This short-stay horseback riding vacation in Havana combines riding in the mornings, with afternoon classes to learn the Cuban national dance, the ‘Son’. Activities for non-riders can also be arranged for the mornings including Spanish lessons and cooking classes. With time on the beach and to go sight-seeing in Havana, this is the perfect short break to take with friends or family who do not want to do much riding. It is also a great addition to our other Cuban horse riding holidays and adds to the fully immersive experience of this vibrant and exciting country. Staying in a private family establishment in the capital, guests are driven to Playas del Este or Lenin Park for the riding, and return to Havana for dancing lessons with a professional teacher at Teatro America. The evenings are generally free for exploring Havana – the 16th century Spanish colonial architecture includes the Castillo de le Real Fuerza, while the baroque Catedral de San Cristobal and Plaza Vieja demonstrate the city’s vibrant architectural mix.
There are no reviews for this holiday at the moment
Day 1
Reception at the airport José Marti and transfer to Havana. Accommodation in a comfortable apartment in the centre of El Vedado neighborhood, close to the famous Hotel Nacional and the Malecon of Havana.
Day 2
After breakfast, transfer to the nearby Finca beside the beaches of Playas del Este. Approx. 3hr ride with plenty of opportunity to swim. After lunch, transfer to Havana for the first 3 hr Cuban "Son" dance lesson with a professional teacher. Free evening for sightseeing Old Havana. Accommodation at the apartment in El Vedado.
Day 3
After breakfast, transfer to the ecological Finca Vista Hermosa, beside the beaches of Playas del Este. A 3-hour ride through the Finca. After a Criollo lunch at the Finca, transfer to Havana to visit the Rum Museum. Transfer to the Teatro América for our 3 hours lessons of Son Cuban dance. Free evening in Havana. Accommodation at the apartment in El Vedado
Day 4
After breakfast, transfer to Lenin Park in Havana. Approx. 3hr hour ride before heading for lunch at a well known restaurant in Havana. After a siesta head for the final dance class. Farewell dinner and musical show featuring former members of the Buena Vista Social Club (or similar). Accommodation at the apartment in El Vedado.
Day 5
After breakfast, guided walking tour through the historical center of Old Havana to visit to the tobacco factory and the Rum Museum. Transfer to the airport for departing flights.
Non-rider and other activities:
Havana tours in old American cars, Spanish lessons, gastronomy lessons.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
Riders are not expected to assist with the care and tacking up of their horses but any help is welcome. The horses are Spanish horses, Quarter-horse and Pinto among others. They are safe and in good condition, suitable for the climate and terrain of the island. They range in size from 14.2hh to around 15.1hh. Western tack is utilised but there is also the option to have English saddles.
Riders should be happy in walk, trot and canter and well balanced. The riding is not technically difficult and adventurous novices would be welcome. There is a minimum age of 12 years for this ride.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Accommodation is in a 'Casa Particular', a private homestay similar to a bed and breakfast. Meals are healthy and plentiful, lots of fuit and vegetables with rice, beans, beef, chicken and pork. Good beer and rum is available everywhere
A single supplement is available for those not wishing to share.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.
NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling.
Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.
Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.
In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba
In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Cuba.html
In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba
Cuba has a warm tropical climate which makes it an ideal destination especially during the months of November to April, dry season months in Cuba. During this period of the year, Cuba enjoys a lot of sunshine with only a scattering of intermittent rain-showers brought about by northeasterly trade winds blowing in from the sea.
At Unicorn Trails, the health and safety of our customers is of paramount importance.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
You must hold valid travel insurance covering medical expenses before travelling to Cuba. The medical facilities in Havana are better than those available elsewhere in Cuba, but it is sometimes necessary to medically evacuate those who require urgent specialist care. This can be very expensive so you should ensure that your medical insurance covers you for this. If you require medical treatment you will be expected to pay in hard currency.
Many medicines are unavailable in Cuba so you should bring any prescription drugs you take regularly. A copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition can be helpful at customs.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Cuba and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Health authorities have classified Cuba as having a risk of dengue, and Zika virus transmission. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. To control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, the Cuban authorities are carrying out chemical fumigation measures across the island. The chemicals used may cause some discomfort if you come into contact with them.
Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Cuba. Dengue fever is also present in Cuba. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites
In Cuba the supply voltage is 110/220V. If the appliance or its power supply are not dual voltage rated, the single voltage appliance will have to be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly
The sockets in the rooms are cleverly designed so they will take the North American flat 2 pin and the European rounded two pin plugs and are usually similar to these, the bottom one being the one in the bathroom.
Please bring all necessary equipment with you, including spare batteries. There is ususally WiFi available at the accommodation however Havana this cannot be guaranteed as the WiFi in Havana can be erratic.
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Riding trousers - jeans, jodhpurs or breeches
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Riding hat with brim
- Half chaps (optional) - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- T-shirts and shorts
- Lightweight long sleeved shirts
- Sweater or sweatshirt
- Informal wear for evenings
- Lightweight rainwear
- All terrain sandals
- Beach towel
- Swimsuit
- Plastic bag for wet clothing
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lipbalm with sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Binoculars (recommended)
- Copy of passport
- Additional passport photos
- Wearing a waist pouch is a handy method for keeping items such as camera and lipbalm readily accessible.
5d /4n programme with 3 riding days. Available on request throughout the year.
2025 On request year round for 2+ riders
Single rooms available for an additional charge of +/- €150
We're avid readers here at Unicorn Trails and have selected several books connected to this ride. If you're interested in reading more about the area before you travel, or want to get into the cultural background, here are some suggestions that may inspire you. Click on the links for more information.
Cuba has produced some of the most extreme political figures of the 20th Century. Fidel Castro and Ché Guevara were the main players involved in the Cuban Revolution which brought Communism to the island. For those interested in the ideology of these powerful men we recommend the following:
The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto 'Che' Guevara
My Life by Fidel Castro
One Minute To Midnight: Kennedy, Khrushchev and Castro on the Brink of Nuclear War by Michael Dobbs.
Our Man In Havana by Graham Greene.
Cuba: A New History (Yale Nota Bene) by Richard Gott
The Other Side of Paradise: Life in the New Cuba by Julia Cooke
The Island That Dared by Dervla Murphy
We can't overlook the enormous influence of Cuban music and recommend the following artists:
Buena Vista Social Club (There is also a remarkable documentary film on this group of Cuban musicians by Wim Wenders, also called Buena Vista Social Club)
The Creole Choir of Cuba
Elena Burke
Company Segundo
Ibrahim Ferrer
Beny Moré
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com. Another excellent source of equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
You must take out comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses before travelling to Cuba. You will be expected to present your insurance policy on arrival in the country.
