Best of Mexico & Cuba

Travel Just 4U's representative in Mexico will meet you at the airport upon arrival. They will be holding a sign with the Travel Just 4U Logo after you leave the secure area with your bags. Please do not leave the area until you have found your driver.

They will escort you to your private transfer and bring you to your hotel for check in. At this time they will present you with a detailed itinerary for your experiences in Mexico. This is your chance to run through specific pick up times and logistics for your tours in the country.  If you have any questions regarding your itinerary, ask them now.

Don't just stay near historic sites in Mexico - actually stay inside one when you visit the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton hotel in Mexico City - Centro Historico. Located a short walk to the Zocalo Plaza, Metropolitian Cathedral, Templo Mayor ruins, numerous museums and the busy government and business center of downtown Mexico City.

This historic hotel offers stunning architecture from the 1800s combined with modern amenities such as free high-speed internet access, only blocks from the Zocalo and Historic District of Mexico City.

Rooms offer air conditioning, desk, cable TV and private bathroom. WiFi is offered throughout. Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City - Centro Historico features a free hot breakfast every morning. After breakfast, adults can workout in the fitness center, while the kids enjoy the game room.

Today you will be able to visit both the Anthropological Museum and the museum Dolores Olmedo Patiño as well as the floating gardens of Xochimilco. 

The Museo Nacional de Antropología is the most frequented museum in Mexico. It has 12 exhibition halls, each of which is dedicated to a different pre-Columbian civilization of Mexico and which total an area of nearly 80,000-m². Designed in 1964 by a team led by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, the monumental construction impresses its visitors especially with a mighty pillar in the patio that supports a huge concrete umbrella. Discover the civilizations of the Olmec, Toltec, Aztecs and Maya, among many others.

From here you will then head to Xochimilco to visit the floatign gardens and museum. Xochimilco is a district in the south of Mexico City and known for its floating gardens that the Aztecs created on Lake Texcoco to supply victuals to its capital. The channels of the “Huertos Flotantes” have a total length of more than 150 km. The gardens were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and are popular with both the inhabitants of Mexico City and tourists. You will board a small boat to be able to get to know the gardens.

Afterwards you will visit the museum Dolores Olmedo Patiño. Here you find important works of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Angelina Beloff and Fernando Gamboa. Olmedo owned a successful construction company and was a loyal patron of the mentioned artists. 1992 she handed the hacienda over to the “people of Mexico.”

Casa Conzatti is located in the heart of Oaxaca’s city centre, only a short 5-minute walk from Santo Domingo de Guzman Temple. The hotel has free WiFi access available.

The rooms at Hotel Casa Conzatti are functional and elegantly decorated. They feature a flat-screen cable TV and a balcony. The full bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries.

The property features a colonial style. Guests will be able to enjoy the facilities and the surroundings where they will be able to find cultural venues, like Juarez Theatre 280m away, or parks and gardens like El Llano.

Oaxaca offers a wide variety of typical food dishes popular around the world, like mole sauce, tlayudas and tasajo. The city centre offers a wide variety of restaurants, plus the local market also features stands that sell typical snacks and tasteful dishes.

Today you'll make a visit to the world of the Zapotec and Mixtec at Monte Albán. The magnificently situated ruins on an artificially flattened hilltop are surrounded by a circle of terraces, houses, temples and tombs on the slopes of the hill. Here lived the common people. At its heyday (500-800 AD), the center is said to have had about 50,000 residents.

Your guide will then take you around the main sights of the center of Oaxaca, you will experience one of the most beautiful colonial towns of Mexico. Situated in the Valle Central, Oaxaca is part of the tropics climatically, but owing to its altitude (1,500m), the mean annual temperature is a pleasant 21°C. Stroll the old cobbled streets, and do not neglect to visit – besides the magnificent church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the ever-bustling Zócalo – one of the many colorful markets.

