Trip Overview

With its dazzling art and architecture, Afro-Latin rhythms, and iconic scenes from a vintage postcard, Cuba welcomes you—and your inner adventuress! Embrace the future-forward vision of its entrepreneurial people and catch the spirited energy of this island nation during a 9-day cultural odyssey with AdventureWomen.

From the moment you step onto this legendary island, you’ll be a participant in daily life in Cuba, not just a sightseer. The warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people reflect multi-cultural, time-honored traditions, and sharing them with you is a genuine gesture of friendship, which is a perfect backdrop for forging your own AdventureWomen bonds along the way.

Your 9-day women’s adventure is divided between three UNESCO World Heritage Site cities, each a canvas for unique artistic expression. Throughout your travels, connect with local artists and entrepreneurial businesswomen eager to share insights about life in this island nation that’s been sealed off from the outside world for most of 60 years.

Along the way enjoy comfortable stays in accommodations that reflect Cuban-stylish design, and savor meals in the island’s renowned paladares – private, family-run restaurants serving traditional cuisine. Of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience Cuba’s legendary evening entertainment. Your companionable national Cuban guide leads you into the very heart of the culture to learn both its history and unique local lore.

Welcome to Cuba!

Begin your journey with the flight to Camagüey where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and guide for cocktails and dinner – cheers to Cuba and adventures together! A 500-year-old colonial gem, Camagüey offers a delightful “get lost” adventure through its zigzagging warren of streets. For high-energy fun (and no-judgment team bonding!) take a salsa lesson from the pros, then switch from sway to clay in a hands-on pottery class. Then, drive westward toward colorful Trinidad, stopping to visit the Che Guevara’s Mausoleum in “revolutionary” Santa Clara.

In Trinidad, hailed as Cuba’s most photogenic town, gather for a fascinating visit to a local coffee grower, then take a rainforest hike to a beautiful waterfall – a swim in the shady pool at its base makes for dreamy memories.

Cienfuegos Bay & Old Havana

En route back to Havana, follow the stunning Caribbean coast to Cienfuegos Bay where a kayak adventure awaits.

Think of your days in Cuba’s fabled capital city as a five-senses-adventure. Walk Old Havana in the early morning light and peruse an open-air art market for treasures. A cruise through Havana by classic car is a “picture-yourself-here” moment come true! Explore the fishing village that served as the backdrop of Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and The Sea before indulging in a memorable cooking lesson. Besides mastering a special Mojito recipe, learn how to cook a traditional Cuban stew, ajiaco!

For your farewell evening, toast to each other’s inner artists and to your own newfound friendships, and especially to the Cuban people who gave depth and meaning to this extraordinary adventure with women.

Main Attractions

  • Immerse your senses in Cuba’s thriving art, music, and cultural scene during stays in three distinct cities and towns
  • Engage in insightful exchanges with women entrepreneurs and local artists
  • Summon your inner salsa diva during a lesson from the pros
  • Paddle a kayak through Cienfuegos Bay and catch a rare glimpse of Cuba's coastline
  • Enjoy charming accommodations in local casas particulares, and traditional meals in paladares - private, family-run restaurants
  • Live the Havana lifestyle as you stroll, cook, and cruise the city neighborhoods by classic car

What You'll See and Do

  • Cooking Class
  • Cultural Exploration
  • Cultural Performances
  • Hiking
  • Historical Sites
  • Kayaking
  • Local Delicacies
  • National Parks
  • Photography
  • Sightseeing
  • UNESCO Site
  • Walking
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Trip Itinerary

The AdventureWomen itineraries are subject to change depending on the chosen departure date. To view a specific departure itinerary, simply click on the "Browse Detailed Itinerary" button above and select your date.

Day 1

Arrive in Camagüey

With its dazzling art and architecture, Afro-Latin rhythms, and iconic scenes from a vintage postcard, Cuba welcomes you—and your inner adventuress! Embrace the future-forward vision of its entrepreneurial people and catch the spirited energy of this nation from the moment you step onto this legendary island.

