Western Cuba

Introduction
Western Havana Cuba
The westernmost province in Cuba, also called the Green Province, is a gift of nature. Tobacco is grown in these extraordinarily fertile lands and valleys. This tobacco is used to produce the Habanos old Cuban cigars, the best in the world. 

During this riding holiday, you will discover the Sierra de los Órganos, including the Viñales Valley with its “Mogotes” (pincushion hills), and many caves, including the Indian Cave and the Santo Tomás Cave System.
This region is also ideal for watching local indigenous wildlife.

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy Cuban hospitality, sleeping in the guajiros (field workers) farms and dancing with the locals.

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
During this trip, you will sleep in small hotels and fincas.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Nacional in Havana
Night 2: Mil Cumbres Refuge
Night 3: Hotel Los Jazmines in Viñales
Night 4: Hotel Vueltabajo
Night 5-7: Hotel Nacional in Havana

Hotel Nacional in Havana
Located in the center of the Vedado neighborhood, this imposing hotel built during the 30s offers a view of the esplanade of the Malecón. The hotel was declared a National Monument. In fact, in the garden of the hotel, you still can see two of the Santa Clara Battery cannons that belonged to the Havana Defense System at the end of the Spanish colonial period. 
Most of our rooms have been recently renovated, and conveniently furnished and equipped for maximum comfort. The rooms are spacious and feature free Wi-Fi, a TV, air conditioning, a safe and a private bathroom.

Mil Cumbres Refuge
This eco-lodge has 4 bedrooms with electricity and shared bathrooms. There is no Wi-Fi available here.

Hotel Los Jazmines in Viñales
This small hotel offers comfortable rooms with a great view over the valley. Each room comes equipped with Air conditioning, a TV, private bathroom, a safe and free Internet access.
There is also a small pool where you can relax in the evening.

Hotel Vueltabajo
This hotel is housed in a beautiful building. It offers simple but comfortable rooms. Each room comes equipped with a TV, air conditioning and a private bathroom.

Room Occupancy
When clients do not request a single room, but there isn't another rider to share a room with them, they will need to pay a single supplement fee.



Meals
All meals are included from the dinner on Day 1 to the breakfast on Day 8.
One drink per person (beer, soft drink or mineral water) is included for each meal.

The food served on this trip is mainly organic and free from GM products. Cuban produce is very healthy. Most of what we eat on the days we ride is organic, as is almost everything the Cubans eat.
During our stay in the shelter of the Mil Cumbres and at Finca La Guabina, we will eat products from the farms which belong to the state enterprise 'Flora y Fauna'. The rice, vegetables, fruit, chicken, pork and beef, all have a wonderful flavour.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Guide
You are accompanied by a bilingual profesional guide with over 20 years experience in Cuba. There is also a local equestrian guide to accompany you on all trail rides.

Horses
You ride different horses each day including a mix of Cuban Criollo horses and Pintos.
You are not expected to help with tacking up.

Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have full holiday Insurance that covers horseback riding and emergency medical insurance. We are happy to provide this. Simple check the appropriate box in the booking form.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Check into your hotel in la Havana. Tonigt,dinner is in a local paladar (family restaurant).
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in la Havana

Day 2: Finca Charco Azul
After breakfast, transfer to the Finca Charco Azul (1h) in Cayajabos, at the south of the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve. After a welcome cocktail, we go on a 3-hour ride through this Finca of about 400 hectares. 
After lunch, transfer to Mil Cumbres (2.5h drive). 
This evening, you will get your first introduction to Cuban music.
Riding: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mil Cumbre’s Refuge

Day 3: Mountain Ride
Today, we go on a full day ride through the Natural Park across the mountains of Cuabal and Pan de Guajaibón. With an altitude of 692m, this is the highest point in Pinar del Río province. We stop for a welcome cocktail in the house of a local “Guajiro” family. Then, our route takes us through mountain valleys from where we can see the union of Sierra del Rosario and Sierra de los Órganos, with lush vegetation and protected species of birds and trees.
After lunch, transfer to Viñales (1h).
Optional night out at Casa de la Trova (musical show) for a small added fee.
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Viñales

Day 4: Viñales and Palmarito Valleys Ride
This morning, transfer to the horses for a long ride through the Viñales and Palmarito Valleys. We will climb up along a bridle path to El Mirador del Valle, where we can drink a guarapo (a refreshing sugar cane juice) while we enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over tobacco plantations and the spectacular 'Mogotes', conspicuous karst mountains rising like islands from the bottom of the valley.
During our ride, we will stop in some of the rural communities where another guajiro will give us an explanation of the process of cigar-making.
Our lunch stop will be taken on the outside terrace of a nice restaurant.
After the ride, transfer to Finca La Guabina, 12 km from Pinar del Río (1h).
Traditional Cuban musical evening.
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Vueltabajo

Day 5: Finca La Guabina
After breakfast, transfer to Finca La Guabina to discover its beautiful landscape on horseback.
After lunch, we will have the option to enjoy an exhibition of the wonderful Apaloosa and Pinto horses of the farm, before our transfer to Havana.
Another traditional Cuban musical evening awaits!
Riding: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Havana

Day 6: Lenin Park Ride
After breakfast, transfer to the Equestrian Center of Havana. We go on a 3-hour ride to discover the beautiful Lenin Natural Park. Lunch in the Equestrian center and transfer to the hotel in Havana.
Free afternoon to visit Havana.
Riding: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Havana

Day 7: Beach Ride
After breakfast, transfer to the Finca beside the beaches of Playas del Este (30m). There, we will ride on the beach and go for a swim. After the ride, we willa enjoy a seafood lunch at the outside terrace of a nice restaurant before heading bzcxk to Havana.
Farewell dinner with a great musical show with some of the former members of Buena Vista Social Club at the Old Havana, or another great musical show.
Riding: 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Havana

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, you are free to do some sightseeing in Havana. We leave from Havana at 6:00 pm in order to transfer clients to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Western Cuba

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Havana
Airport: Havana - José Martí airport
Transfer:

Climate:
                                            Vinales area