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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Cuba
Intro to Cuba
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Ride through History & Nature in Central Cuba
Western Havana
Cuba
During this tour in Cuba’s Central Region, you will enjoy one of the best rides in the country!
You will have the opportunity to visit Cuba's beautiful colonial towns and swim in the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. You will also ride through the green province of Ciego de Ávila, where tobacco and coffee are grown in the fertile valleys.
Throughout the entire trip, you will enjoy Cuban hospitality, sleeping in guajiros (field workers) farms as well as having lunch together or drinking and dancing with the locals during the evening.
Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Havana
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Airport:
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Havana - José Martí airport
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Transfer:
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
Max
12 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
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Rates include*:
Accomodation, All meals, Transfer to airport on last day at set time & 4 riding days
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Pick up transfer from José Martí airport can be arranged for an extra fee.
Drop off transfer to José Martí airport is included at set time on the last day of the tour (departure from Havana at 6 pm).
Rates do not include:
Pick-up transfer on Day 1, Travel medical insurance (mandatory - must be recognized by Cuban government), Museum and show tickets, Drinks & Gratuities
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
Day 1: Arrival
Check into your hotel in la Havana. Tonigt, dinner is in a local paladar (family restaurant).
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in la Havana
Day 2: Cienfuegos & Trinidad Visit (no riding)
This morning, transfer to Cienfuegos (3hr drive). Lunch in a paladar and guided walking tour through the historical center of Cienfuegos, the 'Southern Pearl'. Founded in 1819 it has the richest collection of architecture and urban design of all the southern cities.
Then, transfer to Trinidad (1h). Founded in 1514, Trinidad is a World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved jewels of colonial Caribbean architecture. In the great historic town center a lot of music and cultural activities take place in the evenings.
Dinner and accommodation are in a nice casa particular (private family establishment or boarding house).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa Particular in Trinidad
Day 3: Waterfall Ride
After breakfast, go on a 3-hour ride to Hoyo del Pilon waterfall, through the Ingenios Valley (a nominated Archeological Reserve by UNESCO). Then, transfer (15m) to Playa Ancón for a swim in the Caribbean Sea and a seafood lunch. In the late afternoon, transfer to Meneses (3h drive). Welcome Cocktail and dinner with produce from the farm.
Accommodation at Los Álamos. Option of an introduction to Cuban country music « Criolla ».
Riding: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Los Álamos
Day 4: Historic Ride
We start the day with a ride on Criollo de trote horses. Along the way, we will have occasion to enjoy the diversity of the Cuban flora, seeing trees such as royal palm, guásima, yamagua and big carob trees.
We will eventually arrive at the historic Camp of the Comandante Camilo Cienfuegos and the Northern Front de Las Villas. Our guide will give you a good introduction about the historic events of this place and about the bird species of this area such as the Tocororo, the national bird of Cuba and the Zunzún one of the smallest birds in the world.
After the visit, picnic-lunch and transfer to Finca Santa Rubia (1h), a lovely 60 hectares private family farm with its plantation and tobacco-drying barn. Welcome cocktail with our hosts Marbel and Yalianis.
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Finca Santa Rubia
Day 5: Casa Evelio Ride
After breakfast, we ride to Casa Evelio, arriving just in time for lunch. During the ride, we will enjoy magnificent panoramic views and admire the diversity of Cuban flora.
After a little rest, we will ride to Presa Florencia. There, we will have the opportunity for some gallops before our return to the Finca.
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Finca Santa Rubia
Day 6: Cayo Guillermo Visit (no riding)
Transfer to Cayo Guillermo (2h) where we will arrive just in time for a swim at the beautiful beach of Playa Pilar. This is one of the beaches of Cayo Guillermo, renowned for the variety of birds and the high level of conservation of their maritime ecosystems.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Cayo Guillermo
Day 7: Morón & Santa Clara Visit (no riding)
After an early breakfast, transfer to Morón (2h) where we will stop for few minutes at “El Gallo de Moron”, before we continue our trip to Santa Clara where we will stop to visit the Mausoleum of Che Guevara and to have a small snack. Then, we continue our journey to Havana (3h). Dinner in a local paladar and accommodation at the hotel Presidente or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Havana
Day 8: Havana
For our last day, transfer to a Finca beside the beaches of Playas del Este (30m). During our ride, we can go for a swim before our seafood lunch at the outside terrace of a nice restaurant.