During your adventure, you’ll get to know your expert national Cuban guide, who will lead you into the culture’s very heart to learn its history and unique local lore. You’ll meet other incredible individuals on your journey. They will help make your experience a fun and personally fulfilling adventure and will cheer you on as you step outside your comfort zone, embracing new challenges in your own distinct way!

You will be picked up at the Camagüey airport (CMW) and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is typically between 3:00 and 4:00pm. One group transfer is included; private transfers at other times are available for an additional fee.

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner at a family-owned restaurant known in Cuba as a paladar. Get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman on your trip is excited to explore Cuba!

Dinner

Overnight: Local Bed and Breakfast

Day 2

Explore Camagüey

Head out on a walking tour of Camagüey this morning. Most Spanish colonial cities have streets that were laid out on a grid. Camagüey’s streets, however, are wonderfully abstract, with tangled alleyways leading to small plazas all over the city. Exploring the back streets outside of the popular squares will reveal endless surprises.

Visit a local artist’s gallery to begin your discovery of the vibrant and diverse Cuban art scene.

Try your hand at making your own Camagüey clay pot at a pottery workshop this afternoon.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby paladar after your active morning. There’s ample time this afternoon to relax, refresh, and explore the plazas near your accommodations.

Cuba is known for its rhythm and music. Today you will have a chance to learn how to move like a local in a professionally led salsa class. Don’t worry, there’s no judgment! Just have fun!

Head out with your group for a late dinner. After dinner, explore the local nightlife! Visit Camagüey’s Casa de la Trova for music and dancing (subject to local schedule; entrance fee included, beverages on your own)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Local Bed and Breakfast

Day 3

Camagüey to Trinidad via Santa Clara

Leave Camagüey’s charming streets before 8:00 am and drive to Santa Clara. The drive will take about four hours. Your guide has planned drinks and breaks!

Visit the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara. This location was chosen in remembrance of Guevara’s troops taking the city on December 31, 1958, in the Battle of Santa Clara. This was the last battle of the Cuban Revolution and caused Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista to flee into exile.

A local Santa Clara guide takes us on a tour of the city followed by lunch in his favorite paladar.

After lunch, your journey continues for approximately 2 hours to Trinidad, Cuba’s colonial gem.

Settle in and relax at your all-inclusive hotel for the next 2 nights. Enjoy dinner at the hotel with your group tonight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Melia Trinidad Peninsula

Day 4

Explore Trinidad

Coffee from Topes is not well-known but fetches more than $25 a pound internationally. Visit a local coffee grower and learn about his life in Cuba. Sample his delicious coffee before you leave!

Topes is known for the numerous bird species, scenic hikes, and stunning waterfalls that canvas the national park. Head out for a morning hike through the tropical forest to one of the region’s waterfalls. The hike will be moderately difficult, down to the waterfall with an uphill hike on the return. Bring along a swimsuit if you’d like to take a dip in the pool below the falls.

After working up an appetite, enjoy a homemade lunch in the garden of the coffee grower’s home.

Take the early afternoon to explore Trinidad on your own, or just kick your feet up and relax after your morning hike. In the late afternoon, take a walking tour of this captivating town which served as the center of the world’s sugar production during the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean Islands and Central America.

Head out for a sunset cocktail on a rooftop, and then enjoy dinner with your group in a paladar.

For those who are interested, your guide will escort you to Trinidad’s outdoor entertainment venue, Casa de La Música. Entrance fees and drinks are on your own.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Melia Trinidad Peninsula

Day 5

Trinidad to Havana

Start your morning with a rare glimpse of Cuba’s stunning coastline. You’ll enjoy a kayaking trip along Cienfuegos Bay – Double and single kayaks are available.

Have lunch in Cienfuegos today at a paladar offering stunning views of the bay and the Escambray Mountains in the distance.