Optional: Not included in starting price 

Join us for a trip to the colonial capital of Yucatán – Mérida. Founded in 1542, Mérida is the economic and cultural capital of Yucatán up to the present day. The town impresses visitors with colonial charm, narrow streets, and romantic horse-drawn carriages. The influence of Spain and France can be noticed all over the city. The Champs-Elysées, for example, became a model for the Paseo de Montejo. On your tour, you will see the cathedral, the Palacio Municipal, and the Casa de Montejo, the house where the founder of the city was born.

Gamma Mérida El Castellano has an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers. It is just 350m from Mérida’s main square and 16th century cathedral. On-site parking and free Wi-fi are available.

El Castellano’s rooms are classic in design with tile flooring. All rooms have cable TV and ironing facilities. The rooms are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms with amenities.

The hotel restaurant serves typical Yucatan cuisine, as well as international dishes.

For the duration of your private tour within Mexico you will have a private vehicle and a driver guide to accompany you for the duration of your Mexican adventure. While your driver guide does speak English, the level may be slightly more basic than city based guides you will encounter on other guided tours. 

This is an amazing opportunity to interact with a local Mexican who will be incredibly proud to show you their country on this unique road trip. 

Please speak to your consultant if you would like to have a driver and a guide for your private tour. 

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel for this private tour from Merida to Valladolid with a stop at a local cenote and Chichén Itzá.

Your first stop will be after approximately 1.5 hours at the cenote, de Yokdzonot. Only after two years of preparatory work by the women of Yokdzonot was the cenote of the same name reopened for the public in 2007. The oval body of water, measuring more than 100 m in circumference, is characterized by 18-m vertical walls that in many places are almost hidden by what seems to be curtains of thick mangrove roots. You can enjoy a refreshing swim here, but also use a zip line to glide over the cenote. Activities bring appetite, and so there is a restaurant where you can get tasteful  meals that the women of the cooperative prepare according to Mayan tradition.

After this swim, you will continue towards Chichén Itzá.

Chichen Itza – one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – is the best restored of Yucatan’s Mayan sites. To date, only about 30 of the many buildings buried at Chichén Itzá and overgrown by the jungle have been uncovered and restored. “El Castillo,” the most impressive building (30 m high), rises far beyond the site. “El Caracol” reminds us of a snail shell. The observatory was used by the Maya, among other things, for observing Venus and its orbit.

After your tour of Chichén Itzá  you will head to Valladolid and check in to your hotel.

Colonial elegance, combined with a modern ambience, characterize the family-run hotel “El Mesón del Marqués”, placed within an old Casona from the early 17th century, located in the heart of Valladolid. Each air-conditioned room at the Mesón del Marqués has traditional décor with tiled floors and wooden furnishings. All rooms have satellite TV.

Beautiful gardens surround the outdoor terrace and the refreshing outdoor pool; the adjoining pool bar provides an exclusive selection of tequila and wines. The restaurant serves handcrafted local and international dishes.

Due to its central location on the north side of the Zócalo, the hotel “El Mesón del Marqués” is well suited for the daily activities of the city and is also a great starting point for excursions and treks. Sant Gervasio Church is just 5 minutes’ walk from the Mesón del Marqués, while the Cenote Zaci natural pool can be found within 500 m of the hotel.

Today's transfer will take you from Valladolid to the white sandy beaches of the Riviera Maya.

Along the way you will stop at the Mayan rock fortress of Tulum, located directly on the Caribbean Sea. What remained of the great Mayan city is only the temple area with the palace. Other buildings include the Templo del Dios Descendente and the Templo de los Frescos. Tulum's appeal lies in the interaction of the ruins with the white sand and turquoise water. You will then continue the drive to your hotel in Tulum and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. 

*Note: Mandatory service fee USD $8 per room per night to be paid directly at the hotel.

Situated within Tulum National Park, this stylish hotel offers private access to a beautiful white sand beach. Each room has a veranda overlooking the tropical gardens or the Caribbean Sea.

Enjoy a complete beach experience in the eco-chic environment by spending the day at the gorgeous Beach Club. Spoil yourself savouring great food, delightful drinks, and a unique, natural vibe.

