Haiti Cuba Caribbean voodoo

We invite you on an expedition that will blur the lines between tourism and genuine exploration. Together with Alex Mzugu, we will follow in the footsteps of kings, spirits, and revolutionaries — from colonial Haiti to the rhythmic streets of Cuba.

Our adventure will begin in Cap-Haïtien, the "Paris of the Antilles." We will ascend to the Citadelle Laferrière — the largest fortress in the New World — and witness the ruins of the Sans-Souci Palace, the Versailles of the Caribbean. We will explore the mysterious grottoes of Dondon and the paradise beaches of Labadee. But the highlight will be our immersion into the unseen world: we will witness an authentic Voodoo ceremony, where the connection with ancestral spirits is restored through the rhythm of the drums and the dance of the possessed.

Flying over to Cuba, we will find ourselves in an equally mystical realm. From the colonial splendor of Trinidad to the Valley of the Sugar Mills with its somber legacy of slavery. In Matanzas, we will not only visit the Museum of Slavery but also join a real Afro-Cuban Santería ceremony. We will visit the tobacco farms of Viñales, see how the famous cigars are born, and ride through Havana in an open-top vintage convertible, breathing in the air of freedom.
SCHEDULE & COST:
Dates: March 27 - April 8, 2027*

*Dates may be shifted within 7 days due to possible changes in the flight program.

Duration:13 days / 12 nights

Number of participants: 8 – 12

Cost per person:
  • 6,590 USD for 12 participants
  • 6,790 USD for 10 – 11 participants
  • 6,990 USD for 9 participants
  • 7,250 USD for 8 participants.

10% early booking discount (if you book before October 27, 2026)

Everything is included, except
  • International flights to Cap-Haïtien and back from Havana, and the flight from Cap-Haïtien to Havana.
  • Visa (not required for citizens of the Russian Federation for Haiti and Cuba. A visa may be required for transit through Turks and Caicos or the USA).
  • Meals not specified in the program.
  • Medical insurance.

Estimated cost of flights:
  • Flight to Cap-Haïtien and back from Havana: approximately 2,800 USD.
  • Flight from Cap-Haïtien to Havana: approximately 550 USD.

Single supplement: 1,150 USD (single accommodation available throughout the entire itinerary).


TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Haiti and Cuba

Day 1. March 27, 2027 (Saturday). ARRIVAL IN CAP-HAÏTIEN, HAITI

Meeting at the airport. Transfer from Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP) to the Satama Hotel.
Today we will visit the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace – Haiti's main "must-see" attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Sans-Souci Palace is located in the town of Milot on the way to the Citadelle. These are the ruins of a grand palace built by King Henri Christophe in the early 19th century. It was called the "Versailles of the Caribbean," and even in ruins, it impresses with its grandeur. The Citadelle Laferrière is a massive fortress on a mountaintop (approx. 900 m above sea level), the largest in the Western Hemisphere. It was built to defend the young independent republic from a French invasion. The ascent is an adventure in itself.

Recommended flight to Cap-Haïtien:
  • Any flight arriving in Cap-Haïtien by 9:00 AM on March 27, 2027.

Accommodation included: Hotel Satama or similar
Meals included: -


Day 2. March 28, 2027 (Sunday). EXPLORING CAP-HAÏTIEN

The second day will be dedicated to getting to know Cap-Haïtien – a city rightly called the "Paris of the Antilles." The start is scheduled for 8:30 AM, followed by a five-to-six-hour sightseeing program through the former capital of Haiti.
We will see the majestic Cap-Haïtien Cathedral – an outstanding architectural monument with three entrances and two high bell towers reaching for the tropical sky. A walk along the shaded streets, past mansions with luxurious interior gardens, will let you feel the romantic atmosphere that has attracted poets, artists, and travelers for centuries.
In the afternoon, we will visit a colorful local market full of bustling life, ascend to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city and the ocean, and explore a small museum holding the secrets of Haitian history.

