It’s finally time for your long-awaited departure to Cuba. Wave goodbye to friends and family, before you board the flight and embark upon your challenge!
On arrival in Havana, you will be met at the airport by your Charity Challenge local expedition leader who will transfer you to your hotel for a welcome cocktail and dinner. (D)
Accommodation: Hotel
Founded in 1519, Havana is the Caribbean’s largest city and you will have plenty of time to explore it. Among other attractions in the Cuban capital, you will visit Old Havana, Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Square street markets. After lunch, you will leave the city for your transfer (four to five hours) to Hanabanilla Lake, where you will overnight in a hotel. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hotel
After breakfast you set off from the hotel on foot to trek around Hanabanilla Reservoir. The hotel and reservoir are set high in the Escambray Mountains, and this was formerly a favourite spot for high level Cuban leaders to come to rest, walk and fish. The hotel is simple, but the surroundings are spectacular and provide a wonderful introduction to Cuban endemic flora and fauna. Expect to see the Cuban National Bird, the Tocororo, and many others who make their habitat in the lush tropical vegetation. The hike takes you along narrow paths around the lakeside, and into the tropical forest where you’ll be introduced to some of Cuba’s extraordinary flora and fauna. A steep climb takes you up to El Atalaya viewpoint with incredible views across surrounding forests and mountains. Then take a steep descent to the lakeside where your boat awaits, to take you to for a Cuban country lunch. Arrive back at the hotel mid afternoon to relax after your first days hike before tonights dinner. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hacienda or Hotel
Lake Hanabanilla is Cuba’s largest man-made reservoir, surrounded by tropical vegetation and small farmsteads. You will take a boat across the lake and continue trekking passed coffee plantations tucked into the forest to Casa de la Gallega, an old hacienda. A further hour’s walk brings you to the Salto de Rocio, a 25m high waterfall. From here you will transfer to your accommodation for the next two nights. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hacienda or Hotel
Over the next couple of days, you will trek across the awe inspiring Escambray Mountains, Cuba’s second largest range. The highest peak is Pico San Juan at 1,140m. The slopes are swathed in Caribbean pines and an abundance of ancient tree-ferns, bamboo and eucalyptus. After breakfast you will have an arduous, mostly uphill trek along the trail known as Caburní -Vegas Grandes. This trail takes you through dense vegetation deep into the heart of the Escambray Mountains until an astonishing waterfall and natural pond Vegas Grandes. Enjoy a Cuban country lunch before walking back to the hotel. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hacienda or Hotel
After breakfast it’s an arduous – mostly uphill trek – along the Vega Grande, which means large fertile plain. This trail takes you through dense vegetation deep into the heart of the Escambray Mountains. You reach Mi Retiro hacienda for a late lunch, before returning for an overnight stay in the hotel in Topes de Collantes. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hotel
The last day of your trek is through dry scrub with occasional views of the turquoise Caribbean. As the hours pass, you visit our third and final waterfall before celebrating your achievements with lunch and cocktails at a local restaurant. From here you drive to the coast of the Ancon Peninsula, just outside Trinidad. The night is spent in a hotel on southern Cuba’s best beach. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hotel
Chill out at the beach or in the hotel pool. Alternatively, you can explore the charming town of Trinidad. With its cobbled streets and colonial housing, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has hardly changed in more than 150 years. Later you transfer back to Havana for a celebratory dinner and the chance to sample some of Cuba’s finest exports – rum and cigars! Overnight in centrally located hotel. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hotel
Spend more time sight-seeing or perhaps take part in a salsa or rumba lesson. If you’re feeling hungry you could grab a bite at one of Havanas many paladares (local Cuban houses that cater for paying guests). Afternoon transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (Please note lunch or Dinner is not included today). (B)
You arrive back in the UK at London Heathrow airport in the afternoon.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE