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| Cuba Now Insight Tour: Be a witness to island social accomplishments |
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I experienced so much joy and happiness. Cuba, hallmarked by its people, is the most beautiful country in the world. My tour was life altering. My heart is forever with islanders and their dreams. Jennifer Burns, Toronto, 50th Anniversary Cuba Education Tours participant |
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| PROGRAM OVERVIEW |
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| CITIES AND SITES VISITS |
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Havana City and Havana Province |
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Cities of Trinidad de Cuba and Cienfuegos |
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Santa Clara, Che Guevara's tomb, and the Escambray Mountains |
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| TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS |
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Hotel Habana Libre An upscale respite during an action packed itinerary at this historic five-star facility.
You stay at the Resort Costa Sur in Trinidad. It's a fun all-inclusive beach hotel on a warm white sand shore of the Caribbean Sea. |
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| TOUR HIGHLIGHTS |
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Learn about and celebrate the accomplishments of the Cuban people over 51 years |
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Enjoy evening hot spots for the best Latin jazz, salsa and dance |
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Presentation on Cuban Society Today by University of Havana scholar and feminist Dr Marta Núñez |
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Museum tours led by the esteemed Dr Manuel Yepe, who as a youth was an assistant to Ernesto Che Guevara |
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Explore the José Martí Memorial and Tower in Havana's Revolution Square |
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Special welcome neighborhood block party hosted by Habaneros for tour participants |
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Guest meetings at CENESEX and Línea Ayuda: organizations focused on sexual health, well being education and equality, and AIDS awareness |
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Explore on foot Old Havana and a scale model of this district, and luxury bus tour of Modern Havana |
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Tour a distillery and museum of rum |
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Meet and dine with famed painter and ceramist José Fúster at his whimsical home studio |
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Climb to the top of the Escambray Mountains in Soviet Army trucks |
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Feature Visit an urban organic farm and make friends with its staff over lunch |
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Learn about coffee and sugar production while touring ancient plantations once staffed by slaves |
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Private welcome visit to the Latin American School of Medicine where Cuba trains international students to become doctors to serve the disadvantaged in their homelands |
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Visit Che Guevara's memorial, museum and mausoleum in Santa Clara |
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Walking tours of the central plazas and key historic sites of the cities of Trinidad de Cuba and Cienfuegos |
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Attend a regal cannon firing ceremony dating from 1519, and much more! |
Island transportation You travel in a private fuel-efficient luxury air-conditioned tour coach chauffeured by a fulltime professional driver. |
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Sunday 26 December 2010 to Sunday 2 January 2011 |
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Learn about achievements in organic agriculture, health care, education, cultural and historical preservation, gender equity, LGBT rights, housing, meaningful employment and the arts |
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Eight-storey Che Guevara sculpture in the Plaza de la Revolución. Click photo to enlarge. |
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Celebrate New Years with the Cuban people on the 52nd anniversary of their new society that constitutionally enshines peace and social equality |
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Five days in Havana and three days in Trinidad de Cuba for the best of island dance, music, culture, art, nature and history |
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A once-in-a-lifetime experience – a moment in your life for reflection, rejuvenation, enjoyment and new friendships |
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Today millions eagerly follow the course of the Cuban Revolution, which despite hardships resulting from sanctions and blockade, is as dynamic as ever. This tour is for those who believe a green, healthy, educated, people-first way of life is the hallmark of civilization. It is for people who think as Cubans do, and say: Yes, we can make a better world and have a good time doing so!
The program's content makes it entirely licensable for citizens of the United States to travel legally if their professions intersect with any of this tour's activities.
The program is fully escorted from the minute you touch down in Havana until you return home. While on the island you're in the conscientious care of our expert multilingual Cuban guide together with our professional bus chauffeur. Our Canadian and Cuban staff ensures worry free Cuba travel before, during and after your trip.
This is an official tour is designed by Cubans for North Americans to candidly examine and enjoy island life as is only possible on Cuba Education Tours. It is also in recognition of the 52nd Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.
