en
- Boutique
- 16-day trip
- From €4,100 p.p.
Cuba trip | Car trip West Cuba at its best
This 17-day tour of Cuba consists of an enjoyable self-drive tour in the west of the island, with stays in unique accommodation. Start your journey with four nights in Old Havana. During your stay , you’ll enjoy a delightful city tour by vintage car, coconut taxi and on foot, whilst savouring delicious meals at local paladares. You’ll then collect your hire car and drive to the Viñales Valley, where the famous Cuban cigars are produced and where you’ll go horse-riding past the tobacco plantations. The following days are dedicated to the Las Terrazas nature reserve and the beautiful UNESCO cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad. The trip concludes with a lovely beach holiday at Cayo Santa María.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Cuba
- Day 2 Havana city tour on foot and by coconut taxi
- Day 3 Vintage car tour of Havana
- Day 4 – 5 Start the self-drive journey to Viñales
- Day 6 Rainbow of Cuba: Soroa
- Day 7 Historic Cienfuegos
- Day 8 E-bike tour of Cienfuegos
- Day 9 Beautiful Trinidad
- Day 10 Topes de Collantes
- Day 11 Free day in Trinidad
- Day 12 – 15 Relaxation on Cayo Santa Maria
- Day 16 Departure from Cuba
- Day 17 Arrival
Air travel to Cuba
By plane, you will arrive in the Cuban capital Havana. On arrival you will be met by a transfer which will take you to your hotel for the coming nights. You will stay the first nights of your trip in the old, colonial part of Havana within walking distance of several places of interest.
Included
• Meet and greet on arrival
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Not included
• International flight
Havana city tour on foot and by cocotaxi
Today, a special day awaits you, during which you’ll explore Havana on foot and by coconut taxi together with your guide. During the city walk, you’ll visit the city’s main squares and sights. Afterwards, an American classic car will be waiting to take you on a one-hour tour along the Malecón to the historic Hotel Nacional. You’ll have lunch in Old Havana at a paladar, which literally means ‘eating at a Cuban’s home’. Eating at a ‘paladar’ is a phenomenon in Cuba: what began as a few tables in people’s homes where Cubans were legally permitted to cook for foreign guests has now grown to include the trendiest restaurants, some of which have achieved true cult status.
After your visit to the paladar, you’ll be taken back to your hotel by coconut taxi and will have the afternoon free to spend as you wish. You can now explore Havana further on your own or relax with a drink on a terrace.
Included
• Private city walking tour including classic cars and coconut taxis
• Lunch at a paladar, including transport
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Oldtimer ride through Havana
You’ll continue to explore Havana in a classic 1950s vintage car, which completes the Havana experience. This drive along the Malecón, Havana’s seafront promenade, through the city’s old and modern neighbourhoods, takes you to ‘Finca Vigía’. Hemingway’s Cuban home, which is now a museum, houses more than 22,000 original items that belonged to the writer, including records, books, paintings, personal documents, weapons and photographs.
In the afternoon, you’ll go on a private tour to sample Cuban rum and cigars. An expert will guide you through the history and contemporary significance of cigars and rum within Cuban culture and as key Cuban exports. You will learn all about the origins, cultivation and production of Habanos (Cuban cigars), with a special focus on the Vuelta Abajo – the region with the perfect soil, ideal climate and advanced cultivation techniques that ensure the unrivalled quality of Cuban cigars.
You will also meet Héctor Luis Prieto, winner of the Hombre Habano 2018 award, and sample one of his exclusive cigar brands. This unique experience is rounded off with a glass of premium Cuban rum and a traditional Cafecito, whilst you enjoy a panoramic view of the Capitol from the balcony of a beautiful colonial villa. A sommelier will guide you through selecting, preparing, lighting and smoking a cigar, so that you can experience this Cuban tradition with all your senses.
Included
• Avila Classic – Classic car tour
• Lunch at San Cristobal Paladar, including transport
• Private rum & cigar tasting
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Start your self-drive tour to Viñales
You’ll set off on your self-drive tour of Cuba. The first area you’ll visit is the region around the Viñales Valley in the province of Pinar del Río, situated west of Havana. For lunch, we recommend ‘Finca Agro-Ecologica’ with its panoramic views, or the private paladar ‘Alberto Vitamina’ near the Viñales caves. Enjoy a cocktail at the ‘Prehistoric Wall’, a work of art from the 1960s painted on a huge rock, before driving back to your accommodation. You’ll be staying in a spacious and charming house overlooking Viñales. It offers stunning views of the valley, the mogotes and the tobacco plantations.
