Cuba Agricultural Tour 2024

Highlights

• Visit state and private cattle , fruits, vegetable , rice , tobacco farms in western and central Cuba.
• Know Cuba´s countryside , and rural Cuba, learn about campesinos way of life , small towns.
• Connect with Cuban farmers at the state and private Sector, learn about new spirit of young Cuban entrepreneurs in the agriculture production.
• Experience the secrets of best cigar in the world: the Havano´s cigar.
• Enjoy beautiful Cuban landscapes :Viñales Valey and Topes de Collantes.
• Know Havana´s colonial and heritage city after its 500 anniversary of foundation in 2019.
• Enjoy the stylish , European´s flavor Cienfuegos City and colonial well preserved Trinidad City.

Places you will visit:

Accommodation: Private Guest House

• Staying in a casa particular can enrich your Cuban experience by providing a deeper connection with the local culture, a more personalized stay, and a chance to support local communities directly. Owners often offer personalized attention, creating a welcoming and homely atmosphere for guests.

Cuba Agricultural Tour Full Travel Itinerary

Day 1, Welcome to Cuba

Arrival at Havana International Airport Jose Martí.

Meet and Greeting at the Airport.

Transfer to accommodation.

This introductory day allows you to get a taste of Havana's historical charm, cultural richness, and lively atmosphere, setting the tone for an exciting exploration of Cuba's wonders. Adjustments can be made based on your preferences and interests!

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

Welcoming dinner at private restaurant

Visiting paladares in Cuba provides a chance to taste authentic Cuban cuisine, experience local hospitality, and support small businesses. These establishments are an essential part of Cuba's culinary scene, offering visitors a unique dining experience with a cultural touch.

D (Dinner included)

Day 2, Havana city tour and Farm experience

Breakfast.

Departing for Tour of Old Havana, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Starting the walking tour of Old Havana from the Templete, where Havana villa was founded in 1519. Walking through the Plaza de Armas and all other Squares of Old Havana: San Francisco de Asís Square, then to Old Square, visit the Cathedral Square. Seeing the main monuments, colonial architecture, the Palace of the “Capitanes Generals”, the palace of Segundo Cabo, the Real Fuerza Fortress first being built in Havana to defend the villa from the pirates and corsairs where the symbol of Havana “La Giraldilla” is placed at the top, the Lonja del Comercio (use to be the Trading Center in Havana), the convent of San Francisco, the many statues, monuments, former palaces, buildings of different past centuries.

Visit to urban gardens in Havana, witnessing local agriculture initiatives and learning about urban farming practices.

Travel to the town of Alamar, east of Havana, 15 minutes’ drive from Old Havana where you will visit the Organopónico of Alamar,

The Organopónico of Alamar is a fascinating urban farming project located on the outskirts of Havana, Cuba. This sustainable agricultural initiative was born out of necessity during the economic hardships in the 1990s, known as the Special Period, The layout of the Organopónico reflects its efficient use of space, incorporating raised beds, recycling materials, and maximizing resources. Visitors often have the chance to interact with the farmers and learn about their techniques for composting, irrigation, and crop rotation, which contribute to the site's success.

The commitment to organic farming methods and community involvement at the Organopónico of Alamar exemplifies Cuba's dedication to sustainable agriculture and self-sufficiency.

Drive in Old American Vintage Cars, as you ride in these vintage cars, you'll notice the faded grandeur of Havana's architecture, the lively streets filled with music, and the warm smiles of locals. The drivers often share stories about the cars and the city's history, adding depth to the experience, the streets are adorned with these beautifully restored classics, from colorful Chevrolets to stylish Buicks, often used as taxis for tourists eager to explore the city.

Your journey take you through the vibrant neighborhoods of Vedado and Miramar, where you'll see a mix of historic buildings, modern architecture, and cultural hotspots. The classic cars add a nostalgic charm to the urban landscape, passing by iconic sites like the Malecón, a picturesque seaside promenade, and the lively streets lined with cafes, shops, and art galleries, finish in your accommodation.

Free evening

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B (breakfast included)

Day 3, Havana - Viñales Valley Cigar full experience

Breakfast.

Visit to tobacco plantations, interacting with farmers to understand the cultivation and production of Cuban cigars.

Departing to the westernmost province of Cuba, Pinar del Río to know the region where best tobacco is produced. Nothing more relevant to get into the “secrets of the Havano´s world” that visit the region of Vinales which has the best land for the tobacco crop, where best havano cigar have been produced over more than one century.

