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Cuba & Central America
Havana to Antigua
15 Days
From
US$ 2,300
+ Local Payment of US$150.00
View Tour Notes
Start your holiday on the lively island of Cuba where you will visit tobacco farms, take salsa lessons and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of colourful Havana. Spend time in Caye Caulker in Belize before exploring ancient Maya ruins in Tikal. Finishing your tour in Antigua, marvel at the volcanoes that surround the city.
Tour Components
This tour is made up of two separate tour segments. You will have one tour leader in Cuba, and another tour leader from Playa del Carmen to Antigua. Your group will fly from Havana to Cancun with no tour leader, however be assured you will be dropped off and met by local representatives. Please contact an adventure specialist for further information.
Itinerary
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Day 1 to 1 - Arrive Havana
Welcome to Cuba! Your tour will begin with an arrival transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Havana. You are free to arrive at your leisure and you will meet your tour guide and fellow travellers tonight.
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and it sure does pack a punch - drawing eager travellers excited to see what the fuss is all about. Essentially cut off from the rest of the world until the embargo was lifted in 2015, Cuba is now a thriving destination with an electric culture. Your days in Cuba will consist of sunshine, music, history, beaches and an overall contagious atmosphere! From the colourful colonial buildings to the picture perfect 1940s cars, Cuba is taken straight from a postcard.
Havana is considered the beating heart of Cuba. The UNESCO Old Town is a wonderful place to stroll around, taking in the architecture and colours that surround you. Wander Centro Habana, the most colourful district in Havana and check out Havana Viego, where the majority of UNESCO sites are situated. Learn from the Revolution Museum or explore the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Please Note: Throughout this tour you will be staying in casas particulares. These are locally owned Cuban B&B's and offer an authentic taste of life in Cuba. Each casa will be different but you will always enjoy a private room.
Included Excursions
Arrival transfer
Accommodation
1 night(s) in casas particulares 
Day 2 to 2 - Cienfuegos via Bay of Pigs
Today we make our way to Cienfuegos, stopping off at the Bay of Pigs en route This infamous site was where the US attempted a military invasion of Cuba in 1961 - ultimately failing. There is a museum where you will further learn about the history, and you will then have some time to swim or snorkel in what can only be described as one of Cuba's best reefs!
We then continue onto Cienfuegos, also known as the Paris of the Caribbean due to its wide boulevards and expansive parks. In 1819 the city was settled by French migrants who made it their home. French influence can be widely seen throughout the city and many of the streets reflect the French language in their name: Bouyon and D'Clouet for example.
Upon arrival we will enjoy an orientation walk of the city. Get your camera ready for the charm and history that will be found throughout! We will visit the Castillo de Jagua, the ancient fort that once protected Cuba from pirate attacks. We will stroll through the picturesque Parque José Martí before relaxing by the oceanfront walkways of Malecon. Finally, we will make a stop at the gorgeous Palacio de Valle, a historic villa designed by an Italian architect, where we will enjoy an included drink.
Approximate Travel Times: 5 hours in an air conditioned private vehicle.
Included Excursions
Visit the Bay of Pigs
Accommodation
1 night(s) in casas particulares
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 3 to 3 - Trinidad via Santa Clara
After breakfast we will travel towards Trinidad, making a stop at Santa Clara on the way. Santa Clara holds a special place in the revolutionary history of Cuba and today oozes a youthful culture and lively nightlife due to having one of Cuba's largest universities.
Santa Clara is infamous for being one of the final and bloodiest battles in the revolution, and is the final resting place of Che Guevara - a hero of the Cuban Revolution. Guevara arrived on New Years Eve in 1958, fighting against the regime of General Batista. A mere 12 hours into the battle, Batista fled Cuba and the revolutionaries claimed victory. Guevera quickly became a key figure in the Cuban Revolution and later attempted to incite the same in Bolivia - ultimately leading to his execution. His body was returned to Santa Clara and laid to rest in what is now known as the Che Guevara Mausoleum.
We then continue to Trinidad, one of Cuba's most alluring destinations. The town was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988 and we guarantee you will find beauty around every corner, from the cobbled streets to the smiling residents. You will enjoy a guided Trinidad Township walk, learning about the history and culture of this fascinating town.
Approximate Travel Times: 3 hours in an air conditioned private vehicle.
Included Excursions
Santa Clara & Trinidad Walking Tours
Accommodation
1 night(s) in casas particulares
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 4 to 4 - Trinidad
Today you are free to enjoy Trinidad and the many activities on offer. Options include scuba diving or snorkelling in the crystal waters, moped or bike rental to further explore on land or perhaps a train ride through the valley of the sugar mills!