Accommodation included: Hotel Satama or similar
Meals included: Breakfast


Day 3. March 29, 2027 (Monday). NATURAL WONDERS OF DONDON

Today we will explore the natural wonders of the Dondon commune, located about twenty to thirty kilometers southwest of Cap-Haïtien. The meeting is set for 8:00 AM, after which we will travel through picturesque rural landscapes offering views of hills, valleys, and everyday life in the Haitian countryside. The main goal of the excursion will be to visit the impressive limestone cave system – the Dondon Grottoes. This is a unique opportunity not only to see the majestic stalactites and stalagmites created by nature over millennia but also to touch living history: it's believed these caves were used by the indigenous Taíno population long before the arrival of Europeans, and during the turbulent times of the Haitian Revolution, they may have served as refuges for rebels and runaway slaves. Exploring the underground chambers will require a flashlight – a headlamp is best to keep hands free – and the guidance of an experienced local guide who will lead us along a safe route and reveal the secrets of these places. It's important to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, as the caves can be damp and slippery. The day's program also includes a visit to a waterfall – a cascade near Dondon – and scenic rapids encountered along the way.

Accommodation included: Hotel Satama or similar
Meals included: Breakfast


Day 4. March 30, 2027 (Tuesday). BEACH PARADISE LABADEE

Today promises to be a day of serene relaxation and water activities on one of Haiti's most picturesque coasts. The meeting is scheduled for 8:30 AM, after which we will head to the private Labadee resort, located on the northern coast near Cap-Haïtien. This area is leased by the Royal Caribbean cruise line and represents a well-organized tourist enclave, protected by coral reefs, creating ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. We will visit not only the main Labadee area but also the nearby islets – Île à Rat and Cadras Beach, known for its fine white sand and crystal-clear water.
The day offers a wide choice of activities for every taste. Active travelers can enjoy snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, or fun banana boat rides. For thrill-seekers, there's the world's longest over-water zip line, the Dragon's Breath Flight Line, and the exciting Dragon Coaster. Those preferring a relaxed pace can simply lounge on a deck chair with an ocean view or visit the spa. The Artisan's Village deserves special attention – a space where local artisans demonstrate and sell their wood carvings, paintings, jewelry, and other traditional crafts, offering a chance to connect with living culture and support local production. Lunch, included in the program, will be a barbecue with burgers, sausages, jerk chicken, and various salads, allowing everyone to enjoy the resort's casual atmosphere.

Accommodation included: Hotel Satama or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 5. March 31, 2027 (Wednesday). IMMERSION IN VOODOO TRADITIONS & DEPARTURE TO CUBA

Meeting with an houngan (priest) at a local temple (hounfort) outside Cap-Haïtien. Observing the preparation of the sacred space: creating vévé drawings on the ground, drum rhythms summoning the spirits (lwa).
Witnessing the ceremony: invocation of different spirits, offerings of food and drink (kleren), the dance of the possessed, a variety of rituals.
The goal is to understand Vodou as a living religious system where connection with ancestors is restored, and cultural identity is formed through music, dance, and offerings.
In the afternoon – transfer to the airport and flight to Havana, Cuba.

*Recommended flight from Cap-Haïtien to Havana:
  • Sunrise Airways flight departing Cap-Haïtien at 9:45 AM on March 31, connecting in Providenciales (Turks and Caicos – **check visa requirements for transit!** ), arriving in Havana at 6:35 PM on March 31.
  • As schedules may change, we have built in a buffer day for a potentially long layover.

Accommodation included: -
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 6. April 1, 2027 (Thursday). ARRIVAL IN HAVANA, CUBA

