Cuba Active Multisport Tour

Cuba
10 Days
9B 2L 1D
From$1,700 USD

An action-packed trip where you'll cycle, trek, and snorkel your way across Cuba. There's also free time in some of the towns to check out what Cuba is all about. If you love the outdoors, like to stay active, and enjoy immersing yourself in nature while having fun with like-minded travelers, this is the best Cuba tour package for you!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Havana

We'll pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Some flights to Havana arrive quite late in the evening, so there are no scheduled activities today.

If you arrive earlier in the day, you have time to relax and check out Havana. Our sister company offers some excellent Havana day tours if you prefer something more organized.

At 7:00 PM, your tour guide will meet with those who have already arrived and go for an optional dinner.

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In the morning, we leave for the charming town of Vinales, our destination for the next 2 nights. We'll arrive in time to do some optional (extra) activities in the afternoon, that you can select based on your preferences (see trip FAQs).

In the evening, we'll go out in Vinales, which has a great nightlife. There is only 1 bar and all the locals go to dance and listen to live music. It's one of the best places to experience how Cubans enjoy a night out.

DRIVING TIME: 3-4hrs / MEALS: Breakfast

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We start the morning with a half-day off-road bicycle excursion in the valley, through tobacco fields. We'll meet locals and enjoy the wonderful views of the pincushion hills around us.

For those who don't like bike riding, we can include a walking tour of the valley instead.

In the afternoon, select another one of the optional activities you didn't do on the previous day.

In the evening, we'll enjoy the Vinales nightlife again before our drive the next day.

MEALS: Breakfast

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The drive to the Bay of Pigs takes most of the day. However, on the way we stop for a snorkel at a beautiful spot along the bay. Snorkel equipment is available for hire at a low cost.

We spend the night in the town of Playa Giron, which is one of the beautiful beaches on the Bay of Pigs. It is also on the edge of Cuba's Cienaga de Zapata, which is a densely forested area featuring wetlands, swamps, caves, and sinkholes.

DRIVING TIME: 7hrs / MEALS: Breakfast

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The optional activities for the morning are scuba diving with experienced dive masters over some of the best coral reefs in Cuba.

Or, you can trek with a National Park's Guide through the nearby forest. Along the hike, you'll see wildlife, visit caves, and go to a freshwater sinkhole (cenote). The guide can find snakes, birds, and cave bats to show you, and swimming in the clean cenote is an exhilarating experience where you can snorkel with fish and turtles.

If you prefer something more relaxing this morning, hang out with your guesthouse family or take a short bicycle ride to the beach.

In the afternoon we head further along Cuba's Caribbean coast to the vibrant colonial city of Trinidad.

DRIVING TIME: 3hrs / MEALS: Breakfast

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Today we begin a 2-day trek through the mountains near Trinidad. It takes us through valleys, over ridges, along mountain streams, and to secluded waterfalls.

You don't need to carry your luggage on this trek and the national park employees take care of the cooking and tents.

If you prefer to stay in Trinidad, we can provide the extra night of accommodation free of charge as you wait for the rest of the group to return.

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Today we leave camp and continue the trek through the stunning Sierra del Escambray.

After completing the hike, we return to Trinidad for the night.

MEALS: Breakfast & lunch

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Today, we have a full day in the beautiful city of Trinidad. The main things that people enjoy about Trinidad are the colonial feel of the city, with its cobblestone streets and old mansions surrounding the town square.

There's also the vibrant live music and dance scene. There are several live music venues within short walking distance in the colonial center near to our guesthouses. Besides those, there is a very pleasant beach not far away, and other optional activities are available.

MEALS: Breakfast

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On our way back to Havana, we call in on the city of Santa Clara to check out the Che Guevara Museum.

Eventually, we reach Havana, where we'll celebrate the last night of the tour together as a group. Needless to say, Cuba's capital city has a huge range of colorful nightspots to choose from and experience.

DRIVING TIME: 6hrs / MEALS: Breakfast

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Today is the departure day of the tour and you are free to depart at any time. Your guide will be around and available until at least midday.

N.B. A departure transfer to the airport is not included. However, it is very simple to organize at your guesthouse. It should cost about US$20 per taxi, whether you share that with someone or go by yourself.

That said, we recommend you book a couple of additional nights in Havana to explore this exciting city further.

