Classic Cuba Bike Tour

 

MEETING PLACE:  Abel Santamaria Cuadrado International Airport (SNU)

MEETING TIME: Mid day on Day 1

TRIP LENGTH:  8 Days

DEPARTING CITY: Santa Clara, Cuba
AGE LIMIT:  12 Years
TRIP TYPE:  Biking, Cultural

TOTAL BIKING DISTANCE: 157.3 miles

Commercial flights from the United States to Havana are the standard mode of travel between the two countries, and we ask that our guests book their own travel between the U.S. and Santa Clara which is served by American Airlines once per day. On arrival transfer on your own to the designated tour hotel.

If you are unable to fly all the way to Santa Clara on Day 1, we recommend that you consider a "Day 0" for your tour and choose either of the following:

Travel to Santa Clara on Day 0.  With this option, we recommend that you stay overnight in our tour hotel and we can book that for you and add the extra night to your invoice.

Travel to Miami on Day 0.  With this option, we recommend that you stay overnight in Miami and continue to Santa Clara on Day 1.  

We are happy to offer guidance with scheduling your travel to and from Cuba, and our office staff is ready to answer any questions you may have.

 

Day 1: Saturday
Arrive in Santa Clara, Cuba!

After arrival transfer on your own to the tour hotel.  Enjoy exploring Santa Clara on foot as your energy allows, perhaps visiting the museum and mausoleum of Che Guevara to learn some of the history of the Cuban Revolution of 1959.  Having a basic understanding of this is key to understanding what Cuba is today. 

Meet your guide early evening for an orientation meeting followed by dinner.

• Accommodations: Hotel America or Similar
• Meals Included: Dinner

 
Day 2: Sunday
Santa Clara to Trinidad via Topes de Collantes National Park
Our days start early in order to beat the heat.  First thing in the morning we fit our bicycles and then start our ride.  We head southeast towards Topes de Collantes National Park on one of the most scenic riding sections of our tour.  The Escambray mountains separate the interior of Cuba from the coast and rise up as a verdant curtain of biodiversity.  The ride has plenty of ups and downs and is somewhat challenging.  As always, our bus is nearby, so if anyone tires out it’s possible to hop on the bus for part of the ride.

We arrive at the Park and have lunch surrounded by the thick forest.  After lunch we visit a coffee plantation and learn about current and historic coffee production in Cuba in a people-to-people exchange.  If there’s time and group energy we take a short hike in the National Park before continuing south to the charming colonial city of Trinidad.  One of the five original Spanish pueblos, Trinidad was founded in 1514 and retains many original colonial buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.  It’s a town of artists, history and culture not to be missed.
In the late afternoon we check into our Casa Particular, home for the next two nights.  Casas are essentially Bed & Breakfasts set up in people’s homes, giving you an excellent opportunity to see how average Cubans live and to get acquainted with them.  By staying in the homes of Cubans, we are providing support for the Cuban people, one of the objectives of the U.S. government related to reasons to travel to Cuba.  It also provides a forum for authentic, informal people-to-people interchange.
 
We take a short walking tour of the town to get oriented, then meet for dinner at a local paladar.  Paladars are private restaurants often located in historic mansions or colonial buildings. 

• Accommodations: Casa Particular
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Elevation:  +800/-2500 ft.
Distance: 20 Miles  
Time: 2-3 hours with stops

Day 3: Monday
Trinidad to Playa Ancon and River Kayaking
We offer an optional morning loop ride that cruises to the coast and Playa Ancon, one of Cuba’s most beautiful beaches.  We continue our ride along the coast and then meet up with our fleet of kayaks for a lovely and leisurely 1 ½ hour paddle on a tranquil river that offers fine birdwatching and fantastic views of Trinidad perched on the hill above.  
We return to town for lunch, and then walk some more within the city’s vehicle-free center.  We visit a local artist for a people-to-people exchange to learn about the role of art in Cuban society.  In the early evening we meet with local photographer and entrepreneur Julio Munoz to learn more about his style of photography, his horse education project and the challenges of private business.
Our dinner is another paladar, again providing support for the Cuban people by bringing business to a Cuban entrepreneur.  After dinner some may wish to explore the town’s lively music scene, including the outdoors Casa de la Musica located on the town steps in the colonial center.

• Accommodations: Casa Particular
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Elevation: +200 / -200 ft
Distance: 22 Miles (optional)
Time: 2-3 hours with stops
Map and GPS profile come soon  
 
Day 4: Tuesday
Trinidad to Cienfuegos
After breakfast at our respective Casa Particulars, we take the bus a few miles out of town, unload the bikes and start our ride west along the coast towards Cienfuegos.  It’s fairly level and very scenic, with towering green mountains to the north and the azure Caribbean to the south.   We stop on our ride at a beach for a rest and optional swim.  Then it’s on to lunch followed by a transfer into the city of Cienfuegos.
 