Hip Hotel Tulum is located just 1 km from the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. The Sian-Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, which includes rainforests and coral reefs, is a 15-minute drive away.

The Hip Hotel’s beachfront bar-restaurant serves Mexican fusion cuisine and offers panoramic sea views. There is also coffee lounge with free Wi-Fi.

Rooms have simple, elegant décor and a modern bathroom. All rooms include a safe, a ceiling fan and mosquito nets. Free bottled water is also provided.

Tulum has a New Age vibe, jungle-shrouded restaurants and white sand beaches that have made it Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula hot spot. Once a sleepy off-the-grid beach town, Tulum is now a popular Mexican Caribbean vacation destination that offers countless activities and adventures for visitors. Here’s our pick of the best activities around.

Dive into the Gran Cenote: One of the advantages to being in the Yucatan Peninsula is that you’re surrounded by natural sinkholes, otherwise known as cenotes. In Tulum, you’ll be within a stone’s throw of some of the area’s most magnificent examples – El Gran Cenote, Calavera and Carwash are some of the most well known

Go swimming in the Caribbean: Yes, OK, it sounds obvious, but it’s actually one of the very best things to do in Tulum. When the ocean is calm, it’s crystal clear and you can see right down to the bottom.

Check out turtles in their natural habitat: If you’re into nature, then this is undoubtedly one of the must-do things to do when visiting Tulum. Each year from May to October, most of the coastline experiences sea turtle nesting season.

Visit the Mayan ruins: This is arguably the biggest cultural pull Tulum offers, and it’s easy to see why, as year after year tourists flock to these superbly located Mayan ruins.

Try out the ceviche at El Camello: This has long been one of Tulum’s favorite food spots due to the ridiculously fresh and flavorsome ceviche and seafood served on the daily.

Stop off at multidisciplinary museum Sfer IK: This multidisciplinary museum located in a huge sphere made from natural materials features visual artists, workshops and artist residencies focusing on interdisciplinary projects and new ways of experiencing and creating art.

Optional: Not included in starting price

Today you will have the chance to visit the island of Cozumel. You will be picked up from your hotel in Tulum and taken to Palya del Carmen where you will board a ferry towards Cozumel. 

Your first stop will be the Archaeological Zone of San Gervasio. As a visitor with a special interest in history, you should not miss San Gervasio, the largest archaeological site of Cozumel. Established about 300 AD over the most important aquifer of the island, the place had its heyday in the last centuries preceding the arrival of the Spanish. Since it maintained intense trade and religious relations with Yucatán, you will find that its buildings show distinct references to the mainland architecture besides elements of the original local style.

You will then visit the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park which is the largest protected nature preserve of Cozumel Island. Discover the unique nature of the southernmost point of the island, the intense surge breaking on the open eastern shore, the historic lighthouse of Celarain with its small maritime museum, and the small archaeological zone along the access road.

By way of contrast, you can enjoy protected bays, which are ideal for a refreshing swim, and a boat tour through the mangrove forests of Laguna Colombia; just a bit of luck, and you will see crocodiles and a lot of other inhabitants of this nature preserve.

Another stop today will be at the Chankanaab theme park. Chankanaab means “little sea” in Mayan language. The large amusement park is located directly in the “National Marine Park” on the western coast of Cozumel Island. Enjoy the wide sandy beach with its many offers – from snorkeling along Chankanaab Reef to just dangling your feet in the water of Chankanaab Lagoon. The fully equipped park features many attractions, e.g., replicas of Mexican archaeological sites, Mayan houses, a crocodile station, and, of course, the sea lions show.

After a full day on this island you will ferry back to palya del carmen and transfer back to your hotel in Tulum.

Note: Entrance fee is not included, $30USDpp

Note: This transfer will take approximately 2 hours. 

Travel Just 4U's representative in Cuba will meet you at the airport upon arrival in Havana. They will be holding a sign with your name after you leave the secure area with your bags. 