During your stay, you’ll go on a horse-riding excursion, which is one of the best ways to explore the Viñales Valley. Depending on your preferences, you can combine various highlights during this horse-riding tour through the Viñales Valley. Along the way, you’ll visit a local campesino (farmer) and gain an insight into his daily life and work. In a traditional tobacco barn, you’ll learn how genuine Cuban cigars are produced using traditional methods.
Included
• Hire car
• Horse-riding excursion & visit to tobacco plantations
• Accommodation including breakfast
Cuba’s Rainbow: Soroa
You’ll drive back towards Havana and spend a night in Soroa, also known as the ‘Rainbow of Cuba’. This is a beautiful, lush destination. One of the highlights is the famous Orchid Garden (Jardín Botánico de Soroa), where over 700 species of orchids and countless exotic plants can be admired. In addition, the Soroa Waterfall (Salto de Soroa) is a must-visit; this 22-metre-high waterfall offers the perfect spot for a refreshing dip or a relaxing walk through nature.
For a breathtaking view of the Sierra del Rosario mountains, you can climb the Mirador de Soroa. From this viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lush landscapes. The UNESCO Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve is also nearby, just a 30-minute drive away. Here you can go hiking, birdwatching, ziplining or relax at the natural swimming pools of Baños del San Juan.
Included
• Car hire
• Accommodation including breakfast
Historic Cienfuegos
The journey continues to Cienfuegos via the Autopista. Cienfuegos is renowned for its beautiful French colonial architecture. Like those of Havana, Trinidad and Camagüey, its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your stay, you can visit the Cienfuegos Botanical Gardens, once founded by an American sugar baron and now home to over 280 species of palm. In the historic city centre, you can take a stroll through Parque Martí, the central square surrounded by impressive buildings, including the nostalgic Terry Theatre, where the famous opera singer Caruso once performed.
You can also drive to the Punta Gorda peninsula, where you can enjoy a stunning view over Cienfuegos Bay from the terrace of the Palacio del Valle. For lunch with a sea view, we recommend the private restaurant Paladar Villa Lagarto, a charming spot by the water at Punta Gorda. You can also organise enjoyable snorkelling and diving trips from Cienfuegos.
Included
• Car hire
• Accommodation including breakfast
E-bike tour Cienfuegos
You’ll explore Cienfuegos on an e-bike tour. You’ll start the tour along the impressive Bay of Cienfuegos and take a stroll through the modern marina, where the changes taking place in Cuba are evident thanks to the arrival of major catamaran charter companies. You will then cycle to La Punta, a stunning viewpoint overlooking the vast bay, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink.
You’ll then cycle along the Malecón and through the suburbs of Cienfuegos, where you’ll catch a glimpse of everyday Cuban life. On the way, you’ll visit the historic Cementerio La Reina and cycle on to the former parade ground, home to Cuba’s only triumphal arch, built in 1902 to commemorate independence. Around Parque Martí, you’ll admire impressive colonial buildings that serve as a reminder of the city’s former prosperity.
For lunch, you’ll stop at a paladar, where you can enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Museo Histórico Naval Nacional, where you’ll learn more about Cuba’s maritime history, and the Parque de las Locomotoras, where old steam locomotives from the heyday of the sugar industry are on display.
At the end of the day, you’ll cycle quietly through the characteristic residential neighbourhoods of this French Caribbean city on your way back to the starting point, whilst soaking up the unique atmosphere of Cienfuegos one last time.
Included
• Hire car
• E-bike tour of Cienfuegos, including lunch at a paladar
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Beautiful Trinidad
Today, you will travel on towards Trinidad. This is perhaps the most beautiful town on the island. Founded in 1514, the town experienced its heyday during the sugar boom in the 19th century. The many pastel-coloured colonial houses give the town a very cheerful appearance, attracting artists, romantics and tourists. Nearby, the green hills of 'la Sierra de Trinidad' (which includes Topes de Collantes national park) lend themselves perfectly to hiking and 'Playa Ancod' offers beach lovers a good option!
Included
• Car hire
• Accommodation including breakfast
Topes de Collantes
You’ll drive to the mountains of Topes de Collantes National Park in a jeep or Russian truck. At the information centre, you’ll meet your local hiking guide, who will accompany you to the starting point of the Guanayara Trail.
During the hike, you’ll walk through the subtropical rainforest, along the banks of the Melodioso River, whilst your guide points out the unique endemic flora and fauna found in this area. The highlight of the walk is the impressive 27-metre-high El Rocío waterfall and the natural lagoon El Venado, where you’ll have the chance to take a refreshing dip.
After this special nature experience, you’ll continue on to Finca La Gallega, where a rustic Cuban lunch awaits you. You’ll then return to Trinidad, full of new impressions of these beautiful surroundings.
