USA LEGAL CUBA AGRICULTURE TOUR

Highlights

• Know Havana City and its amazing colonial heritage architecture and culture listed by Unesco as a one of world heritage city.
• Learn about urban agriculture in Havana by visiting “Alamar´s organopónico” created in 1990´s, experience now extended to the whole island.
• Visit Las Terrazas community a reforestation project and rural project in Sierra del Rosario Hill´s range on Cuba western.
• Visit one of the most advance and productive livestock cattle farm in Cuba , explanation by experts of what they do and how.
• Visit one of best havano cigar farm in Cuba for generations.
• Visit states an private farms in Cienfuegos province central south Cuba province and in Sancti Spiritu-Trinidad area.
• Meeting cuban entrepreneurs in the agriculture field developing concepts of agroecology and organic agriculture.
• Taste cuban meals at .best cuban private family restaurants classified as best by Trip Advisors and other recognize publications.

Places you will visit:

Itinerary

Day 1, HAVANA ARRIVAL, TRANSFER AND ACCOMMODATION

Arrival at Havana International Airport Jose Martí.

eet and Greeting at the Airport by your tour guide.

Transfer In to Hotel 4* tourist class in centric Havana.

Check In.

After brief relax, get ready to start a panoramic tour of Havana visiting main avenues and sites in Old and Central Havana, including some Squares in Old Havana you will see from bus/vehicle, Paseo del Prado Avenue where Havana Capitol is located as well as Grand Theater of Havana and museum of Cuban Fine Arts; continuation to Revolution Square and Marti´s Memorial, then to Vedado neighborhood, the Columbus Cemetery ( from outside), the main avenues like 23 Street, Paseo and President Avenue, know very famous Havana´s La Rampa, first Hilton Hotel built outside America in 1957, then visit Hotel Nacional de Cuba where you will visit photo gallery Hall of Fame with pictures of many famous people who has been guest of hotel in the 90 years of National Hotel existence including Hollywood stars and American mafia bosses. Then go through Havana Malecon ( Havana´s promenade) which extend from Old Havana ( Havana´s harbour to Vedado´s entrance of Almendares River.

Then drive to private family Paladar restaurant where a nice welcoming cuban dinner will be offered including a welcoming cocktail drink.

Returning to the lodging where you will stay 2 nights while in Havana.

Accommodation in B & B at Premium private guesthouse in Havana with all comfort , A/C.

D ( dinner included)

Day 2, HAVANA CITY TOUR AND URBAN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

07:30 Breakfast.

08:30 Departing the Hotel 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 monuments, the Palacio del Segundo Cabo, the Cathedral; entrance to Partagas Cigar Factory and Rum Havana Club museum.

13:00 Lunch on your own.

14:00 Driving to Alamar´s town where you will see the Organopónico of Alamar, a good example of urban agriculture which started to develop in the 90´s in Havana and after word in the whole island as a need to strength the production of agriculture food in Cuba during the severe economic crisis of 1990´s. Explanation by specialist of the production at the organoponico.

Departing to visit an small farm in outskirt town of Cotorro´s Havana, producing vegetable and fruits.

Back to the hotel.

Evening at leisure.

Optional tours and activities available.

Same Hotel accommodation in Havana with breakfast and taxes included.

B ( breakfast included)

Day 3, HAVANA - LAS TERRAZAS –CONSOLACIÓN DEL SUR- -VIÑALES VALLEY

07:30 Breakfast.

08:15 Check Out and departure to western Cuba heading to Viñales valley as final destination, first visit the ecological project Las Terrazas.

09:30 Visit an ecological project at Las Terrazas community in the Sierra del Rosario hill range in western Cuba, located in the newly Artemisa province.

Las Terrazas was the first declared by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve site in Cuba in 1985 , more than 25,000 hectares were rescue from deforestation. A new community was created and it is 100% sustainable, integrated to community and rural tourism. You will get an explanation of the full project at the Interpretation Center “Curujay”, local experts will go with you to explain details of the project, stopping at different sites of interest.

Ecological tour will take you to the typical rural community you will appreciate exuberant flora and fauna of the Sierra del Rosario forest, you will visit the 19th century Buenavista coffee plantation, a visit of the Moka eco-hotel, you will get in touch with the locals.

10:45 Departing to Consolación del Sur county around 1.45 hour drive.

12:30 Visit the Genetic Livestock state enterprise “Camilo Cienfuegos” , one of the biggest in the western region and one of best farm in Cuba with 20,000 or more head of cattle and one of biggest in milk production in the country. Also is a big producer of meat and have done great job in developing new genetic variety of cattle beneficial to the entire country and production of milk and meat in Cuba. At his time 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. An specialist from the farm will be attending you and providing explanations about the production and showing the cattle.