MEALS: Breakfast

What's Included

Included
  • Professional guide throughout the tour.
  • Airport arrival transfer on Day 1 of itinerary.
  • Meals: 2 x lunches, 1 x dinner, 9 x breakfasts.
  • Half-day cycling excursion in Vinales.
  • 2-day trek in Sierra Escambray Mountains.
  • Visit to Che Guevara Memorial.
  • Lodging (twin share): 8 x nights in Guesthouses, 1 x night camping in tents.
  • Transport: Private air-conditioned minibus, open-sided truck.
Not Included
  • International flights.
  • Visa fees.
  • Insurance (Travel Medical Insurance is required).
  • Meals not described in the itinerary.
  • Optional activities & activities not outlined in the itinerary.
  • Drinks.
  • Tips & gratuities.
  • Airport departure transfer.
Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

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Rated 5.0

7 verified reviews

Nadia
Nadia

(Oct 2024)

Cuban Adventures is AMAZING!!! The local guides are incredible, the tour itineraries are interesting and varied. My tour was during the 4-day national blackout and I still felt safe the whole time and had an amazing time. I can't say enough good things about this company and it's employees.

Tionne
Tionne

(Oct 2024)

Off the beaten track fully immersive style tour which was so informative and I learnt a lot about Cuba

Kirsten
Kirsten

(Sep 2024)

Traveled as an American woman by myself and had an amazing time! U.S. process was straightforward and easy to navigate. Felt very safe and comfortable during the entirety of the trip. Can't wait to book again!

Lauren
Lauren

(Mar 2024)

Our travel in Cuba was an incredible experience, and we met so many kind people who I hope to keep in touch with. I learned so much from this tour and am grateful for having decided to travel to Cuba in this way. It was life changing!

Rich
Rich

(Dec 2023)

I joined the 10-day active tour at the end of November. A fantastic experience from start to finish. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, and the tour program kept us busy whilst also allowing time to explore on your own. I would highly recommend Cuba to anyone who hasn't been, and Cuban Adventures do a great job of

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FAQs

Before you go

Optional activities are not included in the trip price and can be booked with your local Host through your Skyhook dashboard or directly in country. Payment for the optional activities will be directly in country to the local guides. Here is a list of the optional activities you can add to your trip: DAY 2 & 3 (Vinales afternoon) - Take on Cuba's best zipline: - Explore the impressive Cuevas Santo Tomas (Cuba's largest cave system): US$12+ US$25 transport (per taxi) - Learn to salsa with a local teacher: US$10/person - Taxi to Cayo Levisa, beautiful white sand beach 40mins away: US$20 to US$35 - Horse riding: US$5/hr - Rock climbing: DAY 4 (Bay of Pigs) - Snorkeling: DAY 5 (Bay of Pigs) - Scuba diving with experienced dive masters: - Trek with a National Park's Guide: DAY 8 (Trinidad) - Bus/taxi to the beach: Bus US$2/person, taxi US$8 - Scuba diving: US$60 (2-tank dive) - Ziplining: - Horse riding to a waterfall: US$25

You need an average level of fitness and must be ready for some fun and adventure to do this trip. The hike in the mountains requires you to hike about 10km each day while carrying your day pack. The walk is not particularly difficult. However, you need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy the experience. The difficulty level of the bike trip is medium. If you can ride a bike around town you should be fine. The heat and humidity can be another factor affecting people`s well-being, especially in the summer months of June, July, and August, when even the Cubans complain. While our guides work hard to ensure that everyone is catered to equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day’s activities unaided. You will be encouraged (rather than expected) to participate in optional group activities.

Accommodation is on a twin-share basis and, if you are traveling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another traveler of the same sex. If there is an odd number of group members and you have to have a room to yourself, you do not have to pay extra. If at some stage during the tour, you wish to have a room to yourself, the tour guide can arrange this on a request basis and charge you the difference in cost. This is subject to availability. If you decide at the booking stage, that you want a single room throughout the tour, contact your local Host as soon as possible through your Skyhook dashboard to make arrangements. Note that you'll pay this directly in country.

