35 independent reviews for Cuba adventure tours
Reviews for Cuba adventure tours
Anjali Gupta review 2 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Trinidad was beyond beautiful and accessible.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack lightly - between dragging baggage on streets and hauling up multiple flights of stairs - wish I had brought less. Besides Euros needed for local payment - wouldn't have converted so many. USD was easy to change. Even though I wish I packed less - would have brought more useful items for Cubans (crayons, pens, soaps, health, etc.)3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so in a little way.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Surpassed my expectations.Katie Sugg review 5 Nov 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Two days spent in Vinales. I loved the walk through the valley to the tobacco farm with our very knowledgeable guide.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring plenty of mosquito repellent and avoid taking ice in your drinks.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely, although towards the end of the trip I began to feel a bit financially squeezed.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was an unforgettable experience.May Breisacher review 25 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything, the tour was great. Yenni, our tour guide, was amazing. Miguel, our driver, was lovely. The casas were great, the stops wonderful - the only downside was that it was over too quickly! The tour offers the right balance of guided tours/activities and free time. We had lots of good local recommendations and the group size was awesome.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plan some time before and after in Havana so you get to experience this wonderful city. I'd also suggest combining it, e.g. with a hiking trip, which is what I did so I got to experience more of the beauty that is Cuba. The casas particulares are definitely the way to explore Cuba. Avoid the hotels/resorts. I stayed it one at the end and wished I had stayed in a casa instead - the quality and experience would have been so much better in so many ways.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing tour! We had a great group of 9 people of different ages. We all gelled well and we had a great time together.Roger Kendall review 18 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking in the fields of Vinales and talking to farmers there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Sort your money out at the beginning as no credit cards and problem ATM's.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very enjoyable.Srini Sankar review 7 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Vinales valley views, hike, horse ride, food, tobacco farm, pretty much everything about it.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Download google offline maps, American travelers must exchange USD to CAD or EUR. I lost lots of exchange money because of USD. Pay for excursions, optional tours, etc. in advance from USA.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Staying at Casas with local families, eating at Cuban owned restaurants, buying souvenirs and handicrafts from street vendors. Tobacco, honey, rum and coffee from the farmers. All these helped local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing, marvelous, totally loved it. One of the best trips ever. Our guide Emilio was awesome. Very knowledgeable and suggested all the right places. Bus driver Asiel was so good in driving us place to place. Very careful. Always following speed limits and very calm.Mary Clare Woods review 6 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
snorkelling in the bay of pigs2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Our guide and the coach driver were great, but many of the meals we shared with the group were overpriced - for a fraction of the cost there were local cafes and restaurants that had similar food. Having said that we went to one expensive restaurant where the portions were massive, and the food was fabulous. Check out tripadvisor for local cafes and restaurants, and you may find much better food for much less..... Take anti-diarrhoea medication - especially for Havana, and take herbs and spices to add to your food as it can be very bland if you are used to spicy or well-seasoned food. Wherever you go you get hassled - especially in Havana so smile sweetly and say no gracias (no thanks) Occasionally someone will want to help you without expecting a major tip - but most of the time people want a few CUCs. The expected tipping by the tour operator for guides and casas is a bit much and can add a lot of extra expense to your vacation.. in the end we only tipped the cleaners and kitchen staff and left a small treat for some of the families we stayed with, as well as tipping the guide and driver. Beware the stop outside Baracoa - you get mobbed by people trying to sell you stuff that you see almost everywhere you go... Do not bother with the Spanish lessons offered by the tour operator..... We followed a set curriculum, although it was one-to-one tuition - it was not personalised - it was OK for me, but my partner is a beginner, and found it a nightmare! Better to use an on-line or CDROM based course and to study locally before you go if you can. Take good walking sandals or trainers!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The vacation generally benefited the local tourist trade, but not the people living in poverty. The visit to a chocolate farm near Baracoa definitely benefited the farming family. We got the feeling that there are 2 economies in Cuba - the tourist trade, with cash tips to avoid tax, and the mainstream economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great - Cuba is very safe, the Cuban people are very friendly, there is music wherever you go, and the country is beautiful, with amazing architecture and classic vehicles. It is a good introduction to Cuba - we are looking to go independently next time, and use airbnb, and the Viakul coach services which is much much cheaper.Frank Kromidas review 23 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The country was beautiful. The group that I travel with was fantastic. I being the oldest at 75 there were quite a few younger. It was a great mix of mines and personalities, the people are very friendly our guide was great. And the homes we stayed in or outstanding.