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Delight in the colours and cultures of two Latin neighbours
In 23 colourful days, discover the ancient histories and modern memories of Mexico and Cuba with local leaders and a small group of keen adventurers. Explore Mexico City and the great ruins of Teotihuacan, learn the colonial history of Puebla and Oaxaca before continuing south to San Cristobal. Walk through the magnificent Palenque Maya ruins, the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula and renowned Chichen Itza before flying to Havana – Cuba’s charming capital. Stroll past Havana’s faded buildings before visiting the Vinales region, known for tobacco growing and farming industries. Continue to Cuba's south in colonial Trinidad, listen to Cuban rhythms in the Casa de la Trova, and discover the memorials dedicated to revolutionary hero, Che Guevara, in Santa Clara.
- Code
- PSCMC
- Physical rating
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Why you'll love this trip
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Learn of the ancient Zapotec, Maya and Aztec histories with visits to the ruins of Teotihuacan, Mitla, Chichen Itza and Palenque, joined by specialist guides to further enhance your visit.
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Discover traditional craft industries and the locals who produce them in Oaxaca and Zinacantan, learning about Zapotec woven fabrics, textile making, mezcal distilling and beeswax candle-making.
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Understand the diversity of true Mexican food with experiences such as an included taco crawl in Mexico City and a Zapotecan family lunch in the Oaxacan countryside.
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Take a flight to Havana and see all its faded glory on a guided walking tour, understanding the difference between country and city life in Cuba.
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Wander the cobblestone streets and listen to Cuban rhythms in the Casa de La Trova in colonial Trinidad, and learn of the history of the Cuban Revolution in Santa Clara.
Is this trip right for you?
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The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.
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Some included activities, such as guided tours of archaeological sites, can be quite strenuous. Be sure to bring suitably sturdy footwear.
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There are a few long days of travel, as you'll be covering a lot of ground. You will, however, make stops at interesting locations to break up the longer drives.
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Due to increased activity by the Zapatista movement in the region around Palenque, some changes to your itinerary may be necessary for your safety.
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Hotels in Cuba are government-run, which means renovations are few and far between. As for the guesthouses (Casas) we use, they are much nicer than your average Cuban dwelling but keep in mind that each and every room is unique. That said, regardless of where you stay, power cuts and breaks in hot water are sometimes unavoidable, as in any developing country.
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Funds can be difficult to access in Cuba. Ideally bring multiple credit cards from several different banks just to be sure.
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Internet access can be hard to come by in Cuba. This is, on the other hand, a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true holiday
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Cuba is different, and that's a big part of its allure. Things don't always go according to plan, and many things don't work the same way as back home. Patience and good humour will go a long way in this beautiful destination.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Hotel Geneve or similar, Feature stay (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Mexico City - Leon Trotsky Museum (entrance fee) - MXN40
- Mexico City - Frida Kahlo Museum (entrance fee) - MXN270
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Accommodation
- Hotel Geneve or similar, Feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee)
- Mexico City - Leader-led City Tour of Historic Center
- Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee)
- Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the National Palace (entrance fee)
- Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Hotel Geneve or similar, Feature stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Victoria or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Puebla - Visit Puebla on route to Oaxaca
- Oaxaca - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Victoria or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Oaxaca - Beeswax candle shop visit
- Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Oaxaca - Guided full-day tour including the Tule Tree, a Mezcal distillery, and lunch in a Zapoteca family home
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel Casa Vieja or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that occasionally towards the end of dry season (November–April) the water level in Sumidero Canyon may become too low for us to safely take the boat tour. If our staff deem this activity to be unsafe, we will replace it with another included activity of similar value.Accommodation
- Hotel Casa Vieja or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led City Tour
- San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
- Zinacantan - Maya Church (entrance fee)
- Zinacantan - Textile making interaction with Maya Community
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Chablis or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit (entrance fee)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Due to increased activity by the Zapatista movement in the region around Palenque, some changes to your itinerary may be necessary for your safety. Some transport to and from Palenque may need to be rerouted, which means longer travel times of up to 9 hours. Currently there are no safety issues within the city of Palenque itself, or at the nearby Mayan archaeological site. We’re constantly monitoring this situation to ensure the safety of our passengers and leaders.Accommodation
- Casa Don Gustavo or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Palenque - Archaeologist-led visit to Palenque Ruins (Entrance, Guide & Transport)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Casa Don Gustavo or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Campeche - Leader-led city tour
Optional Activities
- Campeche - San Miguel Fort - Free
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- La Mision de Fray Diego or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve - Boat Tour (entrance fee, guide and transport included)
- Merida - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- La Mision de Fray Diego or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Merida - Regional Museum of Yucatan - MXN52
- Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN810
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Paradise or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Cenote I'kil - Fresh water rock pool with option to swim (Entrance fee & Transport)
- Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Paradise or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Playa del Carmen - Ferry to Cozumel (Round-trip Ticket) - MXN300
- Playa del Carmen - Half-day tour of Tulum Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport) - MXN800
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Nacional or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Havana - National Museum of Fine Arts (entrance fee only, no guide, no transport) - CUC5
- Havana - Cigar Factory Tour (entrance fee and guide included, no transport) - CUC12
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Please see the 'Joining Point Instructions' of the Essential Trip Information for more details about exiting the arrivals hall and connecting with your arrival transfer driver.If by 5 pm you cannot locate your welcome letter then please ask reception, or call the number listed in the 'Problems and Emergency Contact Information' section of the Essential Trip Information.