You could also catch a bus to Playa Ancon beach - the perfect spot for some relaxation. When the sun goes down, we get on our dancing shoes and enjoy a fun salsa class!
Accommodation
1 night(s) in casas particulares
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 5 to 5 - Viñales
The charming village of Viñales offers a different side of Cuban life. As you drive towards this rural area you will see more of the quaint Cuban countryside, where farmers grow tobacco for Cuban cigars in the heart of the Pinar del Rio Valley. Arriving late afternoon you can enjoy getting acquainted with the village and all it has to offer.
Located in Western Cuba, Viñales was established in 1878 and consists of wooden houses and picturesque valleys as far as the eye can see. Don't be fooled by the quiet atmosphere though - when the sun goes down the rum comes out and the residents will be dancing the night away!
Approximate Travel Times: 7 to 8 hours in an air conditioned private vehicle.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in casas particulares
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 6 to 6 - Viñales
Today we enjoy a walking tour of the local area so we get further acquainted with Vinales. We will visit a tobacco farm and drying house to learn all about the tobacco process and lives of the farmers in the region. Enjoy lunch at an organic farm before having a free afternoon.
You could book onto the Santo Tomas caving excursion, where you will experience the largest cave in Cuba and second largest in Latin America! Or perhaps you would like to rent a bike and explore the local valleys, taking in the peaceful scenery and tobacco farms in the region. You could also opt for a local cooking class and learn the secrets behind some of the most loved foods in Cuba.
Included Excursions
Vinales Walking Tour & Lunch at Organic Farm,Visit Callejon de Hamel
Accommodation
1 night(s) in casas particulares
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
Day 7 to 7 - Havana
Head back to Havana for the last two days of tour. There will be plenty of activities to keep you occupied, including a tour of the city in a classic American car. Get your camera ready for some perfect photoshoots! We will then visit a lovely roof terrace in the Old Town where you will learn the secrets behind the delicious Mojito in a cocktail class.
As it?s the final night we will get together for a rooftop dinner and watch the sunset.
Approximate Travel Times: 3 hours in an air conditioned private vehicle.
Included Excursions
Orientation Walk of Havana & Classic Car Tour,Partagas Cigar Factory
Accommodation
1 night(s) in casas particulares
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Dinner(s)
Day 8 to 8 - Fly to Cancun & Transfer to Playa del Carmen
This morning you will be transferred to the airport by our Tucan Travel rep for your flight to Cancun, and will there find your transfer to the beachside paradise of Playa del Carmen.
Playa del Carmen is located along the Yucatan Peninsula Riviera Maya strip of the Caribbean shoreline. Known for its sugar white beaches and palm-lined shores, it?s the perfect destination to kick back and relax while enjoying a host of water based activities.
Visit the island of Cozumel or the amazingly located Maya/Toltec ruins of Tulúm. There are also many 'cenotes' in the area. Cenotes (se-note-tays) are freshwater swimming holes connected to underground limestone cave systems once sacred to the ancient Maya.
Included Excursions
Airport Transfer
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Playa del Carmen or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 9 to 9 - Caye Caulker
This morning we take a private transfer to the border of Belize before hopping on a ferry to Caye Caulker. A small Caribbean island off the coast of Belize, Caye Caulker is the ultimate destination for beach relaxation. Cars are prohibited and the islands moto is go slow.
Arriving early evening, you are free to spend time settling in to island way of life. Rent a bike to explore the island or take a walk along the beaches. Try out one of the local restaurants where you can sample fresh seafood, and enjoy tropical cocktails in the evening.
Please Note: When departing Mexico you will need to pay a small departure fee of approximately MXN 550.
Approximate Travel Times: 6h30 including the border crossing into Belize, but please note this can take shorter or longer depending on the day.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Tropical Paradise Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 10 to 10 - Caye Caulker
Today is free to experience the crystal blue waters and beach activities. Your tour leader will be available to recommend various options to fill your day.
You could take a boat out to Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim within a few feet of nurse sharks and majestic manta rays. If you are lucky you can also spot manatees. These peaceful creatures are often quite curious and will approach visitors. Another optional snorkelling tour takes you out to Hol-Chan Marine Reserve where you are guaranteed to see lots of colourful fish and interesting reef formations. Qualified divers can explore the so-called bottomless "Blue Hole", made famous by the explorer Jacques Cousteau (please note: this optional excursion does not go every day, check locally for availability). Other options include sunning yourself, riding a bike around the island, or trying your luck at fishing. If you are lucky, you can take your catch to one of the local restaurants so they can BBQ it for you.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Tropical Paradise Hotel or similar
Day 11 to 11 - San Ignacio
This morning we hop back on the ferry and travel to Belize City, before continuing our journey to San Ignacio by local bus.
