Explore Cuba By Road - Self-Drive Tour
- 4 locations in 8 days: Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos or Playa Larga (see itinerary), Viñales
- Time for individual planning: complement your trip with more highlights
- incl. 7 nights in Casas Particulares
- inc. rental car and info meeting in Havana
- for 2 people from $ 515 CAD p.p., for 4 people from $ 380 CAD p.p.
In just 8-days you'll get to experience Cuba as you've never seen it before. You'll be staying in private guest houses for the most authentic 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. You can choose between two different routes: Either you stay two nights in Playa Larga, close to the conservative area Ciénaga de Zapata and the beach or you stay on night in Cienfuegos and add anther one in the lush green Viñales-Valley. More information you can find in our detailed itinerary.
Route of the self-drive tour "Explore Cuba By Road"
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! Please let us know on your inquiry which route you want to take.
These highlights are waiting for you on this tour
- Largest Metropolis in The Caribbean
- Impressive Colonial Center
- El Malecon, La Havana Waterfront
- Cuba’s Third Oldest City
- Well-preserved colonial architecture
- UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Famous tobacco region
- lush green valley
- limestone formations
Itinerary
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.
Casa Particular
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Casa Particular
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).
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.
Casa Particular
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
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
Today you'll follow the panoramic coast road to the colonial town of Cienfuegos. This town is less touristy than Trinidad and Havana. Take a walk to the city center, visit the Parque Martí or take an excursion to the Playa Luna. You can also visit the biggest botanical garden in Cuba.
Casa Particular
Today you are going for a long drive to the west of Cuba. We recommend to start early. Leave Cienfuegos and take the Autopista. Behind Havana the green west of Cuba is waiting for you. The unique landscape will make you forget about the long drive.
Casa Particular
You have the whole day to explore the small town and the surroundings. We recommend the hike "Coco solo Pamarito". It leads you along tobacco fields and limestones across the Viñales-Valley and takes about three hours. On your way you'll have the opportunity to visit the "Casa del Veguero" and learn more about the process of cultivating tobacco.
Casa Particular
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.
Casa Particular
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).
Services
Included
- 7 nights in Casas Particulares
- Information meeting about self-driving in Cuba
- Rental car in chosen category
Not Included
- International flight to/from Cuba
- Cuba Entry card (tourist visa): Available on request
- Transfer IN/OUT: booking available on request
- Tips & Gratuities
- Optional Excursions
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Services
Important Information
- *Casas Particulares are private houses of Cuban locals, who offer rooms to tourists. On request they are happy to cater you with a delicious breakfast (5-6 CUC) or even a lunch and dinner (10-12 CUC each). Let them know at your arrival
- Visa and vaccination requirements and general information about country and people of Cuba
- Overview of our rental car categories and Terms & Conditions
- If you want to book a domestic flight within Cuba, we are happy to support you
Prices for the self-driving tour "Explore Cuba By Road"
Please keep in mind: At the moment rental cars in Cuba are only available on a restricted basis. Nevertheless we are happy to send you an individual offer and request a rental car for you. The prices on this website can be different than the ones on your offer.
With click on "contact" you can send us a non-binding request
Information:
- in Cuba you need to pay an security guarantee, that you'll get back if you return the car without any damage
- for an extra charge you can upgrade you rental car to an automatic gearbox
- see Terms & Conditions
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