Upon arrival at the airport in Holguin, you will be met by Cuban group leaders who will accompany you during the entire journey and help facilitate meaningful connections with the Cuban people, share knowledge of Cuban culture, and help you maximize your experience supporting the conservation of Cuba's rich natural resources. After introductions,transfer to Holguin's Natural History Museum to view the collections with focus on Polymita (snail) collection. Next, transfer to Silla de Gibara, an approximately 1-hour drive conveniently located close to the historic sight of Cayo Bariay, where Christopher Columbus first landed in 1492. Enjoy a hike along the trail to learn about the flora and fauna of the area. Continue to the picturesque, seaside town of Gibara check-in at the hotel and then spend the afternoon walking in the town interacting with locals. Before dinner, meet officials from the National Park to discuss both the economic importance and conservation of Eastern Cuba's primary rainforest and reefs. Then this evening, have dinner in a privately-owned Cuban restaurant, known as a paladar.

This morning have breakfast and then transfer to Pinares de Mayari. Appreciate views of the Sierra de Cristal, the altiplano (plateau) of the La Mensura National Park, where the mists drift through the pine forests en route. During the drive the Cuban group leader will provide interpretation along the way. Have lunch in a privately owned restaurant and engage with Cubans. On the way up the mountain visit the Orchid Research Station. Late afternoon check-in to the quaint mountain cabins and have dinner. This evening optional walk around the hotel in search of nocturnal creatures.

This morning have breakfast and then drive midway down the mountain to the entrance of the beautiful Salto El Guayabo, the highest waterfall in Cuba situated within the Parque Nacional La Mensura. Situated at an altitude of 1,800 feet, El Salto del Guayabo is a twin waterfall formed by two falls of 278 and 416 feet. The Cuban group will provide interpretation during the walk. There are 36 species of orchids, 33 species of ferns and 21 endemic species recorded. The site has two trails; one is an easy hike to the top of the falls with a stunning view of the valley below. The second is a hike down the pool of crystal clear waters of the river Guayabo plunges precipitously between the mountains. Spend the day enjoying the nature of the park and engaging with locals. This evening dinner at the hotel joined by researcher from the Cuban Academy of Sciences Integral Mountain Research Station which is nearby.

This morning travel back down the mountain and the begin the interesting and scenic drive to the coastal region near the entrance of the Alejandro Humboldt National Park. During the journey, pass through a variety of towering, tropical palms, mountains, river, rural villages and even mineral ore industries. Continue to the park visitor station where there will be a talk by the Director of the National Park. Learn about conservation efforts employed to save one of the last remaining stand of virgin rainforest in Cuba. After the talk, continue to eastern jewel of Maguana and check-in at the small hotel nestled along a white-sand beach with a coral reef 200-yards off shore. Have lunch at the hotel and then explore the coastal ecosystem with Cuban group leader.

Today visit Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt. Start at the intepretation center where there will be a lecture by park officials. After the lecture, hiking in the park. The park is located within a larger reserve system called the Cuchillas de Toa Biosphere Reserve. Encompassing diverse ecosystems and climate types, it protects the richest flora and fauna in Cuba, including more endemic species than anywhere else on the island. Also found here are the amazingly colorful land snails known as polymitas, like the examples seen in Holguin's musuem. Spend the full day immersed in experiential learning experience engaging with local conservation team.

This morning, head further east toward Baracoa, Cuba’s oldest city. Known for its old-fashioned way of life and its individuality, Baracoa is nestled between the Bahía de Miel (Honey Bay) and El Yunque, the table mountain that looms above the city. Have lunch at a privately owned Cuban restaurant. This afternoon become acquainted with the town and stop in to visit the city historian’s office. A highlight is a visit to Paradise Cave Archaeological Museum, which features aboriginal artifacts, carvings, and jewelry nestled in between crevices between dripstone formations. Meet local host families for stays in privately owned Casa Particulares where you will engage with locals. This evening walking exploration of the main square and dinner at a privately owned restaurant.

This morning visit a local chocolate farm to learn about the process of making chocolate in the tropics. The visit starts with an interpretive hike with a local to see examples of Cacao tree in various life stages. Also learn about the harvesting of chocolate from bean to bar and the way the beans are processed. End on a sweet note sipping some of the best hot cocoa in the Americas. There is the opportunity to purchase chocolate bars and freshly made cocoa butter as well. Next, drive approximately 15 minutes to the Toa river for a day exploring the river and ocean. Upon arrival the locals will welcome you with a special beverage and make introductions. Engage with local Cubans during a paddle boat excursion along the river out to a beach that is situated in front of the ocean. While engaging with your Cuban boatman, enjoy the scenic flora and the abundance of bird life as well as ocean and mountain views. The Toa River is the largest by volume in Cuba and a very important water source in the country. Explore the riverside and meet local women who produce a coconut specialty, cucuruchos de coco, or coconut cones. With the assistance of the Cuban group leader, engage with these women to learn about the history and process of producing these popular sweets. Paddle back to the starting point along the river and enjoy a freshly prepared typical lunch consisting of local dishes and usually including a hog freshly roasted on a spit. After lunch, engage with local during additional exploration of Baracoa town. Dinner at a privately owned Cuban restaurant this evening.

Depart this morning for Santiago de Cuba via one of the most scenic routes in Cuba, featuring steep ascents through pine forests and breathtaking views. As you approach Santiago de Cuba, the final rest place of Fidel Castro, you will be entering the city via the route that he and his group of 122 followers took in 1953 during the first (and failed) attempt to capture the Moncada Barrack in his attempt to overthrow Fulgencio Batista and start the Revolution. All along the route are monuments to the fallen fighters. The Granja Siboney, or Siboney farm, along that same road, was a staging place for the revolutionaries. The 1953 Buick that Fidel rode to Moncada can be seen gleaming under a protective roof covering. Visit the local market for an opportunity to engage with Cubans and learn about local handicrafts. Have lunch at the El Morro Fortress, an amazingly well-preserved 17th Century, seaside, Spanish Fort providing a chilling insight into the Spanish era and the Spanish-American War. Explore the fortress to learn about its role in Cuban history. This evening we will enjoy a talk on the history of Santiago and the figures that have shaped this city's history. Check-in at the hotel and have dinner.

Santiago de Cuba was the first capital of Cuba; founded by Diego de Velázquez in 1514 and remained the capital until 1553. Its first Capitan-general was Hernán Cortés, who later conquered of Mexico, Santiago was also home to Francisco Pizarro (conqueror of Peru), among other leading Spanish political figures. The prosperity and strength of the city lay in the nearby copper mines, the splendidly protected harbor, and to massive importation of slaves from West Africa. Additionally, Santiago is also the birthplace of the Revolution. After the failed attempt in 1953, in 1959 that Fidel and the Rebel Army arrived in Santiago to accept the resignation of Batista's general and begin the victory parade towards Havana. In 2015 Santiago celebrated the cities 500 year Anniversary. Fresh from the post Hurricane Sandy repair and the recent visit of Pope Francis in 2015, Santiago is in fine form. Today will be dedicated to visiting the important sites
of the City in the company of local specialists, for visits to; the home of Don Diego Velázquez (reputedly the oldest building in Cuba), Cuartel Moncada (the barracks that saw the martyrdom of the Cuban Revolutionary heroes in 1953), and other sites in the city center. This evening have dinner in a privately owned restaurant. After dinner, engage with locals and experience Cuban music at the Casa de la Trova.

Transfers to the airport for in Holguin for flights back to the U.S.