Cienfuegos is knows as the “Pearl of the South” and is legendary within Cuba for its long seaside promenade (the malecon) and the mansion-lined Prado.  Settled in the 1850’s, the Spanish Crown invited French people from Bordeaux and Louisiana to populate the city.  Cienfuegos is filled with fabulous architecture and is another of Cuba’s designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
 
We take an informative walking tour of the town visiting many of the majestic buildings including the late 19th century Teatro Tomas Terry which seats 900.  If timing works out we also hear a performance by the Cienfuegos Choir, an internationally renown choir that travels to competitions throughout the world.
We dine at a local paladar located near the “Prado” or central boulevard, which has a lovely raised central walkway with trees and benches and is one of the city’s central social points.  Those with energy may enjoy an evening walk along the malecon which comes alive after 9 pm with the city’s youth.

• Accommodations: Casa Particular
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Elevation: + 851 / - 987 ft.
Distance: 24.4 Miles (optional +15.5 miles +565/ -411 ft.)
Time: 3.5 hours with stops
Map & GPS Online Profile
 
Day 5: Wednesday
Cienfuegos to the Bay of Pigs, Playa Giron and Playa Larga
A short distance outside of Cienfuegos we start riding in Yaguaramas on a tranquil two-lane country road passing through agricultural lands.  It’s one of our favorite stretches where it’s not uncommon to see oxen pulling plows, rice drying on roads and people working in the fields.  By noon we arrive in the town of Playa Giron on the shores of the Bay of Pigs.  Named for a French pirate, this is also the site of the famous U.S. orchestrated invasion of the Bay of Pigs in 1961.
 
After a picnic lunch we visit the Museum of the Bay of Pigs for an informative people-to-people interchange with a museum guide.  Then it’s a short drive or optional ride to our favorite snorkeling place here in the Zapata National Park.  Cuba is home to the healthiest reef system in the Caribbean and our snorkel is an opportunity to learn more about the important research being done in the region as well as joint projects being carried out between Cuban and U.S. scientific foundations.
 
We transfer to the beachside town of Playa Larga and check into our Casa Particular for the evening.  Before dinner we meet with a staff member of the National Park Service for an enlightening people-to-people exchange to learn about the challenges facing the Park, various conservation projects and more.
 
Dinner is traditional Cuban food, served with care by our local hosts.

• Accommodations: Casas Particular
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 
Elevation: + 414 / - 506 ft.
Distance 35.2 Miles  
Time: 4-5 hours with stops 
Map & GPS Online Profile
 
Day 6: Thursday
Playa Larga to Havana

We ride our bikes in the morning from the small beach town of Playa Larga to Palpite for a very special visit to a local art and music school.  Young adults from throughout the island come here to study for a year.  We visit classes that may include drumming, pottery, dance, etc. and will enjoy some fun and meaningful interaction with the students.

After this visit we drop in on our good friend Bernabe who has a flowering tree in his yard that attracts the world's smallest hummingbird, the bee hummingbird.  We're almost guaranteed to see some there.  We load our bikes into our vehicle and drive a short distance for lunch and then on towards Havana.  On arrival we go to the Parque Historico Militar Morro-Cabana which is an impressive fortress and the largest defense complex built by the Spanish in the Americas.  We ramble around to learn about their history, and then continue to the hamlet of Casablanca and an impressively tall  marble statue of Christ sculpted by Cuban Jima Madera.  If time and interest, we may make a short visit to Regla to see the Church of the Black Virgin and learn about the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria.

We check into our hotel late afternoon, then enjoy dinner out.  It's a very special night with dinner at the Fabrica de Arte Cubano (the FAC) which is a mix of art and photo galleries and music venues.

• Accommodations: Havana Gras Aston or Similar
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 
Day 7: Friday
Full Day in Havana - Hemmingway Museum, Cojimar, and Old Havana

We have a full day to explore Havana!  In its glory Havana was the largest city in the Caribbean and on par with Paris, London and other European cities in terms of its richness in architecture, museums and beauty.  Today it's worn around the edges but still retains much of its former allure. 

Our day starts with a drive to the outskirts of Havana to see Hemingway's house and museum, Finca La Vigia where he lived for some 20 years and wrote some of his most famous works.  The small estate, built in 1886 and designed by Catalan architect Miguel Pascual y Baguer,  is set amid palms and a lush garden and houses his famous boat the Pilar.  Next stop is Cojimar, another of Hemmingway's favorite haunts and home to the Paladar Ajiaco where we have a delicious lunch.  

