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