Cienfuegos is the only city in Cuba that was founded by the French, which becomes immediately apparent with the French-colonial architecture. Explore the city center on foot with your guide.

Upon arrival in Havana, check into your hotel and relax after a long day of travel. Dinner is included tonight, at a lovely paladar nearby.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: InnSide Habana Catedral by Melia

Day 6

Explore Havana

Walk the streets of La Habana Vieja with your guide as they come to life. Explore the four main plazas and learn about the history, culture, architecture, and romance that have endeared the old town to so many cultures over the centuries. Stop to visit a few female cuentapropistas (private business owners) who specialize in fashion design.

Explore Cuba’s largest arts and crafts market by visiting a local female cuentapropistas (private business owners) who specialize in fashion design and join them for a printing workshop.

Enjoy tapas and lighter fare at a paladar owned by a female cuentapropista who studied to be a physicist before deciding to become a restauranteur.

Explore Cuba’s capital by classic car, cruising through the diverse neighborhoods of the city and seeing the landmarks that are not to be missed when exploring Havana. Your stylish ride ends at the iconic 1930 Hotel Nacional, made famous during the time of gangsters and crooners. Tour the grand lobby and Hall of History and sip a refreshing cocktail in their gardens overlooking Havana’s seaside avenue, the Malecon, at sunset.

Tonight’s dinner promises a delightful experience at an Italian restaurant featuring live Latin jazz every Thursday evening.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: InnSide Habana Catedral by Melia

Day 7

Havana

Meet an art curator this morning who will host your exploration into Cuban art today. Bellas Artes, Havana’s fine arts museum, is a uniquely curated collection of Cuban art. It is broken down by timeline, pre- and post-revolutionary. Your art curator will bring the story of Cuba’s history to life through the museum’s fascinating exhibits.

Fast forward to Havana’s current art scene as you visit a contemporary studio. Meet the artist and learn more about the new challenges facing Cuban artists under Cuba’s current government.

Enjoy lunch at a local paladar.

A local dance company will host you for a tour of their studio and a short performance. Afterwards, take time to refresh after a busy day and to get ready for a night of artful exploration.

Before dinner tonight, you will learn to make Cuba’s signature cocktails during a visit to a local bar for a cocktail lesson with a professional Cuban mixologist. Non-alcoholic cocktails will be available as well.

Dinner is on your own but dinner reservations will be made for you this evening at small tables in a paladar located inside the famed Fabrica de Arte Cubano. The menu features dishes from all over the Latin world.

Following dinner, it’s time to explore the amazing amalgamation of art, music, dancing, at the local meeting place known as Fabrica de Arte Cubano. Your guide and drivers are available until 11:00 pm for your convenience.

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: InnSide Habana Catedral by Melia

Day 8

Havana and the Fishing Village of Cojímar

Approximately 20 minutes east of Havana lies the fishing village that served as the backdrop for Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and The Sea. See the town which inspired his fishing spirit and the bust that was sculpted from funds raised by residents who, to this day, remember and speak fondly of Papa Hemingway.

After a quick tour, you visit an organoponico (urban garden) that grows vegetables for the paladar where you are having a cooking lesson and lunch today. Besides learning a special recipe for mojito, you will also learn how to cook a traditional Cuban stew: ajiaco!

There’s time this afternoon to relax or head out to find some last-minute souvenirs.

Head out for a farewell dinner at what many consider to be Cuba’s finest paladar. The dinner is scheduled for 7:00 pm to allow sufficient time to catch a show or enjoy Havana’s entertainment before your departure tomorrow. Guides and drivers will be available until midnight for your convenience. Please note that entrance fees to the show and post-dinner drinks are your responsibility.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: InnSide Habana Catedral by Melia

Day 9

Depart Havana

Have the morning at leisure after your late night. Your driver and guide will be available for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping.

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home.