They will escort you to your private transfer, assist you on check-in at your hotel and present you with a detailed itinerary for your experiences in Cuba. This is your chance to run through specific pick up times and logistics for your tours in the country. If you have any questions regarding your itinerary, ask them now.

Since 1997, the Cuban government has allowed residents to rent rooms in their houses to tourists, they are called Casas Particulares. 

This is one of the most authentic way to get to know they culture as you are essentially staying in someone's home as their guest. These casas are generally simple in nature but they will provide you with a rich experience when exploring Cuba. 

In some areas of the country, there are hotels that we recommend over casas. Hotels in Cuba are simple and often are not to the same standard as other places in Latin America. However, your experience in the culturally rich country will well make up for any perceived lack of luxury on the accommodation front.  

If you have questions as to our recommendations in any of your Cuban destinations, please let your consultant know.

Casa Prado Colonial is located in the World Heritage Site of the historic center in Havana. These old colonial houses retain the original neoclassical style, with spacious rooms, luxury tiled floors and high ceilings between 5 and 7 meters. We offer our Bed & Breakfast and all rooms are equipped with private bathroom, hot and cold water, air conditioning and fan.

Our three properties are situated five minutes away from each other and all the old part of the city can be explored by walking. Nearby are the Museum of Arms, the Fortress “Real Fuerza” and the Cathedral.

After breakfast, enjoy a drive in a classic car exploring the Havana through the alleys of the colonial city: Malecon, 5th Avenue, Jaimanitas, Casa Carlos Fuster, Cementerio Colon, plaza de la Revolucion and callejon de Hamel.

In 1982, UNESCO declared Havana’s historic city center as a world cultural heritage site. There is no city in the whole of Latin America with a larger colonial center.

You will then return to Havana Vieja for a walking tour exploring the old city centre through the alleys and over the “plazas” of Old-Havana: Plaza de Armas, Templete, Palace of the Generals, Cathedral Square, Plaza Vieja, Hemingway’s “Bodeguita”.

Old Havana is safe and fun to walk around and explore, especially during the day. You can wander the streets at leisure on your own without worries.

Things to do in Havana:

• Visit the Museo de la Revolucion
• Take a vintage car tour
• Visit Habana Vieja
• Walk along the Malecòn
• Visit Plaza de la Revolucion
• Taste the local food
• Explore the nightlife in Havana

For the duration of your private tour within Cuba you will have a private vehicle and a driver guide to accompany you for the duration of your Cuban adventure. While your driver guide does speak English, the level may be slightly more basic than city based guides you will encounter on other guided tours. 

This is an amazing opportunity to interact with a local Cuban who will be incredibly proud to show you their country on this unique road trip

After breakfast, you will be picked up and continue your Cuba exploration with a road trip to Viñales.

This drive to Vinales will have stops along the way at Soroa and the orchid gardens, Mural de la Prehistoria, Cueva del Indio and a tobacco farm.

Lunch is at agro-ecological restaurant ‘el Paraiso’, in Viñales. It is situated on top of a hill, with a lovely view. It has no menu and you will simply be served every dish they have (in abundance) including fish, chicken, pork, beef, soup, various plates of vegetables and various types of potatoes. 

After Lunch you will visit the Mural de la Prehistoria, Cueva del Indio and a tobacco farm before arriving at your hotel. 

Approximate Drive Time: 4.5 hours (with stops along the way)

Set in Viñales, Hotel E Central Viñales features a bar and terrace. At the hotel, every room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The units at Hotel E Central Viñales feature air conditioning and a wardrobe.

Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast.

After breakfast you will begin this full day tour and drive to Cienfuegos.

Today you will visit the community and national park of Las Terazas, as well as the Buena Vista former coffee plantation. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant,

Afterwards, you will drive in the direction of Cienfuegos to check in to your hotel. Today includes visits to Jagua castle, the Tomas Terry theater, the Palacio del Valle and the Naval History museum. You will have time for an evening walk in the historic center before having the evening at leisure.

