Activity Level 3: Moderate
This 10-day program combines natural, cultural, and historical discovery of the eastern portion of Cuba. You’ll travel at a moderate pace through mountainous, coastal and urban landscapes through multiple Eastern cities (Holguin, Pinares de Mayari, Maguana, Baracoa and Santiago) staying two nights in each location. Different daily activities include hikes, night walks, lectures, and city tours. Hikes may last up to 4 hours along uneven surface, with occasional steep inclines. A highlight will be your visit to Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its profuse and unique flora and fauna. You’ll also enjoy a visit to Baracoa Chocolate to learn about chocolate making in the tropics; as well as a boat ride on the Toa River; and visits to historical landmarks in Santiago. Expect high humidity with temperatures between 70–88 F. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing. There will be long scenic bus transfers on private, air-conditioned vehicles. The longest drive is 4 hours, featuring steep ascents through pine forests and impressive coastal views.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens need a valid passport and a tourist card to enter Cuba. Passports must be valid at least six months after the date of entry.
Holbrook Travel will purchase and provide tourist cards. Please keep your tourist card with your passport as it will need to be returned to the Cuban authorities when departing Havana.
Unless collected in advance by the charter service, a departure tax of CUC $25 is collected when exiting Cuba’s international airport and is payable only in Cuban convertible pesos. This is subject to change without notice. If the departure tax was not included you will be advised upon confirmation of charter services.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Cuba, unless you are traveling from an endemic yellow fever area within six weeks prior to entry.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
ZIKA VIRUS
Locally transmitted cases of Zika virus have been reported in Cuba. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with Zika and are spreading it to people. The CDC recommends that travelers to Cuba protect themselves from mosquito bites. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.