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| TIME TO COMMIT |
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This tour is limited in size and fills up fast (see costs). Registration is first-come, first-served – don't miss out. Consider signing up now. Shy, budget-minded or independent? Learn the benefits of group Cuba travel. |
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| TOUR ACTIVITIES LEGEND |
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52nd Anniversary icon for activities unique to this tour |
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Shoe icon for music and dance activities |
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Turret icon for history and architecture |
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Face icon for art, museum, and education visits |
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Owl icon for flora and fauna stuff |
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Fork icon for tour meals included |
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Ball icon for beach, sun and swimming |
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Smiling girl icon for free time and leisure |
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| TELL YOUR FRIENDS |
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Announce this website to your friends by email or on social networking sites. |
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Hint BLUE text links across this site offer extensive details and pictures.
USA travelers This program is legal and licensable for professionals whose work is related to this tour's theme. LegalCubaTravel.com provides an easy step-by-step application kit.
Travel for change Cuba Education Tours is a Vancouver Canada based organization dedicated to green, ethical travel that benefits Cubans and our guests.
 Five-star treatment round-the-clock from our Cuban and Canadian staff ensures worry free travel abroad.
Included in costs are all activities listed below unless noted otherwise.
As of May 1, 2010, all island visitors are required to have official Cuban health insurance policies in place prior to arrival. Cuba Education Tours provides this coverage for all participants at no additional cost.
Meals All breakfasts are included. Some lunches and dinners are not. Your guide is glad to suggest eateries for every taste and budget.
Getting to Cuba Call 1-877-687-3817 toll free or email us. We can help.
Memories of Cuba last forever. Discover the island on routes less traveled with Cuba Education Tours.
Cuban beaches are noted for sugar-white sand and warm crystal clear water. Click photo to enlarge. |
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| Images from a ten-piece portfolio commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. Each poster reflects the theme of a particular year: 1959 Liberación / Liberation; 1960 Nacionalización / Nationalization; 1961 Victoria de Girón / Victory at the Bay of Pigs; 1962 Crisis de Octubre / October [Missile] Crisis; 1963 Servicio Militar Obligatorio / Mandatory Military Service [for island defense]; 1964 Trabajo Voluntario / Voluntary Labor; 1965 Comite Central del PCC / [establishment of the] Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party; 1966 Solidaridad / Solidarity [with Vietnam]; 1967 Guerrillero Heroico / Heroic Guerrilla; 1968 Offensiva: Los 10 Millones Van / We'll get to 10 million tons [of sugar]. |
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| CLICK TO REVIEW EACH TOUR DAY :: 01 :: 02 :: 03 :: 04 :: 05 :: 06 :: 07 :: 08 :: |
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| Day 1 :: SUNDAY |
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HELLO CUBA |
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Rooftops in Old Havana. |
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Cuban girls perform folk dance. |
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One-in-ten cars in Cuba are pre-1959. Click photo to enlarge. |
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Streets are alive with music. |
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The city of Havana as seen from the fortress El Morro, across the harbor from your hotel. |
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Arrival at Havana's José Martí International Airport.
Collect your bags and go through customs. See What to take to Cuba.
You're welcomed at the airport by your Cuba Education Tours guide and professional bus chauffeur.
Your Cuba Education Tours guide will direct you to a bank or exchange bureau (CADECA) to purchase Cuban Convertible Pesos.
Group transfer to the Hotel Habana Libre located in Vedado, the heart of Havana's cultural and entertainment district.
Private check-in with assistance from your guide.
Evening is free for you to settle in, rest up, explore Vedado's vibrant music milieu or stroll the Malecón seawall next to your hotel.
Sumptuous complementary hotel breakfast buffets are served daily from 7:00am to 10:00am throughout. Lunch is included on Days 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7, and dinners on Days 6 and 7. Your guide is available to suggest eateries for every taste and budget for meals not included in tour package.
