of his statue in Revolutionary Plaza and look through his letters, firearms and photos on display.

Next, head south to touch down in Trinidad (approximately 2 hours). This city is everything you imagine Cuba to be – horses trot down cobblestone streets, old men strum guitars on doorsteps and stretches of white sand are ripe for exploring. Set off on your own exploration of Trinidad - maybe climb the bell tower of Central Museo Nacional de la Lucha Contra Bandidos for epic views of this well-preserved colonial city, or sip on a canchanchara (Trinidad's signature drink of lemon juice, honey and Santero Cuban rum served in a glazed ceramic pot).
Accommodation
  • Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Havana - Guided walking tour of Old Havana
  • Santa Clara - Visit to Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum
  • Trinidad - Orientation walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today's a free day in Trinidad so you can get busy with some optional activities, or just get your chilled beach fix, (maybe with some snorkelling at Playa Ancon too). Just be careful you don't stand on a sea urchin! There are some great Spanish-style churches to check out in town, loads of local markets to browse, and treks to make in the nearby Sierra del Escambray mountains. You can also hire a bike to discover the local area but be careful, Cuba's bicycles, like its cars, are vintage! Maybe throw yourself into the local culture with an informal Spanish or music lesson, a casual salsa class, or a folklore show at one of the town's numerous open-air venues. 
Accommodation
  • Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Trinidad - Bicycle rental (full day) - CUC5
  • Trinidad - Trek to El Nicho Waterfall (taxi, entrance fee & guide) - CUC27
  • Trinidad - Disco in a cave - CUC5
  • Vinales - Live music venues - CUC2
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today get prepared for a long day of travel to Vinales (approximately 7 hours total). On the way you’ll stop at the peaceful sandy arc of Playa Giron (approximately 2.5 hours), better known as the Bay of Pigs. It was famously here that the CIA sponsored a failed invasion by exile forces in 1961. Today you’ll discover the story of the Cuban victory at the Museo Giron, which holds displays of various military equipment and photos of the men who fought here. It’s not just the history that’s the attraction here – with crystal clear Caribbean waters, a deep underwater wall, and an outstanding variety of coral and fish, it’s a haven for snorkelers. Strap on a mask and some flippers and take a dive into sapphire-coloured water teeming with tropical marine life.
Next, on to Vinales which is in one of the most scenic parts of the country, where tobacco and sugarcane fields lie side by side, locals chill in their porches, and the mojitos are made with honey. If you like your cigars, then practice blowing smoke rings from your porch seat overlooking the giant bubbles of limestone that cover the landscape.
Accommodation
  • Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Playa Giron - Museum Giron Entrance and Film
  • Bay of Pigs - Visit & swim
  • Informal Spanish lesson with leader
  • Vinales - Orientation Walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today your leader could help you organise a local guide to take you around the farmlands and crops of the area to learn more about the tobacco industry. You would see the starting point of origin of tobacco that will become world famous cigars. A farmer will swiftly roll one up fresh for you as well!
In the afternoon, stroll to the main square and the 19th century Casa de la Cultura, the museum, and the next door Galeria de Arte with a collection of paintings by local artists. There are also many other optional activities on offer here. Perhaps a visit to the Santo Tomas cave complex (one of the biggest in all of the Americas), or the Cueva del Indio cave walk and boat trip. Or maybe jump on a bicycle and do some exploring of your own.
Accommodation
  • Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Vinales - Santo Tomas cave visit & return taxi - CUC35
  • Vinales - Bicycle hire (per day) - CUC5
  • Vinales - Cueva del Indio (Cave visit with boat trip) - CUC5
  • Vinales - Salsa lesson (per hour) - CUC10
  • Vinales - Vinales valley guided walking tour - CUC10
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

The valley feels remote, like something out of Jurassic Park, with huge mounds of rock covered in vegetation thrusting out of the earth at random spots. Take advantage of one the many optional activities to help you enjoy this picturesque location - hike though tobacco fields or up into the mountains and to Cueva de San Miguel and El Palenque de los Cimarrones. Take the free day to explore the stunning landscapes of the valley of Vinales or there's an option for a beach excursion to Cayo Jutias.
Accommodation
  • Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Vinales - Beach excursion to Cayo Jutias - USD30
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

It's time to head back to the capital today (approximately 2 hours). On the way back in you will stop by Revolution square with an option to climb the Jose Marti Tower for a better view of the city. Later tonight maybe drop by the legendary Buena Vista Social Club and take the chance to toast the end of your trip with a mojito. You can also join the hundreds of locals lining up to eat a Coppelia ice-cream, and then you could shake the night away with one last salsa lesson at Casa de la Musica.
Accommodation
  • Standard guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Havana - Revolution Square
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Jose Marti Memorial Tower - CUC2
  • Havana - Buena Vista Social Club - CUC30
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is departure day. Check-out time from the guesthouse is by 10 am.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse, Cuba (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Havana - Afro-Cuban Religion Tour - CUC38
  • Havana - Cigar factory tour - CUC12
  • Havana - Ernest Hemingway tour - CUC70
  • Havana - Tourist bus to the beach (return) - CUC5
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Standard guesthouse (7 nights)

Included Activities

  • Havana - Guided walking tour of Old Havana
  • Santa Clara - Visit to Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum
  • Trinidad - Orientation walk
  • Playa Giron - Museum Giron Entrance and Film
  • Bay of Pigs - Visit & swim
  • Informal Spanish lesson with leader
  • Vinales - Orientation Walk
  • Havana - Revolution Square

Reviews

Our Vintage Cuba trips score an average of 4.71 out of 5 based on 68 reviews in the last year.

Vintage Cuba, August 2018

Lisa Cunniffe

Review submitted 16 Aug 2018

Vintage Cuba, June 2018

Sara Apelqvist

Review submitted 17 Jun 2018

Dates & availability

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There are currently no scheduled departures before October 1st on our Vintage Cuba trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

From October 1st, we'll be joining forces with our sister company, Intrepid Travel. Intrepid 18 to 29s will be your go-to spot for small group adventures with people your own age. See this trip on Intrepid Travel
Prices may change, so secure your trip today!
Jump to a departure month

Travelling after October 1st?

Our sister company Intrepid Travel has just launched a new range of adventures for 18 to 29-year-olds. Same small group size, same awesome local leaders, different logos on the t-shirts.
From October 1st, Intrepid 18 to 29s will be your go-to spot for small group adventures with people your own age.

See this trip on Intrepid
Book this trip and make a difference to local communities. Along with carbon offsetting your trip, we’ll also contribute funds to our new social enterprise partner, Friends-International, on your behalf. Find out more

Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
2. A single supplement is available for purchase on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
4. The airport arrival transfer driver will know the address of your assigned guesthouse. If you have not booked the transfer prior to departure, or will not utilise it due to independent plans, please ensure you ask your booking agent inside 7 days of departure for your confirmed guesthouse name and address.
5. Guesthouse and rooming allocations are finalised inside a week from departure based on the configuration of each travelling party. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
6. A visa or tourist card, organised prior to arrival, is required for all nationalities visiting Cuba.
7. The Cuban government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers. Proof of insurance may be requested at Havana Airport by immigration officials.
8. There are unprecedented changes happening in Cuba right now. It is an exciting time but it also means some patience and understanding is required for the heightened demand of infrastructure, accommodation and services. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Is this trip right for you?’ and ‘Joining point description’ sections in the Essential Trip Information Document.
9. Hurricane season in this region is June to November, when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services can occur. Geckos Adventures monitors any situations that arise, and may need to change itineraries or activities in response to these natural weather occurrences.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information
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