Pastelería Francesa El Jardín de Caridad

Cuba Adventure

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12 days (Havana)

Destinations visited: Cuba, Havana, World

Grading:

Introductory to Moderate 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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A cycling and walking adventure that captures the real Cuba

Cuba is a Caribbean gem that is ideally suited to cycle touring and our local guides lose little time in introducing us to their favourite haunts and hideaways in a country with such contrast. After exploring the cobbled squares and narrow alleyways of the music filled capital Havana, we set off to explore the lesser known regions of Cuba at handlebar level. We pedal into the rural heartland, averaging 50 to 60 km each day through an ever changing landscape. From misty valleys to open woodland, to the caves and crags that characterise the Vinales Valley and the equally impressive coastline, Cuba has it all. Our final days are spent in the beautifully preserved town of Trinidad, with it’s colonial Spanish architecture together with excellent walking in the rugged Topes de Collantes forest region. As a fine finale we return to Havana via Santa Clara and the hometown of Che Guevara. It is important to be aware that Cuban infrastructure is basic and to enjoy Cuba it is important to have a relaxed and flexible attitude.

Highlights

Cycling amongst the limestone karsts in the Viñales Valley
Sightseeing in the World Heritage sites of vibrant Havana & colonial Trinidad
Exploring Cuba’s countryside by bike
Che Guevara’s Mausoleum in Santa Clara
Walking in the Topes de Collantes forest
Relaxing on the Caribbean coast

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive 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$15) specified in your final tour voucher. You may also elect to have a prearranged transfer that can be organised with us before departure. As travellers will be arriving at different times, you should simply check in at the group hotel.

Day 2 In Havana

After breakfast, we’ll have a short group briefing where you will meet with your group leader and other members of the group. There will be an informal 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. After lunch at La Mina Restaurant, there will be a guided bus tour of modern Havana including the Malecón seafront drive, Revolution Square and the Miramar district. Dinner at the Rest Meson de la Flota.

Day 3 Commence cycling to Pinar del Rio

After breakfast we’ll transfer by bus to collect the bicycles. After some minor adjustments we’ll commence cycling west out of Havana, along the coastal highway to Mariel (50 km), a town founded in 1762 that is today a major industrial town and port 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 ideal for quiet cycle touring. After lunch we continue to Pinar del Rio, the capital of the province- a bustling town with many historical buildings. Accommodation is at Villa Aguas Claras – a quite resort about 20kms from the Viñales valley. Evening free.

Day 4 Cycling in the Viñales Valley

Depart for the Viñales Valley (18 km) in the Sierra de los Organos- 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, plus a vast cave network. Exploring this friendly and somewhat sleepy area by bike is ideal, giving us plenty of time to witness the farming techniques and to enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people, as well as exploring caves and the generally beautiful scenes at a leisurely pace. The cycling is moderately graded with some small hills. After a traditional lunch at Palenque de los Cimarrones Restaurant we’ll continue on to our evening accommodation.

Day 5 In the Viñales Valley

After an early breakfast we’ll cycle 18 kms to 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. Viñales town, a village of 4000 inhabitants that was founded in 1607 will be next on the agenda, before lunch at Mural de la Prehistoria Restaurant. Return to our hotel where we can enjoy the evening dinner.

Day 6 Boat to Cayo Levisa, continue to Soroa

This morning we travel by bus to Palma Rubia before taking the 10am boat to Cayo Levisa (50 mins). 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 the group has an opportunity to swim, snorkel, play beach volleyball and enjoy other beach-related activities. Lunch at Villa Cayo Levisa. We return to the mainland in the late afternoon (approx 5.30pm) and continue on by bus on to Soroa.

Day 7 Cycle in Soroa, return to Havana

Morning cycling in & around Soroa - the closest mountain resort area to the capital, known as the rainbow of Cuba. Here we will visit the Salto de Soroa, a waterfall in the Arroyo Manantiales, where it is novel to swim at the foot of the falls. Horseback riding along forest trails is another option. Lunch and continue to Havana where we’ll end the cycling section of our journey. There may be a little leisure time in Havana depending on the activities had during the day. Overnight in Havana with dinner at the Rest Café Taberna.

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Day 8 To Cienfuegos, Bay of Pigs and onto Guajamico

We drive about 4-5 hours southeast to Cienfuegos, crossing the Peninsula de Zapata - a vast wetland of mangroves, marshes and swamps & home to 160 species of bird and 31 types of reptile. We’ll enjoy lunch at Cueva de los Peces, a huge flooded tectonic fault, or cenote, about 70 meters deep where you can swim in crystal waters. The afternoon will 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 coastal resort of Villa Guajimico– a diving place with excellent coral reefs. Snorkeling is available here.

Day 9 Guajimico – Trinidad

From Guajimico it’s about a 45-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 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 till 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 flare 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 at Meson del Regidor, we have the afternoon free to explore this wonderful city. Here we will spend two nights.

Day 10 Day trip to Topes de Collantes

After an early start we drive up the steep windy hillsides to Topes de Collantes (2850m) in the Guamuhaya Mountain Massif. Depending on conditions, we’ll take a 4WD to our trek start point and undertake a 2-3 hour walk in the morning. Our walk through beautiful forest encounters waterfalls, birds, Butterfly Lilies, Royal Palms & Giant Reeds that are over 100 years old. A further highlight of the walk is the visit to isolated rural communities. The final stage of the walk winds up to Rocio Falls and the Venado (deer) pool, where the brave can take a dip in the fresh springs. Lunch will be at the La Gallega Restaurant that specializes in Creole food. In the afternoon, we have the option to take a different hike for 1-2 hours to see another part of the forest. We return to our vehicle and descend the steep mountainsides back to Trinidad and our hotel. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Day 11 Trinidad – Santa Clara – Havana

After breakfast we drive to Santa Clara, a city founded in 1689 by settlers who fled the coast fearing the ongoing pirate insurgencies. Today Santa Clara is an important university town but best known for the historic events that surround the great revolutionist Che Guevara. Che led the rebels in the battle of Santa Clara, a decisive victory over Batista's army that resulted in the triumph of the revolution. In the centre of town, the statue of Che Guevara stands in front of the provincial PCC, the Communist Party of Cuba building. After lunch we return to Havana and enjoy a farewell dinner at the Bodeguita del Medio.

Day 12 Trip concludes in Havana

Tour ends after breakfast. Make your way to the airport for departure or remain in Cuba.

Additional Information

Inclusions

11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 11 dinners
bicycles
support vehicle while cycling
private vehicles throughout
medical kit
comfortable hotel/cabin accommodation
sightseeing and entry fees as listed in itinerary

Summary

11 nights hotels/cabins

Trip Main Activities

Day Walking
Cycling

Group Size Min

Group Size Max

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack, along with a bike helmet (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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USD$2,460

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