The Parakeet Journey

Summary of nights: Havana 3, Santiago 2, Baracoa 3, Bayamo 2, Camagüey 1, Trinidad 3, Santa Clara 1, Viñales 3, Havana 1.

• Staying and eating in family homes we familiarise ourselves with Cuban life.
• We take an informal walking tour of the evocative streets of old Havana.
• Through the mountains to isolated Baracoa and its unspoilt biosphere reserve.
• Walking in the beautiful Sierra Maestra, Castro’s pre-Revolution hiding place.
• Trinidad, haven of colonial tranquillity and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Stroll through the magical limestone scenery around Viñales.

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 Fly UK to Havana
Day 2 At leisure in Havana.
Days 3-5 Fly to Santiago, visit the Moncada barracks.
Days 6-8 Drive to Baracoa, enjoy the crystaline rivers and beaches.
Day 9 Drive to Bayamo.
Day 10 Excursion into the Sierra Maestra, walk to Castro's hideout.
Day 11 Drive to Camaguey, relax in the colonial streets.
Days 12-14 Road to Trinidad, walking tour and walk in the Escambray mountains or relax on the Caribbean beaches.
Day 15 Bus to Santa Clara, visit Che's mausoleum.
Day 16 Bus or road to Viñales.
Days 17, 18 Exploring Viñales.
Day 19 Return to Havana
Day 20 UK clients depart, arriving day 21.

Trip Profile

Transport: 1 flight, 7 scenic road journeys (longest 7hrs).  If the scheduled Havana - Santiago flight is not operated by french airline, the overnight bus takes 12hrs).
Accommodation: Simple hotels with private bathrooms and casas particulares (private homes) where it is sometimes necessary to share facilities.
Meals: Breakfast daily.
Included excursions: Walking tour of Havana; Moncada barracks, Santiago; tour of the rivers and coastline at Baracoa; visit to Fidel’s hideout, Sierra Maestra; walking tour of Trinidad; Che’s mausoleum, Santa Clara; walks in Viñales valley.

A few days to spare?

Extend your trip by adding on a few days at the beginning or end of your tour on a tailormade, private basis.  Click here to see our most popular extensions to the Parakeet Journey or contact one of our consultants for more inspiring ideas.