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack light, if your us, bring a enough cash because they do not take Visa or MasterCard.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I made a point of bringing school supplies and toys for the children in the poor part of the country.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of my greatest travel experiences I’ve had! The group site was just right. There was 13 of us. My understanding was that 3 cancelled. Our guide and bus driver went above and beyond to make are . Trip interesting, comfortable, and most of all enjoyable.Suaan Patrick review 6 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting all the wonderful people of Cuba2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It depends if they are from US or somewhere else3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
WonderfulAnne Roberts review 17 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were a few memorable parts of this trip. Firstly, the casas in which we stayed. I was surprised at how clean and tidy they were. They are really just like a motel room in most cases. Although they vary slightly in standard, they are all lovely and the owners were very welcoming. During this trip we stayed one or more nights in Vinales, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. For me the highlight was Vinales, mainly because of its tropical and unique landscape and that the town was quite small, which made it somehow more likeable.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready to experience slight changes in itinerary which are unavoidable in Cuba. Although we were told that the food in Cuba is fantastic, we found it a little monotonous. If you like chocolate or sweet foods, make sure you bring some because they are not easy to obtain in Cuba.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The trip benefited local people because of the money we spent in the places we visited.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation overall was great, but in my opinion we were taken to too many restaurants for lunches and dinners that were pre-organised by the tour leader. I think it would be better if we were taken to places where we could decide for ourselves as individuals or small groups where we wanted to eat. The issue for many people on our tour was the cost of these pre-booked lunches and dinners. While the food was often nice, they didn't offer very good value for money and some people like the choice of just eating a sandwich at lunch rather than a large meal.Ruth Mcintosh review 4 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I think learning the history of Cuba through the eyes of a Cuban and conversing with the families we stayed with was the most outstanding part of the trip. I left with a different perspective than what I had been led to believe here in the US and it is good to know both sides of the story.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would bring a nice guest house gift for each home. I brought small scented candles and every host was visibly thrilled. Before booking the waterfall or cave trip ask the guide exactly the amount of climbing and level of danger. I am 71 and physically fit but someone even younger would have had a problem with this. You are climbing over slippery rocks in dark areas and crossing rivers in the water with only a metal rope to hang onto. But I wouldn't have missed it for anything.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely! Not only did we learn from each other about our countries which could help bridge our gap but the money spent by us while touring had to help with jobs and the economy. As far as the environment, we were always refilling our water bottles and no littering took place.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I have traveled to 30 countries now and I have placed this on my top three.Lucy Beishon review 9 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Swimming in the waterfall just outside of Trinidad!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The cassa stays outside of Havana were great but I would look at a hotel for Havana, especially if you are claustrophobic as many of the rooms are internal. Consider having a few days in Havana before or after your tour. Book any additional excursions or stays before you go as these are difficult to organise when you are there.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes our tour guide was very focussed on responsible tourism and tried to use local services as much as possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Had a great time, the tour was the highlight of our vacation and we would thoroughly recommend it to see the best bits of Cuba!Joanna Bell review 2 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Probably the cave tour.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To pack everything the list advises.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. I hope it supported the local people. They were wonderful and kind.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a great time and very organized tour.Pat Griffin review 26 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing different towns and cities in Cuba. Meeting people who live and work there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Come with curiosity, respect and an open mind. Don't expect a five star hotel resort experience. If you do, this tour is not for you. If you want to meet Cuban people, try some Spanish, learn about the culture and history with others who share this goal, then this is the best way to do so.