Arrival in Havana by 4:00 PM and meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel (45–60 minutes).
The evening in Havana will be dedicated to a leisurely and deep immersion into the atmosphere of the historic center, where every stone breathes history, and will end with a traditional ritual inseparable from the city's life. We will start with a walk around Plaza de Armas – Havana's oldest square, founded in the early 16th century. Here, under the shade of royal palms, the evening coolness makes the colonial era's breath especially palpable. The cobblestones, the Palace of the Captains General, and El Templete church provide a perfect backdrop for reflecting on how power and society have changed over the centuries. From Plaza de Armas, we will head to Plaza de la Catedral – one of the most harmonious and complete architectural ensembles of Cuban Baroque. Here, in front of the façade of the Havana Cathedral, surrounded by 18th-century palaces, the evening light takes on a special softness, and street musicians begin their performances, filling the space with sounds blending Spanish and African roots.
The evening's climax will be the "Cañonazo" ceremony, which has taken place at the entrance to Havana Bay for over two centuries. We will go to La Cabaña fortress to witness this unique ritual. Precisely at 9:00 PM, soldiers in colonial uniforms, by torchlight, fire a cannon shot – a tradition dating back to colonial times that signaled the closing of the city walls and the chains stretched across the bay for the night. Witnessing this event allows one to touch living history, where ritual, theatricality, and genuine military tradition merge. From the fortress walls, a breathtaking panorama of evening Havana unfolds – the lights of Old Havana, the Malecón seafront, and the darkening sea create an unforgettable image that will remain in memory as the quintessence of the Cuban capital. Return to the hotel around 10:30 PM.

Accommodation included: Hotel Inglaterra or similar
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 7. April 2, 2027 (Friday). HAVANA - TRINIDAD

The day begins with an early departure from the hotel at 7:00 AM: a long drive of about 350 kilometers lies ahead, taking approximately six to seven hours. This journey eastward from Havana will be more than just a road trip; it will be a full-fledged field observation of rural Cuba. We will make two stops in rural areas and small towns to carefully study the types of rural housing – from traditional huts (bohíos) to modern constructions – and assess the state of public infrastructure: road quality, power lines, bus stops. Attention will be paid to visible agricultural activities: the use of draft animals, the condition of fields and pastures, and the types of crops grown. During stops, we will observe public spaces – the daily life of local residents, possible queues, and local trade: roadside fruit stalls and the assortment of small shops.
In the afternoon, we will visit Santa Clara – a city forever etched into Cuba's history due to revolutionary events. The central site will be the Che Guevara Mausoleum, where the remains of the comandante and his comrades, killed in Bolivia, rest.
The final highlight of the day will be a visit to an agricultural cooperative. This is an opportunity to directly compare the observations made along the way with the real organization of agricultural labor. We will see how collective forms of farming are structured today, their place in the country's economy, and how they interact with the private sector. A conversation with cooperative workers will help us understand how land use and distribution principles are implemented in practice and how people balance state obligations with private household plots.

Accommodation included: Iberostar Grand Trinidad or similar
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 8. April 3, 2027 (Saturday). TRINIDAD

Our day in Trinidad is dedicated to exploring the historical rift between indigenous culture, the colonial past, and the legacy of slavery. The morning will begin with a visit to the Guamuaya Archaeological Museum, located in the 18th-century Casa Padrón, where Hernán Cortés once stayed before sailing to Mexico. The museum's eight halls display a chronological exhibition from pre-Columbian times to the conquest, including ceramics, stone tools, and burial remains, allowing us to analyze the Taíno people's social organization and the consequences of colonization.
The route will then continue to the Valley of the Sugar Mills (Valle de los Ingenios), where the main sites will be the ruins of the San Isidro de los Destiladeros sugar mill (ingenio) with its unique bell tower, and the famous Manaca-Iznaga Tower, built in the 19th century and declared a national monument. The evening part will be dedicated to analyzing the slave system as a comprehensive economic structure, studying the mechanisms of social control, and the origins of racial stratification. Optionally, one can also visit the Romantic Museum in the Brunet Palace – a mansion from 1808 with an Andalusian courtyard and a collection of 19th-century items, offering insight into the life of the colonial elite.

Accommodation included: Iberostar Grand Trinidad or similar
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 9. April 4, 2027 (Sunday). TRINIDAD - EL NICHÓN - CIENFUEGOS

Today we will explore the interconnection between the natural landscape and cultural traditions along the Trinidad – El Nichón – Cienfuegos route. The day's central event will be a visit to El Nichón Nature Park, located in the Guamuhaya mountain range. Here we will observe the unique ecosystems of the humid tropical forest, learn about endemic flora and fauna, and study the hydrological system, including picturesque waterfalls and natural pools.
During the walk through the park, the main focus will be on analyzing the inseparable link between nature and culture. We will consider how people have used the environment throughout history – from the times of indigenous peoples to the colonial period and modernity. A special place will be given to understanding the mountains as a strategic space: their role in defense, as refuge for runaway slaves (forming Maroon communities), and in preserving cultural identity.
The route will conclude with arrival in the city of Cienfuegos, where cultural influences will appear in a new, urban context.