Included
• Hire car
• Topes de Collantes excursion including lunch
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Free day in Trinidad
The final day in Trinidad is at your leisure. During your stay, be sure to visit the rustic Canchánchara, where you can sample the local honey liqueur. Afterwards, visit the Museum of Romance in the Palacio de Brunet or the City Museum in the Palacio Cantero to learn more about the rich history of this special city.
If you’d rather relax on the beach, we recommend driving to Playa Ancon. This beach is renowned for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. The beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Caribbean Sea.
Included
• Car hire
• Accommodation including breakfast
Relaxation on Cayo Santa Maria
You’ll drive on to the idyllic islets of the Jardines del Rey archipelago, where you’ll spend the next few nights on the beautiful island of Cayo Santa Maria. On the way, you can take a short detour to the Sugar Mill Valley, where you’ll visit the hacienda of the former sugar barons, the Iznagas, including the legendary slave tower. From the tower, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the stunning landscape. Afterwards, we recommend driving to the city of Santa Clara, where you’ll visit the Che Guevara Memorial and the Tren Blindado, both important historical sites that will tell you more about the Cuban Revolution. You’ll then continue on to Cayo Santa María.
Over the next few days, you can enjoy the sun and the blue Caribbean Sea. The beaches of the so-called Cayos (islets) are among the most beautiful in Cuba, and you can go snorkelling straight from the beach. There are various excursion options available from Cayo Santa María. For example, you can go on a catamaran trip to spot dolphins or go sea kayaking.
On the day of your arrival at Cayo Santa Maria, please return your hire car by 4.30 pm.
Included
• Car hire up to day 12
• Accommodation on an all-inclusive basis
Accommodations
Paseo 206
Paseo 206 is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Havana's stylish Vedado district among tree-lined streets, art galleries, Art Deco buildings and modern skyscrapers.
In this 1933 family home, the atmosphere is light, chic and romantic. The building has been restored to its original splendour...
Paseo 206 is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Havana's stylish Vedado district among tree-lined streets, art galleries, Art Deco buildings and modern skyscrapers.
In this 1933 family home, the atmosphere is light, chic and romantic. The building has been restored to its original splendour thanks to a meticulous renovation that has preserved the soul of the structure, while retaining the original architectural elements. Offering ten suites with a choice of master suite or junior suite, the accommodation is also among the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Your stay: 3 nights
Balcón del Ermitaño
Located in Viñales, Cuba, Balcón del Ermitaño offers accommodation in a peaceful setting. Guests can rent the whole house or share one and share with other guests. The house features large common areas and three terraces. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including...
Located in Viñales, Cuba, Balcón del Ermitaño offers accommodation in a peaceful setting. Guests can rent the whole house or share one and share with other guests. The house features large common areas and three terraces. Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including horse riding, guided cycling, kayaking, dance lessons and excursions in the area.
Your stay: 2 nights
Hotel Castillo en las Nubes Soroa
Hotel Castillo en las Nubes Soroa is a medieval-inspired mansion at the top of a hill. A secluded boutique hotel, it is 8 km from the Soroa highway and 85 km from José Martí International Airport. The rooms and suites all feature Wi-Fi, air conditioning,...
Hotel Castillo en las Nubes Soroa is a medieval-inspired mansion at the top of a hill. A secluded boutique hotel, it is 8 km from the Soroa highway and 85 km from José Martí International Airport. The rooms and suites all feature Wi-Fi, air conditioning, satellite TV, a minibar and a private bathroom. Hotel facilities include a swimming pool, a bar, a garden and a restaurant. Guests are a short drive from the famous Soroa Orchid Garden and the Los Manantiales and Salto de Soroa waterfalls.
Your stay: 1 night
Meliá San Carlos
Live an authentic Cuban experience from this beautiful hotel in the historic centre of Cienfuegos. The hotel was inaugurated in 1925 as the city's premier thanks to its elegant architecture, refined interiors and outstanding service. The rooms at the Melia San Carlos Hotel are fully...
Live an authentic Cuban experience from this beautiful hotel in the historic centre of Cienfuegos. The hotel was inaugurated in 1925 as the city's premier thanks to its elegant architecture, refined interiors and outstanding service. The rooms at the Melia San Carlos Hotel have been completely renovated and extremely comfortably decorated with neutral colours to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. The lobby has an elegant décor and the beautiful patios inside the hotel exude magic. The hotel also features bars and an excellent restaurant.
The top floor of the building hides one of the biggest surprises: the rooftop garden. A local hotspot that hosts the most important events in the area and offers the best views of the city and the bay. Watching the sunset from the rooftop is simply unforgettable.