Then, transfer back to Havana. Farewell dinner with a great musical show with some of the former members of Buena Vista Social Club at the Old Havana, or another great musical show.
Riding: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Havana
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, you are free to do some sightseeing in Havana. We leave from Havana at 6:00 pm in order to transfer clients to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
Meeting:
Havana
Airport:
Havana - José Martí airport
Distance:
16 km
Pick up transfer from José Martí airport can be arranged for an extra fee.
Drop off transfer to José Martí airport is included at set time on the last day of the tour (departure from Havana at 6 pm).
Tack:
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Western saddles
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Horses:
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Cuban Criollo horses (mix breed), Pinto and Appaloosa
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Pace:
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Mostly walking with trot and canter opportunities when terrain allows
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs / 100 kg
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Guide
You are accompanied by a bilingual profesional guide with over 20 years experience in Cuba. There is also a local equestrian guide to accompany you on all trail rides.
Horses
You ride different horses each day including a mix of Cuban Criollo horses and Pintos.
You are not expected to help with tacking up.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have full holiday Insurance that covers horseback riding and emergency medical insurance. We are happy to provide this. Simple check the appropriate box in the booking form.
Havana area
Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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80
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81
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83
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85
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87
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88
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89
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90
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89
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86
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83
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81
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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65
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65
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67
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69
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72
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74
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75
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75
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75
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73
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70
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67
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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27
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27
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28
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29
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31
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31
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32
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32
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32
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30
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29
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27
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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18
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18
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19
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21
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22
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23
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24
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24
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24
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23
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21
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19
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Average Precipitation (days of rain)
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7
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7
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7
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5
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8
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12
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9
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12
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12
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14
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10
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8
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The weather in Cuba is tropical, with maritime influence that keeps temperatures moderate all year round. The weather in Cuba is divided in two seasons: wet and dry.
Dry season (December through mid-April)
This is when most tourists visit the country. During the day, temperatures are quite warm but nights can get cool, especially from December to February.
Wet season (mid-April to November)
Durng the rainy season, températures are slightly warmer but there are less tourists. Fall is a great time to visit as there are usually less people and weather conditions are still very nice with précipitations becoming less frequent.
Hurricanes
The official hurricane season in Cuba runs from June through November, with more rain occurring during these months due to tropical storm activity. However, according to the NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association), Cuba experiences the lowest frequency of hurricanes and tropical storms than other parts of the Caribbean.
It’s also worth noting that Cuba has highly developed disaster preparedness and civil defense networks for evacuations.
This list is only a guideline for you
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Riding boots + Minichaps
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Riding helmet (not provided- we strongly recommend you bring your own)
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Riding gloves
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Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection
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Rain coat/Wax jacket
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Shorts
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjama
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Light summer jacket
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Warm jacket
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Comfortable shoes/sneakers (some walking downhill leading our horse is required on 2nd day)
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Swimsuit)
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Bandana
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for the emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Adapter for electric appliances
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Camera and enough extra films
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Belt pack
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Cuba’s pharmacies are generally void of pharmaceuticals, both prescription and over the counter. There are dollar only “Tourist Pharmacies”, but your best bet is to bring with you whatever you may even remotely think you may need. Even a small wound can quickly “fester” in a hot, tropical climate.
Here is a list of suggested items to bring:
• Aspirin – bring regular and acetaminophen-based (Tylenol) pain relievers with you. They’re invaluable in case you get a fever there also.
• Topical Anti-bacterial Cleanser – Betadyne is the hospital’s preferred choice.
• Topical Anti-bacterial Cream – Bacitracin or the equivalent is best.
• A prescription based oral antibiotic – Just to be sure
• Anti-Itch medicine – Aluminium sulphite or Calamine Lotion. Those bugs, when they’re out, are big, bad and they bite!
• Anti-histamine – Benadryl works well
• Sunglasses – The sun is strong in Cuba. Make sure your glasses are 100% UV protective and better yet, make sure they’re polarized. Bring a back-up just in case, too.
