Original and Traditional Cuba WOMEN ONLY
Original and Traditional Cuba WOMEN ONLY
8 Days Starting and ending in Havana, Cuba
Visiting: Havana, Vinales, Old Havana, Cienfuegos, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad, Santa Clara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CCW
Specialist Group:
Women Only
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
1-90
Special diets catered:
Meat, Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
These special departures, guided by our female tour leaders, give you the opportunity to meet and interact with many of the strong female entrepreneurs, artists, and locals who are a source of inspiration, wisdom, and laughter. It’s an opportunity not only to learn the local culture but also to build connections with other adventurous women on your tour. On these special women-only departures, we seek to uplift and celebrate women-owned businesses and community projects. As much as possible, we use casa particulares (guesthouses), restaurants, and experiences that are women-owned and operated. We will meet some extraordinary Cuban women of all generations - restaurant owners, local craftswomen, women in the Arts, and entrepreneurs. Your tour leader will make use of her personal relationships to give you unique opportunities to connect with locals.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: You will be staying at a casa particular a licensed and professionally run guesthouse that has been vetted for cleanliness and comfort
Havana has to be one of the most exciting, intriguing, and unique cities in the world. Today is arrival day and your included airport arrival transfer will take you to your Havana guesthouse.
If you arrive early today, you'll have time to do some exploring on your own before meeting the rest of your tour group, and your tour guide, tonight.
The tour package itself does not include much time in Havana, so we recommend that you book an extra night or two in Havana, either before or after the tour.
Post tour is probably preferable, as by then, you will have learnt a bit about how things work in Cuba and how to get around. Plus, you'll have the chance to talk to your tour guide and get some recommendations of what to do and see in Havana. You can request extra nights after you book the tour.
Your guide will leave you a note at your guesthouse with details about the group meeting time and place. Your accommodation in Havana for the tour will either be in Old Havana, Central Havana, or Vedado.
Day 2 : Viñales
Location: Vinales, Old Havana
Accommodation: You will be staying at a casa particular a licensed and professionally run guesthouse that has been vetted for cleanliness and comfort
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before departing Havana, we have a guided walking tour of the historic centre of Havana (approx 2 hours).
From Havana to Viñales it's about a 4-hour drive, and on the way we usually stop for lunch.
Surrounded by picturesque limestone pincushion hills (“mogotes”), Viñales is a small and culturally rich village, with friendly and welcoming residents and wide variety of outdoor activities available.
Exploring caves, hiking, biking, horseback riding or simply enjoying the views of the valley and sprawling tobacco fields below are all options.
Viñales is one of the more agriculturally productive areas, so an abundance of local seasonal fruit and vegetables is always on offer.
It's one of the cooler areas of Cuba, so it's also a nice escape from the hotter parts of the country.
The nightlife is very active in this village with the local residents more than willing participants in dancing to the local live music.
In each destination we will visit, the tour leader will give you an orientation tour and suggestions for activities and restaurants.
For those that want to do things together as a group, the guide will often accompany the group.
If everyone wants to do their own thing, the guide suggests a meeting for dinner for departure in the morning.
Day 3 : Viñales
Location: Vinales
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day to do the activities that you want. We suggest a walking tour to a nearby local farm to learn the process for drying tobacco and crafting cigars. You can also rent a bike, take the hop on hop off, visit caves, hike the valley, or just soak up the local culture.
Day 4 : Cienfuegos Via Bay Of Pigs
Location: Havana, Cienfuegos, Bay of Pigs
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
We head back past Havana to the French founded city of Cienfuegos through the densely vegetated Peninsula de Zapata swamp-lands, and along the beautiful Bay of Pigs.
This is where the landing of counter-revolutionary exile militia occurred in 1961. There is a museum here that recounts the events of this conflict which resulted in the first defeat of a U.S backed take-over in Latin America.
Fancy a dip? We will also make stops at a beautiful swimming hole (cenote) which resembles a huge natural tropical fish tank, and if the conditions are favourable, at beach for snorkelling.
Cienfuegos appeal lies partly in the European flavour of its colonial hub, with a wide Parisian-style boulevard and elegant colonnades. We recommend enjoying the malecon (seawall) or taking in a sunset dinner at one of the restaurants on the bay.
The ambience inspired Cuba’s most celebrated Son singer to write the words “Cienfuegos is the city I like best”.
Day 5 : Trinidad
Location: Trinidad
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
For many visitors to Cuba, Trinidad is their standout favourite destination. No other colonial city in Cuba is so well-preserved, and the local residents are extremely friendly and festive.
Trinidad is steeped in religiosity, none the least of which is Santeria, which is one of several Afro-Cuban religions.
The thing however that visitors most love about Trinidad is the nightlife. There are no less than 10 live music venues all within a short walking distance.
Many of these have lovely outdoor settings, in courtyards, and within the walls of old colonial ruins.
Not far inland is the Valley of Sugar mills. This area of rich fertile soil is where the Trinidad colonists got most of their ludicrous wealth from.
A 10-minute drive in the opposite direction will get you to a beautiful calm Caribbean beach called Playa Ancón.
If the weather is fine, your tour guide might propose a dinner bbq here to witness the sunset over the ocean.
Other optional activities in Trinidad are snorkelling, scuba diving, and a popular trek to a waterfall where you can swim in the fresh clear water spring.
Day 6 : Trinidad
Location: Trinidad
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day in Trinidad. Some of the most popular activities are the hike to the waterfall, visiting the sugar mills, Trinidad's many museums, dance lessons, or just a relaxing day at the beach.
Day 7 : Santa Clara
Location: Trinidad, Havana, Santa Clara
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the way back to Havana we stop in at the town of Santa Clara, a key city in the Cuban Revolution.
Upon entering Santa Clara, there is a huge statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara, to commemorate his death and that of the revolutionaries who died along with him in Bolivia.
We will visit a fascinating museum here dedicated to his amazing life, with artefacts from his time as a Cuban guerilla fighter.
It's one final night of the tour in Havana, and your tour guide will have some suggestions for a farewell dinner and fun night out.
Day 8 : Adios Cuba
Location: Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you are free to depart at anytime.
Your departure transfer is not included, but the staff at your casa can easily arrange a taxi for you.
If you have extra time to spend in Havana, we suggest our excellent day tours, museum visits, or the beaches of Playas del Este.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Standard casa particular (guesthouse)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Arrival transfer included
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Private air conditioned transportation in taxi, minibus, or bus
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Meals – Breakfast Only
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Fully Guided
English-speaking tour leader
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2 hour walking tour in Old Havana, Che Guevara museum Bottled water to re-fill your personal water bottle, please bring bottle
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Leader introduction
Meet up with CAD female leader for evening chat, drink/coffee
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Business visits
Havana - visit to Dador & Clandestina female run businesses
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Orientation Walk
Trinidad Orientation Walk with canchanchara drink
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Extra visits
Vinales - visit Niurka who runs a private salsa school
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Drinks with Meals
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Meals – Full Board
Lunch and dinner not included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Gratuities for tour leader, driver, local guides, musicians, etc not included
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Departure transfer not included
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
The guesthouses we stay in are all professionally run, and have been vetted for cleanliness and standard level comfort. They are all air-conditioned or sufficiently cooled, and nearly all have an en-suite bathroom. They are more like a bed & breakfast and less like a homestay and are all unique. We encourage you to interact with the families and staff, but it is not necessary.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
There is a lot of walking on this tour, so travellers should feel comfortable with that.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, all of our transportation is air conditioned
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Solo travellers are invited to share a room with a same sex traveller on the tour. If you prefer a single room, you can pay the single supplement.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
The tour will be cancelled and booked travellers will be given a full refund
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What is the maximum group size?
16 travellers
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We will gladly arrange for pre- or post- tour accommodation.
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What is the tipping policy?
Cuba is a tipping country. You can budget $2-5/day for the tour leader, $1-3/day for the driver, $1-5 for a local guide, $1 for musicians in restaurants or on the streets, $.25 for bathroom attendants
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
At a minimum all guides speak English and Spanish
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, children 18 and under are welcome accompanied by an adult
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Most accommodation do not offer free wi-fi, although increasingly they do have a connection. You must buy a wi-fi card to connect, it is around US$1
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Cuba requires citizens from most countries to have a visa (tourist card)
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes, we require proof of vaccination or a signed medical waiver. This is also a requirement to enter the country.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival transfer is included, as long as we have arranged your first night stay. Otherwise the transfer is included from your pre-tour accommodations to your first night casa.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
You must be able to carry your own luggage up stairs, so we suggest packing lightly.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
This tour is designed for the traveller that wants the freedom to do what they want while in Cuba. The only thing you need to do is make sure you are ready for the bus to the next destination, aside from that you have complete freedom in each destination. The guide gives a walking orientation tour, suggestions for restaurants and activities, and then you're off on your adventure.
