An independent 7 day backpacking adventure in Cuba

Don't Miss

The best place to start any Havana experience is in the Old City. Havana's Old City is one of the best preserved and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1982. The streets are lined with colonial architecture, 16th century fortresses and countless churches. Make sure you visit La Catedral San Cristobal de la Habana, described by the novelist Alejo Carpentier as 'music set in stone'. Also worth seeing is the Palacio de los Marqueses de Aguas Claras (now a restaurant) and the Plaza de Armas, complete with a statue of Manuel de Cespedes, one of the leaders of the independence movement. There are plenty of good museums to check out including Museo de la Revolucion and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Santa Clara isn't a huge destination for tourist which makes it interesting, as we can see a more authentic type of Cuban city. There are also a few historical sites to visit, mostly related to Che Guevara and the battle he and his troops won during the Revolutionary army in 1959.

Che's remains were brought to rest at the Che Guevara Monument/Memorial/Museum/Mausoleum after they were found in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the CIA backed Bolivian army. Its an impressive and massive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle. Inside the museum, you can learn about his amazing life and see photos and exhibits such as his famous black beret.

For most travellers, Trinidad is their standout favourite destination. No other colonial city in Cuba is so well preserved, and the local residents are extremely friendly and festive. Trinidad is steeped in religion, none the least of which is Santeria and other Afro-Cuban religions that are related to Voodoo.

Trinidad's nightlife is unique. There are no less than 10 live music venues all within a short walking distance. Many of these have lovely outdoor settings, in courtyards, and within the walls of old colonial ruins.

Getting there

• By Road
• By Rail
• By Air We pick you up from Havana airport. You can book cheaper, carbon rated flights through the get there section of this site.
• By Sea

Other Insider Info.

The Intrepid Foundation. Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we have been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. To make things easier we established The Intrepid Foundation. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar, up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$300,000 for all donors in each financial year. And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support in the region, through The Intrepid Foundation; or go to our website: www.theintrepidfoundation.org

We have 4 projects in South America that you can support. Please ask for details.

Why do we like them?

Intrepid have been at the forefront of grass routes, locally connected and sustainable travel for many years. Their recipe for a real travel experience has been perfected over time, and with such a range of trips to choose from it is no wonder people keep coming back for more.

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What do they say?

For travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world.

With an average group size of just 10 people, Intrepid gives travellers the freedom and flexibility to get off the tourist trails and really experience local cultures. From our Basix range which breaks boundaries, not budgets, to our Comfort range which combines grassroots travel with some of life's small pleasures, there's an Intrepid adventure to suit just about every budget and comfort level.

Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture and the environment.

Whether it’s a Thai homestay, a Peruvian trek, an Italian feast or an African safari, Intrepid takes travellers to over 90 destinations worldwide to explore some of the world's most amazing places and discover real people, real cultures and have incredible real life experiences along the way.