6 independent reviews for Trekking holiday in Cuba
Reviews for Trekking holiday in Cuba
May Breisacher review 25 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The valley walk in Vinales, swimming in the river in Soroa and having a great conversation with my taxi driver!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be open to exploring the areas and living as locals. The walks were great and I learnt a lot from my guide. In hindsight I might have tweaked a couple of stops and transfers to reduce travel back and forth but at the same time it was part of the experience.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?
I loved my time in Cuba. Having both guided tours and free time/time alone. The casas were great and made the experience even more valuable. Also my pick up from the airport and from Havana to Soroa was awesome! He didn't speak English so I had to practice Spanish which was great and we had a great conversation!Judith Lamb review 7 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beautiful island of Cayo Levisa. And the salsa classes and dancing in the Casas de la Trova.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check the location of bus stops in relation to your accommodation.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We hope our tips helped a number of people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A good vacation. Informative, thought provoking, educational and relaxing.Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted that you enjoyed your recent trip to Cuba so much and that you particularly enjoyed Cayo Levisa, a truly beautiful location. Cuba is such a diverse country and it certainly sounds as though you had a good vacation. In your final travel itinerary we included links to local maps indicating the best walking route between the bus drop off points and your accommodation in each location, so I hope these were helpful. Finally, I am sure that any tips you gave would have helped the Cubans who had been with you, and our payments in Cuba also go directly into Cuban pockets, particularly for homestay accommodation, guided hiking and other guided activities where local people are providing the service.
Chantal Moore review 11 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Getting to know the Cuban people and staying in their homes was an invaluable experience. By far my favorite moment was the tobacco wanting tour! We enjoyed it so much we returned 2 days later and had a great time visiting the owners of the different farms.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
When visiting Vinales there are many casa options even if you haven't pre-booked. The advantage of using responsible travel was not having to carry the extra cash for our stays, transportation, and tours. Best tip: Go with out fear. Cuba is beautiful and greets you amazingly. We found people resolved an problem we had by calling a friend of a friend etc.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely, we engaged with the local people and supported their businesses. We learned about the travel impact and how it is changing their own economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5 stars! This was a trip of a lifetime and we made great connections. I felt as if I were a part of the family in each casa we stayed in. I look forward to returning.Read the operator's response here:
We are delighted that you enjoyed your trip to Cuba with us, and that you made good connections with local people. We would be very happy to help organise your next trip to the island, and look forward to hearing from you again.
Annemarie Van Vliet review 7 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The nature in Topes de Collantes National Park and Turquino National Park.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Coordination of several travel blocks done by our tour operator was great, in Cuba self, all the arrangements performed by San Cristobal deserve the highest ranking of 5 stars where the local arrangements performed by Paradiso would be a 3 star experience. Utilize the experience from Caledonia to coordinate your travel through Cuba.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our vacation for sure benifited local people but mainly those who are associated with tourism, we also hung out with other local people and can only say that what we've experienced great hospitality and friendlyness. The only thing what's truly a pitty are (semi) public toilets where even without paper or water to flush they still expect you to pay 1 CUC, especially in the Viazul stations.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall we've had a great vacation and enjoying a short period of time in the great (current) environment of Cuba is leaving us a beautifull memory for life.Read the operator's response here:
We are very pleased that you enjoyed your trip to Cuba so much, and that you felt that it benefited local people. With 20 years of experience in Cuba, we always strive to involve local suppliers as much as possible, from your guides and drivers to the homestay accommodation hosts.
We take great care in selecting our local partners but, as you have pointed out, some work differently than others. We have already followed up your comments about the Paradiso arrangements and will be in touch with you separately about that part of your trip, but are delighted that the rest of the vacation went very well.
Cuban people are extremely hospitable and naturally friendly and it is good to know that you were able to enjoy meeting local people and getting to know more about Cuban culture. The natural environment in Cuban national parks is outstanding and we are really pleased that you enjoyed this element of your vacation so much.
However, you are absolutely right about the toilet facilities in bus stations and similar public places, as they are not always very good. Often an attendant will leave CUC$1 on a small plate as an indication of what you could tip, but you are not obliged to leave as much as that. Tipping is not compulsory, but is expected, and you can be assured that whatever you do leave for the toilet attendant, that person will be most grateful for the supplement to their normal local salary.
Thank you for your positive feedback - overall it certainly sounds like you had a truly memorable vacation in Cuba!
Valerie Mamara review 26 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Being in the beautiful nature of Cuba and being with local guides.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The first day hike it a bit intense, you need to be in good shape.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?
Excellent! However, not cost effective for single traveler.Matt S review 14 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
On the front end prior to the trip to Cuba, we had some very practical recommendations that helped harness expectations to match reality, which helped make the trip more enjoyable. Event and tour ticket pickup points and times were mostly easily understood and accurate. Most of the contracted guides were helpful, courteous, and provided a lot of insight into Cuban culture. I'll be a repeat customer.Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for your positive comments about your hiking trip in Cuba. I am delighted that our practical recommendations proved to be useful on the ground and that our trip instructions were correct and easy to follow. Looking forward to hearing from you again in the future!
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