San Ignacio is a town in western Belize and forms the main population center of Cayo District. It is situated on the banks of the Macal River and joins the neighbouring town of Santa Elena by suspension bridge.
The surrounding jungle, wildlife, waterfalls, rivers and caves, have created the ideal location for the numerous optional adventure excursions. The town itself is small and charming, with various restaurants dishing up traditional cuisine.
Approximate Travel Times: 5h including ferry to Belize city and taxis to the hotel.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at The Aguada Hotel or similar
Day 12 to 12 - San Ignacio
Today is free to enjoy more of the adventure activities in the area. A popular excursion is visiting the Caracol Ruins, the largest and most important ancient Maya archaeological site in Belize.
Other great options are to canoe down the river, tube through caves, or visit the famous caves Actun Tunichil Muknal, where they found untouched Mayan ceremonial and sacrificial remains.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at The Aguada Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 13 to 13 - Flores & The Maya Site of Tikal
Saying goodbye to Belize we cross into Guatemala to the charming island-town of Flores. When departing Belize you will be required to pay a small fee of $40.00BZD, and on arrival in Guatemala another small payment of 10q is required.
Flores was the last town to be conquered by the Spanish and is situated in the centre of Lake Peten Itzá. On the way to Flores we stop at the breathtaking Maya site of Tikal. It is regarded as the greatest city of the Maya world and is nestled deep in the jungle. This complex is one of the biggest Maya sites discovered, and you will have most of the day to explore and learn about the flora, fauna, and amazing Mayan history with our knowledgeable local guide.
The area around Tikal has been declared as the Tikal National Park and the preserved area covers 570 square kilometres. The ancient city has been completely mapped and at its height covered an area greater than 16 square kilometres, with more than 3000 structures. Today the main centre covers an area of approximately two and a half square kilometres. As you wander the site, you will see several tall mounds which have not yet been excavated, and you will have the opportunity to climb some of the tallest Mayan temples.
The emphasis was on height when creating these imposing structures because the Maya believed the higher the building, the closer they were to the gods. Around Tikal there is a lot of animal life, and if you're lucky, you will have the chance to spot the noisy howler monkeys, pizotes (a racoon-like animal), exotic birds such as toucans, and much more!
Approximate Travel Times: 2h30 to Tikal and a further 1h30 to reach Flores on a private vehicle.
Included Excursions
Entrance and guided tour of Tikal
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels At Hotel Sabana or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 14 to 14 - Fly to Antigua
Today we fly to Guatemala City and then have a short private transfer to nearby Antigua. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua is one of the most delightful colonial towns in Central America and the capital city of Guatemala.
The local indigenous can be seen throughout the cobbled streets and plazas of the city in their colourful costumes, selling their crafts and textiles. As the cultural centre of Guatemala, Antigua is an ideal place to experience the traditional music, architecture and art of the country. Rich in ornate churches, convents, parks, plazas, cafés, restaurants, bars and colourful street markets and surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanoes, Antigua is one place you will never forget.
Approximate Travel Times: 2h30 including flight and private transfer to reach Antigua.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Posada Los Bucaros or similar
Day 15 to 15 - Depart Antigua
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
What you need to know
- We will try to run your tour as close to the itinerary as conditions will allow. On very rare occasions, local events may affect the way your itinerary operates. We ask for your flexibility and understanding in these situations.
- Many countries have strict rules on the age and quality of foreign cash. We therefore recommend you bring only new, unmarked and undamaged bank notes. This includes your Local Payment on tours where required.
- If you are a US Citizen looking to travel to Cuba please check with your Government Travel Advice before you book your tour.
- This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 8 of your tour in Playa del Carmen. Please note the local payment cannot be paid in Cuba. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.
- The Cuba section of this tour is operated by Tucan Travel's trusted tour operating partner.
What's Included
Excursions & Activities
- Arrival transfer
- Visit the Bay of Pigs
- Santa Clara & Trinidad Walking Tours
- Vinales Walking Tour & Lunch at Organic Farm
- Visit Callejon de Hamel
- Orientation Walk of Havana & Classic Car Tour
- Partagas Cigar Factory
- Airport Transfer
- Entrance and guided tour of Tikal
Accommodation
7 night(s) in casas particulares, 7 night(s) in hotels
Transportation
Private Vehicle, Foot, Travel by 2 flight(s), Ferry, Taxi
Meals
11 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
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