We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, airport departure tax (CUC25, approx £20), souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
US dollars are no longer accepted in shops and other businesses, tourists and Cubans exchanging dollars will have to pay a 20% commission. We recommend you take clean Euro, Canadian dollars or Sterling cash as these are easier to exchange. Please note that Scottish Pounds are not accepted in Cuba.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Cuba |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£8.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£12.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£15.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Entry visas are required by all nationalities for Cuba. They can easily be obtained through Cuban embassies (by post), consulates, directly from Explore when booking direct with Explore’s head office; or by overseas clients through their Explore agent.
Due to US Treasury Department Regulations we are unable to accept bookings from US passport holders.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.).
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
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Climate
The dry season is from November to April. Average temperatures are 22-26°C. Though the sky is often cloudless during the dry season, cold wet snaps do come in from North America especially in Dec and Jan, when the temperatures can drop to as low as 5°C at night. From May to October there are normally fine mornings and clear evenings, afternoon rains tend to be short and heavy. Temperatures are hot and humid.
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The hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from June to November, often peaking in September. However, as the frequency and intensity of the hurricanes is impossible to predict from year to year, we still plan operate our tours during this period. In the event of a hurricane occurring during your trip, your safety is our top priority. In accordance with local regulations and with the assistance of our local groundhandling agents, we may have to evacuate to another part of the island or have to remain in the same place for a number of days while the storm passes. This could result in a certain amount of disruption to the itinerary of your tour.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
One main piece of luggage, a soft holdall for the trek and a good-sized daypack for the trek (at least 25-30 litres). Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. On the trek mules will carry the food and cooking equipment for our overnight on the mountain. Normally there will be enough mules to carry your sleeping bags but in the event that not enough mules are available it may be necessary for members of the group to carry their own overnight kit (including sleeping bag). So please make sure your daypack is large enough to carry your sleeping bag, a lightweight waterproof, water, fleece and a toothbrush.Your main luggage will stay with the driver whilst you do the treks.
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Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Include light cotton clothing plus something warmer for the evenings in the hills when it can get cool. A light fleece would be useful except Dec-Jan when a heavier fleece and waterproof are recommended. An umbrella is useful in the rainy season.
Please note it can be a lot cooler in the mountains particularly at night so also bring some warmer clothes for trekking.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking boots. Shoes and trainers or sandals for relaxing. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them. Should your luggage be lost or delayed, your well broken-in boots are the one thing that are irreplaceable.
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Equipment
A torch, water bottle, good quality sunglasses, insect repellent and high factor sunscreen are all essential. A 2-season (temperature 0°C to 5°C) sleeping bag and liner are recommended for the stay in the refugios and the cabins (mattresses are provided). You may also wish to bring a pocketknife and walking pole with you. Don’t forget to bring a towel, wet ones, tissues and plastic bags to protect yuor belonging in case it rains on the trek. We also recommend that you take cereal bars from the UK as these are not available in Cuba.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Please note:
Water-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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New Entry Requirements – Cuban legislation now require evidence of Insurance cover on entry – a policy must be shown with your name and cover dates on it.
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In Cuba, food is still rationed. Many food products are controlled so therefore it can be quite difficult for restaurants to offer a varied menu. Vegetarian meals can be quite basic. We recommend you take out with you energy bars and snacks as these are hard to find in Cuba.
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Country info
Area: 110,860 sq km.
Population: 11.39 million.
Language: Spanish.
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic.
Local Time: GMT -5.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 110/220v 60Hz. Two pin flat blade plugs.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Books: Tom Miller: Trading with the Enemy, Graham Greene: Our Man in Havana, Ernesto Che Guevara: Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
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