Paladar Bellamar G-Café

Best of Cuba

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15 days (Havana)

Destinations visited: Cuba, Havana, World

Grading:

Discovery and Cruising level

Grading Definitions

Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.
Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2 -3 months prior to departure.

Adventure Touring

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

Introductory

These trips involve trekking or walking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to five or six hours a day at a slow but steady pace and should never be misinterpreted to mean they are easy trips. These trips do not spend time at altitudes above 4000m and are usually a week in duration. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.
Suggested preparation: 30 minutes of aerobic type exercise, (either cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trek. For trekking, hill walking with a daypack in variable weather conditions is also recommended. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week for three months prior to departure is recommended.

Introductory to Moderate

These trips involve a combination of what is described in our INTRODUCTORY and MODERATE levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity with several moderate stages

Moderate

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health.
Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Moderate to Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling, rafting or sea kayaking for up to 6 or 7 hours a day at a steady pace. These trips may spend successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 5,500m and are usually between 10 and 15 days in duration. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested preparation: 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to five times a week for the three months leading up to your trek. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling is also recommended depending upon the activity you plan to undertake.

Challenging

These adventures involve trekking, cycling or rafting in remote areas in variable weather conditions for up to 8 to 10 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include spending successive days at altitudes not generally exceeding 6000m. These trips may often be over three weeks in duration. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8kgs (and in some cases a full pack) and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
Suggested preparation: One hour of aerobic type exercise, four to five times a week for three to six months prior to departure. Hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or on/off road cycling is also recommended.

Entry Mtn/Exploratory Treks

These adventures are classed as expeditions. They involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas. Suitable for first time mountaineers wishing to take the step from trekking into the realm of mountaineering. Prior experience trekking at altitude is preferable but not essential and you should be comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Prior technical mountaineering experience is not necessary. Terrain will involve low angle snow slopes. Ropes may be used during treks for glacier travel and steeper sections of ice and snow. When mountaineering, basic mountaineering instruction is given by our mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Intermediate Mtn Expedition

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and traveling on crevassed glaciers. Experience using ice axe and crampons is preferred but not essential.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

Advanced Mtn Expedition

These are our most challenging expeditions. Clients must have prior mountaineering experience. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Altitude is generally greater than 6500m. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing). Participation on one of these expeditions is subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides.
Suggested preparation: For grade 8-10 mountaineering expeditions you will need to be very fit and healthy. A minimum of 1 hour of aerobic exercise per session, four to five times a week is essential. Running and cycling in hilly areas is particularly beneficial as are multi day walks on the weekends. This is the ideal time to try out your boots and other gear to make sure you are prepared and ready for your expedition. If you are considering Intermediate or advanced level trips, you will need to discuss your preparation leading up to the trip with our expert staff.

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Experience Cuba's history, culture, natural beauty and diversity on this exceptional itinerary. This all encompassing itinerary offers the very best of Cuba, from end to end.

With beautiful countryside, friendly locals, an eternal summer, and a fascinating blend of cultures and history to match, Cuba should be put on every travellers wish list. Our journey begins in the capital of Havana, where old colonial buildings highlight the opulence this city once enjoyed. Leaving Havana we head west to the Vinales Valley and enjoy gentle day walks that take us into the dramatic limestone hills. We also enjoy the rural lifestyles and warm hospitality of the tobacco and fruit farmers of the region before heading to the white sands of Caya Levisa, the hill station of Soroa and UNESCO biosphere at Las Terrazas. Our journey continues along the south coast via the historic towns of Playa Giron, the infamous Bay of Pigs and Cienfuegos before heading on to the delightful colonial town of Trinidad and the rugged hills of Topes de Collantes. Our Cuban experience is complete with a few days in Cuba’s second largest town, Santiago de Cuba, famed for its Afro-Cuban culture which claims to be the heart of the nations rhythmic music.

Highlights

Explore Havana, Cuba's vibrant capital
Day walks in Vinales Valley
The beaches of Caya Levisa
Visit the hill station of Soroa
Bay of Pigs & Cienfuegos
Town of Trinidad
Time in Cuba's second largest city, Santiago de Cuba

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Havana

Upon arrival into José Marti International Airport in Havana please make your way through customs and to the baggage claim area. Make your way out of the airport and take a taxi to the group hotel (approx US$20) specified in your final tour voucher. You may also elect to have a prearranged transfer that can be organised with us before departure. In the evening there will be a short group briefing where you’ll meet other participants of your group and details of the itinerary will be discussed. Dinner is enjoyed at our group hotel.

