Western Cuba Explorer

8 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃ1949pp

Cuba ( Best airport: Havana)

Discover Cubaโ€™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.

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.

Cuba-05

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.

Itinerary

Western Cuba Explorer

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days riding
ยฃ1949pp

Single occupancy 210

The rides will be confirmed with a minimum of 4 riders.

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

Fly into Havanaโ€™s Jose Marti International Airport, Havana (HAV) on the first day. A one way group transfer is included to Jose Marti airport on the last day of the programme for clients departing at 6pm or later. Arrival transfer from Havana airport is not included, taxi cost is approximately 730 Pesos (ยฃ25).

Price Includes
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 6 days riding
  • Meals and drinks (beer, soft drink, mineral water)
  • Departure airport transfer (as a group at a set time) on the final day,
  • Bilingual guide
  • Back-up vehicle
  • Luggage transfer
Price Excludes
  • International flights
  • Arrival transfer to the hotel on Day 1
  • Museum and show tickets
  • Extra drinks
  • Tips
  • Insurance (required for entry into Cuba)

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