Approximate Drive Time: 5 hours (with many stops along the way)

Hotel La Union by Melia Hotels International is situated in Cienfuegos and features a beautiful terrace. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also has a restaurant and an outdoor pool. 

At the hotel, all rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is available each morning.

After breakfast, you will begin the journey to Trinidad. 

On the drive, you will stop to visit the waterfalls of El Nicho in the Topes de Collante mountain range. After a short hike, you can swim in the natural pools near the waterfalls and enjoy the surroundings in the dense jungle.

Lunch at a local resturant before continuing to Trinidad and checking in to your hotel. In the evening, visit the Casa de la Musica, where you can enjoy live music in an open air venue.  

Approximate Drive Time: 2.5 hours (with stops along the way)

History and luxury in Trinidad, Cuba - these make up the perfect combination for many people. 

This hotel in the Spanish chain Iberostar is located in the lovely city of Trinidad, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its cultural wealth. This luxury hotel offers exceptional charm which you can experience in its luxury suites, its gourmet culinary offer in its restaurants, its wonderful architecture and the superior services it offers all travellers. Experience the luxury and exclusivity that this Iberostar hotel offers.

Explore Trinidad, including visits to the museum of colonial architecture, the museum of the counter-revolutionary war and bar Canchanchara to try the local drink of the same name. Go for a visit to the Manaca Iznaga former sugar plantation and return to town to visit the museum of romance, the museum of architecture, museum of the counter-revolutionary war. Stroll along the handicraft market, enjoy a drink at Bar Canchanchara and Live music at the casa de la musica.

Optional: Not included in starting price

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Marina in the Ancon's Peninsula to board a sailboat that will take you to an uninhabited island. The sailboat or catamaran will sail through the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea to the Cayo Iguana (lizard island). On your way you will see the bay, the port and fishing village of Casilda.

Also included is snorkeling at the coral reef with the gear included. There is an open bar on board and on the island you will be able to enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. 

After lunch there will be free time at the beach for swimming and sunbathing or enjoy the local fauna. You will then  return to the Marina.

Today you will drive through the offshoots of the Escambray mountains to Sancti Spiritus, a colonial town not yet discovered by mainstream tourists. Stroll through the city and visit the Yayabo Bridge. 

Continue to the historic Santa Clara, where Ché Guevara celebrated his biggest victory and found his last rest. Afterwards, continue to the little colonial town Remedios, known countrywide for its Parrandas tradition. Stroll over the idyllic main square with the church Parroquia San Juan de Bautista (16th century).

This impressive monument* of Che Guevara, one of the most famous guerrillas worldwide, was erected in  1988 and finished in 1997 with the transfer of Che Guevaras remains from Bolivia to Santa Clara.

You can visit the main monument with the statue of “Che”, the mausoleum and a small museum which collects details of Che´s life and death.

* Entrance fee included: Manaca Iznaga, Yayabo Bridge and Mausoleum of Che Guevara.

Approximate Drive Time: 3 hours (with stops along the way)

The 24 rooms stylishly restored and modernly equipped surround the interior courtyard of Hotel E Barcelona (opened 2012). These central indoor terraces - patios – characterize Cuba’s historical buildings from the colonial period. They invite cozy and vibrant conversations. There is even a sun terrace on the roof. With all these facilities Barcelona offers both privacy and social interaction.

Nevertheless those beaches can be visited later on, they are located nearby. First, just step out your hotel and explore lovely Remedios on foot as all sites are within walking distance. The property doesn't have a lift.

After breakfast you will visit the museum Parandas Remedianas and then continue the drive in the direction to Havana. You will stop for lunch on the way in local restaurant, and after check in you have the rest of the afternoon to explore Havana. 

Old Havana is safe and fun to walk around and explore, especially during the day. You can wander the streets at leisure on your own without worries.

Things to do in Havana:

• Visit the Museo de la Revolucion
• Take a vintage car tour
• Visit Habana Vieja
• Walk along the Malecòn
• Visit Plaza de la Revolucion
• Taste the local food
• Explore the nightlife in Havana