Our afternoon is spent in Havana Vieja (old Havana), to walk and explore the famous four plazas, each with a fascinating history. A UNESCO World Heritage site, much of old Havana has been lovingly restored.  There's some free time in the late afternoon to walk along the seafront malecon, visit art galleries or whatever you may want.  

In the early evening we head out for our final and farewell dinner.

• Accommodations: Havana Gras Aston or Similar
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 
Day 8: Saturday
Adios Cuba!
Transfer on your own to the Havana airport according to your flight schedule.  Your guide can help arrange a taxi.
 
*Taxis to the airport are approximately $25-30 for up to 3 people with luggage.

• Meals Included: Breakfast

DISCLAIMER: Travel in Cuba requires a flexible attitude. Our days are full, and as required by U.S. law, we have a full-time agenda of Support for the Cuban People activities.  Cuba has it’s own beat and things don’t always run on time. The activities and visits listed are not guaranteed but we endeavor to do our best to provide the content intent of this Support for the Cuban People program.  Visiting developing countries can be eye-opening and life-changing, and hopefully visiting Cuba is both. Accommodations may not be up to the standards you are used to.  Sometimes the hot water or air conditioning doesn’t work.  We ask all our guests to appreciate the authenticity of your cultural encounters as well as the people, food, culture, and adventures that are exceptional in their difference.  Our local guide, along with your Cuba Unbound Tour Leader promise to do their best to make this a fascinating and educational experience.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Several commercial flight options are now available between the USA and Cuba, usually at very reasonable fares. Therefore, for both cost and convenience reasons, we ask that you book your own air travel. Currently American Airlines, JetBlue, United, Southwest and Delta all offer flights to Cuba from various US cities.

If your trip is not yet confirmed, do not book your air or other travel arrangements.

When your tour is confirmed, you will need the following documentation for travel to Cuba:

1) Cuba Tourist card - this is your tourist visa which enables you to legally enter the country. This is easily purchased at the departure gate of the airlines on your flight to Cuba, currently at a price of $100. Please read our instructions for filling out your tourist card. *Please note that you must hold onto this visa card for the duration of your trip as you will need it to exit the country in addition to entering. 

2) Flight tickets/confirmation - You must have proof of your return ticket home. Be sure to bring a printed copy and have a copy saved on your phone.

3) Documentation of Travel to Cuba - Be sure to bring the itinerary and final information pack that we send you, as proof that your tour has a schedule of compliant activities as required by U.S. law under the Support for the Cuban People general license category (§ 515.574). This is the category you will choose from the 12 permitted categories of travel when you purchase your airline ticket. It is your responsibility to track and record your activities as well as your interactions with Cuban people, and to keep this documentation for 5 years. This is because the U.S. Government has the right to request this information for up to 5 years after your trip ends. The itinerary we provide will help you track the required information and has room for additional notes regarding daily activities and people you meet while you are in Cuba. This is an unofficial document and only one per household is needed. Cuba Unbound has no control over travel requirements established by OFAC (the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control), however, we've done our best to ensure this information is current and as accurate as possible, based on current regulations.

To learn more about the rules regarding Support for the Cuban People, click here and particularly note the "examples" of what does and does not qualify.  Our tours are designed to qualify every traveler as a person who is visiting Cuba in Support for the Cuban People.

4) Proof of Medical Insurance - Cuba requires all travelers to Cuba to have travel medical insurance. Fortunately this required insurance is included in the price of your airline ticket when you fly on any US airline to Cuba. If you fly to Cuba on a non-US airline, then you may be asked upon entry to Cuba for proof of travel medical insurance. This must include coverage for medical evacuation, emergencies, and repatriation. The company providing your travel medical plan must be able to make payments from a non-U.S. banking institution.

Again, U.S. airlines include the mandatory level of travel medical insurance in your ticket. Guests may purchase supplementary coverage at their discretion; we recommend such action as the mandatory amounts are set rather low. Cuba Unbound partners with Travel Insured International for this supplementary coverage, the costs of which depend on coverage amount, length of travel, and age of traveler. 

5) D’Viajeros Form - Cuba has a form that must be completed no sooner than 72 hours prior to your arrival in Cuba. The D’Viajeros Form doubles as a health proclamation and customs form. Once you complete it, a copy is emailed to you. Keep the QR code you get on your phone to present at the airport upon arrival. It’s a wise idea to also print a copy in case your phone isn’t working. Remember you won’t have WiFi upon arrival so any documents needed should be downloaded ahead of time. Having this form with you speeds up entry into Cuba.

ARRIVING IN CUBA

Each itinerary notes the starting location and time of each tour. For many people flying from the US, it may be necessary to overnight in Florida on the way to Cuba.

