Stepping back in time in Cuba

My highlight was hiking in Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve Park. There aren't many Cuba tours that show you the country's great outdoors, so it felt tremendous to spend a couple of days embracing the nature and wildlife.

Along the route, we jumped into freshwater swimming holes, followed riverside trails leading to gorgeous waterfalls and camped out under the eaves of the hacienda's veranda.

Alberto went above and beyond to ensure we got the most out of this trip. He was very patient and attentive, taking the time to explain Cuba's history as well as day-to-day practicalities, from navigating the currency to getting off the beaten track.
 

I think you'd miss a lot of the nuances and context if you didn't have a tour leader in Cuba, especially if you want to venture outside of Havana.

There was 10 of us in our small group Cuba tour, and except for two couples, we were all solo travellers. Everyone got on well and we grew close over the two weeks.

In fact, someone from the group contacted me recently to tell me that he'd booked another Explore tour - and hoped that his tour leader would be as great as Alberto!

Situated to the south of Florida and the Bahamas, Cuba is a Caribbean country with a tropical climate, so pack for hot, humid weather. While Explore don't operate many trips in the rainy season, it may be practical to pack a rain jacket or poncho for wetter spells.
 

For this Cuba tour, I'd recommend packing hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes. Some of the hikes are rocky, so you may want to consider walking poles, too.

1. Research: Read up on Cuba's geopolitical situation before you go. Doing a little research goes a long way, although there's plenty more to discover (with the help of your tour leader) once you arrive.
2. Medical supplies: Bring all medical supplies you think you'll need. It's very difficult to buy these items once you're in Cuba, as the country has limited access to these supplies.
3. Cash: ATMs are hard to find, so I recommend bringing enough cash with you for the trip. Both Euros and US dollars are accepted, and the rate is better than the local coin.
4. Supplies: This tour involves a lot of driving, and the service stations don't stock many supplies, so pack a toilet roll, hand sanitizer and snacks to keep you going.
5. Facilities: Hotels in Cuba are state-run, so the quality and services may not meet the expectations you'd have back home. Expect brief power outages and breaks in hot water.