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José Martí International Airport in Havana – a colorful welcome. |
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Havana's Malecón seawall near your hotel – a place for relaxation and new friendships. |
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| Most common questions 1 Is Cuban food good? It's healthy and simple but not spicy. 2 Am I free to ask any question? You'll insult your island hosts by being less than candid. 3 Is the water safe? Yes, but we suggest bottled water for peace of mind. 4 Are vaccinations needed? No. 5 Can Americans join? They are especially welcome to do so! 6 Can I stay in Cuba after the tour? Absolutely and we are glad to help. 7 Do Cubans like tips? Yes, please see our Gratuities Guidelines. |
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Colorful indigenous Cuban Tody. |
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CUBA IS THE LARGEST and least commercialized island in the Caribbean. It hosts 6000 plant species, half of which are endemic. There are 20 million palms in Cuba comprised of 30 species. Other flora includes the rare cork palm, a holdout from the cretaceous period; the jagüey, a fig with aerial roots; the palma barrigona (pot belly palm); the ceiba (sacred silk-cotton tree); and the mariposa (butterfly jasmine, Cuba's national flower). The most abundant land fauna is reptilian: crocodiles, iguanas, lizards, salamanders, turtles and 15 species of nonpoisonous snakes. The biggest land mammal is the jutía, a tree dwelling rodent the size of a cocker spaniel. The native bee hummingbird or zunzún is the world's smallest warm-blooded vertebrate weighing between 1.6 and 1.8 grams. The Cuban trogon or tocororo is the national bird – its red, blue and white plumage reflecting the colors of the Cuban flag. |
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| Day 2 :: MONDAY |
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DISCOVERING OLD HAVANA, COMMUNITY FIESTA |
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Example of restoration in Old Havana. |
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Street pantomime in Old Havana. |
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Decorative mail drop box in Old Havana. |
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Inside view of the dome of El Capitolio. |
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| Exterior and interior of the Cathedral of Havana initiated by Jesuits in 1748 and completed in 1777. Click photos for larger view. |
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Plaza Vieja in Old Havana. |
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| Poster for a local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). We'll attend a special fiesta tonight. |
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Rare personal encounters in the course of celebration. You'll meet real Cubans of all ages and colors in their neighborhoods and homes. |
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Make Cuban friends at your CDR party. |
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Ornate filigree and statuary adorn Havana's Gran Teatro where the National Ballet performs. Click photo for view of interior. |
Morning walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit four of the five historic plazas that make Havana unique in the western hemisphere. It contains the largest collection of remaining colonial-era architecture. This is a private tour led by your Cuba Education Tours guide.
Cathedral Square, the most beautiful and private 18th century colonial plaza on the island. Named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture: the Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana built by the Jesuit order.
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| Square of Arms, an ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers, surrounded by impressive buildings such as: |
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Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, former seat of colonial government. Today the building houses the Museum of the City. |
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Palacio del Segundo Cabo, seat of the second authority of the island. Today it houses important publishing concerns. |
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Museo de Artesania at Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. Today it displays treasures of artistic ceramics by the most prestigious Cuban artists from the middle of the last century to present. The institution is host to the Ceramic Biennial. |
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We continue onto San Francisco Square, one of the oldest plazas in the historical quarter. The square is named after magnificent Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco de Asís dating from the 16th century. The basilica is a striking example of Cuba baroque architecture.
And later to Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Absent are churches and government buildings, and is in contrast surrounded by opulent aristocratic 17th century residences. We'll visit an important center for the visual arts.
Next we'll visit the Scale Model of Old Havana to learn about the community, its history and its development plans.
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Musicians perform at your restaurant. |
Group welcome lunch at La Mina Restaurant where you'll enjoy traditional Cuban dishes and live music!
Free time in the famous open-air handicraft market of Old Havana where you can purchase all sorts of crafts and souvenirs by local artisans.