DEPARTING FROM CUBA

At the end of your tour, because people often have different flight times, it is your responsibility to find a taxi to return to the airport. Our guides can provide advice and assistance with those arrangements as needed. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Accommodations: If you are arriving early to Cuba or staying after your Cuba Unbound tour, it is important to secure your accommodations ahead of time. We recommend that you request bookings for additional nights through our office.

• Ground Transportation: Taxis from the airport are easy to find once you exit the terminal. We recommend using the official yellow taxis. Make sure to have the address of your destination in hand and agree on the fare before getting in the cab.

CONTACT NUMBERS

To reach our office support staff, call 1-208-770-3359 between 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Pacific time Monday - Friday. In case of emergencies outside our business hours on your way to Cuba, you can call or text Peter at +1-208-755-6824 or Maria Rosa at +1-971-500-5080.

On your final reservation letter you will also be given the contact number for your local guide.

We recommend you download the app WhatsApp before you leave and become familiar with using it. It allows phone calls using an internet connection which is very useful in Cuba. Also, both Verizon and AT&T allow texting to and from Cuba at reasonable rates. (See more on phones below.)

PHONES IN CUBA  

Your trip to Cuba is an excellent opportunity to get in a digital detox. For those travelers who can't get off the grid, however, it's possible to stay connected in Cuba--you just have to accept that your Cuban roaming comes with Cuban roaming charges. 

• Personal Mobile Phone Service in Cuba: It’s possible that your mobile phone will work in Cuba and we know that Verizon and AT&T do work, however, it comes with expensive fees for calls and data. However, texting is quite reasonable at 5 cents per incoming text and 50 cents per outgoing text. Check to see if your provider offers a roaming plan and if your mobile phone is capable of roaming when in Cuba. Further, inquire about additional charges for data, outgoing messages, and voice calls. You can also rent a SIM card from Cubacel to use your U.S. mobile phone in Cuba. This, however, only works if your phone is unlocked and GSM-capable. Cubacel’s SIM cards come with pre-paid minutes, and a daily rental fee is included.

• Renting U.S. Mobile Phones for Cuban Travel: A select number of specialized mobile phone companies provide travel phones compatible with Cuban roaming. Before traveling to Cuba, you can rent compatible phones from Mobal, Cello Mobile, or National Geographic’s Cellular Abroad. Expect rental fees and additional texting and per-minute call charges with data optional depending on the type of phone rented.

• Renting a Phone in Cuba: You can rent a phone from Cubacel upon your arrival in Cuba. Cubacel offices are located in Havana’s José Martí International Airport. Expect a nonrefundable deposit as well a daily fee, and additional texting and per-minute call charges still apply. Data’s not available on these rented phones.

INTERNET ACCESS IN CUBA

• Internet Cafés: ETECSA (the Cuban phone company) operates a number of internet cafés locally known as telepuntos in larger cities such as Havana and Santiago. You may purchase an access ticket in telepuntos that allow you to use the internet by the hour or by the minute.

• Hotel Business Centers: Many of the larger, modern hotels have a business center where guests can purchase internet access.

• WiFi: ETECSA offers public WiFi at many outdoor park locations.  More and more hotels and Casa Particulares have WiFi as well.  In most cases the WiFi only allows you to connect to the internet and then you must have an access pass (internet card) to connect. These are like scratch cards with codes you enter from a sign-in screen. The cards are sold with 30-minute or one hour time allotments and can be purchases from some hotel desks, some Casas and at ETECSA offices.

POWER

In Cuba, many hotels and resorts have an electrical current of 110V60Hz. Some more modern accommodations also have a dual voltage system with some sockets running at 220V. The majority of outlets accept U.S.-style 2-3 prong plugs, though some also accept European rounded 2-3 prong plugs. Most electronics such as cell phones, laptops, etc. work fine with either 110V or 220V.

HEALTH

Cuba poses no particular health or safety risks for travelers though it’s always advised to take reasonable precautions and be aware of your surroundings. We advise you to pack an individualized medical kit including any prescription drugs and painkillers that you might use while traveling in Cuba.

• Vaccines: U.S. citizens require no vaccines to visit Cuba.That being said, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that travelers should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Other advisable inoculations include: hepatitis A and B, and typhoid.

• Food and Water: It’s always good to take precautions about what you eat and drink when traveling to Cuba. To avoid parasites, avoid drinking tap water.  See our packing list for recommendations of filters to use in order to avoid the need to buy bottled water in single-use plastic bottles. Food served in the restaurants we visit is fine.  However, food purchased on the street presents the highest risk as no authorized regulatory organization ensures proper hygiene.

  • Water Bottle Choice - if you have one, we ask that you bring a reusable, wide-mouthed water bottle.  See the packing list for filter recommendations.

