Self-Drive Tour - Central Cuba On Wheels - Itinerary
Our 13 day hire car tour, Cuba Total on your Own is designed to explore this beautiful island independently by car. Use your Cuba map and itinerary to discover the famous tobacco fields in the broad valleys of Viñales and drive through stunning and varied hilly landscapes south of central Cuba and visit historic places such as Trinidad and Cienfuegos. In the East of the country, you will get to see the dense forests of the Sierra Maestra and the city of Santiago de Cuba, the most important city of the Cuban revolution. Your tour ends by the beach of Guardalavaca.
Day 1: Havana
On arrival in Havana you can opt for a transfer that will take you to your hotel.
Hotel Comodoro
Breakfast
Day 2: Havana
You will be able to pick up your hire car from 10am on the second day in Havana. An information meeting with one of our local tour guides will be scheduled where you can get helpful information about Cuba in general, as well as useful info for your travel plan, maps and your pre-planned Cuba itinerary. Use the afternoon to explore Havana at your own pace.
Hotel Comodoro
Breakfast
Day 3: Havana -Viñales (190 km)
Today will be the first long journey on your Cuba self drive tour. Your very first destination is Viñales, west of Havana, where tobacco grows between rock cones. In nearby Pinar del Rio, two mountain ranges come together; the romantic Sierra del Rosario and the rougher Sierra de los Organos. Here, underground rivers have created a unique cave system in these mountains, whilst the San Juan River and its waterfalls meander through the lush forests. On the way, you will come across small lakes, ruins of coffee plantations from the 19th Century, and sulphur springs, as well as the orchid garden of Soroa, which brought the city the nickname ‘Rainbow of Cuba’.
Guest house
Day 4: Viñales
After breakfast, you will have the chance to explore the beautiful surroundings. You can visit one of the many tobacco plantations, which are home to the legendary green and silvery tobacco that the region is so famous for. Around the village there are a number of attractions, including El Valle de Dos Hermanas (The Valley of Two Sisters), and the island of Cayo Levisa by the North coast, which boasts a wide range of water sports and diving opportunities.
Guest house
Day 5: Viñales – Peninsula Zapata – Cienfuegos (440 km)
This morning, you will head towards the Peninsula de Zapata. In the vast marshes of the National Park, you will get to see crocodiles and flamingos, over 900 species of flowers, more than 170 species of birds, and various reptiles and mammals living in a protected area. A must on this journey is Bahia de los Cochinos, the famous Bay of Pigs.
Hotel Jagua
Breakfast
Day 6: Cienfuegos – Trinidad (80 km)
With the aid of your Cienfuegos travel guide, you can spend the morning discovering the city, which is situated by the Jagua Bay amongst several estuaries and a natural harbour. Famous for its French flair, Cienfuegos is one of the prettiest and liveliest cities on the island, with a largely restored colonial centre and many attractions. Next, your Cuba self drive tour takes you to Trinidad. This historically important city isn’t very far away and is situated on a hill, which offers a beautiful view over the sea and surrounding mountains. Besides Havana, Trinidad has the largest ensemble of colonial buildings in Cuba.
Hotel Finca Maria Dolores or Guest house
Breakfasting meal
Day 7: Trinidad
The Cuba itinerary is left free today for you to explore Trinidad, or relax on the nearby beach.
Guest house
Day 8: Trinidad – Topes de Collantes (20 km)
Today you will travel to Topes de Collantes, a spa town located 20km north-west of Trinidad. Here, you can discover coniferous forests, wine, lichen, moss, and giant ferns in this cool, foggy climate. Topes de Collantes is perfect for walking, and the most popular hiking trail will lead you to the 62m high waterfall, Salto del Gaburni.
Hotel Helechos
Breakfast
Day 9: Topes de Collantes – Varadero (270 km)
Today, you will be heading towards the final destination on the Cuba self drive tour, Varadero.
All-inclusive Hotel Cuatro Palmas
Day 10: Varadero
Your Cuba itinerary finishes today as you return your hire car before enjoying the rest of the day however you choose.
All-inclusive Hotel Cuatro Palmas
Day 11: Varadero – Havana (140km)
Your Cuba self drive tour finishes today. Transfer to Havana for your departure or alternatively, extend your holiday with us.