Program highlight This evening you're a special guest at a festive gathering of at a local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). CDRs are responsible for the well-being, education, sanitation and safety of people in their neighborhoods. This event is hosted for participants of the 2010 Cuba Now Insight Tour. Tip: Be a good guest. Plan to take snacks for the kids, and rum and coke for the adults. |
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| CDR youth make special show for 50th Anniversary of the Cuba Revolution Tour participants in their Havana community. Look forward to a special version of So you think you can dance Cuba! |
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| Day 3 :: TUESDAY |
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HEALTH, ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY, RUM AND WOMEN |
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Fantasy garden and studio of acclaimed artist José Fúster. Click photo to enlarge. Credit Richard Harris |
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Giant mosaic of crab by José Fúster. Click photo to enlarge. Credit Richard Harris |
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José Fúster's lunch dishes are as colorful as his sculptures. |
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Marta Núñez center rear lectures at the University of Havana. Núñez has penned many key theses on gender in modern Cuba. |
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This inspired mural was painted on a garage door of the Havana headquarters of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) thirty-five years ago. Click mural to enlarge. And, here to learn about the FMC. |
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Havana youth sells organic onions from urban gardens on Havana street. |
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Visit to Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina – ELAM (Latin American School of Medicine). Established in 1999 and financed by the generosity of people of Cuba, ELAM is the largest medical school in the world with a current enrollment of over 12,000 students from over 29 countries. All its students come from outside Cuba and are mainly from Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. The school also accepts disadvantaged students from the United States. Tuition, accommodation and board are free, and a small stipend is provided to students. Upon graduation young doctors are expected to return to their homelands and provide medical services to the poor for a period of three years.
Get ready for an air-conditioned luxury coach tour of the most important sites of Modern Havana such as the Capitol building, the Grand Theatre, Central Park, Prado promenade, Plaza de la Revolución, Coppelia Ice Cream Park, Plaza José Martí (in front of US Interests Section), Malecón seawall, Monument to the Battleship Maine, Hotel Nacional, University of Havana, Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón, and the Miramar, Central Havana and Vedado neighborhoods.
Tour highlight This afternoon we'll feast on a delicious lunch hosted by José Fúster, one of Cuba's most important contemporary ceramists and artists at his whimsical studio in Jaimanita, just outside of Havana.
Followed by a guided tour of Memorial José Martí and the Martí Museum at the Plaza de la Revolución.
Followed by visit to Fábrica de Ron Bocoy (Bocoy Rum Factory). Cuban rum is considered a liquor for special occasions. Its origin goes back to the time when Columbus introduced sugarcane to Cuba just after his "discovery" of the island.
Special presentation on Cuban Society Today by University of Havana professor and feminist of note Marta Núñez Sarmiento followed by a round table forum. Ms Núñez holds a Master's in Sociology from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences in Santiago de Chile, a PhD in Economics from the Academy of Sciences in Moscow, Russia, and has served as a visiting professor at universities in the Dominican Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Canada, Spain and Argentina. Núñez is a fascinating lecturer who will explore many interesting and unique aspects of Cuban society including family rights, property laws and women's issues.
