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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.
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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.
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Havana - Museo de la Ciudad CUC3; Museo de la Revolucion & Arte Colonial CUC5 each; Rum museum CUC5.
Trinidad - Cayo Blanco Boat Excursion CUC45 (this is a full day so will shorten your time for Trinidad tour) plus transport 10CUC per taxi each way. Excursion to Playa Ancon - CUC10 per taxi each way Salsa classes CUC10; Camaguey - Bicitaxi tour CUC5.
Santiago De Cuba - El Morro Fort CUC12 inc transport CUC14
Viñales - Cueva del Indio CUC8 plus transport; Laguna de la Piedra walk CUC8.
Soroa - Orchid Gardens CUC3, Waterfall CUC3.
Please note - most museums in Cuba charge for use of Camera's and Camcorders, this can be up to 7 CUC per usage.
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Airport departure tax is approximately CUC25 Convertible peso (approx. £20).
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Accordingly, you should allow CUC40 for group tipping. 10% is expected in restaurants
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Please note tipping is also customary for musicians and for public conveniences so small notes and coins are always handy
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). 1CUC = 1$USD However the exchange rate for dollars in Cuba is poor so it is not recommended to bring dollars to exchange
Where to Exchange: All major cities
Recommended Currency for Exchange: 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.
ATM Availability: There are ATM’s in all major cities however do not totally rely on the use of your card as these sometimes do not work.
Credit Card Acceptance: Please note credit cards drawn on American Banks are not accepted. Although accepted, please do not rely on using your credit card.
Travellers Cheques: We do not recommend Travellers cheques. Places to exchange Travellers cheques are very limited. Amex Travellers cheques are not accepted.
Additional Information: Your Tour Leader will advise you on currency matters on arrival.
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| 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.
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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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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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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Nothing compulsory, although we recommend vaccination against tetanus, infectious hepatitis, typhoid and polio.
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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.
Back to topWe 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/
Back to topAll walks are optional. Walks on this tour are graded as easy however the walks on day 5/6/9 may be considered easy to moderate.
Back to topThe 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 & heavy. Temperatures are hot and humid.
Back to topThe 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 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.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece of luggage and a small rucksack for day use. Total allowance 44lbs/20kgs. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage between hotels and transport - don’t overload yourself.
Back to topUnfortunately 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
Back to topInclude light cotton clothing plus something warmer for the evenings in the hills when it can get cool. A light fleece and waterproof would be also be useful except Dec-Jan when a heavier fleece and waterproof are recommended. An umbrella may also be useful in the rainy season.
Back to topTrail boots are essential, plus trainers/ sandals for the evening.
Back to topA torch (with spare batteries & bulb), 2-season (temperature 0°C to 5°C) sleeping bag is recommended for 2 night stay in haciendas (mattresses are provided), filter water bottle, travel pillow, towel, sunblock, pocket knife, insect repellent, sunglasses, sun hat and swimgear. You may wish to bring a walking pole. You may wish to bring your own mask and snorkel(see Day 4). Camera equipment is not available in Cuba.
Back to topIn 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.
Back to topNew 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.
Back to topPlease be aware that if you purchase duty free in havana airport and are flying home via Madrid this will be confiscated as Madrid Airport check your hand luggage and you are not permitted bottled liquids over 100ml. We recommend you buy locally and pack in your main luggage.
Back to topFor 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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