Charity trek in Cuba
| country: | Cuba |
| departures: | 2008: 17 Oct, 24 Oct |
| price: | From £295 deposit + £2500 fundraised (55% to charity) (10 days) including UK flights. Self funders pay £295 deposit + £1225 & £100 donation to chosen charity. This trip can also be booked without flights |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Your trek starts in the vibrant capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Havana. Much of Havana’s old quarter remains untouched despite the various wars and revolutions that have taken place over the last 200 years.
Once out of Havana, things are generally quieter and more easygoing. But for you, this is where your challenge begins. You will be trekking for four days, for between 6 to 7 hours a day, passing farms, coffee plantations and fruit plantations. The terrain is undulating, and in parts tough going, but with amazing views and tropical waterfalls to bathe in, it is well worth the effort.
You will visit the city of Santa Clara, famed for the final battle of the Cuban Revolution, the Sierra del Escambray and finally the beautiful city of Trinidad.
Please note: Some of the dates are exclusive for specific charities, please contact us for details.
Once out of Havana, things are generally quieter and more easygoing. But for you, this is where your challenge begins. You will be trekking for four days, for between 6 to 7 hours a day, passing farms, coffee plantations and fruit plantations. The terrain is undulating, and in parts tough going, but with amazing views and tropical waterfalls to bathe in, it is well worth the effort.
You will visit the city of Santa Clara, famed for the final battle of the Cuban Revolution, the Sierra del Escambray and finally the beautiful city of Trinidad.
Please note: Some of the dates are exclusive for specific charities, please contact us for details.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | London to Havana |
| Day 2: | Havana |
| Day 3: | Havana and Santa Clara |
| Day 4: | Hiking from Lake Hanabanilla – 15 kms |
| Day 5: | Casa de la Gallega to Codina – 18kms |
| Day 6: | Codina to Topes de Collantes – 17kms |
| Day 7: | Topes de Collantes to El Cubano – 15kms |
| Day 8: | Trinidad - Relaxation! |
| Day 9: | “Ciao” |
| Day 10: | Arrive UK |
Highly Commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
 We help the local communities we visit; we employ local guides, porters and other essential support staff, and where possible use locally owned accommodation. We donate USD$500 per ride to the Historical Preservation Society of Havana or The Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. The Historical society of Havana works with the city’s authorities in renovating and helping the regeneration of the old city. It is hoped that this revamp, will in turn encourage tourists to visit and create a better standard of living for the Havana community. The Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Senén Casas, was founded more than four years ago, and currently a total of 40 children attend. The Centre is believed to alleviate the evils of the body and to strengthen the soul. The centre is a joint venture between the Office of the Historian of the City, the government and the Ministry of Health. Amongst the children who attend are some with cerebral paralysis. The children whose treatment progresses well are given the opportunity to continue their education and self growth at special education centres, who cater for their individual needs. Others stay at the centre and are cared for and treated until they reach adulthood. The team at the centre are specialists in psychology, education, logopedia, occupational therapy, physical rehabilitation and social work. Everyone who works at the centre has the commitment and devotion to improve and enhance the life of these children. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've lead the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |