Cuba with the Locals

This is a Grade 4 holiday which mixes active sightseeing with countryside walks. The climate is warm and humid so we will always walk at a gentle pace. Walks are accompanied by our RWH Travel tour guide, our Cuban national guide and in some cases a local Cuban guide as well so there is considerable flexibility in arrangements. Please see the Itinerary section for more information on these walks.

This holiday seeks to explore many aspects of Cuba with a diverse programme of city and country walks together with some periods of sightseeing and travelling. There should be walks taking us on paths and tracks through tropical forests, coffee and cacao plantations and farmland, usually of less than 5 miles, but taking 2-3 hours and involving up to 600m of ascent. Please note on some of the walks there may be short sections at the top of the grade and on some days swimming opportunities.

In the holiday cost, we've included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity programme for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

The currency situation in Cuba is, as ever, fluid. For many years the Cubans had two currencies. In simply terms the Cuban Peso (CUP) was for locals and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) for tourists. However, the CUC has been discontinued and Cuba’s sole official national currency is the CUP. Until recently the CUP had a fixed (and completely unrealistic) exchange rate against the USD. However, the Cuban government has now officially recognised the devaluation of the CUP against other currencies.

This is good news for travellers and Cubans alike.  It means that everyone can bring their EUR/GBP/CAD cash to Cuba and get a good exchange rate at official CADECA bureaus.  Your mojitos in Cuba just got a whole lot cheaper!

This announcement means:

•    Travellers to Cuba can now exchange GBP, EUR, CAD cash at a favourable rate anywhere including the official CADECA exchange bureaux. 

•    The USD is back.  USD cash can once again be exchanged for CUP in Cuba.  However, an 8% commission will be charged on USD only when exchanging.  

There are now a growing number of cash machines in towns and airports, and these accept most UK credit and debit cards. Before travelling to Cuba, you should check with your card provider that your cards are valid for use in Cuba. Cards issued by US banks are not accepted. Also note commission charges on ATM transactions can be expensive.

If you opt for cash, obviously concealed body belts and hotel safes (when available) are good choices! Notes should be clean with no writing on them or tears.

Although entirely at your own discretion, tipping is an important aspect of tourism and hospitality life and expectations are fairly high.  In order to simplify tipping, we strongly recommend that you allow your leader to take care of making sure tips are given to hotel and restaurant staff and to local guides and drivers. This will be done using some funds provided by us together with, if you wish, a contribution from you, which he/she will collect during the holiday.

A supply of small denomination notes and coins is very useful. The people are poor and you’ll find that they do not resent small tips – but ensure that you do receive a service, however small. On occasions tipping may be best co-ordinated through your Ramble Worldwide leader.

The local guide and driver accompanying the tour tend to be mines of information relating to all aspects of Cuban life and the country, and are also excellent travelling companions.  Should you wish to tip our Cuban colleagues, you may wish to consider an allowance of £ 3.00 per day for the driver and guide.  It must be stressed however that such tips are at your own discretion.

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organised they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the programme for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organised group programme, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

To enhance your experience, as well as your tour leader, each holiday will be accompanied by a well qualified and knowledgeable English-speaking local guide.

Flights from London to Havana. 

Travel in Cuba is by road.  Due to the terrain and condition of many roads in Cuba, it may take longer than expected to cover distances.

The transfer from Havana Airport to the hotel in Havana takes about 30 - 40 mins depending on traffic.

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport/station transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport/station, depending on your arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that you must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight/train arrival to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point or independent travel arrangements to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

When you book a flight or rail inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport/station and hotel and back are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.  

If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

A passport is required which should be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of your intended stay. Please note the Cubans are now stamping passports on arrival in Cuba unless requested not to.
If you prefer to not have a Cuban stamp in your passport, for instance if you plan to travel to the USA on the passport, please inform the immigration official who deals with your entry formalities.
We will send you a Tourist Card (a type of visa) with your airline ticket allowing you to stay for up to 30 days. Please check that the information on this Tourist Card is accurate, and then keep it with your passport – replacing a lost document will cost approximately $25, and you will not be allowed to leave Cuba until payment has been made. Please note we can only issue Tourist Cards to UK, EU, EE.UU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand passport holders. Clients travelling under any other passport must contact their nearest Cuban Embassy to obtain a Tourist Card.

Visitors to Cuba also need to fill in a D’VIAJEROS TRAVEL FORM 48 hours before departure to Cuba. This must be done on line at:  DViajeros (gob.cu) 

Detailed instructions can be found here: How to fill out the Cuba D'Viajeros Travel Form

Should you anticipate visiting or transiting the United States at a future date, we strongly recommend that you ensure that you have no evidence of your visit to Cuba in your travel documentation, and that any Cuban baggage labels are removed from your luggage.
The US government has imposed commercial and travel restrictions on Cuba and have banned unauthorised visits by US travellers to Cuba, even if booking and travelling via a third country. Non US citizens should be aware that a visit to Cuba may affect their status on entering the United States. Although we do not advocate breaking the laws of any country, as a part of our responsible tourism policy we do promote a reasonable philosophy towards all nations and cultures.

