Cuba: La Isla Grande

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Paul Mollatt

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written March 2013

  You can't please all the people all the time, but this tour makes a good attempt at it.  A lot of mileage in order to cover as much as possible of this very interesting country, with a very good guide and driver in a fairly new, air-conditioned, comfortable Chinese bus.  The activities were good, we heard a lot of good Cuban music, most of the accomodation was good and the food very good (it appears to have improved a lot), especially in the paladares (private restaurants).  No complaints. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The hike up to Castro's camp in the Sierra Maestra.  The guide was knowledgable and it didn't take much imagination to cast your mind back to the circumstances so many years before.  The scenery is spectacular and it was nice to stay in the cabins below and enjoy being in a national park.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Lazaro tried very hard to make it a pleasant trip for everybody, in spite of being asked to substitute for the assigned guide at the very last minute.  He was very personable with an excellent command of English and a very good sense of humour.  He even showed us Bee Hummingbirds, the world's smallest bird, as well as pointing out other things of natural interest.  All in all he did well.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Learn as much Spanish as possible and try it out on the locals in your spare time.  Cuban people are very friendly, but they sometimes have an agenda.  However, a firm 'No' and they just smile and move on.  It's not a heavy place, on the contrary it's very safe.  Learn some Latin dance as there's ample opportunity at the Casas de Trova to listen to some excellent music, take part in the dancing and just people watch if you like.  Try to get away from the town centre if you get the opportunity and you'll find less opportunists and more genuine people.  Cubans are genuinely nice people.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The music is special, although sometimes at daytime halts it felt like we were being led to yet another band playing the same well-known songs.  However, you know the money is going to pay their wages and they do need the money.  Also, it's great to see that they are still very proud, particularly about the revolution which has given them free health care, education and low-cost housing.  They have the basics and seem quite happy, even though times are tough.

   
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  Jane Roberts

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written March 2013

  Cuba wasn't quite as I had expected. I didn't realise how big the island was, so there was a lot of time spent on the coach the first week, and how poor and run down many places are.  In retrospect, I might have just chosen the shorter tour and had a week relaxing on the beach and soaking up a bit more of the atmosphere in Havana. But I did love all the rum cocktails, we even had rum in the fruit juice drink at the rest stops en route, and we did see most of the island. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Riding along the Malecon in Havana in an old open topped 50's vintage car as we went out for a group meal one evening, having had a relaxing afternoon in the pool at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba( a fabulous iconic hotel where the shower water was actually hot!) 

  I also enjoyed an optional tour our guide told us about, In the footsteps of Hemingway. 4 of us went and looked around his home just outside Havana. You could really imagine the lifestyle, charming house, lovely swimming pool, his boat, complete with angling seat. Also the nearby fishing village, then his favourite bars in Havana.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Felix was a very experienced guide who did his best to show us as much as possible of Cuba and its way of life. He loved his photography and always tried to help us get the best shots as we travelled round. I loved the treats he gave us on the coach, the special Cuban chocolate and peanut cake and sweet snacks the locals made.  He arranged very good places for us to eat so the food was generally much better than I expected. He really looked out for the group and kept us safe and well looked after. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be ready for a lot of time on the coach. Enjoy rum with everything, it can't be very strong as it never made me drunk. Expect to be stopped by beggars asking for soap and pens and money. Be prepared for a range of hotel types. Most were charming in their own way, and 2 were really good, and the beds were much more comfortable than China! 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I was expecting a bit more music and dancing. I felt the bit we did do was contrived and very much aimed at a tourist market(they all have CDs to sell you). Although our guide did find us one restaurant in Baracoa where we had 2 fun nights.  I would have liked to have stayed closer to Trinidad town so we could have gone there at night more easily. No-one in our group was particularly interested in that and the itinerary was pretty packed so it was difficult to find time. Unluckily for us the weather turned bad the day we wanted to go on the catamaran trip - the one trip I thought would be the highlight for me, but I did enjoy the snorkelling time at the cove near the Bay of Pigs.  

   
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  Helen Caldbeck

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written March 2013

  An amazing adventure covering the many highlights this country has to offer. One of the best Exodus trips I have been on. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  So many inspirational moments ...

  Dancing at the Casa de la Trova in Baracoa - an experience not to be missed. I laughed so hard it hurt!!

  The most amazing group night out at the Buena Vista Social Club in Havana - music, dancing, cocktails, more cocktails ...

