Cuba: Salsa & Snorkelling

ESTA VISA:

Please note that nationalities requiring an ESTA visa for travel to or through the US may be affected by having travelled to Cuba. We recommend that you contact a US embassy to be clear on the ESTA requirements and implications in order to get the most up-to-date information regarding travel to Cuba.



WIFI

Please note, free WiFi is not widely available throughout Cuba and most places will require payment to use it.



MEDICAL TRAVEL INSURANCE

From 01 May 2010, all tourists entering Cuba will require “Medical Travel Insurance”. We urge you to check with your insurance provider to ensure your policy covers Cuba. If it is not, tourists will be forced to purchase a Government approved policy on arrival in Cuba. The cost of buying this insurance in Cuba will be in addition to any insurance already purchased, and it is likely the rates for these policies will be inflated compared to what you may purchase in advance from home.





DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS



Please note that debit and credit cards that are issued by American banks are not accepted in Cuba and will not work at ATMs. In addition, it is recommended to contact your bank to advise you will be travelling in Cuba regardless of your nationality, as local ATMs are likely to block your card unless a travel notification has been set up.

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Max 18, Avg 12.

15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.



Resorts, hotels, and government-run restaurants are notorious for mediocre buffets and subpar food quality, but at casas and locally run restaurants you get the chance to taste real Cuban cuisine. Options may not be as diverse as back home, but you can expect to have simple, good, quality food.



Based on Cuba's economic situation, there may be fluctuations in food supply and there are occasionally shortages of certain ingredients – which provides a great opportunity to try something new! Cubans rarely uses spices for cooking, so it's recommended to bring some of your favourite spices or hot sauce for a bit of added punch.

Private vehicle, taxi, walking.

If required all local flights are included in the cost of your tours unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Simple Hotels (4 nts), Casas particulares (homestays) (11 nts).

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

Accommodation on this trip is mostly, if not entirely, in 'casas particulares', the Cuban equivalent of a bed & breakfast. These local accommodation options allow you to participate in a typical Cuban living experience by staying with a family in their home. The family rents a bedroom or two (twin or single) with private bathroom shared amongst guests. Groups are usually spread across multiple casas with a central meeting point for evening socializing in the towns.



Please note that where we use multi-share accommodations, rooming requests of any kind cannot be taken.



Hotel service standards can be fairly low in Cuba and in complete contrast to the price paid for these accommodations. Casas are usually very centrally located and a great base for exploring Cuban towns and cities. Utilizing the local accommodation puts you closer to the Cuban people and lifestyle and often provides a higher standard of service and comfort than in a hotel. For private accommodation please see tours in our Classic Travel Style.

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.



An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous. Please note, the included arrival transfer is from Havana's José Martí International Airport (HAV).



If you are flying into Varadero (VRA), you can purchase a transfer to the starting hotel. Please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent for more information.



Our driver will be waiting for you with a G Adventures sign with your name on it, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. There most likely will be many signs, so please check carefully for your name.



If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line or you can go to the the office of Cubanacan, the government agency, and ask for the Representative of Cubania (our local provider). If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.





Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.



Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!



If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Operator (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.



AIRPORT TRANSFER



Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. Included arrival transfers are provided from the nearest airport to your starting location. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 



EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS



G Adventures Office San Jose, Costa Rica During Office hours (Weekdays 9am-5pm Local Time): +506 4001 8474

After hours emergency number: +51 997 582 712.



EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER in CUBA (24/7):

+53 5216-5408.



If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll Free: North America only: 1 888 800 4100

Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000

Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000

Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618

Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307

Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: Please bring a pair of closed shoes if you plan on taking in the Tropicana show, accompanied by semi formal attire (dresses/skirts/long pants/dress shirts). No sandals or shorts are permitted into the theatre.

Laundry facilities are offered by the homestays and some of our hotels for a charge. Prices vary, so be sure to ask how much it will cost beforehand. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.



Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here



U.S. citizens and residents:



Because of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), G Adventures does not accept bookings for U.S. citizens and residents at this time. Please check current travel restrictions before booking travel to Cuba. G Adventures reserves the right to cancel any reservations made by U.S. citizens, residents or other persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction.



IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL PASSPORT HOLDERS:



We recommend that you avoid flying to Cuba via the US airports. If you are connecting through the US, regardless of your nationality, you will be required to submit a signed form certifying that you are traveling under one of the 12 travel categories authorized by Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The traveller is responsible for qualifying under one of these travel categories. Tourism is not one of these 12 categories. More information can be found in the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Cuba FAQs.



Please note that nationalities requiring an ESTA visa for travel to or through the US may be affected by having travelled to Cuba. We recommend that you contact a US embassy to be clear on the ESTA requirements and implications in order to get the most up-to-date information regarding travel to Cuba.

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

The currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP).



Currently the best currency to bring to Cuba is the EUR. We advise that you bring EUR cash in small denominations as many bars and restaurants will accept payment in EUR at a very advantageous exchange rate. We recommend you wait until you speak to your guide before exchanging large amounts of EUR into local currency.



Bringing cash is the easiest way to travel in Cuba, though please take extra security precautions to avoid theft. Please note that until further notice AUD and NZD are not accepted in Cuba. Because of these difficulties we recommend that you arrive in Cuba with CAD, EUR, GBP, or Mexican pesos which can be easily converted into Cuban Pesos at official CADECA exchange offices. Please be aware that the unofficial or “street” rate of exchange is currently much higher than the official rate of exchange.



People traveling in Cuba with Visa or Mastercard credit cards can use them for payments in supermarkets and some government owned hotels, restaurants, bars and stores. All card transactions are in USD and will be subject to a fee. Bank cards from US banks do not work in Cuba, and cards using the Cirrus or Maestro systems are nearly impossible to use. The best credit cards to bring are Visa Plus or Mastercard. Please note that ATMs are not widespread and some debit cards do not work in Cuba.



If you plan to use a bank card, it would be advisable to check with your bank directly prior to your departure as to whether the card should work in Cuba.



We do not recommend you bring travellers cheques, as it is very difficult to exchange them in Cuba.



CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).



You are advised NOT to change money on the street outside the airport or your hotel. Reliable money exchange may only be done at CADECA (change houses), Banks, or Hotel Reception.



As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com



It is prohibited to enter or leave Cuba carrying Cuban Peso (CUP) currency. Please make sure you have spent or exchanged any remaining CUP prior to passing through immigrations when you leave Cuba. You can do this at the CADECA exchange office at the airport but we recommend you do this before reaching the airport as queues can be long.



Any drinks, snacks, duty free and souvenirs in the Airport will now need to be paid using a credit card or cash (GBP, CAD, AUD, USD, EUR etc.).

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.



Tipping of your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer is very much appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5- 7 USD per person, per day is our recommendation in the region. However, if you felt your CEO did an especially outstanding job, any additional amount will always be welcome.

Viñales
- Viñales Hiking

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.



You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.



Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.



Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).



Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.



We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please visit:





www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/

MAKING FRIENDS WITH LOCALS

Sexuality is very open in Cuba and that can shock some travellers, especially women. There are many Cuban men and women (known as Jineteros), who make a living escorting foreigners. Offers of this service are very common in Havana. Be aware of this practice and keep in mind that some locals who approach you may do so to take advantage of your presence.



NB. We advise traveling around the streets of Havana City in small groups, rather than individually (especially for women travelers). In addition, we suggest not carrying any easy targets for potential troublemakers like cameras, purses, or anything that is easy to snatch or grab. We advise this not expecting trouble, but rather erring on the side of caution.

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Threatened species advisory - Polimita snail

In Baracoa, please do not buy any product involving snail shells. The highly attractive Polimita picta, with its vividly-streaked shell, is indigenous to this corner of Cuba and found nowhere else in the world -- but it is now under serious threat, largely because of its use in tourist souvenirs. Help responsible Cubans protect their flora and fauna; refuse all snail-shell souvenirs.

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.



G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.



Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.



Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

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Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.

Check-in times and baggage allowances
estrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Please note that the use of credit and debit cards is currently very unreliable in Cuba. Banks, ATMs and POS services for credit/debit card payments are often not working and it is important to arrive to Cuba with cash to avoid inconveniences. Please see the “Money Exchange” section of the Tour Details for more information.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

15

G Adventures was established in 1990

Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

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