As this is a combination trip, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. There will be a welcome meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and to meet new travellers joining you. It’s important that you attend the meeting as your new leader will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where and when the meeting will take place.
Accommodation
- Hotel Nacional or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Havana - American Vintage Car Tour (guide and transport included)
- Havana - Revolution Square
- Havana - Leader-led Walking Tour of Old Havana
Optional Activities
- Havana - Jose Marti Memorial Tower (entrance fee) - CUC2
- Havana - Revolution museum (entrance only, no guide, no transport) - CUC5
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Premium Guesthouse or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Soroa - Orchid Garden with Local Flora Expert (Entrance fee and Guide included)
- Vinales - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
Optional Activities
- Vinales - Live Music Venues (Entrance fee only) from - CUC2
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Premium Guesthouse or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Vinales - Half-day Valley Walking Tour including Tobacco Farmhouse (guide included, no transport)
- Vinales - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)
- Vinales - Farm to Table Dinner at an Eco-friendly Ranch
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Hotel Jagua or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Bay of Pigs - Coastal Swim Stop
- Cienfuegos - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (entrance fee included, no guide)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation
- Premium Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
- Trinidad - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Trinidad - Dinner at a Typical Farmhouse
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Premium Guesthouse (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Trinidad - Massage - from - CUC25
- Trinidad - Bicycle rental (full day) - CUC5
- Trinidad - Musical Instrument Lesson (guitar, double bass, tres, percussion) per hour - CUC10
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Nacional or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee included, no guide)
Optional Activities
- Havana - Buena Vista Social Club Performance (entrance fee) - CUC30
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
22 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinnersTransport
Private vehicle, PlaneAccommodation
Hotel Feature stay (5 nights), Comfortable hotel (12 nights), Premium Guesthouse (2 nights), Standard Guesthouse (2 nights)Included Activities
- Mexico City - National Museum of Anthropology (entrance fee)
- Mexico City - Leader-led City Tour of Historic Center
- Mexico City - Metropolitan Cathedral (entrance fee)
- Mexico City - Diego Rivera Murals in the National Palace (entrance fee)
- Mexico City - Leader-led Taco Crawl
- Teotihuacan - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Puebla - Visit Puebla on route to Oaxaca
- Oaxaca - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Oaxaca - Beeswax candle shop visit
- Mitla - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Oaxaca - Guided full-day tour including the Tule Tree, a Mezcal distillery, and lunch in a Zapoteca family home
- Sumidero Canyon - Boat Excursion (entrance and transport)
- San Cristobal de Las Casas - Leader-led City Tour
- San Juan Chamula - Maya Church (entrance fee)
- Zinacantan - Maya Church (entrance fee)
- Zinacantan - Textile making interaction with Maya Community
- Agua Azul - Waterfall Visit (entrance fee)
- Palenque - Archaeologist-led visit to Palenque Ruins (Entrance, Guide & Transport)
- Campeche - Leader-led city tour
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve - Boat Tour (entrance fee, guide and transport included)
- Merida - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
- Cenote I'kil - Fresh water rock pool with option to swim (Entrance fee & Transport)
- Playa del Carmen - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Havana - American Vintage Car Tour (guide and transport included)
- Havana - Revolution Square
- Havana - Leader-led Walking Tour of Old Havana
- Soroa - Orchid Garden with Local Flora Expert (Entrance fee and Guide included)
- Vinales - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Vinales - Half-day Valley Walking Tour including Tobacco Farmhouse (guide included, no transport)
- Vinales - Salsa Dance Lesson (1 hour)
- Vinales - Farm to Table Dinner at an Eco-friendly Ranch
- Bay of Pigs - Coastal Swim Stop
- Cienfuegos - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Cienfuegos - Palacio de Valle (entrance fee included, no guide)
- Trinidad - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Trinidad - Dinner at a Typical Farmhouse
- Santa Clara - Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum (entrance fee included, no guide)
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 25kg for check in luggage and 10kg for carry on.
4. Full name exactly as per passport is required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for internal flights. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
5. Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers entering Cuba. You may be asked to show proof of your travel insurance by immigration staff upon arrival at Havana Airport.
6. Please advise bedding configuration requests to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
7. There are unprecedented changes happening in Cuba right now. It is an exciting time, but it also means some patience and understanding is required for the heightened demand of infrastructure, accommodation and services. To help set your expectations correctly, please read the ‘Is this trip right for you?’ section in the Essential Trip Information.

Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information