Cuba - Exploring Hidden Culture - 10 days
Cuba - Exploring Hidden Culture - 10 days
What’s Included | Itinerary | FAQs
Cuba is jam-packed with color, life and history. We’re bringing back one of our favorite trips and getting behind-the-scene with positive, energetic and passionate guides who will bring us through lesser-traveled routes and experiences only accessible with locals.
“This trip was one of the best experiences of my life. One of my favorite memories was riding horses in the rain with the group that we had... You can’t just do that anywhere with anyone.”
What's Included
Included
Accommodations at homestays
Local expert guide(s)
All breakfasts
Rides to and from airport
Transportation from city to city (doesn't include cabs for nights out.)
Admissions to Rum Museum, El Morro Castle, a cigar factory, El Nicho Waterfalls and a private catamaran ride.
Not Included
Flights from your home country
Visa (we can help American citizens, with this, if needed)
Travel insurance (not required, but highly suggested)
Additional activities like snorkeling, horseback riding, etc.
Taxis for going out
Any meals not listed
See our Previous Trip
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Havana, drive to accommodations; dinner and night out in Havana.
Day 2: Full day in Havana with our local guide who will guide us through the art, history, food and music of the city.
Day 3: We'll have another full day in Havana––this time in Vedado area of Havana.
Day 4: Morning drive to Trinidad. Spend the late afternoon horseback riding, visiting a hidden waterfall and passing by a coffee plantation.
Day 5: Morning drive to El Nicho Waterfall in the countryside. We'll dip in the natural pools and stop for lunch in the mountainside. Arrive in the French influenced city of Cienfuegos at night.
Day 6: Leisurely breakfast followed by a private catamaran ride with fishermen in Cienfuegos. Drive back to Havana in the afternoon. Group dinner in Havana.
Day 7: Day n Havana to catch any sights you may have missed. Last group dinner at an award winning restaurant in the city.
Day 8: Breakfast and morning in Havana. Depart for the airport for flights back home
* Activities, the order events and locations may change without notice if there unforeseen circumstances like weather, etc. Any changes to the itinerary will be substituted with a similar activity.
72% of our travelers join a second trip or experience within a year of traveling with us.
85% of our travelers keep in touch a year after their first trip with Map&Move. Often it's much longer.
32% of people who've joined a Map&Move trip or experiences later volunteer to host post-trip reunions themselves. The tribe keeps growing!
FAQS
Should I get vaccinations for my trip?
No vaccinations are required for Cuba.
What legal documents do I need to travel to Cuba?
You will need your passport, a visa and a tourist card which allows you to stay in Cuba for up to 30 days. We include a tourist card in our price and we can advise on visas.
What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?
We recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, since suitcases can be cumbersome and hard to store in our transport vehicles. You’ll be carrying your bags in and out of accommodations.
How big are your trip sizes?
Our international trips tend to be 8-12 people and our bigger, local trips are around 20-35 people. This has been our formula for keeping group sizes small enough to form meaningful bonds, but big enough to meet an array of people.
I want to go earlier or stay longer. Can I book extra nights of accommodation?
Yes. We can help you arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending accommodations but are will be responsible for the additional cost. Please let us know at least 2 months before your date of departure since casa particulars tend to be small and get busy.
Should I tip local guides and if so, how much should I budget?
Tips are not included in our price and tipping is entirely at your discretion.
I have dietary restrictions. What should I do?
Send us your details of your dietary restrictions so we can accommodate early on.
What should I pack?
You’ll be getting a suggested packing list ahead of time but we always recommend packing light since we will be traveling to different destinations.
How safe are your trips and experiences?
We take safety seriously and talk about safety precautions before (during our trip orientations and chat groups) and during the trip. We monitor travel advisories and plan ahead for emergencies. We make every effort to keep you informed, so you can act responsibly for yourself. Because we are in daily contact with our guides once a trip starts, we can make changes to the route and activities quickly if needed.
What if my arrival flight is delayed? Can I join a trip late or leave early?
Yes, we always leave some flexibility on the first and last days of the trip. Be sure to let us know so we can coordinate. If you arrive before or decide to stay later than the tour dates, you’re responsible for your own arrangements, as well as any costs associated with it.
Is it legal for US citizens to visit Cuba?
While it is legal, there are restrictions. Individuals are able to visit the country for the purpose of supporting Cuban people. Our itinerary and partnerships with local businesses and guides ensure that our trips fit all criteria.
How do you create authentic, local experiences?
There are many local experiences and hidden gems that can’t be found online. These are experiences that are created by small local businesses and entrepreneurs. We invest time into curating these little secrets with local guides so that our travelers get authentic experiences, and the majority of our money goes back to the local communities and places we visit. Win-win.
What is your community like?
Our community is 60% female and 40% male. They range from 22 to 45 years old, with the average being 27. They range from experienced startup founders to solo entrepreneurs to freelance creatives to social changemakers to corporate professionals making their mark on the world.
Can I come alone?
Come alone or bring a friend. Our community varies from new travelers looking to dip their toes into world exploration to independent explorers looking for adventurous company. It's the benefit of solo exploration, with the support and safety of like-minded travelers.
I don’t usually like to travel with groups. Is this trip for me?
We call ourselves group travel for independent travelers. We know the value of solo exploration as well as group discovery so we create flexible itineraries designed for people to go off-script. The group will only be expected to stay together for transportation between cities or anytime our guides ask that for safety.
Do I need travel insurance?
As with all travel and physical activities, there’s an element of risk. Unfortunately, Map&Move cannot be liable for any harm to you or your belongings. So while It’s not required, we recommend it. Some credit cards provide travel insurance, so check with your card service before traveling. Travel Insurance is a site we like to find and compare affordable travel insurances.
What are accommodations like?
We value comfort and safety and the benefits of staying local. We’ll be staying in casa particulares, or private homestays. Rooms are shared with the option of upgrading to a private room in advance.
What days and times should I book my flights?
While our trips don’t include flights, we give suggested flight times and flight tips once you put a deposit down and reserve a spot. Make sure to check with us before booking your flights so we can confirm your spot. We also provide a flight-booking service for an additional $100. Get in touch for this option.