Essentials of Cuba | A Holbrook Travel 50th Anniversary Trip

Essentials of Cuba | A Holbrook Travel 50th Anniversary Trip

About this trip

Join Andrea Holbrook in exploring this complex and fascinating country. This program explores several natural areas that are our favorites and offers insight into Cuban culture and society today. In just over one week, we will experience the western province of Pinar del Río with its Sierra del Rosario mountain range filled with underground caves and rivers and home to wondrous geological formations called mogotes, limestone hills that sit like bread loaves in the Viñales Valley. We will visit one of the important wetlands in the Caribbean basin called Zapata Swamp, home to a number of endemic birds including the smallest bird in the world, the Bee Hummingbird, or Zunzuncito as it is known in Cuba. In the Zapata area, we can also snorkel in the clear blue waters of the Bay of Pigs (yes, the site of the failed US invasion in 1961). And in Havana, we will explore the history, the people, and the confounding realities of Cuba today. Join Andrea in exploring one of her favorite places in the world as part of Holbrook’s 50th Anniversary!

Highlights

  • Experience the intense visual beauty of Havana in all its decadence and all its history. Enjoy a walking tour with Jaime Rodríguez, one of the three architects who initiated, in the early 1980s, the project to restore Old Havana, undertaken by the Office of the Historian of the City.
  • Learn about the complexities of Cuba and its economy while enjoying café or rum in the home of Pepe and Cecilia Viera. Pepe is a retired attorney and former diplomat. He has translated several books of known Cuban scholar Louis Pérez. And Cecilia is probably the most gracious woman in Cuba.
  • Snorkel in the Bay of Pigs and experience the marine life and pristine beauty underwater and above ground. At the same time, marvel that the world almost came to a standstill in the history surrounding this site during the Cuban missile crisis and the failed US invasion here.
  • Visit the home of Nils Navarro, wildlife artist and author of the field guide “Endemic Birds of Cuba,” and learn about a life dedicated to nature and art.
  • Gain an understanding and appreciation of the Cuban people, whose resilience and fortitude in the face of immense challenges will remain with you all the days of your life.
  • Pack a great deal of supplies to leave in Cuba, and bring along a good sense of humor and goodwill.

Old Havana

Apr 14, 2024

Upon arrival at the José Martí International Airport, you will be met by your guide and driver, and taken to your hotel. You will be able to check in and exchange currency. Then, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon exploring the surroundings before a group orientation and welcome dinner at La Guarida.

Dinner included
Overnight at Palacio de los Corredores

Old Havana

Apr 15, 2024

This morning enjoy a presentation by Jaime Rodríguez, one of the three original architects involved in the City Historian's Office initiative to restore Old Havana. He will then lead us on a walking tour of this historic district. Explore Old Havana's cobblestone streets, visiting the Plaza de Armas, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, Plaza de la Catedral, and Plaza Vieja. Next, visit Organopónico Vivero Alamar, an incredible urban garden located outside of central Havana, widely considered one of the most successful organic farms in the city. During the tour, learn about the advances Cuba has made with respect to organic farming. This afternoon, head to the home of Julio & Cecelia Viera, for an informal talk about the Cuban economy. We will enjoy some coffee or rum in their living room as we learn and share. Dinner at Nueva Plaza this evening.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Palacio de los Corredores

Zapata

Apr 16, 2024

Today, travel to the Zapata Peninsula, also known as the Bay of Pigs, which is home to the largest wetlands in the Caribbean. Seventy percent of the area is a Biosphere Reserve and Cuba's largest national park. The Zapata area consists of scrub, mangrove swamp, and coastline, and more than 200 bird species have been recorded here. This is one of the most remote regions of Cuba, yet intrepid wildlife watchers will reap the benefits: not only incredible diversity of birds, but endemic reptile and plant species can be seen on the mangrove-lined waterways here. Zapata's wetlands give rise to more than 1000 species of plants and 37 species of reptiles including the endemic Cuban crocodile. Tour Aldea Taina before lunch at La Boca. Afterwards visit a crocodile research center and a breeding facility before continuing on to the town of Palpite to interact with the artistic community here part of the Korimakao project. the Korimakao project. This evening receive an introduction and welcome to Zapata National Park with Frank Medina.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Casa Enrique

Zapata

Apr 17, 2024

This morning enjoy birding in Bermejas Forest before a visit to the town of Playa Girón and its museum to learn about the famous events of the Bay of Pigs invasion. Have lunch at Caleta Buena, a beautiful inlet in the heart of the bay. After lunch, enjoy snorkeling to explore the marine biodiversity of the area. Later, have the opportunity to go birding in Soplillar forest and savannah. This evening enjoy dinner at a local paladar.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Casa Enrique

Zapata

Apr 18, 2024

Morning visit Casa Ana for an opportunity to see the bee hummingbird and an informal discussion about ecotourism. Later, there will be an opportunity to visit Cueva de los Peces for additional snorkeling and/or birding as well as a visit to Salinas de Brito to explore nature in Zapata. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local paladar.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Casa Enrique

Vinales

Apr 19, 2024

Depart for the western province of Pinar del Río. En route, visit Sierra del Rosario, 25,000 hectares of evergreen forest and home of Las Terrazas, a self-sustained community named after the reforestation project initiated in 1967. While at Las Terrazas, learn about their history, enjoy delicious coffee from their plantation, and visit an artist's studio. Also, visit the Soroa Orchidarium. Continue on to Viñales for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Casa Particular

Vinales

Apr 20, 2024

This morning, hike the mogotes, unusual geologic formations in the area. Lunch at Agro Ecológico in the hills surrounding Viñales. Arrive early to meet the owners and learn how they juggle family, the farm, a paladar operation, and life in Cuba, and then savor the dishes made with the farm's fresh produce. This afternoon visit tobacco farm and learn about Cuba's innovation in agriculture sustainability.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Casa Particular

Old Havana

Apr 21, 2024

This morning, return to Havana. Enjoy lunch on your own and time at leisure in Old Havana. This evening, explore the city in an antique car, passing by the Malecón and Hotel Nacional. Dinner at Le Petit before the Tropicana show.

Breakfast-Dinner included
Overnight at Palacio de los Corredores

Departure

Apr 22, 2024

This morning you will be transferred to the Havana airport for your flight home.

Breakfast- included