Western Cuba Explorer

8 Days | From £1949pp

Cuba ( Best airport: Havana)

Discover Cuba’s unique cultural heritage on this trail through the Green Province. An extraordinarily fertile land and valley, used to produce the Habanos Cuban cigars, the lush and tropical vegetation in the region is also home to stunning mountainous landscapes and jungle-covered hills. This is a slow-paced ride for novice riders onwards who want to appreciate the culture and scenery from horseback. There is live music on many of the nights and riders can enjoy the Cuban hospitality, sleeping in the guajiros (field workers) farms, having lunch together and drinking and dancing with the locals.

The Riding

Three teams of horses are used during the course of the trip. Riders are not expected to assist with the care and tacking up of their horses but any help is welcome. The horses are crossed Cuba Appaloosas, Pinto Cubano and Criollos. They are safe and in good condition, suitable for the climate and terrain of the island. They range in size from 14.2hh to around 15.1hh. Western tack is utilised.

Level of Riding and Fitness

Riders should be happy in walk, trot and should have cantered before. The riding is generally slow-paced and not technically difficult so novices are welcome. However there may be some short canters and some of the terrain is steep so this trail would not be suitable for a complete beginner.

General fitness is recommended as around five or six hours per day are spent in the saddle. The minimum age for this ride is 12 years.

Guides and Group Size

The group size is between 6-10. All rides are guided by owner and guide Rafael, a political science graduate who is fluent in Spanish, French and English.

Any questions?

The Horses

Horses are provided by three different stables during the course of the trip. Riders are not expected to assist with the care and tacking up of their horses but any help is welcome. The horses are crossed Cuba Appaloosas, Pinto Cubano and Criollos which range in size from around 14.2hh to 15.2hh. Western tack is used and saddlebags are provided.

Accommodation and Dining

Accommodation ranges from boutique to basic. On some nights you will be in a double room with en-suite and on others you will be in a multi-dorm room with 2 bathrooms for the group. All accommodation owners are friendly and local and will provide a welcoming environment for the evening. Meals are healthy and plentiful but riders should be aware that often meals are later than we would have in the UK. It is not unusual to have lunch around 3 or 4 pm for example. All meals have lots of fruit and vegetables which are served along with Cuban staples of rice, beans, beef, chicken and pork. Wine is not readily available in Cuba but riders can purchase wine in town to take along on the trail if they want to. Good beer and rum is available everywhere.

Get a free Western Cuba Explorer mini-brochure in PDF format.

Get Trail Brochure

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Cuba and head to the Hotel Presidente in Havana for a welcome reception with your guide Rafael and the other riders. Dinner in a local paladar (family restaurant). Accommodation at Hotel Presidente or similar, close to the Malecon of Havana.

Day 2 After breakfast, transfer to the Finca Charco Azul (1h) in Cayajabos, at the south of Pinar del Río province and the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve. After a welcome cocktail, a 3 hour ride through this Finca of about 400 hectares. Lunch will be served at the finca after an optional dip in the swimming pool. Transfer to Mil Cumbres (2h30m drive). Dinner and accommodation at the Mil Cumbre’s Refuge. Tonight will be your first introduction to live, traditional, Cuban music.

Day 3 After breakfast, you’ll head out on a 5 hour ride through the mountains of Cuabal and Pan de Guajaibón, which has an altitude of 692m and is the highest point in the Pinar del Río province. You’ll stop for a welcome cocktail in the house of a local “Guajiro” family before continuing through the mountains and valleys characterised by lush vegetation and protected species of birds and trees. After lunch, transfer to Viñales (1h drive). Dinner in a local paladar (family restaurant). Accommodation at the Hotel Los Jazmines or similar depending on availability. Optional night out at Casa de la Trova (musical show).

Day 4 After breakfast, transfer to the horses for a 5-hour ride through the Viñales and Palmarito Valleys. Climb up along a bridlepath to El Mirador del Valle, where you can drink a guarapo, a refreshing sugar cane juice, while enjoying a magnificent panoramic view over the tobacco plantations and mountains. During the ride you’ll stop in some of the rural communities where cigar-making is the main industry. Lunch on the terrace of a nice restaurant before transferring to Finca La Guabina (a 1 hour drive). Dinner and accommodation at Finca La Guabina with a traditional Cuban musical evening.

Day 5 After breakfast, head out on the horses again to explore the beautiful landscape of the Finca. After lunch, riders can relax at the farm or enjoy a talk about the wonderful Appaloosa and Pinto horses of the farm. Dinner and accommodation at Finca La Guabina. Traditional Cuban musical evening.

Day 6 After breakfast, it’s time for a 3 hour ride to discover the plains of the Finca with its royal palm trees, rice fields and tropical fruit plantations, like guava and pineapple. Lunch in the Finca before transferring back to Havana. Dinner at a famous restaurant in El Vedado district. Accommodation at Hotel Presidente or similar.

Day 7 After breakfast in Havana, transfer to a beachside Finca beside the beaches of Playas del Este (a 30 minute drive). Enjoy a final 3-hour ride to the beach for a swim and a seafood lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer back to Havana in time for a farewell dinner with a great musical show Accommodation at the Hotel Presidente or similar.

Day 8 Breakfast at the hotel before having a free day for sightseeing in Havana. Transfer to the airport at 18:00.