The runner
7 Days
Havana, Cuba
USD
$2,295
From
Havana Half/ Full Marathon
Join us this November 13-20th for the 2023 Havana Marathon (or half marathon down if you prefer)! We combine this bucket list item with our top Cuba activities to give you a week long high adventure.
Limited spots available!
7 days, 6 nights of pure stoke
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The Havana Marathon is a bucket list event for any runner whether recreational or competitive, and Cuba is a bucket list destination for any world traveler. We combine the best of both of them into this one week adventure. Explore Havana’s historic sites, rich culture, music, and burgeoning culinary scene. Travel to colonial Trinidad, hike the lush Topes de Collantes mountains, and snorkel or scuba in the warm Carribbean waters with your local, Cuban guide.
Trip Package Includes
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Accommodations (6 nights in private home lodging, based on double occupancy)
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Private transportation during entire trip, including airport transfers
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English speaking Cuban guide throughout entire trip
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Trinidad horseback ride
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Breakfast on days 2-7
Not Included
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Airfare to/from Cuba
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Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)
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Registration for Cuba Marathon
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Travel visa
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Lunches & dinners
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Single supplement fee of $150 (if desired)
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Guide and driver gratuities
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Can I go early or stay after the trip?Yes. We are more than happy to give you recommendations for other activities to do on your trip if you have more time! Keep in mind everything outside the trip will be on your own dime. We can not provide any outside transportation (including to or from the airport) outside the planned schedule.
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What is your cancelation policy?We get it! Crap happens. Rescheduling: We allow date changes up to 45 days before your trip. Reach out to us and we can work with you to reschedule. Canceling: 20% nonrefundable deposit is due at booking. The final 80% is due 60 days before the trip and can be refunded up until 30 days before your trip. Within 30 days of your departure, trip is nonrefundable.
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How many people will be on the trip?The maximum group size is 10 people, and the average is usually around 5 or 6. If you book with 6+ people, we can ensure it will be your group only.
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What should I bring with me? Do you have a packing list?We will send out a Welcome Packet with a packing list for your specific trip after booking!
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Will someone pick me up from the airport?Yes! All of our trips include airport pickup and drop-offs (as well as all the awesome stuff in between).
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Wait, is it legal/ safe to travel to Cuba??As long as the many new rules are abided by, yes it is. This trip is hand-designed to completely and directly comply with the amended OFAC general license 31 CFR § 515.574, “Support For The Cuban People”. This general license authorizes, subject to conditions, travel-related transactions and other transactions that are intended to provide support for the Cuban people. OFAC has amended this general license to require that each traveler utilizing this authorization engage in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, and that result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba. All of our trips comply with all 3 parts of that requirement, mixing in a very impressive variety of activities – cultural, historical, and adventure – while also spending time with the locals of this fascinating country. In all our years of trips here we have never had a problem with this concern.
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How does money work in Cuba?There are two currencies in Cuba. The local currency, peso, and the convertible peso (CUC), which is tied to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. The local guide will help you change some money into local currency. Credit cards are not generally accepted, and withdrawing money from an ATM is generally not possible, so you'll need to bring all the cash you'll need for dinners, drinks, souvenirs, etc. For most people that is from $500 to $1500. We can arrange for safe, free safeguarding of your spending money throughout the trip so you can focus on having fun.
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How do I purchase a travel visa to Cuba?Cuba requires all visitors - not just Americans - to purchase a travel visa. This is essentially granted automatically to anyone traveling to Cuba. If traveling through Mexico, this visa can be bought at the check-in counter of the Cancun or Mexico City airport for $20. If flying directly from the US, most airlines have their own system for this visa and they are the ones responsible for providing it to you. Most airlines are charging between $50 to $90 for this visa. Please ask us if you have any questions.
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What are the accommodations like?You'll stay in private homes (“casas”). These are private, local homes that have been restored - they include private rooms with private bathrooms, often with separate entrances. They are clean and comfortable, and you get to know the local families if you want to. Like Airbnb but cooler. Many travelers say it is one of their favorite parts of the trip.
