We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route as printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Places visited and routes may vary depending on local road and weather conditions.
In Cuba, food is still rationed. Many food products are controlled so therefore it can be quite difficult for restaurants to offer a varied menu. Vegetarian meals can be quite basic.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Airport taxes are approx CUC25 Convertible Peso, (approx £20).
Accordingly you should allow approx. CUC40 for gratuities for local staff. 10% is expected in restaurants.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Cuba |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£8.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£12.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£15.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to top
Visa Requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
Entry visas are required by all nationalities for Cuba. They can easily be obtained through Cuban embassies (by post), consulates, directly from Explore when booking direct with Explore’s head office; or by overseas clients through their Explore agent.
Due to US Treasury Department Regulations we are unable to accept bookings from US passport holders.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Back to top
Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.).
Back to top
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to top
Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
Preparing for your tour
Climate
The dry season is from November to April. Average temperatures are 22-26°C. Though the sky is often cloudless during the dry season, cold wet snaps do come in from North America especially in Dec and Jan, when the temperatures can drop to as low as 5°C at night. From May to October there are normally fine mornings and clear evenings, afternoon rains tend to be short and heavy. Temperatures are hot and humid.
Back to top
The hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from June to November, often peaking in September. However, as the frequency and intensity of the hurricanes is impossible to predict from year to year, we still plan operate our tours during this period. In the event of a hurricane occurring during your trip, your safety is our top priority. In accordance with local regulations and with the assistance of our local groundhandling agents, we may have to evacuate to another part of the island or have to remain in the same place for a number of days while the storm passes. This could result in a certain amount of disruption to the itinerary of your tour.
Back to top
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to top
Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to top
Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to top
One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to top
Clothing
Pack essentially for ‘All Tours’ plus ‘Hot Conditions’ from May to September. Include light cotton clothing plus something warmer for the evenings in the hills when it can get cool. A light fleece would be useful except Dec-Jan when a heavier fleece and waterproof are recommended. An umbrella is useful in the rainy season.
Back to top
Footwear
Comfortable walking boots or shoes and trainers or sandals.
Back to top
Equipment
A torch (with spare bulb and batteries), water bottle and water purification tablets, good quality sunglasses, insect repellent and high factor sunscreen are all essential. You may also wish to bring a pocketknife with you.
Back to top
Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to top
General Information
Trip Summary
Cuba is a land of spirited Caribbean culture, revolutionary zeal and stunning landscapes. Set in the heart of the Caribbean, few countries on earth can boast such a dazzling mix of cultural influences, staggering natural beauty and fascinating history as this tiny island. This superb adventure follows in the footsteps of some of the country’s modern iconic heroes, men and women whose names have become symbols of revolution the world over. In the company of an expert guest lecturer we will journey across landscapes steeped in the spirit of revolution, from the streets of Santiago, to the Bay of Pigs and the mountain refuges of the Companeros.
Guest Lecturer Tony Kapcia – (SCL06APR11 – SCL13JUL11) Acclaimed author and historian Tony Kapcia is currently Professor of Latin American History and Director of the Centre for Research on Cuba at the University of Nottingham.With over 30 years of specialised research on Cuba he is the author of the recently published book, ‘Cuba in Revolution: A History since the Fifties’, as well as several other publications on Cuban history, culture and politics. His extensive knowledge and expertise on the country will prove invaluable in helping us to understand the context of Cuba in the 1950s, as well as providing us with a fascinating insight into how events 60 years ago have shaped the Cuba that we see today.
Back to top
Please note:
New Entry Requirements – Cuban legislation now require evidence of Insurance cover on entry – a policy must be shown with your name and cover dates on it.
Back to top
Country info
Area: 110,860 sq km.
Population: 11.39 million.
Language: Spanish.
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic.
Local Time: GMT -5.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 110/220v 60Hz. Two pin flat blade plugs.
Back to top
Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Freytag & Berndt 1:1.25 million.
Recommended Books: Antoni Kapacia: Cuba in Revolution, Cuba: Island of Dreams, Havana: The Making of Cuban Culture. Tom Miller: Trading with the Enemy, Graham Greene: Our Man in Havana, Ernesto Che Guevara: Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War, Lonely Planet guide to Cuba, Jon Lee Anderson: Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life, Fidel Castro: My Life, Jaime Suchlicki: Cuba: From Columbus to Castro and Beyond,
Back to top
Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
