Cuban Revolution Trail Eastern Cuba Cuba On this ride across eastern Cuba, you will have the opportunity to discover the most emblematic places of the Cuban Revolution, the National Park of Sierra Maestra and visit the lovely colonial towns of this country. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy Cuban hospitality, sleeping in the guajiros (field workers) houses in the countryside and dance with the locals during the evening. Tour Highlights - Exploring on horseback the most important National Park of Cuba - A detailed description of the important historical events of the start of the Revolution - Unforgettable evenings with local musicians including the Quinteto Rebelled in Sierra Maestra, and with old members of the Buena Vista Social Club in Havana. - Tours of the important colonial cities of Oriente such as Santiago de Cuba and Bayamo lead by professional guides, knowledgeable on the history and culture of these beautiful cities. Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Santiago de Cuba Airport: Santiago de Cuba (SCU) Transfer: Santiago de Cuba airport Riders: Min 5 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Pick-up on Day 1 is available out of Santiago de Cuba airport (SCU) at no additional cost. On the last day, drop off is included to Havana airport (José Marti - HAV).

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Pick up from the airport of Santiago de Cuba and transfer to our Casa Particular (private family establishment or boarding house) in the exclusive neighborhood of Vista Alegre.
Dinner is in a typical paladar (family restaurant) in Santiago de Cuba.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Casa Particular in Santiago de Cuba

Day 2: Puerto Boniato Half-day Ride & Afternoon Visits
After breakfast, transfer to Rancho El Dajao. Welcome cocktail and ride to Puerto Boniato, the mountain pass which separated the army of Fidel and the one of Batista. After enjoying the view over the Bay of Santiago de Cuba and drinking some Pru (refreshing traditional peasant drink of the East of Cuba), return to the ranch.
Lunch with typical products from the organic agriculture of the farm, followed by a visit to Santa Iphigenia Cemetery, the Moncada Headquarter and the Fortresses of El Morro.
Tonight, we have dinner in a typical paladar.
Riding: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa Particular in Santiago de Cuba

Day 3: Bayamo
In the morning, transfer to Bayamo (2h). There, we visit Parque Feria where we will go for a short ride and possibly enjoy a Rodeo.
Lunch in a local restaurant followed by a horse and carriage tour to visit the most emblematic places of the city of Bayamo.
Then, transfer to Manzanillo and Niquero (Approx.2’5h).
Riding: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel of Niquero

Day 4: Alegría de Pío Ride
We start our day by a transfer to the emblematic place of Los Cayuelos, where we can go for a walk. This is where the group of revolutionaries disembarked, walking through the mangrove forest. Then, we will visit the Museum Portada de la Libertad, where we will see a reproduction of the Granma ship. After that, transfer to the small village of the l ‘East, where the horses are waiting for us.
Today, we ride to Alegría de Pío. Along the way we will have occasion to enjoy the diversity of the Cuban flora watching trees such as coconuts palm, royal palm, guásima, bananas, mango and big carob trees. We will eventually arrive to the forest Community of Río Nuevo where we have lunch. Then, transfer back to Niquero.
Riding: 4.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel of Niquero

Day 5: Durán to Cinco Palmas Ride
After breakfast transfer to the community of Durán (1h approx.), where we will start oir ride to Cinco Palmas. Along the way, we will pass by some communities that grow banana and coffee, enjoying magnificent panoramic views of the mountains of Sierra Maestra. We will also have the opportunity to enjoy a Cuban beer at the same place where Fidel and the rest of the revolutionaries crossed the road to Pilon.
During the rest of the ride, there are opportunities for some small canters.
Cinco Palmas is the place where Fidel and Raul Castro expeditionary forces came together and where we will have lunch in the house of one of the guajiros (field workers) of this village. After lunch transfer to Bartolome Masó
(2h).
Riding: 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Balcón de la Sierra in Bartolome Masó