Entertainment suggestion Shake your booty to the best Afrojazz, Cubajazz and Sonjazz at Club La Zorra y El Cuervo [The Fox and the Raven] featuring astonishing performances by island bands and soloists! It's a popular haunt for Cubans and foreign guests (entrance fee is 10 CUC and is not included in tour cost). |
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Logo of the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM). Learn more about ELAM here. |
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2006: Eight US medical students graduate from the Latin American School of Medicine. Their tuition and expenses paid by the Cuban people. Photo Javier Galeano |
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Moviemaker Michael Moore visits the home of Cuban artist José Fúster while filming SiCKO in March 2007. |
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Did you know Che Guevara was a doctor? His daughter, Aleida, is too. She practices pediatrics in Havana and consults on health across Latin America. |
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"To know how to read is to know how to walk. To know how to write is to know how to climb." – José Martí, hero of Cuban independence. Click here to learn more about the life of José Martí. |
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Restored houses on Havana's Paseo del Prado between Parque Central and the Malecón. Click photo to enlarge. |
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| Afrocuban dance in Cuba. African and Spanish heritages have combines to create a rich unique culture. Photos Barbara Fudge |
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| Day 4 :: WEDNESDAY |
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SEX EDUCATION, THE ARTS AND HISTORY IN CUBA |
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Entrance to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. |
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Modernist sculpture by noted Cuban artist Rita Lonja stands outside the entrance to Palacio de Bellas Artes. |
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Morro Castle and Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña guard entrance to Havana Harbor. |
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Soldiers fire the 9PM Cannon. |
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Why is this photo of John Lennon here? Click it to find out. |
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CENESEX president Dr Mariela Castro Espín. Learn more about renowned sexologist, the incredible daughter of the Cuban president, and her campaign for sex education, fairness and equality, and hopes for Cuba too, at GayCuba.ca |
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Exclusive morning meeting with members and representatives of CENESEX (Centro Nacional de Educación Sexual / National Center for Sexual Education). This organization and its founder Mariela Castro Espín campaign for equality and dignity for lesbians, gays, transsexuals and transgendered people. Its work consists of advocacy at the community and political level combined with national education efforts and sensitivity training. In particular CENESEX leads in the areas of HIV/AIDS awareness and support services, and gender and sexuality counseling. The heroic work of CENESEX has rocketed Cuba into the stratosphere of the most progressive nation in Latin America for queers. As such, Cuba today is ahead of the United States on matters of legality, compassion, safety, health and government supported promotion of equality.
Followed by meeting with Línea Ayuda. This dynamic volunteer organization provides a help line for people with HIV/AIDS together with crucial outreach, and prevention and education activities for young Cubans.
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Island artist Víctor Manuel's Gitana Tropical, known as the Cuban Mona Lisa, was painted in Paris in 1929. |
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Private guided tour of the Palacio de Bellas Artes [Palace of Fine Arts] dedicated exclusively to housing Cuban art spanning three centuries. Sections are devoted to landscape, religious subjects and narrative scenes of Cuban life. A gallery devoted to the 1970s displays the latest generation of Cuban artists whose works reflect the strong symbolic imagery prevalent in recent decades. Together the exhibits account for the richness of the island's Spanish, French, Chinese, African and Aboriginal cultural roots. Notable works include those of René Portocarrero and Wilfredo Lam.
Evening visit to the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña where Che established his headquarters after the Revolution came to power. We're honored again by the presence of Dr Manuel Yepe. As a young man Dr Yepe served as an assistant to Comandante Che Guevara in Havana. Dr Yepe will recount the work of Guevara in this period.
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Students watch the blast of the 9PM Cannon. |
Evening highlight We witness a most dramatic ceremony – El Cañonazo – the Firing of the 9PM Cannon at Fortress La Cabaña. This enchanting colonial reenactment dates back to 1519 when the city of Havana was enclosed by a tall thick rock wall to ward off attacks from pirates and the English. The cannon firing signaled the closing of the city gates for the night. If you were outside at the time, you were in "vedado" or the forbidden zone. Today Vedado is an important cultural hub and beautiful section of modern Havana. |
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| Day 5 :: THURSDAY |
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HISTORY, ORGANIC FARMING |
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FIRST HERO OF THE CUBAN PEOPLE
Taíno Indian Chief Hatuey from the island of Hispanolia traveled to and warned his Cuban counterparts about the horrific dangers of the impending Spanish invasion in the year 1511. Read about his legendary struggle – that of the premier independence and resistance fighter in our Americas who staked his life for freedom from foreign occupation and thralldom. |
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Members of the Vivero Organoponico Alamar cooperative at work. In 1999, the Swedish Parliament awarded Cuba the Right Livlihood Award for global leadership in organic agriculture. |
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In preparation for your trip, you might watch "Motorcycle Diaries," a visually stunning road adventure tracing the youthful origins of a revolutionary spirit who would become Che Guevara. |
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Private guided tour of the Museum of the Revolution by Dr Manuel Eugenio Yepe Menéndez. Dr Yepe is a lawyer, economist, and former ambassador to Rumania. He is a prolific writer and lecturer on wide ranging topics related to Cuba. As a youth he was an assistant to Che Guevara. Dr Yepe will lead us through the vast Museum of Revolution, the former Presidential Palace. Today it exhibits the history of the Cuban Revolution through documents and objects among which we find the famous Yacht Granma that returned Fidel and his 82 guerilla fighters from Mexico to Cuba to launch the struggle for liberation from the Batista dictatorship.
