Mexico & Cuba: Maya Heritage and the Magic of Havana
The story of the trip
From the colours of Mexico to Havana’s evenings, a story we share.
Across twelve days, we explore Mexico City and the pyramids of Teotihuacán, and discover Mexican flavours in the market and kitchen. We continue to the Yucatán peninsula for Maya heritage, natural cenotes and Caribbean beaches, before crossing to Cuba to experience Havana and the Viñales countryside. Cities, nature and culture, brought together by the company of Oman Hikes and the small moments that make each journey memorable.
The route, day by day
Tap any day to see its details.
We arrive in Mexico City, where lively streets and architecture from different eras introduce our journey. The team meets us at the airport and takes us to the hotel to rest. We get to know one another over a welcome dinner, with a gentle evening walk if arrival time allows.
Our day begins in the Zócalo, surrounded by the cathedral, National Palace and historic façades. We explore the nearby streets before visiting the National Museum of Anthropology to discover Mexico’s civilisations and cultural diversity. The day provides context for the places and stories we will encounter throughout the journey.
We travel to Teotihuacán to walk the Avenue of the Dead between the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon and the ancient city’s plazas. Our guide introduces the history of the site before we visit a local craft workshop and enjoy lunch. We then return to Mexico City.
We begin at a market with our chef, discovering local ingredients before preparing Mexican dishes and sharing the lunch we have made. We continue to Coyoacán’s squares and colourful houses, then take a traditional trajinera ride through Xochimilco’s canals. This is a full day; the order of visits depends on opening times and transfers.
We leave Mexico City and fly to Cancún on the Caribbean coast. After transferring to the hotel, the rest of the day is free for relaxation. White sand and turquoise water mark a change of scenery and offer time to recharge before exploring the Yucatán peninsula.
We leave Cancún early for Chichén Itzá to discover Maya heritage and the Temple of Kukulcán. After our guided visit and lunch, we visit a natural cenote with an opportunity to swim, and stop in Valladolid to explore its streets. This is a long sightseeing day, returning to Cancún in the evening.
We take a boat trip to Isla Mujeres for a day of sea, beach time and lunch. Swimming and snorkelling are optional, and those who prefer a quieter day can enjoy the island and its views. Marine activities depend on sea conditions and the team’s guidance. We return to Cancún afterwards.
We fly from Cancún to Havana and transfer to the hotel after arrival formalities. There is time to rest before a gentle evening walk near the Malecón, if arrival time allows. Sea air and the old city’s façades provide a relaxed introduction to Cuba.
We explore Old Havana’s squares, lanes and balconies, discovering details of the city’s history and daily life. A classic-car tour then takes us past Havana’s landmarks and along the Malecón. We finish the day with a Cuban dinner and time to enjoy conversation and music.
We leave early for a full-day excursion from Havana to Viñales Valley. Among limestone hills and fields, we visit a traditional farm, learn about rural life, and enjoy an easy walk and lunch. We return to Havana in the evening. Expect a long road journey alongside the countryside experiences.
Our last full day in Havana focuses on art and local life: an arts district, a community project and a craft market. There is free time for photography and souvenirs before we gather for a farewell dinner with live Cuban music, sharing memories from our first meeting in Mexico to our final evening in Cuba.
After breakfast and check-out, we transfer to Havana Airport according to our return flight times. The journey ends, but its small moments stay with us: a meal we cooked together, a street we explored and new friendships. Until our next adventure with Oman Hikes.