You will get a detail explanation of the process of the crop, its different phases and moments, until the tobacco´s leaves already dried are sent to the factory to be transformed into a havano cigar by the expert´s hands of men and women dedicated to keep the tradition of the best havano in the world of cigars.

Luncheon at private restaurant, a creole meal.

This tour allows us to know some of the secrets that make of our tobacco, the best in the world. We will visit all the possible stages and processes depending on the season (seedbed, plantation, harvest, drying), besides the visits to the” despalillo” and finally the cigar factory. Also the way the seeds are kept and improve, and the way to protect the crop from pests.

A visit to a cigar farm isn't just about observing; it's about understanding the dedication and skill that go into creating the world-renowned Cuban cigars. It's a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that make Cuban cigars an integral part of the country's culture and heritage.

Dinner on your own, recommending you trying the Private Family Restaurant in the town, there are many and good ones, including Mediterranean cuisine type moderate price. Enjoy also one of the music venues at evening to enjoy the nightlife with the local people.

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B, L (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 4, Viñales Valley - Consolacion del Sur - VIñales Valley

breakfast, leaving to Consolación del Sur, a city and county 36 kms from Viñales Valley, around 1 hour drive.

Visit the Genetic Livestock state enterprise “Camilo Cienfuegos” , one of the biggest in the western region and in general in Cuba with 20,000 or more head of cattle and one of national reference in the production of milk and meat as well as developing new genetic variety of cattle for the whole country. They have more than 1500 workers, generating an income of above 40 millions pesos , also provide the province with the 40 % of the milk which is consumed by the population in the province. Get explanations by the specialist of the farm.

Lunch in the area at a local restaurant.

Visit the farm own by farmer Jose Angel also at the Consolación del Sur county dedicated to the crop of rice, beans and tobacco . This Farm is part of the Cooperative CSS named July 26, exchange views with Jose angel about the Cooperative system , its advantage as well as its limitation, changes he thinks will be important to make . also talk about cooperation with expersts from Asian countries in the production of rice as part of an ongoing exchange project.

Back to Viñales.

Free evening.

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B, L (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 5, Viñales - Havana agro-ecology experience

After early breakfast, check out.

Departure to Havana

On the way visit the family farm “Marta” of Fernando Funes, a young academician and Engineer with a Doctorate in agro-ecology. Not satisfied with sticking to theory, Fernando has created a model eco-logical farm with a high degree of diversity and integration from bio-gas to bees and vegetable to vermiculture.

The family farm "Marta" of Fernando Funes is an inspiring example of sustainable and agroecological farming practices in Cuba, this farm stands as a testament to innovative agricultural techniques that prioritize environmental sustainability and community engagement. Visit the farm, get information of the different crops they are undertaking.

Luncheon at the Farm a meal prepare with many of products they produce there

Continue to Havana

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B, L (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 6, Havana Cienfuegos

Breakfast.

Departing for Cienfuegos

Visit “ Carolina” , a Cattle Farm on the Cienfuegos province ( on the road from Cienfuegos to Trinidad) which produce milk , more than 40,000 liters yearly , with more than 160 cow and more than 500 hundreds of small livestock, you will see here also crops for feeding the animals as well as the community. You will get an explanation by one of the Specialist. The owner of the farm Regino Rodriguez, indicate that they have more than 500 hundreds goats and mil production is above 70,000 liters.

He said they have been improving the technical aspects with the mechanical milking and cattle crossing.

A panoramic tour of Cienfuegos City unveils a stunning blend of French-inspired architecture, coastal beauty, and cultural richness. As you embark on this tour, you'll encounter numerous notable landmarks and scenic spots.

During your panoramic tour, the blend of architectural beauty, cultural heritage, and coastal allure will paint a vivid picture of Cienfuegos City. Don't forget to capture the stunning vistas and unique sites that make this city a gem within Cuba.

If time permits, a visit to the Botanical Garden offers a serene escape. It's a haven for plant lovers, with diverse flora and beautiful landscapes.

Back to the accommodation

Free evening.

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B(breakfast included)

Day 7, Cienfuegos - Taguasco - Trinidad

Breakfast.

Departure to Finca del Medio

La Finca del Medio, located in the central province of Sancti-Spíritus, is one of the country's agroecological experiences.

Since 2001, definitively switched to chemical-free agriculture that summarizes, in the Finca del Medio, the principles of Agroecology, Permaculture and everything that defends the model of the small family farm.

A tour of the Finca del Medio, which is the first Slow Food farm in Cuba, good healthy food and much of the energy with renewable sources and appropriate technologies, in addition to the production of biological colonizers from the closure of nutrients.