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Are there things I need to be aware of to remain compliant while traveling?Yes, there are a few things to remember (don't worry that's why we're here). In general, you may eat only at privately owned (paladares) restaurants (which have the best food anyways!). Be aware our schedule is jam-packed because scheduled that free time isn't allowed under the Support for the Cuban People exception. Our itinerary does allow some flexibility for your preference during time away from the group, as long as it includes lots of authentic and organic interactions with the local people and independent, small private businesses :)
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Will I need to be in good shape?Our trips are build to be very active. Fitness or adrenaline enthusiasts will get more than their fill. That being said, most of the biking in Peru is downhill and the most of the hard hikes have a horse option. Thus, you do not need to be in great shape. Average or better is totally fine! *"The Biker" trip requires intermediate to advanced skill and good shape
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Is Airfare Included? What is the best way to get to the trip start location?No, airfare is not included. This trip begins and ends at the Cusco, Peru airport (CUZ). You should aim to arrive between 8AM to 10AM on Day 1 (Sunday), and depart between 3PM - 5PM on Day 7 (Saturday). We will pick you up at the airport in Cusco and drop you off there at the end of the trip. Upon booking, we will send you a complete packet which goes into this and other aspects of your trip in great detail!
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive to Jose Martin International Airport in Havan, where our private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide will all be waiting for you! It is then a short transfer into the center of Old Havana, where we will base for the next couple of days. We will check into our casa (always bright, clean, and great environment and location) before heading out to walk around the city, change some money, and just sort of soak up the vibe.
Day 2
Today after breakfast, there is a local culture event that is part of the Havana Marathon, this neighborhood short running event is open to everyone of all ages, with no cost or registration, and takes place simultaneously throughout the country of Cuba. Most of us will walk or lightly run this event as a warm up for tomorrow, and to take in a little of the city. Afterward, we will do a short walking tour of Old Havana, followed by lunch, and then we will go to the MarathonHeadquarters to pickup our registration packets, followed by a tour of greater Havana in a classic 1950’s American auto. Late afternoon freetime, followed by optional group dinner
Day 3
Today we are running the Cuba Marathon, it begins at 7am, access to the corrals is between 5am to 6:50am. We will leave the casas at approx 6:15am. After the marathon, there will be an hour or two of freetime/rest time back at the casa, followed by a late lunch around 1pm (exact time will vary depending on groups desire). After lunch, we will visit a locals beach where you can relax, talk to the locals, and swim away some of the post run soreness.
Day 4
After breakfast, between 8:30 to 9am approximately we will get in our van for the 4 hour drive to beautiful Trinidad. Upon arrival we will checkin to our casa, then go have lunch, followed by a short walking tour of this colonial, UNESCO heritage town. Late afternoon visit to a local’s beach for people to people contact time and support for the cuban people.
Day 5
Hopefully the legs have healed a bit because after breakfast we will drive up to the steep, lush forested park of Topes de Collantes ($10 cuban peso entrance fee not included). There is a moderately difficult (rocky) and steep hike down to an incredible waterfall and natural swimming hole, or just relax at the welcome center if you are not up for the hike. Afterward, we will return to Trinidad, have lunch, and then go on a horseback ride (all fees included) through the Cuban countryside.
Day 6
We have the early morning to relax, explore the town and enjoy extensive, authentic interaction with the locals and an early , 11am lunch before the long drive back to Havana. Once back in Havana, we will checkin to our casa before dinner and you should have time to make a quick visit to something you wanted to see in Havana that you didnt have time on our initial visit, or else the guide has some ideas to see some local culture and history within a short walk of your casa, before dinner.
Day 7
Today is the final day of the trip, depending on the time your flight leaves, you may have time for some last minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing, while conversing with the locals before heading out to the airport. Your guide will take you there, pay for the taxi, and make sure you get checked in okay without any problems.