Easy — Basic fitness
What's included and what's not
Included⌄
- 11 nights in 4-star hotels or equivalent (twin-share rooms)
- Daily breakfast
- 5 lunches and 3 dinners as listed in the itinerary
- Mexico City–Cancún flight
- Cancún–Havana flight
- Checked baggage on both flights, subject to the final carrier's policy
- Airport meet-and-greet and transfers
- All ground transport listed in the itinerary
- Local guides and admission fees for the listed sites
- Mexican cooking experience and market visit
- Isla Mujeres boat trip and snorkelling equipment
- Classic-car tour in Havana
- Viñales Valley excursion
- An Omani Oman Hikes trip leader
Not included⌄
- International flights from Muscat and return
- Mexico and Cuba visas or any required permits
- Comprehensive travel and cancellation insurance
- Meals and activities not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Charges caused by airline changes or additional baggage
What to bring
Travel documents⌄
- Passport valid for the required period
- Mexico and Cuba visas where required
- Digital copies of bookings and insurance
Clothing⌄
- Light summer clothing
- A light warm layer for Mexico City evenings
- Light rain jacket
- Swimwear
Footwear and bags⌄
- Comfortable walking shoes for cities and archaeological sites
- Sandals or water shoes for the cenote and beach
- Small daypack
Personal protection⌄
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Accessories⌄
- Reusable water bottle
- Power bank
- Universal travel adaptor
- Water-resistant phone pouch
Personal needs⌄
- Enough personal medication for the trip
- Toiletries
- Backup copies of important documents
Everything you need to know
General⌄
What makes the Mexico and Cuba journey special?+
The journey combines cities, nature and culture: Mexico City and Teotihuacán, Maya heritage and Caribbean waters, then Havana and the Viñales countryside. We cook, walk, sail and discover everyday life in both countries.
How difficult is the trip?+
The activities are rated Easy and require the ability to walk for several hours with breaks in cities and archaeological sites. There are no technical climbs, but some days involve a full schedule and long transfers, particularly Chichén Itzá and Viñales.
Do I need visas?+
Requirements depend on your nationality, residency status and valid visas. Each participant is responsible for obtaining Mexico and Cuba visas and any required permits; we will share available guidance after registration.
Are the flights within the itinerary included?+
Yes. The Mexico City–Cancún and Cancún–Havana flights are included, with checked baggage subject to the final carrier’s policy. International flights from Muscat and return are not included.
Accommodation and meals⌄
What accommodation is provided?+
11 nights in selected 4-star hotels or equivalent, in twin-share rooms.
Which meals are included?+
Daily breakfast, plus 5 lunches and 3 dinners listed in the itinerary, including the cooking-experience lunch and farewell dinner.
Booking and cancellation⌄
What is the trip price and what are the payment options?+
The trip costs OMR 1,599 per person in a twin-share room. You can pay in full, pay 50% (OMR 799.50), or pay the OMR 299 registration fee. These payments form part of the total trip price and are not additional charges.
How large is the group?+
The trip requires a minimum of 10 participants and is confirmed once the minimum group size has been reached.
Is the registration fee refundable?+
No. The OMR 299 registration fee is non-refundable in all circumstances.
What is the cancellation policy?+
The cancellation deduction is 40% at least 50 days before departure, 60% from 30 to 49 days, and 80% from 15 to 29 days. From 14 days before departure onwards, no refund applies. These are deduction percentages, not refund percentages. The registration fee is non-refundable. The published Risk and Cancellation Policy provides the full terms.
Preparation⌄
Do I need a particular fitness level?+
Basic fitness and the ability to walk for several hours with breaks are sufficient. We recommend regular walking before departure and comfortable footwear.
What should I know about Cuba?+
Availability of services, connectivity and electronic payments can change. We recommend carrying suitable cash, personal medication and a power bank, and following the trip leader’s guidance.
Are swimming and snorkelling compulsory?+
No. You can enjoy time on the beach or island instead. Marine activities depend on sea conditions and the team’s guidance. Please tell the trip leader about your swimming ability before participating.
Important information⌄
Could the Cuba itinerary change?+
Yes. Travel to Cuba is sensitive to political and operational developments, and flights or parts of the programme may change or be cancelled. Participants should be comfortable with a revised route or a replacement destination or programme if circumstances require it. We will communicate any confirmed change as soon as possible.
Refund summary on withdrawal
Read the full Risk & Cancellation Policy before registering.
Moments from the trip
Where the trip takes place
Trip highlights
Mexico City: Flavours and Culture
From the historic centre to a local food market and hands-on cooking, we discover Mexico through its stories, flavours, and colourful neighbourhoods.
Maya Heritage and Caribbean Waters
Chichén Itzá, a natural cenote, and Isla Mujeres: two days combining ancient civilisation, turquoise water, and snorkelling.
Havana and Viñales Valley
Classic cars, historic squares, and live music, followed by green Cuban countryside, traditional farms, and the limestone hills of Viñales.