  Walking in the Sierra Maestra to find Fidel's hideout - a great walk, with some lovely views, beautiful widlife, and a fascinating history.

  The beauty of Trinidad, the history of the Bay of Pigs, swimming at waterfalls, snorkelling in the Caribbean, old cars in Havanna ... I really could go on and on.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our leader Enio was fantastic. He was knowledgeable, fun, well organised, and nothing was too much trouble.

  Our driver Ernesto was also amazing. Driving safely across some difficult roads, long journeys on some days, but always a gentleman, and there to help.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Bring money in £sterling - easy to change throughout the trip. But don't have too much left at the end as the airport didn't have enough to change back, so ended up getting Euros instead!

  The US plug is suitable in most hotels, so no problems charging cameras etc.

  Very little internet access on trip if you need to log on ... be prepared to go without for two weeks (very refreshing).

  Bring plenty of sunscreen as it is hot hot hot!

  Be prepared for long journeys at the start of the trip, but it is worth the pain, so you can experience the many wonderful places you will visit.

  Bring small soap bars, hotel shampoos etc, the locals really appreciate these token gifts.

  Be prepared to drink lots of rum and if you're lucky a little bit more ... and don't forget to pack your dancing shoes!!!!

  The food is far better than expected.We went to some lovely local restaurants. Often the choice is limited - but what you have is lovely.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The optional trips are probably the only negative things I have to say - but this is simply my opinion.

  I went on the catamaran trip whilst in Trinidad. The snorkelling is out at sea, and the waves are fairly rough at time - not for novices. The snorkelling was ok - but I would recommend snorkelling at the Bay of Pigs instead which was stunning and included in the trip. The catamaran trip was sold with a seafood lunch included - we had paella and if you looked hard enough you found a prawn. I had a good day with my new friends but I wouldn't recommend the trip.

  The Parisien was terrible - you are squashed into a very small space, and the dancing and staging of the show was poor.

  Not on the trip notes but should be ... Buena Vista Social Club ... fantastic night out that I defy anyone not to enjoy. 

  This is the most amazing trip, with so much history, culture, beautiful scenery, and beautiful people. I would highly recommend people to book it.

   
• 

  Sarah Halsted

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written February 2013

  Apart from the lovely weather, Cuba was not what I expected but turned out to be a unique and thoroughly fascinating adventure. The scenery in the east and south of the island, and at Vinales, is exceptional and the sheer variety of locations and activities on the tour means we were never bored. Open your mind, go with the flow and reach your own conclusions about the political system, the people, the music and all things Cuban. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I loved the nature walks at Baracoa and El Cubano and the fresh air and peace of the Sierra Maestra, but my favourite moment of the trip has to be bombing through the streets of Camaguey in a fleet of rickshaws on Day 10. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Freddy was excellent - not only incredibly knowledgable about his country with a balanced view of its virtues and failures, but also patient and conscientious to a fault. He always made sure we knew exactly what we we were doing, at what time and what we needed to bring, which is vital on such a fast paced tour. Ernesto, our driver, was also invaluable, handling some very dicey roads with total confidence so we could relax and enjoy the scenery.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Most of the walks in the main itinerary are nice and easy but be warned - the hike in the Sierra Maestra on Day 9 is 5km and very steep in places so bring your hiking boots. 

  I agree with the warning in the trip notes that Cuba is not a destination for foodies - quality and especially choice is not great, although the food tastes better than it looks and is markedly improved in Baracoa and in the restaurants of Havana. Despite the lack of snack food as we know it, our guide bought plenty of local delicacies for us to share as we travelled, which were of excellent quality (especially the guava jelly fudge).

  The optional tours are not strongly pushed so be prepared to ask about them a day or so in advance and make it very clear if you decide you want to go on one. 

  Finally, this is not somewhere you can buy anything you forget to pack - many everyday items are in short supply, especially toiletries, so make sure you bring everything you need. 

   

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Make sure you go to Vinales - currently an optional trip rather than part of the standard itinerary. While I can see why its location makes it difficult to work into the main tour schedule, it is the most remarkable landscape I saw in the whole tour and just has to be seen. 

