Itinerary

(Cienfuegos Province, Central Cuba)

Day 1 Friday: Private transfer to Cienfuegos city, known as the “Pearl of the South” due to the impressive beauty of its bay. For guests who begin their journey this morning in the Zapata Peninsula on the south shore of Matanzas province, a test paddle will be offered in the wetlands of the biosphere reserve (Salina de Brito or Boca de Guama), a Ramsar site and important area for bird conservation. Founded by French immigrants in 1819, Cienfuegos’ historic center was added to UNESCO’s list of Cultural World Heritage Sites in 2005, listed as the best extant example of early19th century Spanish Enlightenment implementation in urban planning.

Airport transfer: Included from Havana, Varadero, Santa Clara or Cienfuegos airports to Cienfuegos. For clients who arrange to lodge in the Zapata Peninsula on Thursday night, begin with a morning row, then transfer to Cienfuegos.

Meals: Dinner (El Caribeño)

Accommodations: Cienfuegos (b&b)

Paddle distance | time: 6-7 nautical miles | 4-5 hours
(alternative route Boca de Guama 10 nautical miles | 4 hours)

Day 2 Saturday: After breakfast explore El Nicho Natural Park with dozens of waterfalls, natural pools with refreshingly cool crystal water, protected flora and fauna and breathtaking views in the Guamuhaya mountain range. Walk the Reino de las Aguas path before lunch, then we’ll drive to Hanabanilla Lake where you’ll launch your kayaks. Paddle south across the country’s only intra-mountainous lake with steep mountains rising from the shoreline. Stop at La Cueva del Brollo, accessible only from the lake before paddling to Rio Negro. Hike “El Mirador”, a path to a lookout affording a spectacular lake/mountain view. Dinner at Rio Negro, and rustic camping under the stars tonight.

Meals: Breakfast (b&b), Lunch with beverage (Las Yaguas), Dinner with beverage (Rio Negro)

Accommodations: Rio Negro (camping)

Paddle distance | time: 10 nautical miles | 7 hours
(alternative route Cueva del Brollo = 4-5 nautical miles | 3-4 hours)

Day 3 Sunday: Breakfast and continue paddling south on the lake. Visit “Cascada Los Helechos” waterfall which spills over into the lake and continue paddling to the Jibacoa dam on the southern end of Hanabanilla. Transfer by jeep to Guanayara Natural Park and hike the 1/2 kilometer “Centinelas del Rio Melodioso” path featuring a high level of endemic flora & fauna, rivers, waterfalls & impressive ponds. The unique adventure leads you via the river canyon to the waters of the “Poza del Venado” where we’ll stop for a boxed lunch. Jeep transfer to visit the Topes de Collantes Coffee House and enjoy a tasting of local brew plus a permanent exhibition of the world of coffee. Lunch at the spectacular El Manantial private restaurant before departing to Cuba’s most colonial villa Trinidad, over 500 years old. Accommodations at a local b&b and dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast (b&b), Boxed Lunch, Lunch (El Manantial), Dinner (Trinidad paladar)

Accommodations: Trinidad (b&b)

Paddle distance | time: 4 nautical miles / 4 hours

Day 4 Monday: Breakfast and transfer to the Guaurabo River to launch our kayaks close to Ma. Dolores and paddle south to La Boca fishing village at the river’s mouth. Continue paddling to Maria Aguilar beach for free time at the Ancon Peninsula. Seafood lunch in a private restaurant in the fishing village of Casilda. Return to Trinidad for a tour of the city’s historical center and museums. Dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast (b&b), Lunch (Casilda paladar), Dinner (Trinidad paladar)

Accommodations: Trinidad (b&b)

Paddle distance | time: 5 nautical miles / 2 hours

Day 5 Tuesday: Breakfast and transfer along the south coast to the Yaguanabo Valley where we’ll paddle down the Yaguanabo River and appreciate its protected flora & fauna. At the river’s mouth you can see a “Tibaricón”, an accumulative sandbar that, usually in dry season, stems the river’s stream to the sea. Stop at the Piña Colada private restaurant for lunch. Transfer to Villa Guajimico, a secluded “glamping” property hidden on Cuba’s southern coast about halfway between Cienfuegos & Trinidad. The 3* Cuban camping facility (featuring air conditioned cabins with hot water) is a little-known paradise set on an inlet with a rock wall backdrop in an area full of lush vegetation, attractive forests, caves and hidden beaches. The ocean bottom features quiet waters and extensive coral growth, making it ideal of nautical and diving activities. The rooms aren’t luxury or glamorous, but with air conditioning and hot water, it’s a big step up from tenting. Dinner included at the Guajimico restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast (b&b), Lunch (Piña Colada paladar), Dinner (Guajimico)

Accommodations: Villa Guajimico (cabañas)

Paddle distance | time: 4.5 nautical miles / 3 hours

Day 6 Wednesday: Breakfast at Guajimico. Paddle on the Caribbean this morning to an isolated beach where you can enjoy snorkeling in the coral reef. Return paddle to Villa Guajimico for lunch at the resort restaurant followed by an optional (included) tour of the Guajimico Caves. Late afternoon: paddle outside of the rock wall to enjoy a Caribbean sunset from your kayak (optional but included) or, if you prefer, spend some time relaxing at the swimming pool or enjoying the rural resort’s facilities. Dinner included at the Guajimico restaurant. Note that even when meals are included at Guajimico, the food service isn’t at the same level as some guests would prefer, so we recommend that you plan on venturing outside of the property at least once to experiment with other local establishments for variety. The price for that independent option is very reasonable, and a good opportunity to explore independently for a superior food experience. One of our favorite spots in the area is called Piña Colada Paladar, very close to the entrance to Guajimico at the main road.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (Guajimico)

Accommodations: Villa Guajimico (cabañas)

Paddle distance | time: 5 nautical miles / 3-4 hours
(alternative routes El Naranjo-La Guanábana = 2 nautical miles | 3-4 hours, or Sunset = 1 nautical mile | 1-2 hours)

Day 7 Thursday: Breakfast at Guajimico. Transfer to Guanaroca Lagoon in the Cienfuegos Bay, home to one of CUba’s largest flocks of pink flamingos. Paddle in this natural area, pass Cayo Ocampo and the wrecks before reaching our lunch destination, Rancho Cristal, with a lovely view of Cienfuegos Bay. Enjoy a tasty traditional Cuban lunch with one beverage included. After lunch transfer to the historic center for a guided tour. There is no other place in the Caribbean which contains such a remarkable cluster of neoclassical structures. Check into your b&b for free time before our farewell dinner at Cuatro Caminos paladar.

Meals: Breakfast (Guajimico), Lunch with beverage (Rio Cristal), Beverage in Historic Center, Dinner (Cuatro Caminos)

Accommodations: Cienfuegos (b&b)

Paddle distance | time: 5 nautical miles / 3 hours
(alternative route Pasacaballo-Castillo de Jagua-Punta Milpa = 3 nautical miles | 3-4 hours including beach time at El Caletón de Don Bruno

Day 8 Friday: Breakfast and outbound airport transfer included to Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Varadero or Havana airports.

Meals: Breakfast (b&b)

Notes

• Bookings must be programmed a minimum of 30 days in advance of departure.
• minimum 2* travelers required per departure, maximum 16
• For single travelers, confirmation of this program is subject to the operator’s minimum booking requirement.

Don’t forget

• passport
• protective eyewear
• protective head covering
• suitable clothing & footwear
• sunscreen
• bug spray
• cash for gratuities