The African Heritage in Cuban Culture

An Off the Beaten Path Journey to the Pearl of the Antilles

Traveling off the beaten paths is an engaging way of going to places that are undiscovered, with a sense of exploration. It is finding stories of people as told by 'hidden gems', exploring them, and engaging with local Cubanos. This way you will discover the unconventional routes and stories that offer a more authentic or secluded experience.

Travel to Cuba to learn about the history and culture of the Afro Cuban people, not known by many and unexplored by most visitors. You will discover the history of the African heritage in Cuba, ecological communities that evolved form their efforts, creative people in the arts and the history of resilient and friendly people. The Journey is a unique opportunity to learn and experience day-to-day life in urban and rural Cuba through guided visits. 

DATE

May 12-17, 2025

RESERVATION DEADLINE 

February 12, 2025

COST OF INCLUSIONS PACKAGE

$1800 in double room (pp.)

$2000 in single room

1. 5 nights accommodations at Hostal Casavana 
2. Meals: all breakfasts
3. Full-time ground transportation in AC bus 
4. Airport transportation to and from Hostal Casavana as a group
5. Health Insurance in Cuba (included with airfare)
6. Art for the Soul Gallery Contribution
7. Certification of License to Travel to Cuba 
8. Pre-departure readings and face-to-face orientation 
9. Travel Guide to plan trip and buy air tickets and visa 
10. Culturally sensitive - bilingual Cuban Journey Leader 
11. Admission to all venues in the itinerary 
12. Venues 
    1. Four Old Havana Plazas 
    2. The House of Africa
    3. Experimental Graphic Workshop
    4. Artist Eduardo Roca “Choco” Studio
    5. Jose Marti Memorial
    6. Little Beehive Children Theatre
    7. International Friendship Institute
    8. Las Terrazas: the Story of an Eco Village 
    9. Museum of Fine Arts – Cuban Collection
    10. Yoruba Cultural Association
    11. Cuban Cigar Factory and Rum Museum
    12. Cuban Folkloric Dance Company 
    13. Cuban Art Factory

• Round trip airfare to Jose Martí Airport in Havana, Cuba
  • Air tickets will be individually booked as soon as the group is complete with a minimum of 10 participants; health       insurance while in Cuba is included in the airfare. 
• Cuban tourist visa
  • Travelers will be able to buy the Cuban visa online before departure or at the check-in counter at the airport on the day of departure
• Airport transportation to and from Hostal Casavana if you travel on your own
• 5 lunches and 5 dinners  - We will make all reservations at our      favorite privately-owned restaurants 
• Optional afternoon and evening venues (see Optional Venues)
• Travel Insurance

Old Convertible Car Tour  (LATE AFTERNOON OPTION)

$30 per hour for 3 passengers 

Cabaret Parisien at Hotel Nacional (EVENING OPTION)

$20 (one drink - Mojito) 

Day 1 Welcome to Havana

The air is filled with the distant hum of Cuban music. You're about to step into a country where time seems to move at a different pace, where vintage cars roll through the streets, and where the echoes of history are everywhere. Your journey to Cuba begins in Havana, a city brimming with life and color. Once in Havana, we will be on our way to Casavana, our B&B, for check-in. You will have free time to relax before we gather for a demonstration on how to prepare a Mojito and dinner.

DAY 2  Old Havana, a 500 Years Story

Our second day in Havana will start with breakfast (all breakfasts are included). We will be guided by an Old Havana restoration architect through a walking tour of visiting four of its five plazas. Founded in 1519, UNESCO declared Old Havana Universal Patrimony of Humanity. Our visit will include a visit to San Francisco, Arms and Cathedral Plazas in the morning, including a visit to the Experimental Graphic Design Workshop, followed by lunch. After lunch we will visit the House of Africa and poet and painter artist “Choco”.

