Premium Itinerary
Afrocuban Roots
8 days / 7 nights
Tour Description
This is a suggested itinerary
All our tours are 100% private, so you can customize them as you prefer.
You can extend them for one or more days, add or remove any activity, site or location, etc.
Day 1
Welcome to Havana
Arrival at Havana Airport.
Your tour guide and driver will be waiting there to pick you up and assist you for the rest of the tour.
Transfer to your Boutique Hotel in Old Havana.
Free time to check in, freshen up, and get comfortable.
Short walk around the area.
Your tour guide will show you some points of interest and suggest good cafes, live music bars, and restaurants.
Welcome dinner at Jíbaros.
Day 2
Exploring Havana
Breakfast at the Boutique Hotel.
Old Havana walking tour.
In this historic center, designated UNESCO Heritage Site in 1982, you can admire the Four Main Squares: Plaza Vieja, Plaza de San Francisco de Asís, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza de la Catedral. This area is rich in cultural experiences, featuring notable attractions such as museums, art galleries, libraries, parks...
You can stroll down Obispo Boulevard, where you'll find a variety of local shops and craft markets.
Other significant sites include the Capitol, Central Park, the Grand Theatre, the Bacardí Building, and the Museum of the Revolution.
Visit to local projects.
During the walking tour, you can stop by some local projects promoting the Afrocuban culture, like Beyond Roots, Asheré, and others.
Lunch at Paladar Los Mercaderes.
Classic American convertible car ride.
During this tour, you will have the unique experience of riding in a classic convertible car from the '50s as you delve into both historic landmarks and modern attractions of the city.
Your adventure will begin at the Old Forts known as Morro-Cabaña Castle, a majestic fortress that offers a glimpse into the city's rich colonial history. A cigar shop next to the fort will call your attention, since they have an exhibition with the Guinness Record of the Biggest Cigar in the World.
Next, you will visit the iconic Christ Statue, which provides stunning panoramic views of Old Havana. Take in the sights along the Malecón Promenade, where the ocean waves create a backdrop to the vibrant atmosphere of the city, and as you cruise through the upscale neighborhood of Vedado, you'll witness the elegance and style of high-class living.
You'll have a stop at the National Hotel, a symbol of historic luxury and mafia affairs in Havana before the Revolution, to appreciate its architectural beauty and storied past.
Continue your journey to the Revolution Square, the historic place where thousands of Cubans, during the first decades of the Revolution, stood for hours listening to the speeches of president Fidel Castro. This is an essential highlight, as it remains a pivotal site in the nation’s history.
When passing in front of Colón Cemetery, prepare to be captivated with its numerous mausoleums and intricate sculptures. In the Cemetery, you can visit the Mausoleum of the Abakuá Society and pay tribute to our African ancestors.
Lastly, find serenity in the greenery of the Metropolitan Forest, a peaceful oasis amidst the urban buzz where religious Afrocuban families practice rituals and ceremonies.
Enjoy every moment of this unforgettable adventure!
Dinner at Al Pirata.
Day 3
Exploring Viñales
Breakfast at the Boutique Hotel.
Trip to Viñales and check-in at a Deluxe Private Cabin.
Stop at Los Jazmines Viewpoint, conveniently situated just a few minutes from the town center, to have a beautiful view of the valley and its distinctive "mogotes" (limestone monolyths) rising above the lush tobacco fields and coffee plantations.
Tobacco Farm and Plantations.
The economy of Viñales is predominantly based on the tobacco plantations, and alongside with Pinar del Rio city, is renowned as the source of most of the finest tobacco leaves and cigars in the world.
During your visit to a tobacco farm, a farmer will teach you the whole process, from sowing the tobacco seeds to the art of rolling handmade cigars. As part of this experience, the farm will graciously offer you one of their cigars to smoke and enjoy.
Horseback riding / Horse cart excursion.
Take a horseback ride or a horse-drawn cart to visit another farm that produces local rum, honey, and coffee. This is the perfect opportunity to discover other handcrafted products that are characteristic of Viñales Valley.
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and flavors of the region, as you learn about the production processes of these delightful local goods.
Farm-to-table lunch in a local family-owned business.
Valley of Prehistory.
Other things to do in Viñales are related to our island's prehistoric times.
