Riders following a trail between fields in Cuba
Central and South America > Cuba

Que Viva Cuba!

A unique riding holiday in Cuba. Discover the incredible Cuban people, landscapes, history and culture on a trail ride across the "Pearl of the Antilles". Immerse yourself into the Cuban culture by sharing with locals and discover on horseback the Viñales area, Playa Clara, Valley de los Ingenios and Escambray Mountain. Your guides will share their knowledge of the traditional Cuban essentials: tobacco cultivation, salsa and reggaeton music and you may even partake in friendly, but competitive, traditional equestrian games! Explore fascinating historical locations such as the infamous Bay of pigs, Cascada del Pelou, Sierra del Escambray and of course, the bustling city of Havana.
Book now Print the details for this ride
Trail Riding
15 days/ 8 days riding -
From £0
Family holidays
from 10 y.o

From the horse’s mouth

  • Que Viva Cuba!
    December 2019 17/01/2020
    A wonderful, varied holiday. We enjoyed stunning scenery, lovely Cuban hospitality with locals who went above and beyond for us, amazing horses and our guide Orly was fun, patient and calm. This trip shouldn't be recommended to people who are not used to basic levels of comfort. Excellent horses in Vinales and at the... Read all
  • Riders riding along a trail in Cuba
    One of the most varied riding holidays in Cuba!
  • Riders following a trail between fields in Cuba
    Your guides will share their knowledge of the traditional Cuban essentials with you!
  • Couple of riders resting in a field in Cuba
    Your guide is Orly, who speaks Spanish, English and French
  • Rider talking to locals on the trail in Cuba
    Discover the incredible Cuban people, landscapes, history and culture!
  • Two horses resting beneath a tree in Cuba
    Horses include typical Cuban horses like Pinto Cubano, and Criollo, as well as, other breeds!
  • People chatting on a porch in Cuba
    You will stay with locals and whenever possible, share meals with them.
  • Old car moving through the local streets in Cuba
    All transfers are made in old American cars for an immersive Cuban experience
  • Two riders enjoying the view of the mountains in Cuba
    Discover the Viñales area, Playa Clara, Valley de los Ingenios and Escambray Mountain!
  • Riders walking along a trail in Cuba
    The main pace of the ride is a walk with trots and canters only when the terrain allows
  • Group of riders admiring the view of the Cuban landscapes
    A great diversity of landscapes and regions, starting from the west to the eastern coast

Itinerary

Highlights

- Probably one of the most varied riding holidays in Cuba, with the opportunity to meet and spend time with the locals.
- All transfers in old American cars for an immersive Cuban experience
- A great diversity of landscapes and regions, starting from the west to the eastern coast. You will see colonial cities, ride across lush tropical forests, relax on beautiful beaches... Discover Vinales and the incredible mogotes.
- You will stay with locals and whenever possible, share meals with them.
- Several cultural outings, including tobacco and sugar cane farms, breeding farms, etc.
- Free time in Havana to discover this vibrant city at your own pace.

  • Day 1 1 : EUROPE - HAVANA - No riding

    Fly to Havana,Cuba. Your guide will be waiting for you at the airport, and you will be transferred to a Casa Particular (local guesthouse) for the night.

    The time of the transfer is set by the first rider(s) to book: if you arrive on a different/later flight, then a private transfer is payable (approx. 30CUC payable locally - approx. £25).

    Dinner to your account and overnight at the casa particular.

  • Day 2 2 : HAVANA - VIÑALES - 3-4hrs transfer + 2hrs riding

    Your first day in Cuba starts with a road transfer (approx. 3-4 hours), heading west towards the Viñales region, a UNESCO world heritage site. Tonight you will stay with at Rosi's, your host for the night. You will have just enough time to drop your bags before you head out to meet the horses. Today is a short introductory ride into the valley, exploring the tobacco fields, local farms, mogotes (rounded hills that are typical of the region)... Enjoy your first canters through this beautiful area, before heading back to your host's casa particular. Those who are interested in a bit of culture could visit the village in the evening for a drink and some local music.