14:30 Box light luncheon.

15:30 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 experts from Asian countries in the production of rice as part of an ongoing exchange project.

18:30 Check In at best private guesthouse in the area.

Accommodation in B & B at private guesthouse in the area.

Optional Dinner at private local restaurants.

B, L (breakfast and lunch included).

Day 4, VIÑALES-SAN JUAN Y MARTÍNEZ COUNTY-VIÑALES VALLEY

Early departure to walking tour through Valley of Viñales for around 2 hours exploring rural Cuba, visiting farms, see how farmers tilling the ground with oxen , talk to farms, see rural schools, markets and enjoy the exceptional beauty of Viñales with their rare mogotes hill and fertile land.

Coming back to guesthouse for breakfast.

Departing to nearby Vuelta Abajo region, land of best habano tobacco in Cuba, visit one of the most worldwide known tobacco farm , the Robaina tobacco farm known for cropping best cuban tobacco´s leave which is used in producing best Habanos cigar very well appreciated by cigar smoker in the world.

Get a detailed explanation in English about the tobacco process , from the crop to the time the tobacco leaf is provided drought to the factory for them to hand-made the Havano, See the cultivated land in their different phases until reaching best time for crop.

See workers at the farm and eventually meeting actual owner grandson of Robaina who passed away few years ago.

Lunch at the farm´s restaurant.

Visit the nearby tobacco research Institute dedicated to develop of new seed´s variety resistance to tobacco pest.

Going back to Viñales , time at leisure.

Going back to Viñales , time at leisure.

Free evening to explore Viñales town on your own, try best private restaurant in town including Spanish and international cuisine type.

Optionals available like entrance to Indean Caves, or visit the Mural de la Prehistoria or going to Santo tomas Cavern Systema or to the beach Jutia on the north.

Accommodation in B & B at private guesthouse with all modern conditions and air condition and private bath at the room.

B,L ( breakfast and lunch included)

Day 5, VIÑALES-CIENFUEGOS

Breakfast.

Check Out Hotel.

08:30 Departing to Cienfuegos City declared by UNESCO as World Wide Heritage City where you will visit Marti Park, where the historical center of the city is located. Here you will visit fabulous Terry theater, an elegant eclectic style architecture theater built at the end of the XIX Century in form of the Coliseum ( similar to Sausto theater in Matanzas city and to La Caridad Theater in Santa Clara). You will see the Arc of Triumph at the City Center , enjoy the beautiful Alameda boulevard, will see the Nautical Club , the Cienfuegos promenade and harbor and most significant Palacio del Valle, the architecture jewel of Cienfuegos , an example of baroque style in Cuba and of the Spanish Moorish architecture.

Luncheon in a private family restaurant.

Free afternoon and evening.

Accommodation at premium guesthouse with all modern conditions and air condition and private bath at the room.

B,L ( breakfast and lunch included)

Day 6, CIENFUEGOS-FARMS AND RESEARCH CENTER -CIENFUEGOS.

08:00 breakfast .

09:00 Visit “ Carolina” , a Cattle Farm on the Cienfuegos province 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.

Then departing to another private farm El Pedregal in the area of Cienfuegos , dedicated to the fruit and vegetable production located at 14 kms on the road to Rancho Luna beach , it has an extension of 7 hectareas , it produces exotic tropical fruits like guavas, Guanabana, anones, marañon, and other fruits also aguacates , mamey , mangoes.

12:30 Lunch in a local rural restaurant.

14:00 Visit the regional research center for Plant Health and Pest Control.

15:45 Return to Trinidad.

Finally visit the Research Center.

Back to accommodation in Cienfuegos.

18:00 Continuation to your lodging in Cienfuegos City.

20:00 Welcoming dinner

Accommodation in B & B at premium guesthouse.

B,D ( breakfast and dinner included)

Day 7, CIENFUEGOS- TOPES DE COLLANTES-TRINIDAD CITY .

07:00 Breakfast.

Ready to go to Topes de Collantes where you will get on board of Russian truck to ascend to El Nicho waterfall area , walking to a fruit and vegetable farm which also produce coffee beans.

Time to relax at El Nicho waterfall.

Campesino lunch included.

Leaving for Trinidad City which will be your next staying.

16:00 City tour of Trinidad, the quintessential of Cuba 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 la Casa del Alfarero , a local workshop which has a rich pottery history that dates back to the mid-19th century, when it was founded in the property of Don Secundino Santander, whose skills have been passed down through generations.

Currently, the Santander family offers precious pieces made of fired clay that can be purchased in their workshops. And you can enjoy the creation process.

Walking and enjoying the streets of Trinidad.

Accommodation at Premium Guesthouses in the historical Center of Trinidad, breakfast included.

B, L (breakfast and lunch included).