Accommodation included: Meliá Jagua Bay or similar
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 10. April 5, 2027 (Monday). CIENFUEGOS

Today we will spend the day in Cienfuegos, combining nature observation with exploring the unique urban environment. We will visit the Guanaroca Lagoons, where we can observe a colony of pink flamingos and explore the mangrove forest ecosystem. This part of the program will allow us to analyze contemporary approaches to nature conservation and ecological management in Cuba, seeing how the fragile balance of coastal ecosystems is maintained amidst tourist and economic interests.
The evening program will move us to the historic center of Cienfuegos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known as the "Pearl of the South." We will stroll along Paseo del Prado – the longest urban promenade of its kind in Cuba, stretching almost two kilometers – to feel provincial city life and understand the principles of colonial urban planning. The central point will be Parque José Martí, the city's historic heart, where the main architectural monuments are concentrated: the Cathedral, the former Government Palace (now City Hall), and the majestic Tomás Terry Theatre, a 19th-century cultural gem.
The Valle Palace deserves special attention – a stunning eclectic masterpiece combining Moorish, Gothic, and Venetian motifs. The day will end with a visit to the Castillo de Jagua fortress, located at the entrance to Cienfuegos Bay, allowing us to appreciate the city's strategic importance from the sea.

Accommodation included: Meliá Jagua Bay or similar
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 11. April 6, 2027 (Tuesday). CIENFUEGOS - MATANZAS

The first half of the day will be dedicated to visiting El Nicho – a picturesque natural area with cascading waterfalls in the Sierra del Escambray massif. This site is part of an extensive protected natural area, also including the Guanaroca Lagoon and Yaguanabo, allowing us to continue observing the hydrological systems and humid forests seen earlier, but now in a wilder, even more remote context.
In the afternoon, the route will lead us to Matanzas – a city called the "Athens of Cuba" for its rich cultural and intellectual history. We will begin with a visit to the Castillo de San Severino fortress, built in 1735. This is not just a military-historical monument but also the site of the Museum of Slavery (Museo de la Ruta del Esclavo), which will serve as an important introduction to the evening's theme. Next, we will have a city walk with local experts, focusing on the Simpson and Pueblo Nuevo neighborhoods. These districts are traditionally the centers of Rumba and spaces where Afro-Cuban religiosity manifests most vividly and authentically.
The day's culmination will be a practical introduction to living traditions. We will participate in an Afro-Cuban music workshop, where working with drums will allow us to understand the music not just as a genre, but as a genuine cultural archive, preserving the history and codes of the ancestors. The day will end with attendance at a real Afro-Cuban religious ceremony. Observing the rituals of Santería or Palo Monte will allow us to see these traditions as complex symbolic systems encoding the living memory of slavery and resistance.

Accommodation included: Hotel Los Delfines or similar
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 12. April 7, 2027 (Wednesday). MATANZAS - VIÑALES - HAVANA

This day will be a transition from the western provinces to the capital, connecting the panoramas of the Viñales Valley with immersion in the peasant way of life. The morning will begin with arrival at Viñales National Park, where we will visit famous viewpoints offering vistas of the unique geological formations – the mogotes. Within this landscape, we will explore the Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave), discovered in the 1920s and used as a dwelling by the pre-Columbian indigenous population, and the Cueva de los Cimarrones (Runaway Slave Cave), which holds the memory of those who sought refuge in the mountains from the plantation slavery system.
The central event of the day will be a visit to a tobacco farm. Observing the family-based organization of labor will allow us to see how daily life is structured on a peasant farm and how intergenerational transfer of knowledge and skills occurs – skills necessary for growing and processing tobacco, a crop that has become a symbol of Cuba. We will discuss how the rural economy is structured today, long after the slavery era, and what role the complex interplay between state regulation and informal market mechanisms plays in the lives of peasants.
Concluding this day in the Viñales Valley, we will head to Havana, carrying with us a living understanding of the connection between land, labor, and cultural continuity.

