Covid measures in Cuba

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Cuba, please refer to the Garda World website. Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get in this adventure: Experienced rock-climbing guides (1 IFMGA climbing guide and 1 AMGA climbing guide) with extensive knowledge of the area Shared double room for 6 nights (private room with added fee) 6 nights in Casas Particulares 6 breakfasts 4 dinners 4 yoga classes 1 Thai massage classes 2 dance classes Tour of Havana Daily climbing outings while in Vinales If you have any dietary restrictions, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements. What’s not included: Transportation to Cuba or to the accommodation In-island transportation Lunches and two dinners Alcohol Additional activities Optional additional multi-pitch days — includes accommodation and breakfast Optional beach excursion

How fit do I need to be?

If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun retreat, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

What if I’ve never climbed before?

Cuba has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun! For intermediate to advanced climbers, the Vinales Valley has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.

What about required equipment?

All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need: Helmet Ropes Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.) Belay device Chalk bag You can rent from your guide: Harness with a locking carabiner Rock shoes Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag) Water bottle Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Sunglasses Camera — optional Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this group adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1, up to 12 people and 2 guides, and cost is per person. Costs per person doesn’t decrease as the group grows. Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Help the local climbing community

A percentage of your trip cost will go directly to Bolts for Cuba , a local organization that raises funds for the Cuban Climbing Community to purchase bolts, anchors, drills, and additional hardware to maintain existing sport routes as well as develop new climbing areas all over Cuba. Everyone is encouraged to bring unused gear to donate as well to contribute to the organization as well.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Havana, most people fly into Havana-José Martí International Airport . Once you get there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to your accommodation. The Vinales Valley is about 2.5 hours away from Havana. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet.

Viñales | Cuba

New Year’s Climbing Retreat in Cuba

5.00

From $2,600 ()

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

Duration

8 days

Season

December

Group size

Up to 12 people

Cuba isn’t like climbing in any other place — the dramatic panoramas, superlative routes, culture, and people make this destination a rock climbing paradise. The best climbing can be found in Valle de Viñales (Viñales Valley), a World Heritage Site with good accessibility, high-quality limestone, and about 250 routes ranging from 5.8 to 5.13b, making it the best rock climbing destination in the Caribbean! Offering everything from improbable lines through stunning overhangs of stalactites, tufa columns, pockets, and knobs, to multi-pitch classic climbs that define big wall sport climbing, Cuba should be on the bucket list of every climbing enthusiast. Besides that, the cultural experience is unique with the rich mix of African and Spanish influences, especially in music and art. Explore the vibrant streets of Havana, visit the local restaurants, and connect with the locals. Climbing in Cuba is as much about Cuba itself as it is about climbing!

Adventure highlights

Explore the cultural heritage of Havana and discover climbing in Viñales
Warm winters and amazing limestone attract climbers from all over the world
Viñales is a UNESCO World Heritage site with giant overhanging crags

From $2,600 ()

Got questions or need a private booking?

Book a call

Highlighted reviews from other travellers

Michelle Hale

Earth play retreats is a blast! It’s a great way to travel, and play with people who have similar interests. As a climber of 26+ years, finding a climbing/ travel partners isn’t always the easiest to find. Earth play has been awesome for that. I get to travel and climb with out the worries of finding someone to travel with.

Isacc Jessen

Earth Play was everything I could have wished for. Wake up to yoga and surfing in paradise, crushing gorgeous limestone coral formations in the jungle, and slacklining over the waves with a breathtaking ocean sunset, all accompanied by like-minded awesome people and culture.

Show all reviews

Itinerary

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Spend eight days rock climbing and relaxing in this Carribean paradise! Use your mornings for yoga sessions and Thai massage, go out with a guide and climb exciting routes in Vinales Valley, and use your evenings to connect with fellow climbing enthusiasts. Immerse yourself into the unique culture of Cuba, explore the local cuisine, and wander through tobacco plants filled with colorful little houses and vibrant communities. Welcome New Year with amazing people and exciting atmosphere of the Cuban streets! Use the rest of your week for climbing and improving your skills with expert guides in the most wonderful environment. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — the combination of Cuban culture and challenging climbing will definitely make you want to come back as soon as possible!

