Come visit this most Caribbean of Cuban cities. Once the capital of Cuba, it is a perfect introduction to the culture and history of Cuba. Our walking tours in the mountains are accompanied by naturalists who will help you explore the plants, birds and butterflies on this beautiful island.
When should you come – Cuba is the land of perpetual summer. Flowering trees and plants abound.
Winter birders enjoy both local and transient birds, summer birders enjoy the courting displays and nestlings of local birds. Butterfly lovers feast their eyes on huge moths, and colourful butterflies whatever the season.
So pack some good shoes and a camera and enjoy our walking tours.
Day 1
Arrival in Santiago de Cuba. However you join us in this vibrant Colonial city, our friendly staff will meet you and take you to your homestay. Dinner in your homestay.
Day 2 Architect Led Walking Tour of Santiago
An early start will take you on a walking tour through three interesting neighbourhoods in this Colonial city. Your lecturer is a conservation architect. We start in the oldest part of the city, exploring the vibrant streets and the tranquil, elegant squares, Colonial streetscapes are being restored to their former glories, but often to new uses. (In case you wonder how the colours of the city work so well together – ask your lecturer – he chooses them!) A walk through the city takes us to one of the elegant pre-revolutionary neighbourhoods where palaces now house community centres and exclusive clubs play host to school children of all ages. We’ll take time to drop by one of the city’s markets and enjoy a delightful lunch in one of those restored buildings. Dinner in your homestay.
Day 3 Ferns, Orchids and Cloud Forest
After an early breakfast we’ll collect our botanist lecturer in his fabulous fern garden. Home to a collection of more than 3000 tropical ferns (some named after him) and a growing collection of orchids. We’ll travel east of the city to the Gran Piedra. This magnificent outlier of the Sierra Maestras often disappears into the clouds. As we travel from the coastal plain to the summit cloud forest we’ll stop to enjoy the changing vegetation. There is an easy climb to the summit with native orchids and ferns in great abundance. By lunchtime the forest is full of butterflies. After the climb to the summit we’ll explore the 19c Haitian style Cafetal which has been recently restored and is now a UNESCO museum. We’ll visit the large commercial garden where beds of bird of paradise flowers, gladioli, roses and many native plants are surrounded by fragrant hedges, and where every corner affords a new vista of mountains and plains. Late lunch in a local paladar with visits to Artisan Studios. Dinner in your homestay.
Day 4 History of Cuba – From Pre-Columbus to Independence
We begin the day with a short orientation to the history of this island. We start our walk at the “oldest house” in the Americas, tour the Emilio Barcardi Museum with its treasure trove of artifacts. Jumping ahead in time we will visit the famous San Juan Hill and the tree under which the Cuban Spanish American war finally ended. “El Morro” the 17th century castle built to protect the city against the privateers and pirates like Henry Morgan who sought to relieve Spain of the wealth of Latin America guards the magnificent bay which has provided safe harbour for galleons and oil tankers, yachts and men-‘o-war. The little launch which circles the bay will take us to one of the main islands for lunch and an afternoon stroll in this friendly community. Dinner in your homestay.
Day 5 Sierra Maestra drive
An early start will put us on the road into the Sierra Maestras. The drive into the mountains takes us through spectacular country, have your cameras ready, we’ll make stops along the way! Lunch and a free afternoon to enjoy the relaxation of the mountain resort. Take a swim in the waterfall pool, or just sit by the sparkling river; enjoy a massage, a sauna, or a friendly game. And at night enjoy local music and walks under the stars.
Day 6 Mountain Walk
A before breakfast walk will take us up into the mountains passed farms and plantations, children on their way to school, farmers and workers starting their days of work in the fields and beneath the trees. The area grows cocoa, coffee, mangoes, oranges and other fruits, and every farm has a mixture of livestock, including sometimes peacocks. After lunch we will take our leave. Return to Santiago in time for dinner in your homestay.
Day 7 Beach Day
A day in the country and at the beach will bring a relaxing conclusion to your visit to Cuba. For groups of four or more an Evening party under the stars including Afro-Cuban entertainment.
Day 8
Free time for shopping or relaxing, or time to continue on your journey.
Includes
Transfers within Santiago de Cuba and to Eco-Resort in mountains
Expert guides and translators where required
3 meals per day
Homestay accommodations in Santiago de Cuba
3*hotel – eco-resort
Does not include
Flights
Transfers outside of Santiago de Cuba
Personal expenditures – including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, additional transport.
This tour is available any time.
2 people, $1550 per person – double occupancy, single supplement applies
4 people, $1450 per person – double occupancy, single supplement applies
ALL PRICES ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS