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it benefited local people in that we stayed with local people, patronized local restaurants, avoided chain businesses and large government owned businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was an excellent educational and fun experience.Erin Buzuvis review 12 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many great things, but our guide had to be number one. He made sure we were comfortable, happy, well-informed and active at all times. I will definitely never forget the Cuban people that we met -- those whose homes we stayed in and others that we got to chat with about their work or other aspects of their lives.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It was a great idea to have our own water filters with us. It is alarming to see so much used plastic headed for who-knows-where, and it made us feel a bit better not to have contributed to that. We really liked the Grayl Ultralight Purifier-Filter-Bottle. I wish we had brought more gifts and donations for Cubans. We made several people happy by handing out USB flash drives; I wish we had brought even more. A couple on our tour packed an entire bag full of sports equipment and other useful things to give to children, so our guide made it possible for us to stop at an elementary school where they handed it over to the principal-- a great idea for others to copy, as it meant a lot to the school and to all of us on the tour. Several times people in Trinidad asked us for t-shirts we were wearing or had worn. If I had known that I would made a point to pack clothes that I could simply leave behind after being worn. Toiletries and medicines as well -- bring more than you think you need, and simply donate what you don't use.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. I have conflicting emotions about traveling in countries where locals have a lower standard of living than the tourists. It is clear that tourism helps individuals and the local economy, but it also seems opportunistic and self serving. Hopefully our visit provided more good than harm. It seemed so. I appreciated having opportunities to extend some personal goodwill on behalf of Americans since our countries have been estranged for so long. Cubans seemed genuinely happy to welcome us in a neighborly way!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just excellent. All credit to our guide, Oswaldo Moreja.Ronald Pederson review 12 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Just being in and around Vinales.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring toilet paper and don't forget to NOT flush it. Take lots of pictures. Bring lots of small items (from hard candy to fish hooks) to pass on to children and hard working Cubans that you cross paths with throughout your trip.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Travel as a group makes less of an impact than the same number of people traveling separately. Staying in B&Bs as well as eating in Paldares, puts money directly into the peoples hands versus the government (military).4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
No complaints at all. Our driver, guides and most hosts were very professional. Some of the host tried harder than the others as far a hospitality and breakfast prep, but you will have that the world over.Holly Espiritu review 26 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
laughter. We managed to have inside jokes after only 8 days together, I enjoyed every part of the trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring lots of gifts, because you'll want to show appreciation for everyone's hospitality.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes! This trip has stimulated my interest in the Cuban people. I wish to learn more, by reading, watching films, and of course planning future trips! But having conversations with Cuban residents let me really feel the diversity and fullness of life in Cuba--an experience I can't replicate by just reading a historybook.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10+ 6 stars. Thank you so much Much love to Adrian and JorgeMaaike Fekkes review 26 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Exploring Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos on foot; cycling in the Vinales valley and around Trinidad; beautiful Playa Ancon; sleeping in the "casas"; always live music everywhere!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Plan one or more days in Havana after your tour!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the vacation is organised in a way that supports local people, e.g. through sleeping in homestays. There is some attention to the environment as well. In Vinales we had an excellent dinner at an organic farm, organised by the tour guide.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This tour was great! Enthusiastic local tour leader, great destinations! We visited very scenic places. Great freedom, too: you can have a full-day programme participating in all optional excursions facilitated by the tour guide, but once you arrive at a destination, you can also choose to go your own way and simply wander or cycle around.Kieun Park review 25 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beautiful blue sky. We had such a nice weather most of time in Cuba. I will definitely remember the blue sky.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pre-departure note from travel agency has all the basic information you need to know. But reading some history back ground of Cuba will make your trip more interesting.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it benefited local people as we stayed at local home stay rather than big hotels, hired local guide and visited local farms and restaurant.