  • Day 3 3: VIÑALES - 5-6 hours riding

    After a good night's sleep, you will meet your horses again and ride across the Viñales area. This is a very resourceful and plentiful part of Cuba, thanks to a fruitful agriculture and pleasant climate. Expect to ride over mountain tracks and enjoy canters in the open fields. You will also meet the Aquaticos community, who still believe in ancient healing traditions. Picnic lunch en route.

    Back to the casa particular for dinner.

  • Day 4 4 : VIÑALES - 6-7 hours riding

    After breakfast, your trail ride takes you across the valley and surrounding plateaus. You will get closer to the mysterious mogotes, those incredible rounded hills piercing the landscape. The land becomes flatter, giving you opportunities for fun, faster canters. As the ride unfolds, you are sure to come across local farmers, some of them still using animal traction to plough their fields. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a refreshing swim into the rio Resbaloso. Lunch will be held in a typical paladar (Cuban restaurant run by locals). Say goodbye to the horses before returning to the casa particular. In the evening, those who wish can listen to salsa or reggaeton bands in the village square, with a refreshing cocktail in hand.

    Night at the casa particular.

  • Day 5 5 : VIÑALES - PLAYA LARGA - 6 hours driving-No riding

    Finca La Guabina
    Road transfer in the morning to your next destination. After a six hour drive, you will reach the infamous Bay of Pigs. This site is known for the role Cuba played during the Cold War and the Cuban missile crisis on 1962.
    Settle in your casa particular for the night and get some well deserved rest.

  • Day 6 6 : PLAYA LARGA - TRINIDAD - 2 hours transfer - No riding

    Transfer to the beautiful, colonial city of Trinidad located in the province of Sancti Spiritus. Trinidad is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its beautiful and well preserved colonial architecture and pastel-coloured buildings. Settle in your new casa particular. You can spend the afternoon visiting the city, go for a salsa dance and cocktails in some of the nearby locals, or you may prefer to relax by the beach.

    Dinner and overnight at the casa particular.

  • Day 7 7: TRINIDAD - VALLEY DE LOS INGENIOS - 7-8 hours riding

    This morning, you will head to the stables to meet the new string of horses. You will leave Trinidad behind and reach the Valley de los Ingenios, a vast plateau where slaves used to cultivate sugar cane, for which Trinidad was once famous. During the ride, you will stop at a local farm to meet the owners and get a glimpse into their life. You will also ride by a waterfall where those who wish to can enjoy a dip. Lunch will be had at a traditional finca, where you will try a local meal of slow-roasted pig (lechon) and sugar cane juice (with or without rum!). In the afternoon, discover the lovely Ancon beach and swim in the Caribbean sea for the first time.

  • Day 8 8: TRINIDAD - ESCAMBRAY MOUNTAINS - 6-7 hours riding

    Today is another long day in the saddle. You head back the Valley de los Ingenios, riding deep into the tropical forest that covers the sides of the Sierra del Escambray. This mountain range was once a hideout for Che Guevara's guerilleros, and it then became a high place against the revolution. You will ride in lush vegetation: bamboo, coffee bushes, pine trees, orchids abound. Lunch in a farm, before heading back to Trinidad. After dinner, enjoy local Cuban music ringing through the streets of beautiful Trinidad.

  • Day 9 9 : TRINIDAD - MAYAJIGUA - FINCA SANTA RUBIA - 4 hour transfer- No riding

    You hit the road again, driving to the Finca Santa Rubia, lost in nature. This is where you will spend the next three nights, with your hosts Marbel and Yalianis. Before meeting the horses, discover the Cascada (waterfall) del Pelou, where you will learn about the history of the soldier who spent 40 years here in a cave, during the war for independence.

    Your host will give you a tour of the premises, introducing you to the horses and herds of buffaloes and bulls. He will also share his knowledge of tobacco cultivation and drying process with you.

    Dinner and overnight at the finca (Ranch).

  • Day 10 10 : FINCA SANTA RUBIA - 6 hours riding

    After breakfast, set out on horseback towards the forest. The track will take you up to Boqueron, for a visit of the caves and a picnic lunch. Your ride then takes you to the Rio Jatibonico, with good opportunities for canters along the banks and wooden tracks. Those who have packed their bathing suits can also go for a swim!

    Dinner and overnight at the finca.

