Description
DAY 1: HAVANA
Reception at the Hotel Nacional*****. Diner in a local paladar (family restaurant). Accommodation at the Hotel Hotel Nacional***** or similar, just above the Malecon of Havana.
DAY 2: HAVANA –CONSOLACIÓN DEL SUR – VIÑALES
After breakfast, transfer to the Finca Corralito at Consolacion del Sur in Pinar del Río province, dedicated to raising sheep, horses and poultry farming. After a welcome cocktail, a 3-hour ride through this Finca of about 18.612 hectares with tobacco and rice fields. Transfer to Viñales (1:15 drive) and lunch in a local restaurant. Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Los Jazmines** or similar.
DAY 3: VIÑALES
After breakfast, about 5 hours ride crossing the Viñales, Palmarito and the Silencio Valleys through the National Park of Valle de Viñales. declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Los Jazmines or similar depending on availability. Optional night out at Casa de la Trova (musical show).
DAY 4: VIÑALES - PINAR DEL RIO
After breakfast, transfer to the horses for a 5-hour ride through the National Park of Viñales. We will climb up along a bridle path to El Mirador del Valle, where we can drink a guarapo, a refreshing sugar cane juice, while we enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over tobacco plantations and the spectacular 'Mogotes', conspicuous karst mountains rising like islands from the bottom of the valley. During our ride we will stop in some of the rural communities where another guajiro will give us an explanation of the process of cigar-making. Lunch at the outside terrace of a nice restaurant. Transfer to Pinar del Río (45m). Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Vueltabajo***.
DAY 5 : PINAR DEL RIO – LA GUABINA – HAVANA
After breakfast, transfer to Finca La Guabina, 12 Km away from Pinar del Río. A 5 hours ride inside the Finca La Guabina to discover its beautiful landscape. Lunch. Option to enjoy an exhibition of the wonderful Apaloosa and Pinto horses of the farm. Transfer to Havana (2h). Free afternoon to visit Havana. Accommodation at Hotel Nacional***** or similar.
DAY 6: HAVANA
After breakfast, transfer to the Equestrian Center of Havana, training center for Dutch show-jumping horses. About 3 hours ride to discover the beautiful Lenin Natural Park. Lunch in the Equestrian center and transfer to the hotel in Havana. Dinner at a famous restaurant in El Vedado district. Tonight, we enjoy the unforgettable and famous Parisien Cabaret, with lots of music, dance, atmosphere and colors. Accommodation at Hotel Nacional*****.or similar.
DAY 7 : HAVANA
After breakfast, transfer to the Finca beside the beaches of Playas del Este (30m). Approx. 3 hour ride to the beach for a swim and a seafood lunch at the outside terrace of a nice restaurant. Transfer to Havana. Farewell dinner with a great musical show with some of the former members of Buena Vista Social Club at the Old Havana, or another great musical show. Accommodation at the Hotel Nacional***** or similar.
DAY 8. HAVANA
Morning free for sightseeing in Havana. Transfer to the airport at 18:00. Flight back to Europe
Note: Depending on availability, the hotels mentioned in this brochure may be replaced, without prior notice, with others hotels of the same category.
Una –
What an exciting & relaxing place I found Cuba to be.
I came home with lots of ideas & inspiration for my garden after seeing so many plants in their natural environment from horseback. Learning more about companion planting from how Cuba manages its agricultural.
Thank you Rafa for always ensuring a vegetarian option for me, you looked after me very well & I cannot wait for our next adventure with you. Gracias.
Philip –
Thank you Rafa so much for the wonderful time I had riding in Cuba. The country was amazing, so different from the other countries I have ridden in. The horses were well mannered and provided an enjoyable way to see the country side.
I loved seeing the old American cars and the Spanish fort. The evenings flew by drinking Mojitos and smoking a Havana Cigar (don’t tell anyone!).
I shall remember my Cuban adventure for a long time.
Rachel –
Really great ride, a good way to see the real Cuba – off the beaten track and staying with the locals. The riding is not too technical and the horses were good quality. I would highly recommend!
Marie-Anne –
James and I enjoyed our horse riding trip in Cuba a LOT! Beautiful to see the country side on horse back. Nice horses, one or two I wanted to take home Rafa took good care of us too… loved it! Marie-Anne
Tess –
The Cuban trail was fantastic! An ideal combination of riding in great surroundings, fine people, salsa music, and the ever-present mojitos….. I left my heart in Cuba, and certainly will be back!
Of course Rafa is the ideal guide there, both in riding and dancing 😉
Virginie –
Riding in Cuba gave me a great pleasure. We were a small group of 6 from 5 different countries. What impressed me the most was our rides were all different, up the mountain, down in the valley, going through high grass or crossing a small river. What they all had in common was beautiful scenery, good food, plenty of drinks and music. Rafa knows the country well and was a great guide. He was working constantly to make our stay unforgettable. Very often, he had to make last minute changes to accomodate the Cuban way of life. I highly recommend the trip and now travelling to Cuba from the US is legal so it’s easy and you won’t regret it.
Jana –
Nice trail ridning, beautiful nature. Horses are good trained. Riding about 3-5 hours a day. Cuba is wonderful. Rafael, with his knowledge of Cuba over 20 years takes you to places which are stunning, as well to countryside and as well he will shows you the Havana life. Recommend. I would like to ride a bit more per day, that’s why 4 stars.