DAY 3 Stories of the Past and Future of a Revolution 

Our day will start with a guided visit to Memorial Jose Marti. The Memorial tells the story of the life of José Martí, also called the Apostle of Cuban independence, for his anti-colonial struggle that led him to fall in combat on May 19, 1895. After lunch, we will visit La Colmenita (the Little Beehive). The 90 actors in La Colmenita range from three to fourteen years of age. It is the first theatre group, and one of very few groups of any kind, to become a Goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund. We will conclude the day with a conversation about Cuba today with experts form the International Friendship Institute.

DAY 4 Las Terrazas: The Story of an Eco Village 

Our journey will continue outside of Havana visiting Las Terrazas, a rural eco village managing a sustainable development project in the heart of Sierra del Rosario, declared a Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO. Here at the Buenavista Coffee Plantation in Las Terrazas we’ll learn about slave coffee production established by the French two centuries ago. Buenavista is the only plantation built on the crest of a mountain. Our lunch at the Buenavista Restaurant is included. In the evening we will visit Old Plaza in Old Havana and have dinner at Mojito - Mojito with live Cuban music. Dancing is more than welcomed¡

DAY 5 Visual and Dancing Stories in Cuba

After breakfast, we will visit the Museum of Fine Arts. The museum halls treasure the Cuban Art Collection, the most comprehensive exhibit spanning nearly three centuries. After lunch we will visit the Yoruba Association for a tour about the African religions and followed by a demonstration by the Cuban Folkloric Dance Company. This evening we will end our journey with dinner at Italian restaurant Eclectico, including Cuban jazz music. Then visit the Cuban Art Factory. This is an artistic project driven by the need to rescue, support and promote the work of artists from all branches of art: theater, music, dance, theater, visual arts, photography, fashion, graphic design and architecture. 

DAY 6  Hasta Luego Havana¡ - Departure 

As your journey through Cuba comes to an end, you reflect on the rich culture, history, and warmth of the Cuban people.. You leave with memories of vibrant music, classic cars, and the unmistakable spirit of Cuba—a spirit that stays with you long after you've returned home.

REGISTRATION

Please Contact Us and provide your contact information. As soon as we hear from you, we will email a registration packet with required forms and instructions.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

1ST PAYMENT 

90 days before departure - 50% of the Inclusion Package

2ND PAYMENT

60 days before departure - remaining 50% of the Inclusions Package 

PAYMENT OPTIONS
 

Check - payable to Marcos Carvajal

PAYMENT PLAN

This plan allows the payment of the cost of the Package of Inclusions in 4 monthly installments before the departure date, paying the total cost 45 days before the departure date. Contact Us to request the Monthly Payment Plan.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
 

1. All cancellations must be submitted via email in writing and dated 
2. If we decide to cancel a program due to insufficient number of participants, all funds received will be 100% refunded. 
3. If we cancel the entire program for any reason, participants shall have no claim other than for a 100% refund. 
4. Refunds for airline tickets are based on individual airline policies. 
5. Cuban tourist visa costs are non-refundable.

IMPORTANT DATES                                    REFUND 

Less Than 45 Days Prior to departure.         0 % of total

60 to 45 Days Prior To Departure Date.       50 % of total

90 to 60 Days Prior To Departure Date.      100% of total

Certification of License to Travel to Cuba

Our Journeys to Cuba are designed to comply with the ‘People-to-People’ general license category as specified by US Treasury Department regulations. These regulations are part of the US Cuban embargo. As part of your travel documents, we will provide  a Certification of License to Travel to Cuba.
 

The U.S. government has the right to request receipts and records from your Journey to Cuba for up to 5 years after your return. It is your responsibility to safe all documentation related to your Journey to Cuba.  

Passport

• A passport is required for this trip. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

• Your passport must have 2 blank passport page(s) for entry/exit visas in this country.

Visa

• A travel tourist visa is required.

• The cost of this visa is not included in the cost of your trip.

• You are responsible for securing your Cuban tourist visa. The visa is easily purchased online or at the departure gate of your flight to Cuba.

• The cost varies by airline (up to $100 per person).

• A Cuban-born participant must contact us before registration