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5 out of 5. Tour guide was very helpful and willing. I had wonderful interaction with group of people I travelled which was unexpected. Traveling as a group was easy and hassle free as I wanted to see different parts of country and infrastructure may not be there yet.Roxi Marsen review 4 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our tour was just the right structure for our eleven days in Havana and Vinales. Our tour guide, Yaima Janet, made Cuba come alive for us. She shared her authentic experience and knowledge about the culture and daily life of Cuba with a seamless ease. We booked a few less structured days before the trip and then found our own way around Havana for two days after. Not being able to rely on internet for bookings made booking the tour through Cuban Adventures take the worry out of our travel. Everyday was memorable and exciting.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We faced no difficulties traveling as US citizens with our Jet Blue direct flight from NY. Travel insurance was included, the affidavit for travel was a required survey by the airline and we acquired travel visas for $50 before departure. Changing US$ to Euro$ before departure made acquiring CUC$ pretty easy. We just could never keep enough 1$ pesos for tips.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We felt we benefited local people by staying in their homes. Using local Cuban guides gave us a more intimate insight to the culture. Our tour provided water refills from a large container so that was some reduction in environmental impact. We traveled as ten people in an appropriately sized bus. We our worried about the apparent lack of emissions control on the historic population of vehicles but nothing our trip could help resolve.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excelente! Our intended affidavit of professional research was ultimately a people to people experience.Kate Martin review 29 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were so many memorable moments but I think the morning spent hiking, learning about local flora and fauna, meeting a local resident to the park and sharing herbal tea before ended up at the most beautiful waterfall pool was truely the best part of the trip. Topped off with seeing a multitude of different birds including the Cuban Trojan!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring a refillable water bottle so that guides can buy the larger bottles of water and fill you up along the way! Buy your rum before the airport if your layover is anywhere outside the States.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes our tour operator do a great job at this. However I would encourage all tourist organisations to do more locally concerning beach trash in particular. It could even be part of the tour - I think many tourists would be willing to give up an hour or two volunteering in return for a beautiful beach to watch the sun go down on...4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Five stars! This was extremely interesting getting to know Cuban life a little better. Our guide Alexis was extremely knowledgeable and our driver extremely professional. We learnt so much, and saw so many wonderful things. I am so very grateful for being able to have this experience.Janette Steele review 20 Dec 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Wow! Hard to sum up in one moment -- we have many great moments of exploring a strange land with wonderful companions and an excellent tour guide. The scenery. The meals. The gracious casa particulare hosts. The champagne our tour guide bought to toast my birthday! Meeting a real farmer and seeing how he lives. Watching our friends dive into a pond fed by a waterfall. So many moments!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Understand Cuba doesn't work like America. Have plenty of 25 cent coins in your pocket for pay toilets. Understand that toilet tissue can't go down toilets because of one heck of a country-wide plumbing challenge. Learn as much Spanish as you can because a LOT of people don't know much English. Tread lightly and be a good example to Cubans!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefited local people. It did not reduce environmental impact and probably increased it with our use of gas and precious resources. Many Cubans are very casual about littering. We ate a lot of wonderful, organic food and were surprised to learn that Cuban leads the world in organic farming!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
First rate but not first class. We didn't want to stay in hotels. We wanted to meet Cubans (not other Americans) and we did. Our casa particulares were outstanding in that our hosts tried so hard!!Gina Cambridge review 12 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole tour was amazing, we had the best guide and group..it was all a highlight!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book to have a least one day before and after your tour to rest up and get to know Havana3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we all stayed with local family's which I loved!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10Corinne Male review 3 Dec 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Spending time with a lovely bunch of really interesting people, all strangers on the first night. The countryside & stunning scenery at Viñales. Going back to the bar in Trinidad where I thought my camera must have come out of my back and they'd found it and kept it safe. Dinner at the organic farm outside Viñales.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be flexible. This really is one of the safest & friendliest countries to travel; you will be constantly asked if you want a taxi but no one hassles you when you say no! Wifi access is possible in tourist towns with purchased cards but it's such a hassle it's far better just to let the rest of the world get on without you and enjoy your vacation!