Cuba Touring Transfers

Generally speaking, any transfer that is included in one of our initial quotes will be based on one of our standard, private transfers.

What we mean by that is a private, pre-booked transfer that operates direct, non-stop, following the fastest possible route and almost always with a Spanish speaking driver; or at least a driver with very little English. Put simply, it is a case of getting from A to B as quickly as possible.

Often, however, there is plenty to see and do on many transfers within Cuba, and it seems a shame to travel all that distance and miss out on some of the island’s many attractions. So, for those clients that wish to take their time and turn the journey into a sightseeing experience, we offer a number of what we broadly refer to as Touring Transfers.

Due to the distances involved, and the complexities involved in dealing with Cuba, these Touring Transfers follow set routes, itineraries and timings. All Touring Transfers feature English-speaking guides while longer journeys often include lunch as well.

Clients have the option of booking Touring Transfers on an exclusive basis, in which case it will be just your party in the vehicle, or a non-exclusive basis which will be cheaper but which may operate on a shared basis with other clients. If you opt to book a non-exclusive Touring Transfer, and it ends up being just you, you still pay the lower price.

What follows is a summary of our most popular Cuba Touring Transfers. However, if your planned itinerary follows a route for which you can’t see a Touring Transfer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch about potential options. All times given below are approximate.

Havana to Varadero

Depart Havana 09:00 / Arrive Varadero 16:00

Havana & Varadero twin centre itineraries are the most popular twin centre options in Cuba. Why not add to the experience with stops enroute that include Hemingway’s old home at Finca Vigia, the famous fishing village of Cojimar, the Bacunayagua Bridge and the charming town of Matanzas. Lunch is included in Cojimar.

Please note that Finca Vigia is closed on a Sunday.

Havana to Vinales

Depart Havana 08:00 / Arrive Vinales 15:00

Heading west out of the city on the quiet highway, there will be stops at two nearby, nature based attractions. First up is the charming rural community of Las Terrazas and the nearby ruins of an old coffee plantation. Next up, and just a short drive away, are the Soroa Botanical Gardens, home to the largest orchid collection in Cuba. Please note that lunch is not included in this itinerary.

Havana to Trinidad

Depart Havana 07:30 / Arrive Trinidad 19:00

Combining Havana & Trinidad makes for a great twin centre holiday (or as part of a multi centre itinerary) but there is also plenty to see and do enroute.

First up is Guama, where a boat ride through the mangrove takes one to a touristy, but fun, replica Taino village.

After lunch nearby, next up is Cueva De Los Peces, a natural salt water pool complete with tropical fish and an opportunity to relax and have a dip.

Continuing along the historic Bay of Pigs, there will be short a visit to the small but interesting museum at Playa Giron that covers the momentous events that took place here in 1961.

From Playa Giron, it is a picturesque, approximate 90-minute drive to the city of Cienfuegos on Cuba’s south coast. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, there will be a chance to wander around the main square and waterfront Malecon before the final leg of the journey to Trinidad, a further hour’s drive along the coast.

Please Note: If you prefer, it is possible to end the day in Cienfuegos and then transfer to Trinidad the next morning, either non-stop or via El Nicho (see below).

Havana to Cayos de Villa Clara

Depart Havana 08:00 / Arrive Cayos 18:00

Departing Havana in the morning, the day starts with an approximate 3 hour drive along the country’s main highway to the historic city of Santa Clara. Included, are visits to Che Guevara’s Mausoleum & Museum as well as the Tren Blindado.

After lunch in Santa Clara, you will head towards the coast, stopping to explore charming Remedios, one of the Cuba’s original, colonial-era settlements. It is then an approximate 90 minute drive, most of it along a winding causeway, to the Cayos de Villa Clara.

Please note that Che Guevara’s mausoleum / museum is closed on a Monday while the Tren Blindado is closed on a Monday.

Vinales to Havana

Depart Vinales 08:00 / Arrive Havana 16:30

Departing Vinales and heading back east, the first stop of the day is the Soroa Botanical Gardens. You will then continue to the western suburbs of Havana and visits to both Ernest Hemingway’s old home, Finca Vigia, as well as the iconic fishing village of Cojimar where lunch will be taken. After lunch, you will continue to Havana itself, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Please note that Finca Vigia is closed on a Sunday.

Vinales to Cienfuegos

Depart Vinales 07:00 / Arrive Cienfuegos 19:00

Our longest Touring Transfer, and a long journey without any stops, this full day tour starts bright and early in Vinales before getting into Cienfuegos in the late evening.

The first part of the journey includes a long, non-stop drive past Havana and south east to Guama, for a boat trip through the mangroves to a replica Taino village. After lunch nearby, you will continue to the Cueva De Los Peces, a natural salt water pool complete with tropical fish and an opportunity to relax and have a dip.

Last up is the historic Bay of Pigs and a visit to the small but interesting museum at Playa Giron that covers the events of 1961. From Playa Giron, it is a picturesque, approximate 90-minute drive to the city of Cienfuegos on Cuba’s south coast.

Cienfuegos to Trinidad

Depart Cienfuegos 07:30 / Arrive Trinidad 15:30

A direct, non-stop transfer between Cienfuegos & Trinidad takes a little over an hour. With our Touring Transfer, you will get to enjoy a variety of the region’s beautiful surrounding nature and countryside. This near, full day outing begins with a visit to nearby Guanaroca Lagoon and a boat trip to admire the abundant local birdlife.

You will then head up into the Escambray Mountains and a gentle trek to the beautiful waterfalls at El Nicho where there will be time to have a swim in the natural pools (do don’t forget to take your swimming costume!). A traditional, rustic lunch will be provided before you continue your journey by car to beautiful Trinidad. See also our Feature, Cienfuegos to Trinidad.

Trinidad to Cayos de Villa Clara

Depart Trinidad 08:00 / Arrive Cayos de Villa Clara 17:00

Heading east out of Trinidad, the tour begins with a visit to the haunting Valley of the Sugar Mills, including Manaca Iznaga. Next up is the city of Santa Clara, home to Che Guevara’s mausoleum and the Tren Blindado where lunch will also be taken. The last stop of the day is the small, colonial town of Remedios before you reach the causeway connecting the mainland to the islands.

Please note that Che Guevara’s mausoleum / museum is closed on a Monday while the Tren Blindado is closed on a Monday.

Trinidad to Varadero, Jibacoa or Havana

Depart Havana 07:30 / Arrive Destination 18:00

The Touring Transfer follows the same, initial route as above as far as Santa Clara. After lunch in Santa Clara, you will take the main highway west back to either Havana, Varadero or Jibacoa, arriving in the early evening.

Please note that Che Guevara’s mausoleum / museum is closed on a Monday while the Tren Blindado is closed on a Monday.