Breakfasts and dinners are provided and included in the holiday charge. Breakfasts will be taken in hotels and casas particulares. Dinners either in hotels or in local restaurants (paladars). Lunches are taken in restaurants or as packed lunches. 

People travel to Cuba for the amazing culture, music and cocktails. Less so the food. The meals are generally good, plentiful and interesting throughout the holiday. Standards are rising all the time but Cuba would not claim to be a foodie destination. Some meals will consist of two courses rather than three (but are equally good and filling), and it's worth checking whether coffee is included in the meal before ordering as this varies between the various hotels and restaurants.

Chicken and rice are popular and there should be no issues for vegetarians. Provision for all dietary requirements is improving rapidly.

Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

• Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
• Lightweight quick-drying trousers
• Walking T-shirt/shirts
• Walking socks
• Fleece or jumper
• Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
• Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
• Swimwear (if appropriate)
• Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
• Day sack liner
• Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
• Basic first aid kit
• Lunchbox
• Walking poles (should you find them useful)
• Sit mat

This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Documents and Information to take with you:

• Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
• Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
• Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
• Holiday money
• Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
• Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
• Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
• Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
• Your travel insurance details
• Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
• Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
• A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
• Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

The electricity supply is generally 110V at 60 Hz, although some hotels now operate on 220V, or both. Please check what supply is provided before plugging in any electrical device.  Please note that any appliance set for 110V will almost immediately burn out if connected to a 220V supply. Most sockets cater for the round pin EU style plugs, however you will also come across flat pin US style plugs. You should bring both kinds of adapters, as these are not easily available in Cuba. More information can be found at https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

There are many travel guides covering Cuba to suit every taste. The Rough Guide and Lonely Planet Guide are the most well known but many others should considered. In fiction Cuba is most famously featured in Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene. It is an interesting insight into life in pre-revolutionary Cuba. There are many worthy tomes considering the revolution from every political perspective. Readability was not always high on the author's agenda. Choose carefully.

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

• Weather2 - www.myweather2.com
• BBC Weather - www.bbc.co.uk/weather

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

No compulsory immunisations are required for visits to Cuba.

You should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended in the UK.

Hepatitis A immunisation is recommended.

You might also like to consider immunisations against Tetanus, Cholera, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Dengue fever, Zika virus and Chikungunya virus also exist in Cuba; please take normal precautions against mosquito bites. Seek pre-travel Zika virus advice from your health care provider 6-8 weeks in advance of travel, particularly important if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Don’t forget to exercise caution with what you eat to avoid upset stomachs and stay away from unpeeled fruit and vegetables, salad and do not have ice in your drinks. Hot, fresh cooked food, where possible, is best. 

Hand washing facilities may be poor or unavailable when travelling, we therefore strongly advise you to carry antibacterial sanitizing gel and / or hand wipes at all times and use to them regularly.

Drinking or cleaning teeth in un-boiled water is not recommended.  Bottled pure water is inexpensive and widely available in shops, at hotels, and on the coach. Make sure you only buy sealed bottles.

For further advice please visit:

• The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) travel health website at www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
• The NHS 'Fit for travel' website at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk
• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• Or a local travel health clinic

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

Cuban law requires all foreign nationals arriving in Cuba to be able to produce proof they have valid travel insurance including medical insurance and cover for evacuation by air ambulance for the duration of their intended stay. All visitors should have a photocopy of their full policy, not just a cover note, available for inspection by authorities on arrival at Havana Airport. Spot checks will be made at immigration. Anybody unable to produce the documents will be required to purchase a Cuban policy.

Your insurance cover should specifically confirm that travel to Cuba is covered by the policy as cover issued by insurance companies based in the United States will not be valid in Cuba.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritise the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust is passionate about making the outdoors more accessible for more people from all communities. We grant funds to many organisations and have recently partnered with Mind Over Mountains, Adaptive Grand Slam and other groups to create an enduring impact on people’s lives and to support them to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, the Trust makes many small grants to local organisations such as Ramblers Groups, Walkers are Welcome, My kind of Books and recently provided a small grant, via his scouting group, to enable a young man whose family had fallen on hard times to complete his DofE Gold award.

Patron of the Trust is the renowned explorer, Mark Wood. Over 20 years Mark has undertaken expeditions to some of the most remote parts of our planet. Our shared values make for an exciting partnership, and we believe that by standing shoulder to shoulder we can encourage people from all communities to enjoy being active outdoors in whatever way suits them best.

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilize this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.

Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last-minute updates concerning your travel plans.

In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or make an effort to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimize the use of mobile devices. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.