Your stay: 2 nights
Hotel la Popa
The hotel is located in Cerro la Vigía on a hill that forms the northern highlight of the city of Trinidad. From there, you have excellent panoramic views of the part of the city, the mountains and the horizon of the sea, giving you the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful sunset in the afternoon and...
The hotel is located in Cerro la Vigía on a hill that forms the northern highlight of the city of Trinidad. From there, you have an excellent panoramic view of the part of the city, the mountains and the horizon of the sea, giving you the opportunity to appreciate the beautiful sunset in the afternoon and enjoy the colourful contrast of the beautiful city museum, held in time, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
The design stems from the reproduction of an old Spanish colonial house with four portals, interior gardens, cobbled floors and classic neocolonial style from the 18th century. The hotel has 52 rooms, including 4 suites and 5 rooms with a terrace overlooking the city. There are also 2 bars, a restaurant, lobby, a garden, parking and also a swimming pool!
Your stay: 3 nights
Royalton Cayo Santa Maria
Create holiday memories at the Royalton Hotel in Cayo Santa Maria. Here you can enjoy elegant and intimate accommodations with luxury and comfort and stunning ocean views, to delicious culinary experiences. The tropical, Cuban hotel and resort offers an unforgettable and unique holiday experience....
Create holiday memories at the Royalton Hotel in Cayo Santa Maria. Here you can enjoy elegant and intimate accommodations with luxury and comfort and stunning ocean views, to delicious culinary experiences. The tropical, Cuban-style hotel and resort offers an unforgettable and unique holiday experience. The hotel offers various facilities; a selection of room categories, unlimited food, premium drinks, free WI-FI, spa services and fun activities for all ages in a glorious Cuban setting.
Your stay: 4 nights
Experiences
Excursion Topes de Collantes
Early in the morning, you’ll set off for Topes de Collantes in the Sierra Escambray. Upon arrival, you’ll travel by truck into the mountains, where you’ll go for a walk along the ‘Guayanara Trail’ beside the ‘Rio Melodioso’. During the walks, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views of Pico San Juan, one of Cuba’s highest mountains…
Early in the morning, you’ll set off for Topes de Collantes in the Sierra Escambray. Upon arrival, you’ll travel by truck into the mountains, where you’ll go for a walk along the ‘Guayanara Trail’ beside the ‘Rio Melodioso’. During the walks, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views of Pico San Juan, one of Cuba’s highest mountains. Along the way, you can swim at the waterfalls and enjoy a rustic lunch whilst surrounded by nature! Late in the afternoon, you’ll drive back to Trinidad.
Destinations
Havana
Havana is the largest and most legendary city in the Caribbean. The city exudes history and boasts dozens of monuments. Whilst the UNESCO-funded restoration programme has introduced a touch of modernity to the city, Havana has managed to preserve its wonderfully idiosyncratic cultural heritage, its unique character and its undeniable charm.
Havana’s most famous sights are easy to reach. The old town is also a fantastic place to stroll leisurely through the streets and soak up the unique atmosphere. As well as the squares, cathedrals, picturesque alleyways and palaces, the ‘Malecón’ – the famous seafront promenade where the waves crash over the walls when the sea is rough – is an absolute must-see!
Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, Cuba is undoubtedly the Caribbean island with the most remarkable history. The socialist revolution led by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara is still visible and palpable in every corner of the country. The former Spanish rule is evident in the colonial towns. Travelling through Cuba allows you to experience this history for yourself.
The colourful local people are generally exceptionally friendly and proud of their country’s beauty. A tour of Cuba often begins in the legendary capital, Havana. Havana boasts the largest colonial centre in the whole of Latin America. There are beautiful squares, churches and stately buildings. Just like the historic centres of Cienfuegos, Camagüey and Trinidad, Havana’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trinidad, in particular, is picturesque and is definitely not to be missed on your trip through Cuba.
Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second city, is best known for its carnival, which takes place in July, and for the important role the city played in the revolution. It is a lively, typically Caribbean city, beautifully nestled between the green hills and the sea.
Cuba is rich in culture, but is certainly also a must-visit for nature lovers. Travelling through Cuba takes you past a variety of spectacular landscapes. In Viñales, for example, you’ll find unique rock formations jutting up from the tobacco fields, creating an enchanting landscape. The Sierra Maestra is home to Cuba’s highest mountains, covered in lush green forests. The views from these mountains are breathtaking. On the ‘Cienaga de Zapata’ peninsula, Cuban crocodiles and dozens of bird species inhabit the marshes.