   
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  Marie Maciver

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written February 2013

  A fantastic introduction to this lovely country. We were well treated by friendly and welcoming people who wanted us to get the most from our visit.Is it necessary to add that this is one of the safest-feeling countries we have ever visited? You spend more time on the bus than many Exodus trips but the trip notes reflect that. We didn't have a problem with that.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing the Vinales valley - though more later.

  Watching the hard work that is going in to the restoration of beautiful parts of Havana and knowing that this is very expensive  - I hope to be back in about 10 years to see the results.

  The Cuban people themselves - eg we visited an organic smallholding where the farmer had transformed a few inches of rocky infertile soil into a going concern - he gave us some of the most delicious bananas that I have every eaten - picked from the tree that morning!

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Freddy Camara was excellent from day 1. His self-deprca ting commentaries kept us entertained but at the same time it was clear that he loves his counrty and was keen that we would enjoy our Cuban experience to the full. His knowledge of Cuban history, geography and natural history is exceptional.

  Mention must also be made of Ernesto our driver. We had full faith in him and his calm and relaxed driving - not always on the easiest roads - eg the drives to Santo Domingo and Baracoa!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  You do not need to take any extra food. Freddy made sure there was plenty available whether in a family-run restaurant or a roadside stall. We got to try lots of specialities as well as the standard rice and beans (or beans and rice) - delicious in itself but often paired with beautifully cooked fish/pork chicken etc.

  Avoid the wine but the beer and soft drinks are very good - not to mention the fab. cocktails!

  Change your money at the airport and get small denomination notes - nothing above 20 CUCs as this causes huge problems.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I would suggest that the Vinales trip is included in the Itinerary rater than as an option. As the tou ended with only one full day to enjoy Havana only those staying on could justify using their last day for this lengthy trip. We went on the excursion and felt that it was overlong as it included a visit to a cigar factory and a very time consuming queue through a cave. If it was in the Itinerary a visit to the Valley - stunning - could be done on the 1st day then the rest altered accordingly or the whole tour made a day longer. Whatever, but the view over the valley is not to be missed.

  Cuba is very different. It is well worth visiting before it changes.

   
• 

  Philip Johnson

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written February 2013

  It is the sum of the whole parts rather than any single aspect that makes this trip special. Witnessing how the island and its people have responded to Castro and the earlier colonial history is a real eye opener, and makes for a truly fascinating and rewarding experience.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The trip is full of special moments and revelations, but to mention a few:-

  Discovering that Havana is an amazing city, equally to any in Europe for its architecture and streetlife. 

  Far from expectations, the traditional food, courtesy of Freddie's choices, was generally very good and sometimes excellent. A real bonus, as too were the opportunities for swimming in the sea.

  Really liked the 'end of the world' feel to Baracoa - well worth the long and bumpy journey.

  Don't miss the opportunity to swim under the waterfall - what lies behind is a 'wow' moment.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Freddie was fantastic; professional, informative, efficient, caring all delivered with a wonderfully dry humour. Simply the best. Ernesto was a brilliant driver  and very courteous too.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The trip notes refer to Cuba being more expensive than expected; our experience was the reverse.

  There are some long and tiring journeys but they are the price of being able to see so much of the country, and on balance it's very worthwhile.

  Taking a supply of snacks for the journeys is a good idea.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Our group had several discussions as to how the trip could incorporate the Vinales area, rather than relying on the separate day trip. The only answer appears to be by extending the length of the trip by a couple of days. We feel this should be considered by Exodus. To come to Cuba and not see Vinales is a great shame, but the day trip is just too limiting and exhausting on your only free day.  It would have been lovely to spend a night there.

   
• 

  Jill Davey

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written February 2013

  The light, the colour, the music, the sheer variety of the countryside - and of course those beaches. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Snorkelling over the reef near Cayo Blanco;

  The walk up to Castro's hideaway in the Sierra Maestra.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Fantastic, Yasel couldn't do enough for us.  He never lost his sense of humour, and was endlessly patient with our (sometimes silly) questions.   The driver Luis was excellent too, and dances a mean Salsa!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go, as soon as possible.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Overall a brilliant trip.  However I'd agree with a previous reviewer that the day trip to Vinales doesn't do it justice.  I would suggest a day in Vinales should be part of the overall trip, not an optional extra taken with other groups -  skip the cigar factory, the rum shop and the totally awful "prehistoric" mural, go straight to Vinales and hire bikes for the day.  The valley is perfect for gentle cycling and it would be the ideal way to see the scenery and get away from the masses.

   

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