Visit the Palenque de los Cimarrones, a cave inhabited by African slaves during the colonial times, who had to live hiding after escaping from their haciendas. This cave showcases their lifestyles, what they ate, how they slept, and has a collection of tools they used.
Other important landmark is the Mural of Prehistory, a massive artwork which honors the archaeological findings of fosiles in the valley. The mural is represented by these prehistoric animals and the first men to inhabit the island. This is a very nice spot for picnics, capturing photos, and sipping on piña coladas.
Not far from the Mural of Prehistory, there's the second largest Canopy Zipline, in Cuba, with a distance of 1000 meters and a height of 35 meters above the ground. This will be an exhilarating way to take in the views of the landscape while enjoying a bit of adventure!
Dinner at El Jardín del Artesano.
Day 4
Discovering Art
and Local Projects
Breakfast at the Cabin and check-out.
Trip to Havana and check-in at the Boutique Hotel.
Callejón de Hamel Project.
This artistic project, located in Hamel street in Centro Habana neighborhood, was born in 1990 after the artist Salvador González painted the first mural in the facade of a friend's house. Nowadays, is one of the most renowned places in Havana, with its many paintings, sculptures, temples, shops... everything related to the wide African heritage present in Cuba. It also promotes the recyclage of old house appliances parts and furnitures, giving it a use in the art and decor of the place.
If you're lucky enough and visit this project on a Sunday, you will enjoy an African dance performance with a live band, a conference about the African cultures, and probably a fashion show!
Lunch at Sibarita.
Rum Museum tour + Rum and Cigar Tasting experience.
Discover everything about Cuba’s beloved national liquor: the rum. From the origins of rum history, tracing back to the arrival of the Spaniards in the New World, to the development of the sugarcane industries and how it played a crucial role un the evolution of various types of rum. By hearing the fascinating story about the processes behind this iconic spirit, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in rum production.
The experience will conclude with a rum tasting, allowing you to sample a selection of rums and savor the distinct flavors that each variety has to offer, paired with a fine cigar. This immersive moment will elevate your understanding of one of Cuba's most cherished traditions. Cheers to that!
Salsa dancing class with the local school Salsa Cubana Habana.
Dinner at La Divina Pastora in Morro-Cabaña Castle.
Cannon Shot Ceremony.
(from 8:45 pm to 9:00 pm)
One of the oldest traditions in Cuba is the ceremony of El Cañonazo, a cannon shot that has been happening every day for the last 350 years. Originally meant to be a signal to close the doors of the city wall in order to defend from pirates and bandits, nowadays is a symbolic and impressive performance carried on exactly at 9:00 PM
Night show in Traditionals of the ‘50s Cabaret with drinks included.
A Cuban music project and show that celebrates the 1950s, a golden era for Cuban music. The show features performances by Buena Vista Social Club members and other Cuban artists.
Day 5
Afrocuban Tour
Breakfast at the Boutique Hotel and check-out.
Transfer to Matanzas city.
Stop at Bacunayagua Bridge Viewpoint, the tallest bridge ever built in Cuba, to have a beautiful view of the Yumurí Valley and river.
Slave Route Museum Tour.
Matanzas: "The Athens of Cuba", "The Venice of Cuba", "The city of bridges", and birthplace of Afro-Cuban music like the Rumba and the Danzón. Modern, clean, cultural, folkloric, poetic... with beautiful landscapes conformed by the three rivers that end up in its bay and the Yumurí Mountains in the background.
Here, many recognized Cuban writers were born, like Agustín Acosta (National Poet by 1955), Bonifacio Byrne, and José Jacinto Milanés, and Afro-Cuban music bands like Muñequitos de Matanzas and Afrocuba de Matanzas, dating back from the 1940s'.
Matanzas has a history very close-related to the African culture, due to the increasing presence of African slaves in this territory between 1792 and 1859 (from 30% to 62% of the total population during this period), which consequently became free Afro-Cuban communities. The retention of African traditions, especially the Abakuá, is especially strong here.
You will have a visit to the Slavery Museum in San Severino Castle to learn more about the African culture, history, and traditions, this city has to show you!
Sunbathing at Varadero Beach.
