Discover Cuba Holiday: Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa

This 14 day tailormade trip is designed for couples, families and small groups of individuals who want to discover Cuba for themselves. It is based in the Oriente region, the tropical southeastern part of Cuba much less visited than other areas of the island. Starting in Santiago de Cuba, known as the ‘cradle of the Revolution’, you will then go to Santo Domingo to hike to La Comandancia, a key site associated with the Revolution. After this introduction to Cuba, you move on to the small historic city of Baracoa, with guided hiking up El Yunque mountain and in the Alexander Humboldt National Park. Enjoy the last few nights on a small secluded beachside hotel. History, hiking, salsa and beachside relaxation all in one holiday!

Duration: 14 days/13 nights
Start dates: All year round
Cost: from £2,200 per person, minimum 2 persons

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“Your in-depth knowledge of Cuba and contacts around the island gave you a real edge over the company which organised my previous visit to Cuba”.

CV, Edinburgh

Description

This holiday is ideal for anyone who wants to discover Cuba off the beaten track. You will learn about the history of the Cuban Revolution, enjoy Cuban culture, have some guided hiking and then round up the holiday on a beautiful secluded beach. We start in Santo Domingo to visit an iconic site associated with the Cuban Revolution, then travel to Santiago de Cuba for two days of exploring with a guided city tour, a salsa lesson with professional dancers and a cookery class. Then we move on to Baracoa for hiking in the famous Alexander Humboldt national park, climbing El Yunque and visiting the Yumuri gorge before moving on to a secluded beach north of Baracoa. Here there will be time to relax on the beach, swim and snorkel and recharge your batteries before heading for home.

An additional 3 day trip can be organised which offers fully guided hiking in the Pico Turquino national park and is available all year round (weather permitting). The itinerary includes trekking to the top of Pico Turquino itself, Cuba’s highest peak, and lets you experience the natural beauty and tropical vegetation of the Sierra Maestra mountains. Please click the link below for full details:

https://www.caledoniaworldwide.com/package/pico-turquino-trekking/

Itinerary
What's Included

Day 1: Santiago airport - Bayamo
Pick up from Santiago de Cuba accommodation or airport. Private transfer to Santo Domingo, a rural community at the gateway to the Turquino National Park in the Sierra Maestra mountains.
Arrive at your homestay with dinner & breakfast included x 2 nights.
Dinner at homestay.
Day 2 - Turquino National Park: La Comandancia Trail
Breakfast at homestay followed by full day excursion to explore Fidel’s secret revolutionary headquarters known as La Comandancia, deep in the heart of the mountains. Approx. 2 hour hike each way (3km each way). The park guide will lead you round the revolutionary base which is now a museum and one of the most famous of Cuba’s heritage centres. Picnic lunch included. Return to homestay. Rest of day free.
Day 3 Santo Domingo - Santiago de Cuba - cookery class
Depart for Santiago de Cuba (2-3 hours drive). Check into homestay x 2 nights. Afternoon cookery class in your homestay to learn how to make Cuban specialities such as tostones and bunuelos. Rest of day free to relax and explore
Day 4 Santiago - salsa/percussion
Free morning. In the afternoon, take a two hour salsa or percussion lesson with professional tutors. Visit the Carnival museum and watch the Afro-Cuban rumba performance. Rest of day free.
Day 5 Santiago - Baracoa
Late morning departure from Santiago to Baracoa by air conditioned taxi (5 hours journey). You will be dropped off at one of our selected homestays in the centre. Double room, half board x 5 nights.
Day 6 Baracoa - El Yunque hiking
Half day guided hiking to climb El Yunque, the iconic flat topped mountain outside Baracoa, with local guide and transport included. Rest of day free to explore Baracoa at your own pace.
Day 7 Baracoa, Yumuri Canyon boat trip
Full day excursion to the Yumuri Canyon, with a stop en route at a local cocoa farm to learn how cocoa is produced. Wonderful views from Bahia de Mata and then take a local fishermans boat along the river, with a stop for swimming. Lunch (cost not included) and stop at secluded beach on way back to Baracoa.
Day 8 Alexander Humboldt national park - hiking
Full day of guided hiking in the Alexander Humboldt national park, with transport and lunch included. Hike through luscious tropical forests and swim in a waterfall pool. Visit a local farm to drink fresh coconut milk and local coffee.
Day 9 Baracoa - bike tour
Full day of guided cycling (around 40km total) with local guide, exploring rural roads, mangroves and rocky coves. Traditional Baracoan lunch at Playa Cajuajo. Opportunities to meet local farmers and learn about their lifestyles and also visit a community cultural centre.
Day 10 Baracoa - Playa Maguana
Private transfer to 3* Villa Maguana (30 minutes drive) located on a small, secluded beach north of Baracoa. Beachside bungalow with half board x 3 nights
Day 11 Playa Maguana
Free time to relax
Day 12 Playa Maguana
Free time to relax
Day 13 Baracoa - Santiago de Cuba
Late morning private transfer from your hotel to Santiago de Cuba for last night in Cuba. Accommodation in one of our selected homestays. Concert in local live music venue with farewell cocktail.
Day 14 Depart Santiago de Cuba
Private transfer to Santiago airport/bus station for onwards travel.

Price includes:

10 nights homestay accommodation, half board (breakfast and dinner)
3 nights 3* beachside bungalow, half board (breakfast and dinner)
Private transfers by taxi to/from Santiago airport and also Baracoa – Hotel Maguana return.
Air conditioned scheduled bus Santiago – Baracoa return
All local transport, entries and national park fees for visits and excursions included in the itinerary
Specialist bilingual guides for visits/hiking

Please note that the price does not include:

International flights*
Cuban tourist card (the required visa)*
Tips

* These can be arranged by us on request

CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE OR BOOK

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