Hike and Kayak in Cuba

Catch your first glimpse of Hemingway’s much-loved Havana as your host meets you at the airport and transfers you to the heart of the Old Town - La Habana Vieja. Settle into your casa particular and go for a stroll around the colourful streets. In the evening you'll meet your guide and the rest of the group and head out to a nearby paladar for your first Cuban feast of the trip.

After breakfast, you’ll head off to Boca de Guama, located in the Zapata Peninsula on the Southern Coast of Cuba. Hop on a boat across the Laguna del Tesoro (Treasure Lake) to one of its tiny islands. From here you’ll launch kayaks and explore the canals that cut through the swampland, home to a myriad of colourful birdlife. Paddle back to La Boca, enjoy a picnic lunch before driving on to Playa Larga to your next beachside casa particular and a sunset dinner.

Drive deeper into the Zapata Peninsula National Park, reaching the southwest side of the Bay of Pigs. Put in at Las Salinas – a protected reserve home to a vast array of wildlife. Paddle across the mangroves (home to flamingos and hummingbirds) and pull up at various cays to see iguanas, turtles and crocodiles in their natural habitat. Head round the coast to a nearby beach for a packed lunch, a swim, and a snorkel (you're now well away from the crocodiles and can enjoy the views from below the surface!) before hopping back in the van to Hanabanilla in the Guamuhaya Mountains. Bunk down in a hotel with spectacular views of Lago Hanabanilla, a beautiful mountain lake.

Today you'll explore the beautiful El Nicho Natural Park, a natural wonderland of waterfalls and clear water pools, all set within a protected area of virgin forest hidden amidst the mountains of the Guamuhaya. This is undoubtedly one of Cuba’s true gems. Hike along the Sendero Reino de las Aguas (Kingdom of Waters Trail) stopping to enjoy some of the best swim spots you'll ever find. Back in the kayak, paddle across Hanabanilla Lake with steep mountains rising up from the shoreline until you reach Rio Negro where you'll settle into your ranchon – a thatched-roof hut – for a night out beneath the stars.

Tuck into breakfast and head out for another epic day, kicking off with a paddle to the south side of Hanabanilla Lake, making your way towards the amazing Los Helechos waterfall. You’ll hike along the Cascada de los Helechos trail and grab a swim in the cold clear waters of the waterfall. Continue by kayak, paddling towards Jibacoa before jumping into a jeep to reach the Casa de la Gallega (an old hacienda) in time for lunch. The hike to the Salto de Rocio, a 25m high waterfall, is perfect for a late afternoon dip. This trail is a great place to see Cuban trogons, hummingbirds and woodpeckers. Towards the end of the day, you'll be picked up and dropped off at a hotel for a well-earned cold beer.

Continue your hiking adventures with a trek through forest and scrub areas, deep into the heart of the Escambray Mountains. You'll reach the beautiful waterfall and natural pond at Vegas Grandes – another lovely swimming spot. The trail ends at Julio's farm, where you'll celebrate with a Cuban cocktail and a country lunch before heading to Trinidad to check in to your casa particular. In the afternoon, your host will introduce you to the fascinating city of Trinidad.

After all the hiking, kayaking and wild swimming escapades it's time to see the cultural side of the island. Today your host will show you around Trinidad on foot. Little has changed in the past 150 years, as you'll see while meandering the cobbled streets lined with colonial houses. Enjoy a packed lunch on your afternoon drive back to Havana, with a quick stop in Cienfuegos. Head out for one last evening meal and a cocktail or two in Old Havana to round off the trip in style.

One last bit of adventuring to do on a walk through Havana's captivating Old Town – depending on your flight departure time – before transferring you back to Havana Airport in time for your onward flight.