Day 2 In Havana

After breakfast, there will be a guided walking tour of Old Havana visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Havana City Museum, the Cathedral Plaza and the Palace of Arts and Crafts. Following lunch at La Mina Restaurant, we’ll take a guided bus tour of modern Havana including the Malecón seafront drive, Revolution Square and the Miramar district. Return to the hotel for dinner. The evening is at leisure

Day 3 Havana – Pinar del Rio- Vinales Valley

After breakfast we’ll transfer by bus along the coastal highway to Mariel (50 km), founded in 1762 that is today a major industrial port town with the largest cement factory in Cuba. We travel inland to the Sierra del Rosario Mountains where Royal Palms sprout abundantly among the tobacco and sugarcane filled valleys. Few Cubans own or drive a car making the roads easy for touring. We visit Pinar del Rio, the capital of the province- a bustling town with many historical buildings where we’ll take a side trip to a local factory to witness the Cuban craft of cigar making – a must while in Cuba! Our drive to the Vinales Valley winds its way through the hills to our accommodation at basic but comfortable twin share cabins with attached bathrooms. Evening free.

Day 4 In the Viñales Valley

The Viñales Valley in the Sierra de los Organos is one of the prettiest natural areas in Cuba and the country’s oldest geological formation. The mogotes, (eroded limestone mountains) are the main attraction and date back 160 million years. Throughout the Vinales Valley there are small villages, mostly self sufficient farming communities and traders. The region is also home to a vast cave network. Exploring this friendly and somewhat sleepy area presents us with opportunities to witness the farming techniques that are a tradition of the area, and to enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people. First up we’ll revel at the impressive Santo Tomas Cave after which we’ll head to the historic village of El Moncada were the first revolutionary militia was formed in honour of the local hero Leandro Malagones. Return to Dos Hermanas with some leisure time and an evening dinner.

Day 5 Cayo Levisa – Soroa

After breakfast we travel north to Palma Rubia where we commence the boat crossing to Cayo Levisa. The island of Cayo Levisa is a small coral key off the north side of Pinar del Río and is part of the Archipiélago de los Colorados in the Gulf of Mexico. It is best known for its white coral beaches, thick mangroves, abundant seabirds and seas rich in red snapper, sea bass, lobster and marlin. Here we have an opportunity to swim, snorkel, sail catamarans, bird watch or simply relax. Lunch at Villa Cayo Levisa. Return to the mainland in the late afternoon and drive on to Soroa.

Day 6 Soroa – Las Terrazas- Soroa

A day trip to Las Terrazas Community provides a splendid insight into Cuba’s nature as we leisurely meander the Santa Serafina trails where major reforestation plans are underway to protect the flora and fauna for which the region has become so well known. Las Terrazas Complex covers 5000 hectares of mainly untouched land in the heart of the Sierra del Rosario Mountains, which was declared by UNESCO as the first Biosphere Reserve in Cuba. One of Las Terraza's many attractions is the wide variety of endemic flora. These plants range from towering trees to tiny flowers, including royal palm trees, mastic trees, curujeyes, tiny Bleteas, purpúreas and butterfly lilies (Cuba's national flower). The diversity of ecosystems is favourable to a wide range of fauna, as well including as reptiles, such as water lizards, and one of the smallest species of frogs in the world, small songbirds including finches, nightingales and the Cuba Trojans, Cuba's national bird. Many migratory birds also visit this enchanted area. An optional visit to the Orchid Farm and Las Nubes Lookout will be offered before we return to Soroa and overnight.

Day 7 To Cienfuegos via Playa Giron

We drive about 4-5 hours southeast to Cienfuegos, crossing the Peninsula de Zapata- a vast wetland of mangroves, marshes and swamps. We’ll spend time at Playa Giron, a huge flooded tectonic fault, or cenote, about 70 meters deep where you can swim in crystal waters. In the afternoon we continue with a drive around the famous Bay of Pigs, were the CIA-sponsored landing in April 1961, was defeated within 72 hours. Continue to Cienfuegos to discover the charm of the old city with its grand structures surrounding the central square, ending the day at our comfortable hotel.