Just 15 minutes from Matanzas, you can find the Peninsula of Varadero. This has the most famous and beautiful beaches of Cuba, with shallow blue waters, white sand, and a perfect tropical climate. Have a stop a the beach, swim, breathe, relax, and drink a mojito before continuing with your trip!
Lunch at Casa Dupont.
Transfer to Trinidad.
Check-in at a Deluxe Boutique Hotel.
Dinner at Paladar San José.
Day 6
Exploring Trinidad
Breakfast at the accommodation.
Trinidad walking tour.
Walk around the historic center of Trinidad, also designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988. This charming town is a treasure trove of colonial architecture and vibrant culture.
Your exploration will take you to the Three Main Squares: Plaza Carillo, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de Santa Ana. You can visit several enriching museums around, including the Historical Museum of Trinidad, the Museum of Colonial Architecture, and the Museum of Romantic Arts, and important art galleries like the Handfans Workshop. And for sure, don't miss the opportunity to see the beautiful Church of the Holy Trinity, and swing by the local Beer Brewery for a refreshing ale.
Trinidad is also famous for its lively music scene. Check out some of the best venues in Cuba for live music and dancing, such as La Casa de la Música, El Rincón de la Salsa, La Casa de la Canchánchara, and La Casa de la Trova.
With its rich cultural offerings, Trinidad promises an unforgettable experience filled with history, music, and vibrant local life.
Lunch in La Botija.
A restaurant decorated with elements from the colonial times in Cuba, where the waitresses uniforms are inspired in the ones the domestic slaves used centuries ago.
The Sugar Mills Valley.
The first thing you see when you reach Trinidad is the Sugar Mills Valley (Valle de los Ingenios). Have a stop at Manaca-Iznaga, an ancient sugar mill operating as a museum, to see the remnants of sugar and rum production of the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Even though this factory is not working anymore, it still houses the original tools, pots, and machinery that were used centuries ago to press the sugar cane, process the juice, and obtain the sugar crystals. You will even have the chance to press a sugarcane yourself and taste a real fresh sugarcane juice (guarapo).
You can also climb the imposing tower next to the hacienda, which once served to overlook the slaves in the sugarcane fields, to admire what used to be the largest sugarcane valley in Cuba.
This experience not only connects you to the history of sugar production in Cuba, but also allows you to try the delightful flavors of one of our traditional beverages.
Playa Ancón.
Enjoy the rest of the day at Ancón beach, a peninsula with hotel resorts, cafés, bars, and restaurants. If the sky is clear, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful beach sunsets.
Dinner at the beach or at the Boutique Hotel.
Day 7
A Cuban Cuisine Touch
Breakfast at the accommodation and check-out.
Transfer to Havana and check-in at the Boutique Hotel.
Authentic Cuban creole cuisine and cocktails experience with a local chef.
Meet Elisa, an Afro-descendant woman who will guide you through an engaging cooking class focused on traditional Cuban cuisine. In this enriching experience, she will share insights into the main dishes, their origins, cultural influences, and historical significance.
Elisa will also instruct you on how to prepare two of the most famous Cuban cocktails and the incredible stories behind them: the Mojito and the Cuba Libre.
You will have the opportunity to create your own meal from scratch, and at the end of the class, you can savor the delicious dishes you've made! This hands-on culinary adventure is not only a feast for the palate but also a celebration of Cuba's vibrant culinary heritage.
Farewell at El Bejuco.
A local project that brings the jungle vibes to the middle of the city, with banana trees and vines decorating the place. They offer snacks, cocktails, board games, and music. A special place to share with others and say good-bye to Cuba after an unforgettable night!
Day 8
Departure
After your breakfast, the driver and the guide will take you directly to the airport, unless you have a late afternoon flight that allows to add more optional activities.
Premium Package Price
Based on 2 adults sharing a room 60% OFF* for children between 4 and 12 years old sharing the tour with two adults FREE* for children below 4 years SPECIAL RATES For Travel Agencies and large groups * The discount is for the tour package only. Children still have to pay for the visa and the flight ticket (except for 2 year-old infants and younger traveling on laps)
Solo Traveler
$5800
per person
Two Participants
$4600
per person
Three / Four Participants
$4100
per person
Five+ Participants
$3800
per person