Day 6: Las Mercedes to Providencia
We start by a transfer to Las Mercedes (20m), to meet the horses. It is here that Commandant Che Guevara had his camp in Sierra Maestra. From Las Mercedes, we will ride to Providencia. Today's route gives us the opportunity to
stop for refreshing drinks with some fruits and coconut water. Along the way we will pass by the place where the historic and decisive battle of Sierra Maestra took place. Then, transfer to Bartolome Masó for lunch.
In the evening, musical activity with the legendary group El Quinteto Rebelde and introduction to the Cuban Son dance.
Riding: 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Balcón de la Sierra in Bartolome Masó

Day 7: Comandancia la Plata & Bayamo
This morning, transfer to Villa Santo Domingo. After a small break, departure in a 4-wheel drive car to climb Alto del Naranjo (5.5Km). Then, we will have a guided walking tour to la Comandancia de La Plata. We will also visit th installations designed by Celia Sánchez and Fidel where the most important colony of the rebel camp was located and where they have planned the six last months of the war (Radio Rebelde station, hospital and others interesting places).
Our guide will give you a good introduction about the historic events of this place and about the characteristics of the Flora and Fauna of Sierra Maestra.
Then, return to Alto del Naranjo by foot to get the jeeps, before heading back to Santo Domingo where we have a lovely meal at Casa de Junco (usually roast pork).
After our meal, transfer to Bayam, where we will stop for a small break, before transfering to Santiago de Cuba.
Dinner in a local paladar and accommodation at the Casa Particular.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Casa Particular in Santiago de Cuba

Day 8: Havana
Early transfer to the airport of Santiago de Cuba and flight to Havana. Arrival to the Cuban capital and free day to feel the magic of the Old Havana.
This evening, farewell dinner with a great musical show performed by old members of the Buena Vista Social Club.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Havana

Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, you are free to do some sightseeing in Havana. Transfer to the airport at 6:00 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                            Santiago de Cuba area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	83	84	84	84	85	87	89	89	88	87	86	85
Average Low Temperature (°F)	69	68	69	72	73	74	75	75	75	74	72	70
Average High Temperature (°C)	28	29	29	29	30	31	31	32	31	31	30	29
Average Low Temperature (°C)	20	20	21	22	23	24	24	24	24	23	22	21

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

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (not provided- we strongly recommend you bring your own)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Rain coat/Wax jacket

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Light summer jacket

Warm jacket

Comfortable shoes/sneakers (some walking downhill leading our horse is required on 2nd day)

Swimsuit)

Bandana

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

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 

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You are accommodated in small hotels and B&Bs along the way.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Casa Particular in Santiago de Cuba
Night 3 & 4: Hotel of Niquero
Night 5 & 6: Hotel Balcón de la Sierra in Bartolome Masó
Night 7: Casa Particular in Santiago de Cuba
Night 8: Hotel Presidente in Havana

Casa Particular in Santiago de Cuba
You sleep in a lovely home with rooms equipped with their own bathrooms. There is wifi available.

Hotel of Niquero
This small hotel offers 24 simple bedrooms equipped with TV, air conditioning, phone and private bathroom.

Hotel Balcón de la Sierra in Bartolome Masó
This 30-bedroom hotel surrounded by mountains provides comfortable rooms featuring a TV, air conditioning and ensuite bathroom.
There is a small outdoor pool where guests can relax in the evening.
Wi-Fi is available in public areas for a small fee.

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.

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 except for lunch in Havana, on Day 8.
One drink per person (beer, soft drink or mineral water) is included for each meal.

Meals are made from a wide variety of high-quality products grown ecologically on the farms where we stay.
Cuba is the country of the langouste so you will often find these on the menu, together with shrimp and other seafood.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western saddles
Horses:		Cuban Criollo horses (mix breed), Pinto and Appaloosa
Pace:		Mostly walking with trot and canter opportunities when terrain allows | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 16
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 10 riders

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.