Day 8, TRINIDAD – MANACA IZNAGA -SANCTI SPIRITU – TRINIDAD.

After early breakfast, departing to Manaca Iznaga and 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 and prosperity of Trinidad. Meet the local community of producer for more than hundred years of line particularly for woven table clothes.

See sugar cane plantations, coffee and exchange with the farmers who carry out this work. During the tour, a stop is made at the viewpoint of the Loma Del Puerto, then you reach the Manaca Iznaga tower from where you have a panoramic view of the entire valley. Experience the Sugar Juice extracted from the sugar cane.

Continuation to Sancti Spiritu City one of the 7 first villas founded by the Spaniards , then continuation driving in the province of Sancti Spiritu until you reach Taguasco , there goes to Finca del Medio Farm which is a very interest farmers family project dedicated to the organic agriculture , and to the ecological agriculture , a farm which has set example for the rational use of the land in a productive way protecting at the same time the land from erosion, and contamination. They have livestock, vegetable, fruits, they are part also of the movement of slow food in Cuba. An explanation of the project by the owner Casimiro Rodríguez or a prominent member of the family will be available. Whole family on one way or the other with different grades of participation is integrated into this family project.

14:30 Lunch at the farm.

16 :00 Returning to Trinidad.

Back to accommodation by 18:30.

Free evening.

Accommodation at premium Guest House at the City Center, with all comfort , A/C and breakfast included.

B,L ( breakfast and lunch included)

Day 9, TRINIDAD-BY OF PIGS- SANTA CLARA – HAVANA.

08:00 Breakfast.

09:00 Departing to Bay of Pigs (Ciénaga de Zapata Península) , biggest swamp in the Caribbean main land, place of beautiful cenotes and nature, with one of best bird watching reserve for lovers of birding.

Used to be one of the most intricated areas of Cuba with not electricity, roads.

It was the area where in 1961 a combat brigade of cuban exiles disembarked to topple the Fidel Castro regime with the support of CIA . Thbey were defeated in less than 72 hours.

There is a museum which collect many of weapons used in that war , of the American ship which transport the forces to the coast from Central American bases and pictures taken at the time.

Visit the Cenote Cueva de los Peces, and Boca de Guama where you will see a breading farm for preservation of the Cuban´s Rhombifer crocodile.

11:45 Continuation trip for another 1.30 hour to reach Santa Clara.

Visit the City Center at Vidal Park, the original square where live the founding families of the City in the XVII Century, the Church and Cathedral.

Visit the Memorial Che, and the Square Che Guevara as well as the Monument to the Derail Armored Train. If of interest.

15:45 Local restaurant light luncheon.

16:30 continuation to Havana.

20:00 Check In at Havana lodge

Optional dinner.

Continuation to Havana.

Accommodation in B & B at premium guesthouse centrally located with all comfort and modern conditions.

Free evening.

B, L (breakfast and lunch included)

DAY 10, HAVANA.

08:00 Breakfast.

09:00 Visit family eco agriculture farm of Fernadito Funes, an Engineer with a Doctorate degree in agro-ecology who has been working in the creation of a model eco-logical farm with a high degree of diversity and integration from bio-gas to bees and vegetable to vermiculture. The farm is an excellent example of what he believe it is possible to achieve for the development of the Agriculture in Cuba in the XXI Centuries, he is trying to convince an getting support from all instance to take the project to the other farms in the area of Caimito where his farm Finca Marta is located . at this time its agriculture production at Finca Marta serve the purpose to feed families in the area , they also sale their variety of product to private family restaurants and center of distribution of vegetable in the capital city to the populations as a whole.

Luncheon at the Restaurant at the Fortress (Optional).

Continuation of the tour in the City, visiting Santa Efigencia Cementery where the rest of the National Hero José Martí and the leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro rest.

20:00 Dinner at the Hotel restaurant.

After dinner, visit the Casa de la Trova Santiaguera, the most famous in Cuba.

Back to the Hotel.

Accommodation in H & B at the Hotel Las Américas or Hotel San Juan or Hotel Rex 3*.

B, D (breakfast and dinner included)

Day 11, HAVANA DEPARTURE.

Breakfast.

Transfer Out on time to take flight outside of Havana..

B (breakfast included))

END OF SERVICES

Included:

• Accommodation in B & B as indicated in the Program in very good private guesthouses centrally located with all comfort and conditions.
• 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.
• All the tours as indicate with the Entrances pointed out in the Program, with explanation of Specialist when mention.
• Private Transportation for all the tours.
• Luncheons and Dinners as indicated.
• Transfer Out.
• Staff assistance during the whole staying for the implementation of the Program.
• All hygiene and precautions recommended for the health authorities taken for dealing with pandemic COVID 19 to provide peach and tranquility to clients .

Not included:

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