  • Snacks- if you are someone who likes to snack between meals, or if you need a regular blood sugar bump during an active trip such as this, pack some small, non-perishable, packaged food items from home: think granola bars, nuts, etc. There are small markets in the cities and villages of Cuba, but they do not sell what we consider snack food.

  • Food Restrictions- Vegetarian/vegan guests (or those with other food allergies as noted on your trip application) can expect our guides and operating partners to do their very best to accommodate your needs.  If you are a "pescatarian" and enjoy seafood, you will have good options. However, strict vegetarian and vegan options are less common in Cuba.  Plan on rice and beans, basic veggies (the avocados in Cuba are impressive), and local fruits when and where available.  You might want to bring your own supply of nuts or other protein substitutes.

• Sun Exposure: With Cuba’s strong summer sun and high humidity, sun and heat exposure along with dehydration can present health risks. Use sunscreen, drink lots of water, and limit sun exposure when you can.

• Insurance: Cuba mandates that all foreign travelers have medical insurance which includes evacuation if serious medical attention is needed.

• Zika Virus: The CDC has reported Zika outbreaks in Cuba and advises travelers to practice enhanced precautions. Check out the CDC's website for updated travel alerts, and please review our prepared Zika Virus Travel Tips on the Health & Safety dropdown menu to help you travel healthy. 

SAFETY

Cuba remains a generally safe country for travelers. Petty theft remains the most common safety threat, though preventative measures and vigilance go a long way to keep your items safe. As a poor country, you may be approached by hustlers offering to take you to their favorite bar (where they get a commission on your drinks), or to sell you cigars, etc.  Be friendly and polite, but decline these offers.

MONEY IN CUBA

For more details on currency and cash, refer to the Money in Cuba page on the Cuba Unbound website. 

• Exchanging Money in Cuba: Refer to our Money in Cuba page. Exchange only a little at a time.  Bring USD or Euros in $1,5,10 and 20 denominations for incidental spending.

• How Much To Bring on Your Tour: Below are some guidelines on how much cash you may want to bring for items not included in your tour.  US bank credit and debit cards DO NOT WORK in Cuba.  Bring more cash than you think you'll need - if you run out, there is likely no easy way to get more. If you have too much you can bring it home.

  • Gifts/Souvenirs: we recommend $100-$200 per person ($800 USD per person is the maximum allowed through customs when you return to the U.S.).  If you plan to shop minimally, or not at all, adjust appropriately. (Current US law prohibits the importation of Cuban cigars and rum.)

  • Incidental Personal Expenses: $100 per person.  Plan on unexpected needs along the way, such as laundry, tips for service outside the scope of the tour, etc.

  • Beverages/Entertainment: $75-$100 per person. Cuba Unbound provides clean drinking water at all times, as well as water with meals and coffee, tea and juice at breakfast. In addition, most restaurants on your tour will include one beverage of your choice with lunch and dinner.  However, an included drink is not always the case, and additional beverages will need to be paid separately.  In many places, you may take an evening stroll and enjoy some live music in a local bar.  At the Casas we stay in along the way, you can buy beer and perhaps other drinks.  Drinks range from $2-$5 at most locations.

  • Airport Taxi: Since flights depart to the US throughout the day, we do not include a group airport transfer at the conclusion of the tour. Therefore we ask that you budget for a taxi back to the airport at the end of your tour.  This should cost around $30-$35.

  • Guide Gratuities: we recommend approximately $200 USD/Euros per guest for your guide team (equivalent to $25 per day for the team).  Keep in mind that tipping is a very personal decision, and we encourage you to adjust this up or down as you see fit based on your experience. It's best to plan on tipping in USD, Euros or CAD ($200 US = $270 CAD).

    • During your trip, Cuba Unbound covers tips for servers, porters, and others that help us along the way. Your tour leader, as well as local Cuban guides and drivers are not included in the gratuities that we pay. Please give this gratuity in either USD, Euros, or CAD to your tour leader at the end of the trip. He or she will in turn divide it according to our company guidelines, keeping some for him/herself and distributing the rest appropriately among our local Cuban guides and drivers. 

  • Total: We recommend a total of $600-$800 per person. If this seems high, remember that it's best to bring more than you think you may need, as you cannot get more cash in Cuba.  You can always take home what you don't spend.

TRAVEL TIPS FROM THE TEAM

• Unplug- we encourage you to embrace your week in Cuba as a chance to disconnect!  Although you might take your smart phone for the camera, alarm function, etc., most U.S. carriers still don't have reliable service in Cuba (feel free to check with your provider of course).  On top of that, you will likely need to purchase an internet card, and WiFi in Cuba (even in most hotels) is spotty at best. So, any time spent trying to connect is likely to be inefficient, and more importantly, will be time taken away from your authentic Cuban experience. Having said that, there are other options if you absolutely must stay connected.  Please see our Cuba Unbound FAQs for additional details. 