Depart from Havana, Cuba (HAV) before 2:00 pm today. For your safety, we advise strongly against consuming any food at the Havana airport. Kindly plan your lunch accordingly.

Breakfast

 

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants. 

Although AdventureWomen works diligently to provide its services as listed in its promotional materials, circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to evolving U.S. regulations restricting travel to Cuba, may require us to deviate from our itineraries, substitute hotels or otherwise adjust our scheduled activities. Accordingly, we reserve the right to modify any reservation, service or scheduled activity in order to comply with U.S. regulations or otherwise.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Traveling to Cuba



Arrival and Departure Information

February 15, 2025

Arrive: Arrive in Camagüey, Cuba (CMW) on February 15th, 2025 before 3:00pm.

Depart: Depart Havana, Cuba (HAV) on February 23rd, 2025 before 2:00pm.

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for $170-$200 (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond your travel dates with at least two blank facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

All US passport holders must purchase a tourist card to visit Cuba. We will provide detailed information before your departure on how to obtain your tourist card.

Activity Level

We rate this trip as Moderate. Our Moderate adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle. Our Active adventures get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition for these trips and comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking well-maintained paths and natural trails, or kayaking in calm waters. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Cuba.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800.

You can transfer your deposit to another trip with no additional fee if you notify us within 120 days of the original trip departure date. We can hold your deposit for up to six months as a credit. Failure to book a new trip within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of your deposit.

Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplement Health and Safety Form

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

February 15, 2025 Departure Final Payment Due Date: November 17, 2024

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Airport transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure days
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide throughout the trip
  • Two non-alcoholic drinks (water or soda) per person with included meals at paladares
  • Bottled water in the vehicles
  • Gratuities for local guides and waitstaff

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Cuba
  • Enrollment in the Cuba medical emergency insurance (mandatory by the Cuban government for all travelers to the island – US airlines provide this)
  • Mandatory Cuban Tourist Card (arranged through the airline)
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for head guide and drivers

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686

Accommodations

Local Bed and Breakfast

Guests will be organized into two groups and accommodated in separate hotels: the Hostal San Rafael and Apodaca.

Guests of the Hostal San Rafael, a charming bed and breakfast on Plaza San Juan de Dios in Camagüey, can enjoy the bar's expert mixology, the restaurant's inventive cuisine, and the staff's undying devotion to Cuban coffee in the mornings. The rooms are unpretentious but warm, and they all feature beautiful Cuban landscape paintings over the beds.

Amenities: private baths, hair dryer, safe, air conditioning, Wi-Fi

This boutique B&B Apodaca, located in the heart of Camaguey, provides convenient accommodations in a historic home steeped in character. Guests can feel the genuine warmth of Cuban hospitality in the rooms' modern, colorful decor. The classic lobby's authentic antiques create an atmosphere reminiscent of Cuba in the 1950s.

Amenities: private baths, hair dryer, safe, air conditioning, Wi-Fi

Melia Trinidad Peninsula

Accompanied by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, views of the stunning Sierra del Escambray mountains, and all the charms of the colonial city of Trinidad, this modern hotel promises a stay full of exceptional experiences. The Meliá Trinidad Peninsula's prime location offers both spaces for relaxation in the heart of nature and proximity to several of the top historical and cultural attractions. Spacious rooms, a wide range of dining options, infinity and swim-up pools are just some of the features on offer in this attractive destination.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hair dryer, minibar, cable/satellite TV, safe, air conditioning, Wi-Fi

INNside Habana Catedral by Melia

Nestled in a prime location, INNside Habana Catedral is a delightful place to stay to visit the city rich in history and tradition. The hotel also features bright and comfortable rooms, with a unique design and modern decoration. The rooftop allows visitors to admire Havana from above. The swimming pool has breathtaking views of the lighthouse and the sea.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hair dryer, safe, coffee/tea, air conditioning, Wi-Fi

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686