Cuba is a lot more expensive than most developing countries. Be prepared to pay as much for food and services, as you would in any western ‘developed’ country. Here's what to budget: - Food: Allow about US$25 to US$50 a day for food where no meals included - Other: Drinks, souvenirs, communications - Optional activities and excursions - Taxi to the airport for departure: US$25 to US$35 - Tips: US$2 to US$5 per person for local guides on day trips and other optional activities - Tips: US$3 to US$5 per person per day for your tour guide It's best to bring plenty of cash with you. Most cards issued by U.S. institutions will not work in Cuba. So bring more cash than you’d expect to spend, just in case. USD and EUR are the most useful currencies and are accepted in many places. You'll also be able to exchange money once you're in the country.

For privacy reasons, we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, the tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience this destination at a grass-roots level. The tours are conducted in English, so this tends to attract people from North America, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Most participants find the mixture of nationalities an interesting and enjoyable part of the experience. The age composition in the groups is really quite a lottery and can be made up of people of all ages. A typical group could be a couple in their 20's, a single guy in his 30's, 2 single women in their 30's, a woman in her 40's, and a single man in his 50's...

DOCUMENTS: - Passport (with photocopies) - Travel insurance (with photocopies) - Airline tickets (with photocopies) - Cash and travelers cheques (see FAQ) - Visa or MasterCard credit card (issued by non-US bank) - Any entry visas CLOTHING: - Fleece top or similar - Sandals and footwear for walking - Small towel and swimwear - 4 shirts/t-shirts - Sun hat - 1-2 pairs of shorts - 1 pair of long trousers - Refillable water bottle - Toiletries (including soap) - Sunglasses - Sunblock - Insect repellant - First-aid kit, including lip salve, aspirin, band Aids, anti-histamine, imodium or similar OPTIONAL: - Camera - Reading/writing material - Binoculars - Cover for backpack - Snorkeling gear - Healthy snacks

Yes, you can! Many of our guests are solo travelers. Joining a group trip makes it nice and social, and you'll meet like-minded adventurers.

We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, or a small travel case with wheels. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your luggage on and off buses and along cobblestone streets. If you need to leave some luggage in Havana, this will be possible and you can ask the tour guide to help you arrange this.

Meals and camping gear are provided, including sleeping mats and blankets. However, it's a good idea to bring a sleeping bag. Occasionally there aren't enough blankets, and it can get cold at night in the mountains, especially in the winter months of December through February. If you don't have a sleeping bag, a simple sleeping sheet will make you feel more comfortable. Here's what we recommend for the overnight hike: - Good footwear for walking - Hydration bladder/water bottle (2L capacity) - Snacks for hiking - Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses - Swimwear - Change of hiking clothes - Change of clothes for sleeping in - Toiletries (wipes, soap, bug spray, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, etc.) - Mini First-aid kit (aspirin, lip salve, band-aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar) Don't forget a day pack large enough to carry your personal items.

Yes, in most cases, your local Host can arrange additional accommodation at your starting or ending hotel. You can order this on your booking form. To do this, let your Host know by messaging them from your Skyhook dashboard. You can settle this directly in country.

We can cater for most dietary requirements, provided you let us know well ahead of time. If you have dietary requirements please 'Message Your Guide' after booking from your Skyhook dashboard and also indicate this on your Trip Form as soon as possible.

On your trip

There will be times when there'll be opportunities to tip local service providers - such as drivers and local guides. This is a completely optional practice to show your appreciation for excellent service and you should never feel obliged to do so, especially if you feel you did not receive good service. You may tip individually, or your tour guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. For local guides on day trips and other optional activities in Cuba, as a suggestion, we recommended a tip of US$2 to US$5 per person. Also at the end of the tour, if you felt your tour guide did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. For this, we recommend between US$3 to US$5 per person per day.

Accommodation is on a twin-share basis. If you're a solo traveler, you'll be paired with a member of the same sex. Guesthouse accommodation is in airconditioned rooms with ensuite bathrooms. The night camping is in tents, with camping equipment provided. We do recommend brining your own sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner (sheet), for hygiene and comfort.