• Don't Forget Your Camera- However, your best bet to capture all those Cuban memories: pack your camera or phone-camera and take lots of pictures! 

• Gifts for Cuban friends you meet along the way- many visitors to Cuba like to bring small items to give away to locals they meet on their trip.  Please know that there is absolutely no obligation to do so. If you are interested, we may be able to organize a visit to a person or organization that can help facilitate donations, but let us know ahead of your tour.  We visit many of our friends along the way, and you will undoubtedly meet new friends of your own.  Strangers (especially kids) also love anything you might want to gift them – particularly items that aren’t readily available in Cuba, such as basic hygiene products (travel toothpaste, shampoo, lotion, etc.), small toys for kids (crayons are great), travel umbrellas you might take for your trip and leave behind, pencils/pens, etc.  Currently you can bring up to $1000 to Cuba in food, medications, clothing gifts.  We also recommend that items fit easily into your day pack and that you only gift to one or two people at a time…kids have a tendency to converge upon (and sometimes innocently reach into) a day pack that they know has something for them.  Lastly, consider where you pack liquid/gels or any other gifts that are subject to standard airline luggage restrictions. See our FAQ on this topic and please don’t bring cheap plastic gifts that become part of the landfill.

• Embrace the experience: This is a great time to remind you that Cuba is likely unlike any other place you've been.  After 60 years of a trade embargo and an economy that has been fraught with struggles, infrastructure is generally not well maintained.  Power outages are common. Buildings are in need of repair, sometimes including portions of the hotels we use.  Elevators may stop operating during thunderstorms or for other reasons.  Air conditioning often breaks down.  Hot water and water pressure can be minimal.  Things happen more slowly than in many parts of the world.  Internet access is sporadic and hard to find.  All that said, you will find warm, friendly people, fantastic scenery and natural landscapes, and a culture rich in music and history.  Please leave your usual expectations at home, beware of things such as loose cobblestone, and bring an attitude of flexibility and understanding.  If you do that, we are more than confident you will have an incredible Cuban experience!

OUR COMMITMENT

Our hope is that your first trip withCuba Unbound is just one of many. Thus our goal is to provide thorough and complete communications and be clear with the details of our agreement with you.  Because the fine print sometimes changes, you will receive the most current Terms & Conditions along with your travel documents at the time of booking.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP

We do our best to provide you with all kinds of great resources to prepare for your trip.  These include packing lists, reading lists, detailed itineraries and more.  All of our multi-day river camping trips include tents, sleeping bags, and pads.  In most cases we will even help you book a hotel room prior to and after your trip.  Most international departures include accommodation, meals and land transportation. The reservation packet that we send you will include a detailed gear list of what you should bring.

Most of our trips are suitable for beginners; however, some are more active than others.  A spirit of flexibility and adventure is a good thing to bring along. It’s important that you understand the physical requirements for whatever trip you choose. If you’re not sure about this, or you’re not sure which trip or date will best meet your needs, please call for advice from our talented and knowledgeable Adventure Consultants.  Be sure to read the “Trip Member’s Responsibility” below and if you have any medical concerns we encourage you to speak with your doctor before reserving space on a trip.

If you are planning a special event during the trip such as a birthday or anniversary, please let us know as we always have a few surprises up our sleeves.  On our trip application form you can indicate any food needs you might have and we’re happy to accommodate those where possible.

HOW TO SIGN UP

To make a reservation, please contact us by one of the following methods:

Call us at 208-770-3359 – Monday-Friday from 8:30 to 5:00 pm Pacific Time.
Send us an email or use the “Book Now” tab found on most trip pages on our website.

DEPOSITS

When we confirm the availability of your desired date and adventure, we will send you a confirmation packet including a suggested packing list. A deposit is required within 7-10 days of making your reservation for all trips for all trips booked 60 days or more in advance.  Confirmation is not final until we also receive a copy of your completed trip application and signed waiver.  We accept all major credit cards for the initial deposit. Credit cards are accepted for deposits only.  The balance must be paid by check or if you choose to use a credit card there is a convenience fee. Please note that some of our international tours require a second deposit due 120 days prior to departure.  Complete details on deposit amounts and payment due dates for your specific adventure will be sent to you on your initial invoice.

Early reservations are recommended as space is limited. While it is often possible to join one of our trips on short notice, space is limited and we recommend you sign up well in advance.

BALANCE DUE
Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Reservations made after the balance due date must be paid in full at the time of booking. We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if full payment is not received by the due date.

TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN

We strongly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan which can include a full trip refund should you cancel at any time for medical or health reasons.  Coverage also includes medical evacuation, trip delay, and other elements.  Because so many of our guests purchase this plan, we add the cost to your invoice as a convenience and it becomes effective on the day your premium payment is received in our office.  Should you not wish to purchase this travel plan, simply deduct its cost from your invoice. Participants are responsible for researching the terms of their insurance coverage.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, you should notify Cuba Unbound in writing, by e-mail or fax immediately.  If written cancellation is received (call to verify) before the final balance is due, you will be given a refund less the amount of the deposit.  Deposits are not refundable.  If cancellations are made on or after the final due date, no money will be refunded.  If you are unable to go on the trip, you are welcome to find a replacement for yourself.  Please understand that once you’ve signed up, we lose the right to sell your reserved space to other individuals or groups.  Therefore, we regret that we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies.  For this reason we strongly recommend you consider purchasing the Travel Protection Plan we offer.

Cuba Unbound must make substantial payments to its suppliers (hotels, transportation companies, etc.) far in advance of the trip departure date.  If Cuba Unbound cancels any tour, trip or expedition due to acts of insurrection, force majeure, strikes, popular demonstrations, acts of God, earthquake, flooding, or any cause beyond its control, Cuba Unbound will refund the portion of the trip cost not already advanced to suppliers and use its best efforts to recover and refund the balance as promptly as possible.

CANCELLATIONS FOR EXTENSIONS

There is a $150 per person non-refundable cancellation fee for all extensions. Cancellations must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure to avoid additional penalties.  Cancellations made 59-30 days prior to departure incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the total fare.  Cancellations made 29-0 days prior to departure forfeit all fees paid.  For groups of 10 or more, cancellations must be received no later than 120 days prior to departure.  Cancellations made between 119-60 days incur a cancellation fee of 25% of the total fare.

SINGLE TRAVELERS

Tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you are a single traveler, and request individual accommodations, we will apply a single supplement fee to your reservation. If you are willing to share accommodations, we will pair you with a roommate, should there be one available, allowing us to waive the single supplement fee. For some of our tours we have a limited number of single accommodations available. A select few of our tours do not offer single accommodations, regardless of traveler’s interest.  

TIERED PRICING

Our trips are budgeted for full or near full sign-ups which enables us to offer trips at the lowest possible price.  Because of numerous fixed costs, it is more expensive to operate a trip for a small group.  Therefore, on some of our trips, we have a “tier-pricing” system to avoid canceling a trip with a low number of sign ups.  We have found that most people also prefer this alternative to having a trip cancelled.   Thus, you will note on our trip prices there is a different price for 6-8 people versus 9-10, versus 11-12.

Tier pricing is calculated on the number of full revenue passengers.  Staff or guests of Cuba Unbound (travel writers, trip leaders-in-training, office staff, etc.) are not included in the tier pricing structure.  Trip costs quoted are based on foreign exchange rates current at the time of this printing.  We reserve the right to raise the trip fee if there are exceptional cost increases beyond our control.

We will initially invoice you at the higher tier price, and refund the difference depending on the final group size.

GROUP AND CHARTER RATES

On most trips, we offer a Group Rate for groups of 10 or more.  We are also happy to arrange private charter trips. Contact us for details.

WAITING LISTS

If you wish to be wait-listed for a full trip, the normal deposit is required.  If an opening occurs on the trip, you will be informed and automatically transferred to the trip roster. If you accept the slot, you will become subject to the normal cancellation policies. Otherwise, your deposit will be refunded in full.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS / TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

All travelers are required to have a valid passport when traveling to another country.  It is your responsibility to be sure that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip.  A valid tourist card, also known as a visa, is also required to enter Cuba. It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have the correct and complete documentation required for their trip.

TIPPING

If you are happy with the service you receive, it will be more than welcome.  Tipping is a very personal matter and the decision to tip and how much to give is entirely yours.  If you believe your guide deserves a tip, a suggested range is from 8-12% of your trip cost.  If you had the time of your life, then the sky’s the limit!  We also appreciate your comments.  We use your feedback to recognize extraordinary guest service and to discover areas where we can make improvements.  Our goal is to exceed your expectations!  More specific tipping guidelines are included in your final tour materials.

GUIDE REQUESTS

Cuba Unbound is proud of the fact that we can sometimes bring guests together with their favorite guides. However, guide requests are often not possible and cannot be guaranteed for a variety of reasons. We will do everything we can to schedule you with the guide you have requested, but in the end, please understand, your request may not be feasible.

TRIP MEMBER'S RESPONSIBILITY

Trip members have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interests. We are happy to discuss the trip with you if you have any questions or concerns. Trip members are held responsible for being in sufficient good health to undertake the trip. Members are also responsible for studying all pre-departure information; for bringing the appropriate clothing and equipment as detailed therein and, for acting in a manner considerate of fellow group members.