Accommodation included: Hotel Inglaterra or similar
Meals included: Breakfast


DAY 13. April 8, 2027 (Thursday). HAVANA

Today we will explore the historic center of the capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will walk its streets, seeing key buildings: El Capitolio, reminiscent of its Washington, D.C. counterpart; Cuba's oldest stone fortress, Castillo de la Real Fuerza; the Museum of the City (Palacio de los Capitanes Generales); and the Museum of the Revolution, housed in the former Presidential Palace.
A special place will be given to visiting sites associated with Ernest Hemingway – his home (Finca Vigía) and the legendary "Floridita" bar, famous for its daiquiris. After this, we will head to the Che Guevara barracks (Comandancia del Che) to connect with revolutionary history, and then to the Plaza de la Revolución with its monumental murals.
The culmination of observing daily life will be a two-hour ride in a vintage convertible through the city. Moving in an open car will allow us to literally immerse ourselves in street life, see the variety of transport – from vintage cars to "almendrones" – examine the facades of residential buildings with their faded grandeur, and peek into inner courtyards.
We will stop for photos at key points, including the Colón Necropolis, which is itself a city within a city and a UNESCO site due to its sculptural monuments. The program also includes a visit to a tobacco factory of a famous brand, where we can observe the work of torcedores (cigar rollers), thus seeing the rhythms of production daily life. The day will end late in the evening with a visit to the legendary show at the Tropicana nightclub – allowing us to analyze how the cultural industry integrates into the everyday economy and shapes the image of Cuban identity for the outside world.
Transfer to the airport for international departure.

*Recommended flights:
  • Any flight departing from Havana the next day no earlier than 3:00 AM (an extra night at the hotel will be required).

Accommodation included: -
Meals included: Breakfast

*Please do not purchase tickets without consulting us.
**The itinerary may be subject to change depending on flight schedules or for safety reasons.
Cost includes:
  • Hotel accommodation based on double occupancy
  • All transfers along the route
  • Entrance tickets to parks, museums, and attractions
  • Russian-speaking local guide
  • Mzugu as a tour leader throughout the trip


Cost excludes (to be additionally paid):

  • International flights to Cap-Haïtien and back from Havana, and the flight from Cap-Haïtien to Havana
  • Meals not specified in the program
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Soft and alcoholic drinks, and personal expenses
  • Single accommodation
  • Medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance


To take with:
  • 3 sets of clothing (trousers, long-sleeved shirt, T-shirt, underwear, socks, sun hat – synthetic materials preferred)
  • Comfortable trekking shoes, lightweight shoes (sneakers)
  • Light jacket
  • Raincoat / poncho
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Personal first aid kit (painkillers, antiseptics, antibiotics, antivirals, multivitamins, rehydration salts, intestinal remedies, medications personally required for you)
  • Personal hygiene items (including towel, wet wipes, soap)
  • Headlamp / head torch
  • Sleeping bag for warm weather
  • Mosquito net
  • Various repellents for application to skin and clothing
  • Malaria prophylaxis medication
  • Waterproof pouch for documents
  • Photo and video equipment
  • Spare batteries and a power bank for photo and video equipment
  • Waterproof cover for camera equipment (recommended)
  • Backpack for luggage
  • Small backpack for personal items
This expedition is led by
  • ALEX KOLBOV aka MZUNGU
    Founder of MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS. An ideologist and a team leader of many expeditions, including the first Russian expedition in Niger for Cure Salée festival, the first commercial expedition to Yanomami tribe in Venezuela, the first Russian dog expedition to Cape Dezhnev.
    Ethnographer, photographer, author of numerous publications in Discovery and Vokrug Sveta magazines, member of the Russian Geographical Society.
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
  • UNIQUENESS
    We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears.
  • ADVENTURISM
    Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again.
  • SAFETY
    In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features.
  • EXPERIENCE
    We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbs are tested by Mzungu himself and guided by seasoned team-leaders, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort.
  • REASONABLE PRICE
    All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.

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