Explore Cuba by Road - Self-Drive Tour
Experience authentic Cuba in your own way with this thrilling self-drive tour. Enjoy the freedom of driving yourself without having to worry about the mundane details. Just show up, grab the keys, and go!
- 8 days: Focused in either Cienfuegos and Viñales or Playa Larga
- Different types of cars available for rent
- Accommodation is primarily in casas particulares (homestay)
- Customizable Itinerary
These might also interest you:
In just 8-days you'll get to experience Cuba as you've never seen it before. You'll be staying in a mix of state hotels and private guest houses for the most comfortable experience possible. With this tour of Cuba you'll learn about the revolution, relax on the beach, and visit both cultural and natural wonders.
By taking a rental-car tour, you'll have the freedom to visit only the sights which interest you and, because of Cuba’s new policies, you can now rent a car and stay in private accommodations; just a few years ago, this would have been impossible.
SC Travel Adventures has its own office in Cuba, so we can arrange the best accommodations for you and we're always close by should you have any questions or need any assistance. When you stay with us, you'll get an amazing insight into daily Cuban life as well as the culture and traditions of the Cuban people.
- Largest Metropolis in The Caribbean
- Impressive Colonial Center
- El Malecon, La Havana Waterfront
- "Pearl of the South"
- Spectacular architecture
- Castillo de Jagua Fortress
- Cuba’s Third Oldest City
- Well-preserved colonial architecture
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Cuba by Road Tour Itinerary
On this trip you can visit the vibrant capital, Havana and all the other main attractions in Central Cuba.
The biggest advantage of self-drive tours over group travel, is that you can adjust your itinerary to suit the weather and your mood on any given day. On the way to Central Cuba, you'll drive by many beautiful orange orchards and sugarcane plantations. As you continue westward, the landscape will become that much greener. The Pinar del Río Province is known for the cultivation of pineapple and tobacco. At the end of this drive through vibrant and varied landscapes you'll come to the lively urban jungle that is Havana!
Below you’ll find the day-by-day breakdown for our Explore Cuba by Road tour.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Havana
When you arrive in Havana we can pick you up at the airport and bring you to your hotel in the embassy district (optional transfer) or you can arrange your own transportation.
Hotel Comodoro
Day 2: Havana - Trinidad
Today you'll attend an information meeting with one of our staff members. We'll provide you with extensive maps, up-to-date information on road conditions, car pickup information, and tips and tricks for driving in Cuba. Your rental car will be available at 10am. The first road you'll take is the Autopista 1, which will lead you to the colonial city of Trinidad, declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. You should arrive at Trinidad in the late afternoon so you'll have time to see a bit of the city and enjoy a glass of typical honey liqueur in the famous Canchanchara Bar.
Casa Particular 
Breakfast
Day 3: Trinidad
There are plenty of sights to see in and around Trinidad! Nature lovers can choose to drive out to the nearby Topes de Collantes National Park for a hike, swim at the Playa Ancon beach, or climb the infamous slave tower in the Valle de los Ingenios. There's lots to see, so get behind the wheel and go!
Casa Particular
Day 4: Trinidad - Playa Larga
Today you'll drive up to the small, peaceful village of Playa Larga. On the way, you'll pass the infamous Bay of Pigs – where the botched US invasion of 1961 took place. You'll also drive past the Zapata Peninsula Nature Reserve.
Casa Particular
Day 5: Playa Larga
Today you can spend the day relaxing on the Caribbean coast. If you're enthusiastic about nature then we recommend going hiking in one of the nearby national parks. There are many beautiful plants and animals, particularly birds, to see here. History buffs will also be interested in the Museum of the Revolution, which is located in Playa Giron just 30 km away. Playa Larga is also an ideal destination for divers because you can begin your dives from the coast!
Casa Particular
Day 6: Playa Larga - Viñales
You should make your way to Viñales today. The route from Playa Larga is fairly direct if you take the Autopista 1. The one challenge is the Havana City Bypass, here the Autopista 1 changes to the Autopista 4 and it can be tricky to find. Driving at night is not recommended in Cuba so it’s best if you leave yourself with plenty of daylight.
Casa Particular
Day 7: Viñales - Havana
This is your last full day in radiant Cuba. Your rental car is due back in Havana in the afternoon but if you start out from Viñales early you'll have time to visit Soroa or Las Terrazas. There's also plenty to see in Havana. The lively capital has beautiful art, interesting monuments of the Revolution, and plenty of rum and places to dance and party. You can also visit a tobacco factory or the Havana Club Rum Museum. Spend your last night at the bar or take one of our salsa, reggaeton, or tango lessons! SC Travel Adventures has its own dance school in Havana.
Hotel Comodoro
Day 8: Departure
Today you must bid farewell to the beautiful island of Cuba. If you aren’t quite ready to leave then we're more than happy to help you extend your stay! If you are returning home today then we can certainly take you to the airport (optional transfers).
Breakfast
Travel Information
No other form of travel gives you as much flexibility and independence as rental car travel. You decide when you leave in the morning, how fast you want to go, and what places you want to visit. Thanks to accommodation in casas particulares (private guesthouses) you can get to know the Cuban people and learn more about their daily lives.
We recommend that you read this information carefully before booking or departure. Here you will find important information about our Explore Cuba by Road tour. Be aware that you may need to get some vaccinations in advance. This trip includes several excursions, but there is also allocated time for optional activities. Let one of our friendly tour guides help you book any additional adventures.
What's included?
- 2 nights in hotels, 5 nights in Casas Particulares
- 2 breakfasts
- Information meeting
- Rental car
What's not included?
- International flight to/from Cuba
- Cuba Entry card (tourist visa): Available on request
- Gratuities
- Optional Excursions
- Departure Tax
- Travel Insurance
- Transfer IN/OUT & extensions of tour
- Optional Services
Important Information
Important advice regarding:
- entry and exit, necessary vaccinations and general information Cuba
- Rental Car Types
- Terms & Conditions of Car Hire
Explore Cuba by Road Prices & Dates (per Person)
Economy Class*
Car Category: Economy | High Season | Peak Season | Insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Single Room | 1 PAX | $780 CAD | $975 CAD | -- |
Double Room | 2 PAX | CAD 450 | CAD 663 | -- |
Mid-Sized Car*
Car Category: Medium | High Season | Peak Season | Insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Double Room | 2 PAX | $455 CAD | $550 CAD | -- |
Double Room & Single Room | 3 PAX | $405 CAD | $475 CAD | -- |
Double Rooms | 4 PAX | $310 CAD | $360 CAD | -- |
Mid- Large Sized Car***
Car Category: Medium-Large | High Season | Peak Season | Insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Double Room | 2 PAX | $580 CAD | $640 CAD | 75 CUC |
Double Room & Single Room | 3 PAX | $490 CAD | $540 CAD | 50 CUC |
Double Rooms | 4 PAX | $375 CAD | $415 CAD | 38 CUC |
Additional Information:
*Prices include fully comprehensive compulsory insurance fees.
**Extra insurance prices shall be paid in CUC upon rental pick-up
Please refer to our rental car site for more information
Seasons
High season: 01.11.-15.12.2017, 04.01.-15.07.2018, 16.08.-31.10.2018
Peak Season: 16.12.2017-03.01.2018, 16.07.-15.08.2018
Booking:
To book one of these tours, please fill out our booking form