This is a great value introduction to Cuba, taking you from city to countryside and coast and staying in local casas, in a group of no more than 16 people.
Havana and walking tourVinales and orientation walkInformal Spanish lessonBay of PigsPlaya LargaCienfuegosTrinidad orientation walk and rum tastingChe Guevara mausoleumLots of optional activities
Cuba is one Caribbean island that’s got a lot more going for it other than just sand, sea and sunshine; although it does have that too, in bucket load...
Stepping into Havana for the first time is a film-set ideal, a nostalgic world of classic cars, crackling transistor radios, clacking dominoes and chi...
Reviews
2 Reviews of Cuba on a Shoestring small group vacation
4.5 out of 5 stars
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Reviewed on 01 Mar 2020 by Robyn Kiiru
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Variety of things to do. Fantastic guide Value for money.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go for it. Do the optional tours
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic
Reviewed on 28 Feb 2019 by Manfred Biedermann
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Learning about history, land and culture.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t expect 5* but enjoy a cultural experience.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely supported local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great experience and a great group.
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) vacation so that you can travel knowing it will help support the places and people that you visit, and the planet. Read how below.
Planet
Our trips are run in small groups with a maximum of 16 travelers. We believe this is the best way to enjoy intimate, authentic experiences whilst also being mindful of our impact on the environment and local communities we visit.
Traveling in a small group enables us to stay in family-run guesthouses, which are more environmentally friendly than the bigger hotel chains. A small group size also allows us to support small restaurants and cafes, serving locally sourced produce.
One of the biggest problems facing Cuba is the inadequate disposal of waste. The government has now invested in a program to raise environmental awareness among the population. To help minimise our impact we avoid using single-use plastic bottles, opting for refillable water bottles instead. Large water containers are also provided for the bus journeys so that travelers can fill up as required. During the initial welcome meeting, the tour guide talks to the group about this topic to raise awareness of the problem as early as possible.
People
We work closely with a local team of Cuban nationals who share our commitment to responsible travel, from waste and water management to ensuring we leave as minimal a footprint as possible. Our local team are trained on our global responsible travel policies and practices. We also use a range of other local suppliers for different activities throughout the itinerary.
Promoting cross-cultural exchanges between travelers and locals is hugely important to us, because by interacting with locals our travelers become more than just “visitors” in Cuba. An included Spanish class allows our travelers to improve their language skills, making it easier to communicate the basics. The guided tours through Havana, Trinidad and Viñales are not only about exploring the beautiful places, but also about getting an insight into real Cuban life.
On this trip we stay in Cuban guesthouses. Guesthouses in Cuba are unique and charming. They are not just a style of accommodation, they truly contribute to experiencing what Cuba is all about. We work with a network of over 70 guesthouses across the country, ensuring that the financial benefits of tourism are widely spread.
Furthermore, we consider it essential to gain an insight into the history of Cuba. Your local leader, who is passionate about sharing the history, culture and tradition of their country, will of course contribute to this. But a visit to the Che Guevara mausoleum and museum in Santa Clara also helps to understand why Cuba is the way it is today.
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