  • Day 11 11 : FINCA SANTA RUBIA - 6 hours riding

    You will ride across the mountains, towards a tributary of the rio Jatibonico. Picnic in Rincon before riding down Loma de la Campana (Bell Mountain) to reach the ranch. In the evening, the group will be taken to a hotel in Mayajiga for drinks and to enjoy the thermal pool.

    Overnight at the Finca.

  • Day 12 12: MAYAJIGUA - 4-5 hours riding

    Today is a day dedicated to something different: you will try new equestrian activities and traditional Cuban games. In the morning, you will visit the buffalo and horse farms. You will try your hand at cattle work, and perhaps even be able to swing the lasso! While you are riding, everyone else is busy getting dinner ready: roast goat or pig. There are other riding games planned in the afternoon, where teams will be made with the locals joining in. Dinner will be had to the sound of some latino/caribbean music.

    Overnight at the finca.

  • Day 13 13: SANTA CLARA - HAVANA - 7 hour transfer-no riding

    Back to the capital city. You will stop en-route to Camillo Cienfuego's, then Che Guevara's mausoleums in Santa Clara: two figures of the Cuban history and the Revolution. Arrive to Havana in the afternoon. Dinner to your own account.

  • Day 14 14: HAVANA - No riding

    Today you are free to take a stroll through the city. Lunch to your own account. Transfer to the airport to catch your overnight flight home.

  • Day 15 15: Arrival in Europe

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- International flights are not included but can be booked upon request, please contact us.

- Rates are per person and based on two people sharing a double or a twin room.

- The time of the transfer is set by the first rider(s) to book: if you arrive on a different/later flight, then a private transfer is payable (approx. 30CUC payable locally).

- Group size is usually between 4-8 international riders plus guides.

- Please note: the ride will also confirm for 2-3 riders on payment of a supplement. Once the group has reached 4 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.
Two riders: €650/£570 per person.
Three riders: €200/£175 per person

- There is a single supplement payable for anyone in a single room. This is c. €270/£240 for the week. If you sign up as a single rider, this will be invoiced and reimbursed as soon as a sharer is found.

- Dates can be changed to accommodate groups on request - please contact us.

- Maximum rider weight limit: 90 kg / 14.2 st / 198 lbs

IMPORTANT:
Prices are linked to the CUC rate of exchange and may be changed, up to 2 weeks before the ride departure, if there is a significant change in the rate
To enter Cuba, British nationals must have a visa, known as a tourist card, which allows for a stay of 30 days and is valid for a single entry. The cost for a tourist card is approx. £27.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide
1 or 2 local equestrian guide(s) during the trail

Logistics

1 vehicle and driver
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 support vehicle

Inland transport

Airport transfers at set times.

Accommodation

Twin or double rooms in Casa particulares and Fincas

Meals

Full board during the ride including mineral water. No meals are included in Havana

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras
Meals in Havana are not included in the price

Transports

International flights bookable on request

Extras

Tips to the local team - approx. £35
Small group supplement - see above for the details
Tourist card to enter Cuba

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

Private airport transfers if your flight times do not coincide with the scheduled transfer.
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian info

Horses

You will ride horses from 3 different stables. Horses include typical Cuban horses (Pinto Cubano, Criollo), and other breeds such as Appaloosa and Quarter Horse. All are sure-footed, in good condition, and suited to life on the island.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You must be comfortable and balanced at all 3 paces - walk, rising trot and gallop - in open countryside and over varied terrain. You must be an intermediate to experienced level rider.

Maximum rider weight limit: 90 kg / 14.2 st / 198 lbs

Pace

The main pace of the ride is a walk with trots and canters only when the terrain allows.

Tacking ability and participation

The teams at the different fincas along the route are responsible for the care and feeding of the horses. They will tack and untack your horses, but any help is always be appreciated!

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Previous trail ride experience is not mandatory, but would be an advantage. You do need to be balanced in the saddle and physically fit.
Riders who do not ride regularly must ensure they are riding fit before the start of the holiday as there are some long hours in the saddle.

Visiting a new country offers the opportunity to meet other cultures with different mentalities, therefore it is important to accept these differences and respect the local way of life.

