Authentic Havana & the Scenic Viñales Valley

Overview

Our comprehensive western Cuba tour, Authentic Havana & the Scenic Viñales Valley, takes you right into the heart and soul of Cuba! Start your immersive experience in Havana where you'll marvel at the city's unique blend of baroque and neoclassical architecture. Stay four nights in a casa particular and taste the flavors of Cuba as you enjoy included meals in privately-owned restaurants called paladares. Walk in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway at his famous home Finca Vigia, watch the masters roll cigars, and so much more! Then spend two days exploring the stunning views and breathtaking panoramas of the Viñales Valley as you learn about the multi-ethnic communities there that have passed down traditional agricultural techniques for generations. Go beneath the surface at the Indio Cave and stand in awe of the geological structures and underground pools. Stop for sunset views of the verdant valley below for a moment you won't forget.

With included flights, fully guided and legal Support for the Cuban People touring, high-quality accommodations and a fully inclusive itinerary - you don't want to miss this chance to take a step inside the daily life of the Cuban people.

We're still going to Cuba!

Our tours are still legal and compliant with recent changes in U.S. policy. Questions? See our Cuba FAQs.

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Miami/Havana
• 2 Old Havana
• 3 Havana, Cojimar, Guanabacoa & Lawton
• 4 Havana & Viñales
• 5 Viñales
• 6 Viñales & Havana
• 7 Havana/Miami

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Miami/Havana

• Depart the USA on your flight to Havana
• Welcome dinner at a local paladar

El Encanto de Perseverancia Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

¡Bienvenidos a La Habana! Upon arrival to Cuba's capital city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, you are welcomed by our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign outside the arrivals terminal at the Havana Airport. Board your air-conditioned vehicle and transfer to the casa.

Check in to the casa, and enjoy a welcome drink. Then have some time to rest a bit or take a stroll to the nearby Malecon before dinner.

This evening enjoy your welcome dinner at a local paladar (privately-owned restaurant).

Day 2 Old Havana

• Walk through Old Havana, including stops at the used bookseller’s market, Hotel Ambos Mundos (Ernest Hemingway’s first home in Havana), and at various private enterprises to engage with and support Cuba’s growing private business sector
• Meet with staff at Clandestina, Cuba’s first online clothing retailer
• Enjoy lunch at a local paladar
• Visit an artist’s private studio
• Step into Cuba’s world of dance with a private demonstration and lesson

El Encanto de Perseverancia Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, take a guided leisurely walk through the labyrinthian streets of Old Havana. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of Cuba while walking along the cobblestone streets. Explore the used booksellers market, a cross-cultural treasure trove for readers of every genre. Meet local independent booksellers, and engage in friendly conversation with Cuban readers about popular Cuban and American literature. Stop at Hotel Ambos Mundos, Ernest Hemingway’s first home in Cuba, and learn about his strong connection to Cuba and its culture.

Among the private businesses you'll discover during your walk, Clandestina, is one shop that is making plenty of waves both in Cuba and abroad.  Founded by Idania del Río and Leire Fernández, two creative, entrepreneurial women who believe in a sustainable, fair and ethical fashion industry. Clandestina is the country’s first online clothing retailer and has even appeared as a pop-up store in New York. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local paladar, or private restaurant.

Visit the private studio of one of Cuba's talented independent artists. During your visit, learn different techniques of some of Cuba’s most popular and contemporary artistic styles, such as printmaking, sculpture or other art forms from innovative Cuban artists and their teams. 

Step into Cuba’s world of music and dance with a private dance class just for us. First, experience Cuba’s most traditional dances through a demonstration by your talented and personable teachers. Engage with them about the importance of music and dancing to life here in Cuba. Then, stand right up and participate with them to learn the basic steps for yourself.

Return to the casa and enjoy dinner on your own. We recommend dining at a paladar for a delicious Cuban dinner. Choose one from the list we provide, or ask your guide for any additional recommendations. 

Day 3 Havana, Cojimar, Guanabacoa & Lawton

• Travel to Cojimar, the local fishing village that was the setting for Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea
• Participate in a traditional Cuban cooking class experience, from gathering ingredients from a local "organopónico" (organic garden), to putting them to use in the kitchen (and bar) itself
• Learn about Afro-Cuban culture with private enterprise Beyond Roots in Guanabacoa
• Visit an inspiring community project, such as Muraleando
• Stop at the independent Artisan’s Market

El Encanto de Perseverancia Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning drive to the quaint fishing village of Cojimar, which served as the setting for Ernest Hemingway’s masterpiece The Old Man and the Sea. 

Learn the secrets of the Cuban kitchen by taking part in a traditional Cuban cooking class experience. Begin your experience by meeting the staff of the paladar Café Ajiaco, who will take you on your culinary journey today. First, stop at the paladar’s “organopónico” (organic garden) to see where their products and ingredients grow. Pick some for yourself and bring them back to the restaurant to help elaborate your dishes. Learn from the experienced chefs of Café Ajiaco as they take you through the process of making some of Cuba’s most delicious traditional food, and even learn to prepare an authentic Cuban mojito along the way.

Enjoy lunch courtesy of your morning cooking activity at the paladar Café Ajiaco.

Visit the municipality of Guanabacoa, a town known very well for its deeply-rooted traditions and connections to the Afro-Cuban culture. Get a first-hand look into a temple dedicated to Afro-Cuban religion, and learn about the religion and culture through an educational and dynamic conversation led by members of Beyond Roots, a private organization that celebrates and educates others about Afro-Cuban heritage and culture in Cuba.

