Immerse yourself in the local exotic life and discover the secret of Cuban laid-back happiness.
We arrive in Havana and check into a home hotel. In the morning we begin our walk in old Havana, built in 1519 by the Spanish colonialists. We will rent bright retro cars and drive along the picturesque seafront. Let`s park at the Capitol and explore this grand palace where the government of the country was located before the revolution of 1959.
Next we head to the colonial fort built by the Spaniards in the 18th century and walk along the Revolution Square. This is the place where all the most important events of the country take place, for example, Fidel Castro always gave his famously long speaches here.
Did we mention local coffee, rum and mojito? These drinks flow like water in every cafe and bar! And lots of music - from performances in every cafe to improvised concerts of street musicians. We will try to learn a few steps of the most popular local dances - bachata and salsa. Cubans are knows as the best dancers, but they are also great dance teachers! Fans of Ernest Hemingway will be happy to visit his favourite places in Havana.
In the morning we go to the town of Vinales (about three hours by rented transport). Here karst rocks rise above the bright fields and jungles, and people in the villages grow tobacco and keep cattle. We will enjoy a traditional dinner of local fish and lobsters. Delicious!
Next, we head to the tobacco plantations and cigar factory where we will see all stages of production of the world famous Cuban cigars. You can also try to roll your own cigar. Next day we explore the valley, visiting small villages and farms. This is very different, non-touristic Cuba, where life flows slowly, like a local river.
After breakfast we visit Santo Tomas cave (30 minutes on the way). This is the largest cave system on the island and the second largest in the entire American continent. Its length exceeds 45 kilometers! The tour with the local guide lasts for an hour and a half, we will see bizarre stalactites and stalagmites, halls hidden in the cave at various levels and minerals.
We then go to Сayo Jutias (one and a half hours on the way). This is a small Caribbean island, without hotels and tourist infrastructure. It boasts incredible beauty of wild beaches with white sand, clear water and coconut palm trees. In crystal clear turquoise water you can see a lot of starfish and exotic fish. There are no tourists here. We will be alone in this pristine paradise!
This trip is of easy physical grade. It includes long walks in the cities and a walking tour in the national park. We will travel by taxi, rented and public buses. All trips will be short - one for up to 6 hours, the rest up to 3 hours. Accommodation in the houses of local residents, in rooms for two people. All houses will have hot water, some will also have air conditioners.
