Live Havana Cannon Blast Ceremony (from Varadero)

This unique tour offers the possibility to see Havana at day light and at night time. Get impeccable views of Cuba’s capital which are quite inviting when strolling through the large squares and fortresses. Stay long enough to see the sun set in the local businesses. A whole new life reemerges from the shadows with the energy and the music that identifies Havana.

At the Cabaña Fortress after dusk, you will be joined by waves of tourists and Cubans, arriving to attend the famous cannon blast ceremony. This nightly tradition reenacts an 18th century ritual.  Every day, at 9:00 pm. sharp the cannon fire a shot whether it’s festive or mourning, always punctual, giving you an opportunity to set your watch.

• Pick up at your accommodation in Varadero area.
• Drive through local towns and cities passing 3 provinces of western Cuba until Havana City. 15 min pause for bathroom in transit.
• Visit to the Christ of Havana National Monument with time for pictures
• Visit Old Havana district (Army Square, Saint Francis of Assisi Square, Cathedral Square, Old Square, The Templete, Ambos Mundos Hotel, Santa Isabel Hotel, Castle of the Royal Force, Morro and Cabaña Fortress, Museum of the City, La Bodeguita del Medio Bar, Floridita Bar, etc.
• Lunch break: Typical Cuban food in a restaurant called Paladar where food and drinks are safe (Optional/ Not included in the price of the tour)
• Visit Modern Havana district (Malecon promenade, Central Park, Capitol, Revolution Square, Bacardi Building etc.)
• Free time at the local market
• Visit to the insides of San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress to witness the Cannon Blast Ceremony at 9pm. (Entrance fee not included/ 5USD by person)
• Return to accommodation.

Recommendations: Dress casually with comfortable shoes and light clothing, sunglasses, solar protection, hats or caps.

Optional: To help you customize your visit we suggest activities in Havana that may interest you. Keep in mind that the price of these will change the price of the tour

-1h Tour in Convertible Classic Car for the streets of Havana (the classic car costs 50USD and allows 4 persons by car)-

-Lunch in a private restaurant with traditional cuisine where water and food are safe.

Highlights

Fully customizable tour where the itineraries are flexible

Professional tour guides that speak a variety of languages, convenient for clients that prefer their native tongue. English, Portuguese, French, German or Spanish speaking guides available. In case of not being available we will provide an English speaker guide in all of our tours.

Book now, pay later: Payment in USD cash required at the end of the tour. We only accept international currencies (EUR,CAD,GBP), payment with local currency will not be accepted. Furthermore all places and services mentioned in the tour are payable with international currency in cash, none of the local restaurants, shops, bars or flea market accept payment in credit card or local currency called Cuban pesos.

All of our tours fall under the Support for the Cuban People Category in case of American citizens. Our itineraries will enhance contact with the Cuban people and a real experience of the life of Cubans.

Clients can cancel for free with a 48h notification before the tour.

If the weather conditions don’t allow the tour we will do our best to reschedule it.

Private tour guide fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French or German (Depending on availability the client can choose the language that prefers)

Transportation to Havana and inside the city (possibility to choose between Classic American Hard Top cars or modern air-conditioning vehicles)  

Free-pick up and drop-off

Walking tour in Old Havana and panoramic tour in Modern Havana with stops to take pictures.

Visit to the insides of San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress to witness the Cannon Blast Ceremony at 9pm.

Visit to the Christ of Havana National Monument with time for pictures

Shopping time in local markets

Entrance fees to the fortress, museums, lunch and drinks in third party venues, tip for tour guide and driver