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Home stays and local restaurants / bars feed straight into the local economy. Drivers and guides are all locals. Around Viñales there are several organic farms, one with an excellent restaurant where we had a great meal & two of the group returned the next day for the guided tour.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Pretty cool. Sometimes there was a feeling the guide was leaving us with rather a lot of "free time" when we might have liked a bit more organisation but that's always a difficult balance to strike and I think it worked out pretty well overall.Liz Schnautz review 11 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I loved meeting/getting to know people everywhere we went. They were all so friendly! (Side note: I speak Spanish, so I was able to get to know people better than others on my tour that didn't.) We also had a great group on our tour - we often spent time together.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Allow for an extra day or two in Havana on one side of the tour - I felt like I could have spent a lot more time there!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed with families in most cities, and I think they get to keep some of the extra income they make from hosting.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was great! Loved our tour guide Tatiana from the vacation provider and our driver Giovanni.Kristin Groves review 9 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I absolutely loved the families I stayed with! Taking the classic car tour down the Malecon at sunset was pretty awesome too!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring essentials, such as toilet paper, snacks, and feminine products with you.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I loved meeting local people and felt like we were supporting them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I learned so much about a fascinating country. My tour guide, driver, and tour group were wonderful and we had a lot of fun together.Nicole Rom review 23 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Celebrating my friend Aimee's birthday on the beach in Trinidad with live music and a picnic dinner; touring Vinales and meeting the tobacco farmer.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for a diverse group of travelers. Your tour guide is there to help you so ask questions and get tips and don't be afraid to speak up if you want to do something different.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I definitely feel our trip benefited local people (casa familias, homestays, our guide and bus driver, some of the local guides used on excursions). I'm not sure how much it reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation - other than the visit to the organic farm in Vinales and supporting the farmer. I would love to see even more mentioned in this area in the future!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great trip and I was really impressed with our guide - David Every group has its set of challenging people and we had ours = mainly a few who didn't budget properly or read the tour information so perhaps making sure people see this ahead of time and read it would be useful. In fact, this could have been useful to give out to people or to cover it on the night we arrived. I didn't feel that the opening orientation was that helpful and could have been covered in the bus as it wasted valuable/limited time in Havana.Kelly Keegan review 2 Oct 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Listening to Dady and Alex explain the complicated systems in Cuba. The meal at the farm place felt very special and a bit different.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It's basic! You might not get a decent shower at any of the Casas, be prepared. The guide outline of what you'll spend on food isn't accurate based on some of the places the company take you.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Although some of the restaurants already seemed very established and full of tourists so maybe less obvious choices could be made!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Tour guide's organization was fantastic so 10/10 for that, Dady made life easy and it's only because of her the tour is worthwhile. However, don't believe it was good value. Casas we stayed at independently were between 25 and 30 cuc and of a better standard.Rosie Sperring review 28 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything! I loved the tobacco fields in Vinales, the beauty of Havana, jumping into a waterfall and salsa dancing in Trinidad. Our guide, David, joined in and made sure we had fun as wel as keeping us safe and sharing his knowledge.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The vacation provider is great - we went on the 8 day tour which only really give you half a day in Havana. I would recommend an extra day or 2 there. We also went to the beach for a couple of days after to recover (!) which I would also recommend3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we visited local restaurant and used local guides and services throughout. The ecological farm in Vinales is a perfect example of this. Staying in casas particulares throughout was also an amazing experience and benefited local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I think you guessed it - it was fab. We were in a group of likeminded individuals and visited many places in Cuba. Both of us have confirmed its been our best vacation ever, thanks to the vacation provider!Georgia Talbot review 18 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Cubans all being so keen to teach me salsa and dancing the nights away in every city visited :-)2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do it!! It's so much fun! You can really do what suits you and the itinerary packs loads in but is really flexible as well do you can do the activities that suit you, go out and dance the nights away or sit and chill at the many cool restaurants with music playing.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Certainly benefitted local people however you could see the disparity of those involved in tourism industry and those not. It will be very interesting to see how USA relations/tourism change the country4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