Equestrian equipment

Cuban tack, which is similar to Western saddles.
Saddlebags are provided in Trinidad but not anywhere else. You may want to bring your own.
We recommend you bring a bumbag.

Travel info

Comfort

Trinidad/Havana: overnights in casa particulares, with private bathrooms.
Vinales/Cienfuego: casa particulares, private bathrooms.
Santa Rubia: nights will be spent at the Ranch, which is a little bit more basic. Meals will be had with the local team.

Meals

The produce used for meals is, for the most part, organic, varied and healthy. A typical meal starts with fresh veggies/salads, rice and black beans, fish or meat. Vegetarian options are available.
Cubans eat at all hours and are not used to eating fruit during meals but rather throughout the day as snacks.

Make sure you don’t drink water from any source of which you are not certain that the water is potable. Mineral water is provided on the trail but extra drinks are to your own account.

Climate

Cuba has a subtropical climate. The tropics have two distinct seasons: the dry (autumn/winter) and the wet (spring/summer). The average temperature is between 20°C - 30°C.

The dry season lasts from around November to May with an average temperature of around 25°C. The temperature can drop to as low as 14°C and in a country that’s not built to be cold you can feel it!

The rainy season kicks off in June and lasts until October/ November. Heavy but short rain storms are typical, alongside hot temperatures – with an average of 27-28 °C.

Guide and local team

Your guide is Orly, who speaks Spanish, English and French.

Tips

Tipping is quite standard in Cuba - plan to tip around £45. Certain restaurants include a 10% service charge. Tipping remains at your own discretion.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is compulsory and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable. You also have the option of buying protective shells to go under your hats (Ranch & Rider, Lexington Safety Products) or western hat helmets (Troxel).
- Sunhat (indispensable)
- Sunglasses with high protection lenses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain

Upper body
- T-shirts in cotton and long-sleeved shirts (to protect against the sun) or t-shirts made from quick-dry material
- 1 lightweight fleece or jumper
- 1 lightweight waterproof jacket made from Gore-Tex or a similar material that is waterproof and breathable

Legs
- 2 pairs of lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- 1 change of riding trousers or jeans
- A swimming costume and a towel
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear

Hands and Feet
- 1 pair of comfortable riding or walking boots. We recommend short boots with half-chaps specifically for riding. We don't recommend taking your favorite leather boots in case they get damaged
- 1 pair of lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Other useful items
- Travel bag 60-80 liters (hold luggage)
- Travel bag 25-30 liters (cabin bag)
- Double saddlebags are available on request; Only in some places saddlebags are included
- Water bottles - 2 bottles x 0.5L
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Protein or cereal bars for the longer stretches of riding
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it after use
- Swiss army knife or equivalent (in checking-in luggage!!)
- Small plastic bags for you rubbish
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- A pair of binoculars

Medical kit
Cuba's pharmacies are woefully void of pharmaceuticals, both prescription and over the counter. There are dollar only "Tourist Pharmacies", but your best bet is to bring with you whatever you may even remotely THINK you may need.
Make sure any allergies (to medication or otherwise) are clearly stated in your medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Painkillers
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhea medication
- Vitamin C tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops
- Hydrating/ soothing cream
- Plasters
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
- Tick tweezers

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance documentation with you.
- Hand luggage mustn't contain any sharp objects (knives, scissors, nail file or nail scissors, etc.) and the quantity of liquid allowed per passenger is limited to 100ml per container. Check with the airline for their imposed weight limits for hand/ hold luggage.
- A soothing cream may be useful to treat areas irritated by long hours in the saddle

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

All of our reviews are real, honest opinions from riders who have recently travelled with us. Upon their return, our riders will receive an email inviting them to share their experiences from their trip. Good or bad, each review will be published on our website, provided that they respect our editorial guidelines.
  • 17/01/2020 Alice & Daniel 1 trip
    December 2019
    A wonderful, varied holiday. We enjoyed stunning scenery, lovely Cuban hospitality with locals who went above and beyond for us, amazing horses and our guide Orly was fun, patient and calm. This trip shouldn't be recommended to people who are not used to basic levels of comfort. Excellent horses in Vinales and at the... Read all
    • Horses
    • Programme
    • Accommodation
    • Local guide