Included in this multisport trip is: Day 3: Half-day cycling excursion in Vinales Day 6 & 7: Overnight hiking trek in Sierra Escambray Mountains Day 9: Visit to Che Guevara Memorial

Airport arrival transfers are included from Havana Airport if you arrive on Day 1 of the itinerary. The transfer is also included if you arrive in Cuba before Day 1, as long as you arrange pre-tour accommodation through your local Host. Otherwise, your Host can arrange your included transfer from your place of accommodation in Havana to the starting guesthouse for the tour. Note that airport departure transfers are not included. These are easy to arrange at your accommodation on the final day of the itinerary.

Other FAQs

Anyone 18 years or older can join our tours. Anyone under this age can also participate as long as they are accompanied by an parent or legal guardian.

Summer in Cuba is from June to August. These are the hottest months and some people (including the Cubans!) find the heat quite intense. Temperatures rise to 100 degrees F on the Eastern side of the island, which when coupled with high humidity, can be quite unpleasant. On the other hand, summer is one of the most festive times of the year with carnival being held in many cities, and festivals happening throughout the island. This is also holiday time for the Cubans so there are many social occasions. Summer is also a tourist high season because it coincides with the holiday season in Europe. Hotels, flights, and tours can often be booked out well ahead of time, and prices can be higher than during other times of the year. The hurricane season is from June to November with September and October being the months with the highest probability of cyclone activity. There is on average more rain in these months due to this tropical storm activity. When hurricanes occur they generally aren't a risk to life, however, they can cause some interruption to travel plans. Cuba's safety record concerning hurricanes is excellent and it is unusual that in even the biggest storms there is a loss of life. This is in stark contrast to other countries in the region (such as Haiti and even the US). Cuba is very well organized, disciplined, and prepared for such events and there are excellent evacuation procedures. We run tours during the hurricane season and if you book on a tour during this period you should be aware that hurricanes could disrupt the normal tour itinerary. The rest of the year in Cuba generally enjoys beautiful warm weather. December, January, and February are the coolest months of the year in Cuba where the average maximum daily temperature is 77F, and an average of 65F at night. During these winter months in Cuba, occasional cold fronts can make their way down from North America, during which, for a period of a couple of days, temperatures at night can drop to around 50F in some places. Rain may or may not accompany these cold fronts. There is more rainfall during the summer months and during the hurricane season. Even in these months the rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts, which can be a pleasant relief from the heat.

The Tourist Visa (or Tourist Card) is required by the Cuban Government for travelers from nearly every country. We recommend checking the entry requirements for your nationality to determine whether this information applies to you. The visa is valid for one entry for a stay of up to 90 days but can be renewed for an additional 90 days while you are in Cuba. It is important not to lose your visa while in Cuba because they will collect it when you depart.

If you are flying from any country other than the US to Cuba (even on a US passport), you will buy what is known as the 'Green' visa. This is the same as the 'Pink' Visa (see FAQ) but is a different color. We recommend checking your visa requirements with your local consulate. As an overview, here are the general visa requirements for various nationalities/countries of departure: -Flying from Latin America or the Caribbean (e.g. Mexico, Panama, Cayman): Purchase your visa at the airport during check-in for your flight to Cuba. The cost is around US$25-30. Verify with your airline in case of changes. You can also purchase in advance from a third-party visa service. - Flying from Canada: The visa is usually included with your flight. Verify with your airline. - Flying from Europe: The easiest way to get your visa is to buy from a third-party servicer. There are several companies that will ship the visa to your home. Make sure you order the tourist card with sufficient time to receive it before your trip. You can also deal directly with your local consulate.

If you are flying directly to Cuba from the US (e.g. Miami, Tampa, Houston), regardless of nationality, you need a Pink visa. You will purchase the visa in the airport before you board your flight to Havana. In the process of purchasing the visa, you will be asked to verify that you are traveling legally to Cuba. This is the time to select your category of general license, the most common is 'Support for the Cuban People.' The pink visa will cost between US$50-100 and the transaction takes just a few minutes to process. Some US airlines will also allow you to buy the visa in advance and ship it to your home. Airline call center staff are usually not well informed about travel to Cuba, so it's best to search the airline's website (Airline name + Cuba + Visa in a Google search) instead of calling to ask about the Cuba visa.

For this trip, we need at least two people booked on a date to confirm departure. If you are traveling solo, you're welcome to book, but please drop us a message beforehand to confirm existing groups.

We take a maximum of 14 people per group on this trip.

Your head guide is Alan

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Cuban Adventures, based in Newtown.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Alan