Although most travel, including travel to international destinations, is completed without incident, travel to certain destinations may involve greater risk than others.  Cuba Unbound urges passengers to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements and advisories issued by the United States Government prior to booking travel to international destinations. Information on conditions in various countries and the level of risk associated with travel to particular international destinations can be found at www.state.gov, www.tsa.gov, www.dot.gov, www.faa.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.treas.gov/ofac and www.customs.gov. By offering travel to particular international destinations, Cuba Unbound does not represent or warrant that travel to such points is advisable or without risk, and Cuba Unbound is not liable for damages or losses that may result from travel to such destinations.

Cuba Unbound reserves the right to disqualify anyone at any time before or during the trip for medical or psychological reasons, or if they are behaving in a way that compromise the trip’s safety, or enjoyment of other participants.  No refund will be given in this situation. Each trip member is ultimately responsible for his or her own medical expenses. We cannot refund costs of medical examinations or other expenses incurred while preparing for a trip. If you arrive at the start of your trip with a pre-existing condition or injury that was not disclosed in writing to Cuba Unbound and you are subsequently forced to leave the trip because of this condition, you will be charged all extra evacuation expenses and will not receive a refund of any unused trip services. All health information is treated as confidential.

RESPONSIBILITY ~ AN IMPORTANT NOTICE

Payment of your deposit represents your acceptance of the following conditions: Remote Odysseys Worldwide, Inc. (dba Cuba Unbound), its subsidiaries and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agents for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any delay, expense, mishap, inconvenience, bodily injury or death, loss or damage to person or property, however caused, in connection with any service, including, but not limited to, that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, irregularity, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from strikes, theft, quarantine, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, government restrictions or regulations, civil disturbances, and discrepancies or changes in transit over which we have no control.

Cuba Unbound reserves the right, either prior to or after departure, in its good-faith discretion and in circumstances that warrant it, to change or re-price any tour, trip, or expedition. This includes the possibility of moving to a different location within Cuba due to extreme weather conditions, forest fires, road closures and/or acts of God.

Cuba Unbound reserves the right to substitute hotels and leaders and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable.

Cuba Unbound reserves the right to take photographic or film records of any of our trips and may use any such records for promotional and/or commercial purposes.

LIABILITY RELEASE

Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release form before the trip, acknowledging awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with Cuba Unbound’ cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.

FOREIGN TRAVEL

Trips in countries other than the United States of America are operated by independent suppliers arranged through our sister companies Remote Odysseys Worldwide, Inc. or ROW Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc.  We have no right to control their operations and therefore make the described travel arrangements upon the express condition that Cuba Unbound, Adventure Unbound, Remote Odysseys Worldwide, Inc., nor ROW Sea Kayak Adventures, Inc., its subsidiaries, agents and employees, shall not be liable for any delay, mishap, inconvenience, expense, irregularity, bodily injury or death to person, or damage to property occasioned through the conduct or fault of any company or individual engaged in providing these services.

ITINERARY CHANGES

We do our best to follow our itinerary as published, however, the nature of these sorts of adventures is such that each trip will be slightly different. Weather, National Park regulation changes, hotel availability, guest ability, fuel shortages and other factors may require modifications.  We do our best to substitute equivalent destinations and activities.  Cuba Unbound will not be held responsible for any refunds whatsoever for changes to the printed or scheduled itinerary.

DELAYS

Travel requires a flexible attitude.  Due to factors out of our control, including but not limited to weather, unannounced road construction, etc., delays do occur.  For example, flights sometimes don’t operate as scheduled, roads may wash out, or detours may be necessary.  We advise you to consider these potential factors when planning your travel to our tour destinations, as well as ask for your flexibility and understanding when delays due to factors out of our control necessitate changes to your tour itinerary.

CANCELED TRIPS

Cuba Unbound reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient sign-ups or logistical problems, which may impede trip operations.  The refund of all land payments received shall release Cuba Unbound from any further liability.  In the event of trip cancellation, Cuba Unbound is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by trip members, such as penalties incurred through the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets, medical expenses and passport and visa fees. A trip cancellation due to insufficient sign-ups would normally occur at least 30 days prior to departure. These additional expenses can be recovered if you purchase a travel protection plan.

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS

Cuba Unbound shall not be liable for (a) expenses such as additional hotel nights and meals not specified in the individual trip itineraries, but which may be required to get to and from a trip start or end; (b) expenses due to the delay of a trip for any reason (e.g. bad weather, trail conditions, landslides, flooding, sickness, etc.); (c) expenses incurred in recovering luggage lost by airlines, belongings left behind on a trip or in shipping purchases or other goods home from abroad.