At first, tropical fruit juice and seasonal fruit will be offered. Then there is the tour of the farm, which is an integrated system where there are a variety of crops and animal species.

From the hand of the family, you can also learn about agritourism, permaculture and the Slow Food movement in Cuba, the products and Flavors named and protected by the family, and other information of interest to visitors about agriculture in the country.

At the end of the tour you can enjoy a lunch with a variety of options, from stews or soups, rice dishes, viands (such as yucca, malanga, more), pork rinds or fish, eggs, cheese, salad, dessert and with valid options for vegetarians, vegans or celiac.

All the food is from the field, produced and prepared by the family. Every moment can be a conference

Departure to Trinidad

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B, L (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 8, Trinidad - Manaca - Trinidad

Breakfast.

City Tour of Trinidad, the quintessential of Cuba´s Colonial City, best preserved historical Center in all the America´s, visit the Santa Ana and the Major Square, entrance to Romantic Museum, visit the Cantero Palace, entrance to the Canchanchara Bar with a welcoming drink, visit the Handcraft Fair.

departing to Manaca Iznaga , visit the tower , the sugar mills valley , fertile land what was the epicenter of the sugar production in Cuba in the XVIII and XIX Century, and the source of the richness in the region and prosperity of Trinidad.

This historic estate is part of the Valley of the Sugar Mills and features a tower known as "Torre Iznaga." It's a remnant of Cuba's sugar-producing past, offering insights into the island's sugar industry during the colonial era.

Visits to rural farms around Trinidad, interacting with local farmers, and understanding traditional farming techniques.

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B (breakfast included)

Day 9, Trinidad

Breakfast.

Visit fishing village of Casilda, You can share with fishermen in the area, visit the old town port

Meet local artisans who produce intricate lace tablecloths. Continue to the Mill Valley museum to see equipment used for sugar production in the mid-19th Century. Lunch at a privately-owned restaurant. Visit to small scale cattle and sheep farmer. Return to Trinidad for rest of afternoon free

Visit The Potter House or Casa del Alfarero run by Daniel Chichi Santander.

The Santander family has bequeathed to the city of Trinidad part of its history dating back to 1892, when a Spanish immigrant taught all he knew about pottery to the young Modesto Santander. But it was his son Rogelio who made a success of the business with vases, jars, water filters, pots, and pitchers, products that were in great demand among the city residents of Trinidad.

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B (breakfast included)

Day 10, Trinidad Topes de Collante Trinidad

Breakfast.

Topes de Collantes is a nature reserve and park located near Trinidad, Cuba, known for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails rather than for farm experiences. However, within the Topes de Collantes region, there might be opportunities to visit local farms or eco-friendly agricultural projects. These experiences can provide insights into Cuba's rural life and agricultural practices.

Full day private tour with your local tour guide to Topes de Collantes.

Meeting local farmers provides insight into their daily routines, challenges, and the pride they take in their work. They might share stories about their agricultural practices, history, and the region's significance.

Cuban luncheon organized by campesinos.

Back to Trinidad

Free time at accommodation.

At evening entrance to Trova House to enjoy first class culture experience tour with a Cuban authentic cocktail.

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B (breakfast included)

Day 11, Trinidad Santa Clara Havana

Breakfast.

Departure to Santa Clara, Cuba, most central Cuba city, walk through the city's heritage route, which includes the Parque Del Carmen, the site of the Villa Foundation in 1685 and the Leoncio Vidal Park.

Visit to the Plaza Ernesto Che Guevara, meeting place with one of the best world-known Cuba personality of contemporary world history of Cubaand where the Museum and the Memorial that bear his name are located.

Light luncheon at a local restaurant.

Transfer to Havana where this tour ends, you will be arriving early evening to Havana,

Free evening, your last in Havana and in Cuba.

Accommodation in a very nice comfortable premium guesthouse with breakfast included.

B, L (breakfast and lunch included)

Day 12, Havana, goodbye Cuba

Breakfast.

Private Transfer Out on time to Havana International Airport to take flight out of the country (clients must be 3 hours in advance)

B (breakfast included))

END OF SERVICES

Included:

• Accommodation in B & B as indicated in the Program.
• Meet and Greeting at the Airport.
• Private Transfer In.
• Tour Guide in full command of English and/or other foreign language for the whole staying in Cuba, with knowledge in agriculture.
• All the tours as indicate with the Entrances pointed out in the Program, with explanation by Specialist when mentioned.
• Private Transportation for all the tours.
• Luncheons and Dinners as indicated.
• Transfer Out.

Not included:

• Airfare.
• Tourist Visa
• Medical Insurance
• Services not mentioned in the Program.