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What documentation will I receive?
You will receive the name and address of your Havana casa 10 days in advance. Your accommodations in the rest of the provinces are assigned upon arrival.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
The visa (or tourist card) is not included, it can be obtained from your airline, local embassy, or third party seller.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
You will receive the name and address of your Havana casa 10 days in advance. Your accommodations in the rest of the provinces are assigned upon arrival.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No flights are included
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Travellers from all countries are welcome on this tour.
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What currencies are required for this tour
We recommend you bring USD OR Euros
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, we can normally arrange for you to meet up with the group. Transportation at traveller's own expense.
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How long is a Cuba visa / tourist card valid for after entry to Cuba?
The standard Tourist Card oe evisa is valid for 90 days. However, this can be extended once when you are in the country upon payment of a small fee – our local team can help you. This means you can stay for up to 180 days maximum on a single visit.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We can often change the dates with no penalty if it's far enough in advance. Otherwise, our cancellation policy will apply.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, there are strict health and safety guidelines that all casas particulares must adhere to.
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What currencies or money should I take to Cuba?
Following the abolition of the CUC (convertible peso) in 2021 the only official national currency now in circulation is the Cuban Peso (CUP, also known as ‘Moneda Nacional’). However, it is not necessary to exchange money to local currency, USD and Euro cash are widely accepted. We do not recommend exchanging money at official institutions, the rates are very unfavourable. Ask your guesthouse staff or guide for help exchanging to CUP. Travellers must bring USD or EUR cash sufficient for the length of their stay in Cuba. Bank cards cannot be relied on to work in Cuba and US affiliated cards will not work at all in Cuba. Card payments are usually only accepted at government run institutions and hotels, the majority of restaurants, galleries, and privately owned shops are cash only.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We adhere to all local protocol and best practices, including social distancing, sanitizing, and mask wearing. Travellers must be fully vaccinated.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
When you are confirmed on the tour you will receive the Essential Trip Notes with information to help you prepare for your tour and maps of each of the destinations. Then 10-days before the tour you'll receive a pre-departure message with the tour leader's name, arrival instructions, and the name and phone number of the casa where you'll be staying in Havana.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have proudly been in operation since 2005
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I am a US citizen. Can Americans go on these tours?
Yes, Americans can join all our tours legally. Our Ultimate Cuba tours (coded SCP) are designed with a full itinerary to satisfy USA requirements. Other tours are fine as well, but since there is a lot of free time they require the traveller to select activities appropriate under Support for the Cuban People, such as visiting private business or interacting with locals. US travellers on any tour must maintain a daily record to show that they are complying with Support for the Cuban People and keep it for 5 years.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Solo travellers are not required to pay single supplement if they are willing to share with someone of the same gender.
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Are Cuban Adventures tours legal for Americans?
Yes. Our programs comply with ongoing US travel restrictions and are legal for US and non-US citizens alike. It is not necessary to apply to ‘OFAC’ for special permission to visit Cuba, We will provide you with an affidavit to sign that will serve as proof of your legal travel. When reserving airfare, the airlines will require you to confirm that you are travelling to Cuba under one of 12 permitted categories of travel. For general purpose visits, select ‘SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE’, this is a travel category our programs comply with.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded individuals of all ages who are interested in a cultural adventure and getting to know the real Cuba
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Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Citizens of most countries will need to get a visa (formerly known as a Tourist Card) to enter Cuba. From 1 January 2025 the Tourist Card will be replaced by an eVisa Tourist Cards purchased before 1 January 2025 will be valid until 30 June 2025 When flying from a country in the Americas to Cuba, you can purchase the evisa at the departure airport or in advance on line at Easy Tourist Card When flying from other countries you can request the evisa from the Cuban consulate or buy in advance online from companies such as Easy Tourist Card
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
Cuban Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Cuban Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform cuban adventures, 15 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Cuban Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 100 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cuban adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.