New Year’s Climbing Retreat in Cuba

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Dale Remsberg

Dale is an internationally licensed Mountain Guide (IFMGA) and Technical Director of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). Never one to focus on a single aspect of climbing, Dale is an accomplished all-around climber with high-end skills that cover all disciplines of climbing including; sport, trad, mixed, ice and alpine.

5.00

Heidi Wirtz

Heidi is a climber, yogi and philanthropist at heart. She is one of the country’s few prominent female adventure climbers, climbing for over twenty years, and letting her passion for adventure and exploration lead her to exotic and remote places around the world. In the US, she is known as Heidi Almighty for her bold and technical climbing as well as speed ascents in Yosemite Valley.

5.00

Earth Play Retreats

Earth Play's trips provide a refreshing step away from one’s everyday life. Through adventure and mindful movement, Earth Play helps restore balance and harmony in people's lives. Their trips are designed to help you find proficiency in the given sport that you are immersing yourself into. Earth Play Retreats brings to you guides of the highest caliber. Be assured that you are learning from the best of the best!

5.00(2 reviews)

Michelle Hale

Isacc Jessen

Show all reviews

Things to know

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Cuba, please refer to the Garda World website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get in this adventure:
- - Experienced rock-climbing guides (1 IFMGA climbing guide and 1 AMGA climbing guide) with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Shared double room for 6 nights (private room with added fee)
  - 6 nights in Casas Particulares
  - 6 breakfasts
  - 4 dinners
  - 4 yoga classes
  - 1 Thai massage classes
  - 2 dance classes
  - Tour of Havana
  - Daily climbing outings while in Vinales
If you have any dietary restrictions, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

What’s not included:
- - Transportation to Cuba or to the accommodation
  - In-island transportation
  - Lunches and two dinners
  - Alcohol
  - Additional activities
  - Optional additional multi-pitch days — includes accommodation and breakfast
  - Optional beach excursion
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun retreat, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
Cuba has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

For intermediate to advanced climbers, the Vinales Valley has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.
All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:
- - Helmet
  - Ropes
  - Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
  - Belay device
  - Chalk bag
You can rent from your guide:
- - Harness with a locking carabiner
  - Rock shoes
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
  - Water bottle
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this group adventure, the max client to guide ratio is 6:1, up to 12 people and 2 guides, and cost is per person.
  - Costs per person doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A percentage of your trip cost will go directly to Bolts for Cuba, a local organization that raises funds for the Cuban Climbing Community to purchase bolts, anchors, drills, and additional hardware to maintain existing sport routes as well as develop new climbing areas all over Cuba. Everyone is encouraged to bring unused gear to donate as well to contribute to the organization as well.
To get to Havana, most people fly into Havana-José Martí International Airport. Once you get there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to your accommodation. The Vinales Valley is about 2.5 hours away from Havana.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet.
With 57hours, you benefit from both our own cancellation policy as well as that of the individual guiding service that delivers your adventure. All policies regarding cancellation will be clearly laid out by your guide after booking your adventure, but rest assured that our own cancellation policy will work on top of what is provided by your guide.

For this adventure, 57hours offers a Expedition Cancellation Policy, which states:
If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund. For cancellations ninety (90) to one hundred nineteen(119) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total amount paid when Booking. For cancellations seventy five (75) to eighty nine (89) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total amount paid when Booking. After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund. Any reimbursable expenses arising out of the Booking incurred by Guide prior to the date of cancellation (including but not limited to plane tickets, car rental payments, and lodging or transportation fees) are non refundable as soon as they are incurred by the Guide.