Lunch at Vivero Organoponico Alamar. Dine on natural food prepared by the staff of this collective. A great opportunity to talk with Cuban farmers about an agricultural system that supplies 40 percent of the cities fresh produce.
Now we'll tour grounds of the Vivero Organoponico Alamar, 15 kilometers east of Havana. It's one of the most successful urban organic farms in Cuba raising ornamental plants, medicinal herbs, and millions of seedlings for neighboring residents and farmers. Established in the 1990s, the Alamar cooperative has about 25 members and provides a range of healthy, organic low-cost food to Havana and environs.
Your evening is free to explore happening spots in the city. Your guide will keep you up-to-date on events. (We head to Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Trinidad at dawn. But you can sleep on the bus.) |
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Museum of the Revolution: old car not part of exhibit. One in ten autos are pre-1959! |
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Cuban graphic titled: Maiz-granada (Corn-grenade) proposes food not bombs. |
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Magnificent domed ceiling at the Museum of the Revolution. Click photo to enlarge. |
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Cuban Arnaldo Tamayo-Méndez was the first Latin American and person of African decent to travel in space. He was second in command on a Soyuz 6 rocket from 18 to 26 September 1980. [His spacesuit on display at the Museum of the Revolution.] |
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His assignment was to dock with the Salyut 6 space station, conduct scientific research, and return his capsule home safely. Mission accomplished! |
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| Some among many staples grown organically in Havana province: Left to right Bananas, coffee beans, cucumbers, pineapple, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and avocados. |
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| Day 6 :: FRIDAY |
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SANTA CLARA, CIENFUEGOS, TRINIDAD DE CUBA |
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Che Guevara: dad, doctor, military leader, writer, thinker, humanist and baseball fan! |
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The most famous face in the world after Jesus Christ.
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Cienfuegos also has a Malecón (waterfront drive). |
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Exquisite architectural detailing on Cienfuegos heritage building. |
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Hotel Los Caneyes, 3 km from Santa Clara, is built to resemble a Taíno Indian village. |
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Baby sea turtle. Cuba's beaches are perfect for snorkeling and water sports. They are also protected from exploitation and abuse of marine life. |
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Morning departure to Cienfuegos – founded by French immigrants at the beginning of the 19th century – renowned for its wealth of stunning historical buildings.
En route we'll stop in the city of Santa Clara and tour the Plaza de La Revolución Ernesto Che Guevara, the Che Museum and the Che Memorial containing his remains and those of his fellow freedom fighters struck down in Bolivia in 1967.
Visit to the Armored Train Museum in Santa Clara. The Battle of Santa Clara was a series of events in late December 1958 that led to the capture of the Cuban city of Santa Clara by revolutionaries under the command of Che Guevara. The battle was a decisive victory for the rebels fighting against the US-backed regime of Fulgencio Batista: within 12 hours of the city's capture Batista fled Cuba and Fidel Castro's forces secured overall victory.
Scrumptious traditional Cuban lunch at the picturesque Hotel Los Caneyes in Santa Clara.
Upon arrival in Cienfuegos, known as the "Pearl of the South," your guide will summarize the origins of this beautiful cosmopolitan city. You'll walk the main Plaza Martí where the ceremony of foundation of the city took place.
We'll visit such neoclassical buildings the Cathedral built with donations from wealthy slave owning families like the Lebrancs, the Albis, and the Terrys. Inside the Teatro Tomas Terry you'll see the Twelve Apostles beautifully rendered in stained glass imported from Paris. The original machinery of its clock in the tower was also manufactured in France and keeps on ticking to this day.
We continue onto to the historic city of Trinidad and check to your all-inclusive Hotel Resort Costa Sur. You'll have time for dinner and a swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
52nd Anniversary New Years activities for tour participants to be announced. Consider an afrocuban performance at Las Ruinas (optional), or stay at the resort and relish its many entertainment features and lounge poolside. |
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Display of the Batista train Che wrecked – the final decisive battle for the victory of the Revolution. |
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A view of Santa Clara's main plaza. Santa Clara was founded by 175 people on July 15th, 1689. One hundred and thirty-eight of them were represented by two large families already living in the area and, therefore, owners of the land next to the new city. The other 37 came from 7 other families, a priest and a governor, all of them originating in the coastal city of San Juan de los Remedios. The population of Remedios was torn between the option of leaving their city, constantly besieged by pirate attacks, or staying in place. |
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Cienfuegos, founded by French colonists, sports a replica of the Arc de Triomphe in its central plaza. |
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Construction of the Cathedral of Cienfuegos took over three decades, from 1833 to 1869. Click photo to enlarge. |
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| Day 7 :: SATURDAY |
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BEACH, MOUNTAINS, HISTORY AND MUSIC |
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Today is for trekking and bird watching. |
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Enjoy a traditional lunch at Hacienda Codina, once a Spanish coffee plantation. |
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Sugar still plays an important but diminished role in the economy. Click photo to enlarge. |
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| Cuba is recognized as the global leader in environmental sustainability. It has 300 ecologically protected areas encompassing 30 percent of its territory. Six of these areas are UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves. Over half the island's diverse flora and fauna is indigenous – existing nowhere else – and is guarded from exploitation. In 2006, the World Wildlife Federation named Cuba the only nation to achieve a sustainable planet friendly economy. |
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 Musicians (and kids) play on the Playa Ancón.
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Sixth generation member of the Santander family spins decorative pots at centuries-old workshop. |
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| Topes de Collantes National Park in central Cuba's Escambray Mountains is the perfect environment to spot a Cuban pygmy owl, about the size of a robin left, Fernandina's flicker center, and the Cuban parrot right. |
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Ancón beach at your all-inclusive resort hotel in Trinidad. |
This morning we board Soviet Army trucks to climb the peaks of Topes de Collantes in the Escambray Mountains. The Escambrays comprise the island's second highest range, reaching to 3,700 feet atop Pico San Juan. The Escambrays are home to small villages and a true delight for birders and naturalists alike. Dramatic slopes are swathed in Caribbean pines, ancient tree ferns, bamboo and eucalyptus.
Upon arrival at Hacienda Codina, an old Spanish coffee plantation, we'll enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch, followed by a walking tour of the area to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the animals and plants it hosts.
Later we'll explore on foot one of the oldest cities founded by the Spaniards in the West Indies, Trinidad de Cuba, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We visit its Plaza Mayor, Museum of Architecture, Museum of the Romantic Era, the main town parish and other amazing sites, some dating back centuries.
Trinidad is well known for its pottery makers. We meet with a family that has been passing on the tradition for generations: the Santanders.
Free time to wander the streets of historical center – a great occasion to examine the oldest architecture in the Americas, inspect local art and shop for souvenirs.
Evening suggestion Live Cuban popular music at the nightclub Casa de la Trova – a great opportunity to dance with Cubans and your tour companions. |
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Peasant hut in the high altitude jungles of Topes de Collantes. |
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A Soviet Army truck is deployed to fight for nature. You'll ride to the mountains in one today. |
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Fresh water pool on the way to the Topes de Collantes. The Escambray Mountain Range is located in central Cuba. |
Live music at the ever-popular Casa de la Trova in Trinidad. |
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Festive dancing at Casa de la Trova. |
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Cubans come in all colors and are proud of it! |
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| Day 8 :: SUNDAY |
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HELLO CUBA |
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