This suggested 9-day trip is for travelers that are looking for something different or have already visited Cuba before and want to see more of the Island. Embark on your eastern adventure in Bayamo, do a gentle hike to reach Fidel’s hideout – the headquarters for the Cuban revolution. Explore the local culture of Santiago de Cuba and visit Baracoa. You end the trip on the white sand beaches near the way off the beaten town of Gibara.
Suggested Itinerary
Day one: Welcome to Eastern Cub
Today you’ll be driven high into the Sierra Maestra mountains to Villa Santo Domingo. Situated along the Yara River, from here you can enjoy horseback riding, hikes and walks along trails of historical and natural interest and beauty. Santo Domingo is also the venue of lively guateques, where the typical music of the region enraptured its listeners. Since all of our trips are custom designed, you can also stop for the night in Bayamo to enjoy Fiesta de la Cubanía, an ebullient street party, the likes of which are found nowhere else in Cuba.
Day two: Follow Fidel's Castro Steps to La Comandancía
Today you embark on a gentle trek through the Sierra Maestra mountains to reach Fidel’s hideout – the headquarters for the Cuban revolution. Here you can see the completely preserved huts where Fidel and Che Guevara led the group of revolutionaries to ultimate victory in the Cuban revolution. After your hike, you are driven to Santiago de Cuba where you can enjoy dinner at one of our favorite local paladares. There is plenty of time for after-dinner drinks at Casa de la Trova – one of the best live music venues in Cuba, specializing in Son music.
Day three: Get to Know Santiago de Cuba
Today, you’ll be taken on a privately guided visit of Santiago – you’ll visit the main historical and cultural places of the urban historic center of the city, such as the Moncada Barracks and museum, the Revolution Square and other historical, religious and cultural sites.
What else can you do?- Excursion to Cobre Sanctuary and Cimarrón monument
- Witness a tumba francesa performance, declared an intangible cultural heritage by Unesco.
- Visit the tiny island of Cayo Granma in Santiago Bay
- Snorkel experience to a the sunken boat Almirante Oquendo
- Enjoy an ice cold beer on the veranda of Hotel Granda
Day four: Explore Santiago de Cuba
Today you have a free day to explore Santiago de Cuba on your own. Enjoy the sunset along the Malecón, walk along Enramada Street, have ice cream at Coppelia, or relax at Céspedes Park.
What else can you do?- Visit the oldest house still standing in Cuba, built in 1522.
- Visit Emilio Bacardí museum
- Learn more about the revolution at Museo de la Lucha Clandestina
Day five: Baracoa
Transfer to Baracoa, a secluded town that is culturally hundreds of miles from Havana. Your local guide will offer an in-depth explanation on how Baracoa’s unique and isolated location, hidden among mountains and along beaches, miles away from ‘modern’ Havana, has shaped the local culture and tradition. You will also visit a cocoa farm, afterward, you’ll enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Yumurí River. Finish the day at a picturesque stretch of beach, where you can enjoy drinks at a family-owned restaurant, savoring those ocean views.
What else can you do?- Visit biodiversity hotspot of Alejandro Humboldt Park with a local guide
- Visit Seboruco's Castle
- Enjoy live music at Casa de la Trova
Day six: Yunque Hiking Excursion
Today you will hike to Yunque, the iconic mountain that is in all the photos of Baracoa. You’ll then have the chance to traverse the way off the beaten path coastal route to Gibara.
What else can you do?- Visit Casa Chocolate
- Visit the Colonial Museum
- Visit the local beach, Maguana
Day seven: Gibara
Matched only by Baracoa for its wild coastal setting, half-forgotten Gibara, with its faded pastel facades and surging ocean rollers, conspires to seduce you. There’s a cultural life here that seems big for a small town. It is here, in this tranquil atmosphere you can soak in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
What else can you do?- Relax at one of the local beaches
- Explore the Rocazul Biopark
- Be fascinated in Caverna Panaderos, a complex cave system
Day eight: Gibara
Today you will have a free day to relax at the beach or decide to do one of the many water sports.
Day nine: See you Later Cuba
Today you catch your flight home full of memories of Cuba and wishing your stay had been longer. Since all of our trips are custom designed, let us know if you want more time in Santiago, Baracoa or at the beach!
What more?
Your accommodations
We use a variety of accommodation styles from charming casas particulares to boutique style B&Bs or hotels. All ¨casas¨and B&Bs in our portfolio have private bathroom facilities and air conditioning, and we have hand picked our accommodations to ensure the highest standards and are well located.
Experience the real Cuba
It’s a given that during your trip, you see the highlights and historically important sites but what really sets the experience apart is our local guides. Our five star guides bring Cuba to life through their personal stories and life experiences, They are all about showing you the real Cuba to discover things you won’t find out about any other way.
Why travel with us?
Customized and private trip
We’re full of ideas and we take time to design a trip for you that ticks all the boxes. We have the knowledge and contacts to ensure that your trip is a once in a lifetime. Our five star guides bring Cuba to life through their personal stories and life experiences, They are all about showing you the real Cuba to discover things you won’t find out about any other way.
Responsible travel
We pride ourselves on delivering an enriching ‘local’ experience in Cuba– and therefore we feel it’s our responsibility to leave a positive impact as well as reduce negative impacts. We are committed to working in a socially and environmentally conscious way, and making a positive difference. Click here for more details about our responsible travel journey.
What our clients have to say?
Over the years we’ve been creating inspirational and immersive trips for our clients, and what better testament to this than to hear the great things they have to say about their experience, and our service. We have plenty of great reviews to share, be sure and click here to read some.