• Suntan Lotion – Bring a high protection lotion with you.
• Batteries & Camera Film – This includes SD cards if you have a digital camera. They’re hard to find, expensive when you do and many times they are out of date.
• Water Purification Tablets – Bottled water is plentiful and I hear the tap water is nowhere as contaminated as it is in Mexico and other Central and South American countries. However, they’re a good precaution just in case you get caught in a remote area with a dubious water source.
• BandAids
• Rid-X – For those nasty critters: Intestinal Worms.
• Pepto Bismol / Imodium Tablets
• Anbesol
What to bring for the Cuban people:
Giving money only encourages begging. The exception to the ‘no money’ rule would be for friends or if it’s legitimate business such as tipping a cab driver or a restaurant or bar server.
Bring small gifts with you before you fly to Cuba as they basically have nothing by way of material possessions; anything that you can leave behind they will appreciate.
Toys for kids
Samples of perfume or after shave fragrances
Soap, shampoo, toothpaste
Leave clothes, shoes etc. that you don’t like anymore, in Cuba after your vacation
Children’s books (Spanish)
Magazines
Pens
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.
Description
During this trip, you will sleep in small hotels, fincas and casas particulares.
Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Presidente in Havana
Night 2: Casa Particular in Trinidad
Night 3: Los Álamos
Night 4 & 5: Finca Santa Rubia
Night 6: Hotel in Cayo Guillermo
Night 7 & 8: Hotel Presidente in Havana
Hotel Presidente in Havana
This hotel was built between 1925 and 1928 and used to be the tallest building in Havana. The hotel has over 400 catalogued pieces of art are exhibited, giving a very special flavor to visitors.
It has 158 rooms, all equipped with comfortable beds, private bathroom with hairdryer, air conditioning, safe deposit box, TV and telephone.
In the evening, guests can choose to relax by the swimming pool.
Casa Particular in Trinidad
This lovely casa particular offers all the modern comforts contained in a building constructed in the mid 19th century. Each of the 8 bedrooms are air-conditioned and include a private bathroom with hot water 24 hours a day. Each room also has a living area or outdoor terrace. There is WiFi service in all areas of the house.
Los Álamos
This farmhouse is surrounded by nature, ideally located at the entrance of the Jobo Rosado Protected Area. The property used to belong to a cane sugar manufacturer. The 5 guest rooms feature a fan and shared facilities.
There is an outdoor pool where you can cool off in the evening.
Finca Santa Rubia
This finca offers basic accommodation with private bathrooms.
Room Occupancy
When clients do not request a single room, but there isn't another rider to share a room with them, they will need to pay a single supplement fee.
Meals
All meals are included from the dinner on Day 1 to the breakfast on Day 8.
One drink per person (beer, soft drink or mineral water) is included for each meal.
The food served on this trip is mainly organic and free from GM products. Cuban produce is very healthy. Most of what we eat on the days we ride is organic, as is almost everything the Cubans eat.
During our stay in the shelter of the Mil Cumbres and at Finca La Guabina, we will eat products from the farms which belong to the state enterprise 'Flora y Fauna'. The rice, vegetables, fruit, chicken, pork and beef, all have a wonderful flavour.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
Tack:
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Western saddles
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Horses:
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Cuban Criollo horses (mix breed), Pinto and Appaloosa
|
Pace:
|
|
Mostly walking with trot and canter opportunities when terrain allows
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Weight:
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Max
220 lbs / 100 kg
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Riders:
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Min
5 riders
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Max
12 riders
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Guide
You are accompanied by a bilingual profesional guide with over 20 years experience in Cuba. There is also a local equestrian guide to accompany you on all trail rides.
Horses
You ride different horses each day including a mix of Cuban Criollo horses and Pintos.
You are not expected to help with tacking up.
Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have full holiday Insurance that covers horseback riding and emergency medical insurance. We are happy to provide this. Simple check the appropriate box in the booking form.
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Ride through History & Nature in Central Cuba
Tour Code:
IT-CURA04
9 days /
8 nights
Dates :
January
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner ![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_1.0.gif) | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_2.0.gif) | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_3.0.gif) | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_4.0.gif) | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
![](/_templateresources/images/horse_icons/horse_5.0.gif) | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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