So much fun!! One of the best hols I've been on - fun people, fun times and great natural and historical attractions!!! Loved loved loved it!Anthony Madison review 9 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Difficult to say - we crammed a lot into 2 1/2 weeks! Highlights were Havana, the various excursions in Baracoa and the historic center of Trinidad.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book an extra day or two at the beginning or end of the trip – I found Havana difficult to cover in 2 days.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
There was an obvious benefit to people directly related to the tourist industry or those who dealt directly with tourists. However, apart from that, I couldn’t discern any obvious benefit to the environment or any local conservation efforts that I could see.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the best trips I've been on. Each of the towns we visited were beautiful and each had their own character. There were also plenty of chances to get into the natural landscape between the towns. Also, the people were great no matter where we went. The tour was very well organised and the tour guide friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend.Maeve Joyce review 18 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Trinidad and Vinales were amazing. It was like stepping back in time. Fabulous countryside, friendly people and lots of culture.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Research areas before you go. There are lots of activities and you need to decide what you will not compromise on.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt our trip did help the locals and I also felt that they were still able to go on with normal life. Tourism was a positive bonus.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great trip. Woukd recommend.Holly austwick review 11 Jun 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have longer in Havana/Cuba3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very very good!Averill Marks review 21 Nov 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I loved the entire trip - snorkelling, salsa dancing, seafood, old cars, the people, the scenery, historical sights and our excellent tour guide.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't take bank notes with any marks on them. Eat in Casas or private restaurants and avoid state owned ones.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in Casas and often ate there in the evenings. This provides useful income for Cubans.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
FantasticMarie Eberhard review 12 Oct 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Chatting with the guide (Tony) for hours trying to understand Cuba! Staying with the locals and eating their amazing food. Being flexible with the daily activities.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring soap and mosquito repellent. Drink a lot of (bottled) water. Bring some books for the long journeys.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes totally4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good, our guide and driver were excellent, as well as our host families. We would have appreciated our room to be cleaned when we were staying 2 nights though (simple things like the bin got full of toilet paper and we had to ask for more).Howard Gossington review 14 Apr 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing such a variety of places and people, and getting a good sense of what Cuba is all about. From the hectic bustle and non-stop noise of Habana Vieja to the silence and majesty of the Vinyales valley with its awesome mogotes, Cuba really is a unique and inspiring country that offers something for everyone.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I'm sure it's been said many times before, but 3-6 months before going, get basic Spanish under your belt, particularly to help you interact with the owners of the casas. Travel light, have an open mind and don't expect Western standards of service.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think our presence in Cuba helped local people primarily because we stayed with real Cuban families, rather than in big hotels. Tourism is clearly an important source of income for Cuba, and the ability of families to operate as casas has given them a potentially valuable new source of income. However, as we travelled by airplane, taxi and coach, unfortunately I think we ultimately had a negative impact on the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic! I would definitely recommend Cuba to the adventurous and open-minded traveler. It was also great fun being able to share the vacation with a wonderful group of people: we were a real mixture of ages, nationalities and backgrounds, and that really enriched the experience. I've never been on vacation with a group before, but would definitely choose this sort of vacation in the future.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Howard,
Thank you for reviewing the recent Cuban Adventures Tour you participated in.
We are very happy that you had a good time and found the tour a valuable insight into Cuba ,it's people and it's culture.
It is great that you enjoyed the eclectic mix of nationalities and ages in your tour group too.
Come back and visit us again soon!
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