I AM OFF AGAIN

So, I completed the trek for the Grand Canyon in 2011 and the total amount raised by 44 of us for Marie Curie was £176,000.  Absolutely a phenomenal amount.

I have decided along with Mandy, my friend who I met on Grand Canyon trek, to trek Cuba this year.  I will attach the Itinerary here.

Day 1 - UK to Havana

We depart the UK from Edinburgh International Airport, arriving into Havana, Cuba. We transfer to our hotel for a welcome meal and briefing on the challenge ahead.

Day 2 - Havana to Topas De Collantes

We have a 5 hour transfer from our hotel in Havana to our base for the week, Topas De Collantes, in the heart of the Escambray Mountains. Our route takes us through the historic centre of Trinidad - a UNESCO world heritage site.

Day 3 - La Hacienda Codina, 6-7 hours’ trekking

Today is the first day of trekking, starting off early in the morning towards La Hacienda Codina, an old coffee estate. We will be trekking along unspoilt trails through areas of spectacular beauty, with great views of the Ancon peninsula. After lunch at the hacienda we start the return trek back to our hotel.

Day 4 - Casa De La Gellega, 7-8 hours’ trekking

Today our route takes us through incredible forest landscapes, full of history and local culture. We stop for lunch at a local house before continuing on towards the stunning waterfalls of El Salto del Rocio. From here we continue trekking towards the coffee-growing community of Charco Azul before the return trip to our hotel.

Day 5 - Parque Caburni, 6 hours’ trekking

Today is a tough day trekking as we head towards the Salto de Caburni waterfall. From here we continue on towards Parque Caburni with a spectacular 150m waterfall. The terrain today is steep, but takes us through the lush landscape full of wildlife. Our trek finishes for the day at Comunidad 28 Septiembre where we are transferred back to the hotel.

Day 6 -Parque El Cubano, 5 hours’ trekking

After breakfast we leave for the long trek to the protected area of Parque El Cubano. We take the Guanmuhaya route through lovely forest with stunning views of the Escambray Mountains. The route takes us along the path to Pez Cato farm where we stop for lunch. We continue on to the road head to meet our transfers back to the hotel.

Day 7- La Batata, 4 hours’ trekking

Our last trekking day takes us to La Batata, and incredible cave that highlights the ecological value of the reserve. The final leg of the trek takes us to lunch at Mi Retiro before we return to our hotel.

Day 8 - Havana

Today we return to Havana where we take a walking tour of the city. The rest of the day is free to explore before a meal together to celebrate our achievements.

Day 9 - Havana to UK

We have the morning free in Havana before our transfers to the airport for our return flight home.

Day 10 - UK

We arrive back in Edinburgh.