Hundreds of coral islets, idyllic beaches and hidden coves line the entire coastline. Varadero and Guardalavaca are popular seaside resorts, whilst various cayos (small islands) offer seclusion and romance with their small, less-frequented beaches. Ideal for rounding off your trip to Cuba with a relaxing beach break.
Viñales
The Viñales Valley is situated in the province of Pinar del Río, west of Havana. This region is where the famous Cuban cigars are produced. Tobacco fields alternate with large, partly overgrown rock massifs. Another striking and unique feature of the valley is the presence of the ‘mojotes’, angular hills with flat tops that seem to rise straight out of the landscape. The word ‘authentic’ was invented for places like this, where traditional farming practices have survived and the small villages and farmsteads contribute to the exceptional atmosphere that prevails here.
The Viñales Valley offers a truly authentic experience of rural Cuba, as well as an ideal natural setting for a range of outdoor activities, including: birdwatching, rock climbing, cycling, hiking, horse riding and swimming in natural pools.
Soroa
Soroa is located in the Artemisa region of Cuba, southwest of Havana. It is a mountain town known for its incredible natural beauty with lush landscapes, majestic mountains and meandering rivers. It is also known as the 'Rainbow of Cuba'. In addition, the town is listed as a UNESCO biosphere reserve and is home to the waterfall called "El Salto del Arco Iris" and the Soroa Orchidarium, an orchid garden with the largest collection of orchids in the world. Visitors can look forward to exploring this nature reserve by bike or pay a short visit to the medieval castle "Castillo de las Nubes". The coffee plantations are also a major attraction.
Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos is a small town in the Central Cuban province of the same name. This charming port town was founded in 1819 by French settlers, and this French influence remains evident in the local architecture, a blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. The town overlooks a beautiful bay with pristine coral reefs and offers sun and beaches, alongside numerous opportunities for diving, sailing and even swimming with dolphins. Like those of Havana, Trinidad and Camagüey, its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The José Martí City Park, in particular, has a special charm.
Nearby lies the Bay of Pigs, home to the monument commemorating the American attempt at invasion. From here, you can also organise enjoyable snorkelling and diving trips.
Topes de Collantes
Topes de Collentes is a paradise for nature lovers: a small settlement surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve in the remote Escambray mountain range in central Cuba. Local attractions include therapeutic mud baths, horse riding and walking trails to the Salto de Caburni – one of the most popular walking routes through coffee plantations, ending at a spectacular waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs into the Caburni River. The Labatata, three kilometres from the town centre, is an underground river cave system with several levels of rock pools. Parque la Represa is a large park featuring an arboretum with over three hundred species of exotic trees. Art lovers should not miss the Museo de Arte Cubano, which houses a spectacular collection of postmodern and impressionist Cuban artworks and sculptures.
Trinidad
On Cuba’s spectacular Caribbean coast, nestled between the unspoilt white sandy beaches of Playa Ancon and the towering Sierra Escambray mountains, lies the impossibly beautiful town of Trinidad. It is perhaps the most beautiful town on the island and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The many pastel-coloured colonial houses give the town a very cheerful appearance, which attracts artists, romantics and tourists alike.
In the surrounding area, the green hills of ‘la Sierra de Trinidad’ (which also home to Topes de Collantes National Park) are ideal for a walk, whilst ‘Playa Ancod’ offers beach lovers a great option!
Cayo Santa Maria
The idyllic islet of Cayo Santa María is part of the ‘Jardines del Rey’ archipelago and is connected to the Cuban mainland via a spectacular bridge route, which also passes the islets of Cayo las Brujas and Cayo Ensenachos. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery, the azure-blue waters, mangroves and unusual wildlife. With a bit of luck, you might spot eagles, pelicans or pink flamingos!
Over the next few days, you’ll enjoy the sun and the blue Caribbean Sea. The beaches of the so-called Cayos (islets) are among the most beautiful in Cuba, and you can go snorkelling straight from the beach. There are various excursion options available from Cayo Santa María. For example, you can go on a catamaran trip to spot dolphins or go sea kayaking.
Cuba trip | Car trip West Cuba at its best
We offer the described trip from €4,100 per person.
The tour price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Overnight stays in charming accommodation
• Peugeot 301 hire car or similar model, including assistance with collection
• All meals as specified in the programme
• All excursions as mentioned in the programme, including Havana on foot and by coconut taxi, rum & cigar tasting, and a horse-riding excursion in Viñales
• All necessary private transfers as specified
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fee (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Accommodation with Cuban families in Casa Particulares
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Tourist visa for Cuba
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Local car hire costs, such as administration fees, additional insurance, excess waiver and fuel
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)