This afternoon visit Muraleando, where art, music and community spirit have transformed a once-drab neighborhood into one of beauty and color.  See garden sculptures, paintings, mosaics and all types of recycled materials that have been transformed into stunning and colorful artwork. It is remarkable to see how the project’s beautiful murals have literally resurrected the neighborhood's appearance and pride. The center also provides free workshops for the community including voice lessons, drumming, dance classes, ceramic art, painting, cinematography and much more.  Muraleando helps to inspire and cultivate artistic skills in children from the entire neighborhood and has won awards in Cuba for being the most effective community project in the country.

Stop at Havana’s independent Artisans Market, where you will be able to engage with local private artisan stands, and find plenty of souvenirs, including handicrafts, posters and other collectibles. 

Day 4 Havana & Viñales

• Transfer to the scenic Viñales Valley
• Visit a family-owned tobacco farm
• Enjoy an authentic lunch at the farm

Hotel E Central Viñales Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Depart for Finca Quemado de Rubi, one of Cuba's beautiful tobacco farms in the Pinar del Río province (approx. 3 hours). Tour the family farm to learn about their specialization in growing and harvesting the highest quality tobacco in the world. Then have an authentic Cuban lunch at the farm.

After lunch you'll experience a cigar rolling demonstration and have the opportunity to taste Cuban rum and a Cuban cigar, perfectly paired with their authentic and natural flavors. 

Continue on to Viñales Valley with a brief stop at the viewpoint of the Jazmines to enjoy the beautiful view of the valley. The panoramic view will take your breath away!

Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 5 Viñales

• Meet rural Cuban families at a tobacco, cassava and taro farm
• Explore the Indio Cave
• Enjoy lunch at a local farmhouse in the Valley

Hotel E Central Viñales Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Today, experience the impressive landscape of this area on a walking tour and see how tobacco, cassava and taro are grown. Visit a farm and meet rural Cuban families to get an authentic glimpse into their daily work and life in the Cuban countryside. 

Explore the Cuevo del Indio (Indian Cave), located on the banks of the San Vicente River. Take a boat ride through the cave and learn about the cave drawings from the first inhabitants of the land. Be sure to wear walking shoes or hiking boots for your journey into the caves to experience the stalagmites and stalactites, underground natural pools and other unique formations.

After lunch at local farmhouse in the Valley, return to town and discover more about the history and culture of the town of Viñales with your guide. 

Dinner is on your own tonight, we recommend dining at a local paladar. 

Day 6 Viñales & Havana

• Return to Havana this morning
• Experience the future of Cuban acrobatics with the children’s community project Angeles del Futuro
• Enjoy lunch at a local paladar
• Stop by the workshop of artist Beatriz Santacana
• Explore modern Havana; stop at a famous Havana plaza and bar
• Take a ride in a classic American convertible to tour picturesque Havana in style
• Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local paladar

El Encanto de Perseverancia Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast this morning, depart for Havana. 

Experience the future of Cuban acrobatics with a meet-and-greet and show from the incredibly talented Angeles del Futuro. This community project trains children in the art of circus acrobatics in the municipality of Marianao, a short drive outside of the city center. The director, coaches, volunteers, and parents all work together as a team to provide the training, costumes, and equipment free of charge to the children and their families. It is truly a project that supports Cubans, their dreams, and the arts. Watch an example of the circus show and see for yourselves the talent of these kids – and after the show, get to know these young acrobats themselves. 

After lunch, visit the private home and art gallery of independent artist, Beatriz Santacana. Ms. Santacana’s unique works in ceramics, oils and sculpture are exhibited in Cuba as well as major cities throughout the world.

Continue on a panoramic tour of the urban area that lies west of Old Havana and shows the progression of the city over time, from a neighborhood along the city walls after its demolition, passing through the transitional Midtown (Centro Habana), to the extensive and more modern Vedado and Miramar neighborhoods. Stop at one of Havana’s most iconic, historical properties and enjoy a cocktail at the bar or on their beautiful outdoor terrace.

Return to your casa to rest before dinner.

Travel back in time by taking a tour in one of Havana’s classic American cars. You will get some picturesque views of Havana from your incredibly-maintained automobile, and arrive to dinner in style. 

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner at one of our favorite paladars. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes as you enjoy live, traditional Cuban music and salsa dancing, reminiscent of the Buena Vista Social Club. 

Day 7 Havana/Miami

• Transfer to the airport and board your flight back to Miami

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today, bid farewell to Cuba as you transfer to Havana's Jose Marti International Airport and check in for your flight back to Miami. ¡Adiós, Cuba!

Hotels

El Encanto de Perseverancia

Tourist Class

El Encanto de Perseverancia is ideally located in the Centro Havana neighborhood adjacent to Old Havana and just north of Chinatown. This non-touristy neighborhood delivers an authentic, friendly Cuban experience. The casa is located next to a primary school, and close to some of Havana’s best paladars, and only a short drive away from Havana's main attractions, including the Capitol Building, Cathedral Square, Gran Theater of Havana, Malecon, Central Park and museums.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 12 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Cuba? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

Other Packages

Small Group Tour

Authentic Havana

from $2399 w/ Flights from $2099 Tour Only 5 days

per person, double occupancy*

See package map dates

Small Group Tour

Colors of Cuba

from $3599 w/ Flights from $3299 Tour Only 8 days

per person, double occupancy*

See package map dates

Small Group Tour

Havana Express

from $1499 w/ Flights from $1299 Tour Only 4 days

per person, double occupancy*

See package map dates