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Day 8 Cienfuegos – Villa Guajimico

Today has been set aside to tour and explore the magical city of Cienfeugos – a city that is commonly referred to as the ‘Pearl of the South’. Interesting colonial architecture, unusual old trees and a relaxed atmosphere give the city its flair. The French found the town in 1819. The pioneers came from Bordeaux and Luisiana and laid the urban foundations with a vision to create a city of great refinement. Opera, orchestra and ballet are important performing arts of the city, and along the city square one can often hear the trumpets and drums emanating from the Tomas Terry Theatre as musicians rehearse. The museum, palace and time permitting Castle are also on our agenda for the day after which time we’ll drive on to Villa Guajimico to our evening accommodation.

Day 9 Guajimico - Topes de Collantes - Trinidad

Following breakfast we commence the drive through the rolling southern hills to the base of the Sierra del Escambray – a beautiful range that cuts across Central Cuba – to Topes de Collantes. Well known for its nature walks, there will be opportunity to enjoy wander in amongst its beautiful forest, encountering waterfalls, bird watching and butterfly spotting as well as enjoying endless lillies, Royal Palms & Giant Reeds that are over 100 years old. The Parque Codina, just south of Topes de Collantes provides further opportunities to walk, revealing a world of natural rock pools and waterfalls. By lunchtime, we should have built up a healthy appetite for our lunch at a local Restaurant that specializes in Creole food. We continue down the coast to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad.

Day 10 In Trinidad

Facing the Caribbean Sea, Trinidad is a metropolis of beautifully preserved colonial architecture. Much of the city’s fortune came about through the sugar boom that saw great wealth translate into elegant mansions, which to this day form the nucleus of the city. Trinidad is best explored on foot, along cobble stone streets that wind to open market places where old churches contrast with the culture of outdoor café entertainment. Like Havana, Trinidad is a great place to listen to some of the live music for which Cuba is world renown. Another appealing feature is the artistic talents of the town, and as you wander you’ll see merchants crafting their wares such as weaving, pottery, musical instruments, flower decorations, painting and the like. After lunch we may take an optional side trip to the Ancon Peninsula for a swim in the ocean.

Day 11 To Camaguey via Sancti Spiritus

After breakfast we drive on to Camaguey through the rolling hills of the Sancti Spiritus province. It was one of the original towns founded by the first Spanish colonists. Today it is known for it's gracefully decaying churches, its many preserved colonial buildings and it's confusing, irregular street plan. As the urban legend goes, the street plan was a deliberate ploy to deter attacking pirates. Accommodation and dinner will be at the Gran Hotel where the views of the city are superb.

Day 12 To Santiago de Cuba via Bayamo

We start the day driving to Bayamo - the second village founded in Cuba in 1513 by Diego Velázquez. It was here in 1869 that its inhabitants burned the city to spite the invading Spanish army forces. We continue on to Santiago de Cuba. Transfer to the Villa Gaviota Santiago for dinner and accommodation.

Day 13 In Santiago de Cuba

Cuba's second largest city, Santiago is surrounded by steep coastal bluffs. It was founded in 1514 by Diego de Velázquez and moved to its present site in 1588 and for some time served as Cuba's capital. Historically, it was captured by French and English buccaneers where a smuggling trade emerged with the British West Indies. Frenchmen fleeing the slave revolt in Haiti in the early 19th century settled in Santiago and this occupation has had a heavy influence on the city. Much of the Spanish-American War history revolved around Santiago's harbour. The city retains many colonial landmarks, notably its cathedral (the largest in Cuba) and the crumbling forts that stand on the high cliffs above the harbour. Our tour of the city will include the Moncada Garrison and the Morro Castle.

Day 14 Fly to Havana

The morning is at leisure in Santiago before taking our midday flight to Havana. Transfer to the Florida Hotel and overnight. We’ll enjoy a final farewell dinner at the hotel

Day 15 Trip concludes in Havana

Our journey ends upon check out from the hotel some time prior to 12 noon.

Additional Information

Inclusions

Private A/C transportation throughout
English speaking Cuban guide
Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Twin share hotel & bungalow based accommodation
Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
Pre-departure information kit
Domestic airfare Santiago de Cuba to Havana

Summary

15 day trip
14 nights hotels

Trip Main Activities

Day Walking
Adventure Touring

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

You will require comfortable walking shoes and a day pack to carry items of a personal nature during the day. (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).

What You Carry

In your daypack you will need to carry a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.

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