January 15-20, 2020 (extension available)
I Love Being Black & Traveling Black have teamed up again to curate this global experience centered around an Afro-Cuban immersion (space very limited). The US government is rapidly closing the door on travel to Cuba so let’s slide on in while this amazing opportunity still exists to go there legally! We will dive deep into Cuban culture starting off with the world famous International Havana Jazz Festival.
After you submit your deposit we will assist you in booking a flight. All of our tours have a focus on diasporic Black experiences, Black businesses and Black guides whenever possible. So, whether it’s your first time in Cuba or your tenth, you can look forward to the following amazing itinerary as you Experience Cuba:
DAY 1. LET’S EXPERIENCE CUBA
First day in an exciting new part of the world. After you land at the airport we will collect you and the rest of the group then jump in our transport and head to check-in to our privately owned condos. We will be staying together in 2 or 3 condos, so we’ll check in, have a meet and greet and charge our gadgets. We’ll then eat lunch at a nearby restaurant and check out some of the independent shops and picturesque plazas; great for photos during any time of day. At night you will partake in the best jazz festival experience Cuba has to offer. Rumor has it that rum and jazz go together. Click here for 8 reasons to visit Cuba.
DAY 2. HAVANA VIEJA: AFRO-CUBAN MUSEUM
After breakfast we will head straight to an Afro-Cuban museum that will give you the history of Black people in Cuba. This includes existing religions and other parts of African culture that survived slavery. Next we will eat lunch at a favorite people watching spot that often has a live salsa band playing music while you eat (excellent for video). After lunch we’ll head out into Havana Vieja. This is the Cuba you usually see photos of with rustic vintage looking scenery, an abundance of old classic cars and cobblestone streets. Photo shoot anyone?
DAY 3. REGLA: THE BLACK MADONNA
After our home-cooked breakfast we’ll be taking the ferry just across the water to a town called Regla. Often times when people visit Havana they don’t get to venture off the beaten path much. Visiting Regla is essential if you want to see Afro-Cuban life and experience Cuba outside of tourist zones. There is a church in Regla where they showcase a Black Madonna, showing the virgin Mary. After Regla we’ll have dinner then hit up a trendy hot spot that is a factory turned art gallery and eclectic night club. Great place for taking in the sights and sounds of nightlife in Cuba.
DAY 4. DESTINATION: CUBAN BEACHES
Cuba’s beaches are just as beautiful as they are lively. White sand, warm water with a crystal blue-green hue and palm trees galore. In 1958 (1 year before the infamous Cuba embargo) Gordon Parks took photographs on some of these same beaches. For lunch you must try the fresh seafood (vegan options available too) and drink fresh coconut water out of the coconut (you can add rum too). As you fine tune that tan you can support local vendors on the beach. At nighttime we will take you to a place where Cubans like to party, locals-style.
DAY 5. RUMBA: IT’S A CELEBRATION
We’ll start the day out cruising in convertible classic cars, the photos will be amazing. Sunday rumbas are something to savor. A rumba is loosely translated as a party, in this case an Afro-Cuban day-party with strong religious influences and traditions. There will be a lot of dancing and energy as the musicians let the Orishas from the Santeria religion flow through them. This area of Havana also has some amazing murals and other street art to see. After the rumba we’ll do a lil shopping, then meet back at the condo for the tour wrap up session.
DAY 6. EXPERIENCE CUBA: THE END
For those of you who did not choose the trip extension, today is the sad day that the Experience Cuba tour has to end. We’ll drop you off at the airport in the morning. Because our trip is officially sanctioned, you are able to take back Cuban rum, cigars, and other gifts legally!
For those of you who purchased the tour extension, we’ll be taking a trip to the southern city of Trinidad. On the way we’ll pass through Cienfuegos and dip our toes in the azure water as we have lunch.
DAY 7. TRINIDAD: SOUL OF CUBA
Today we’ll be taking a ride on a mid-sized catamaran to a small island with iguanas, snorkeling and one of the best beaches in all of Cuba. The reef is close enough to float right out to; you’ll see loads of sealife including little nemo fish. Be sure to take your underwater camera, if you don’t have one our trip photographer will. This beach is great for relaxing, reading under a palm tree, tanning and mojito’ing. At night we’ll experience a live Afro-Cuban rumba show and dance, dance, dance.
DAY 8. HAVANA: THE END
We will pack up our gear, clothes, cigars and rum and head back to Havana airport to fly home. We hope to see you on future Traveling Black tours!
- Book your flights to land in Havana (HAV airport) on the morning of Jan. 15th. Folks leaving from the west coast may leave at night on Jan. 14th. We will meet you at the airport then shuttle you to the condo.
- After you submit your deposit we will schedule a time to call you within 48hrs to answer any remaining questions and to assist you in finding a good flight
- Tourist cards are about $35-$100 and are usually collected at the airport before your final flight to Havana
- Traveling to Cuba for tourism is illegal but you may travel to Cuba under 1 of 12 pre-designated areas in a group. The designated area we are all traveling under is “journalistic activity“. This tour is meant for journalists/photographers/content creators/bloggers and you!
INCLUDED:
- Condo Accommodations
- Ground Transportation (including airport transfers)
- Travel Health Insurance (bundled with flights to Cuba)
- Excursions Listed
- Havana Jazz Festival Tickets
- Guided Shopping Tour
- Professional Photographer/Videographer
- 2 Meals Per Day
- 1 VIP Nightlife Outing
- Fly Swag Bag
- Experienced Cuban Guides
NOT INCLUDED:
- International Flight To/From Cuba
- Internet (up to $4/hr, you can use a few minutes at a time though)
- Gratuities
OTHER INFO:
- As of today there are no required shots to enter Cuba, but you should read the info on CDC recommendations. Zika has been documented in Cuba so anyone who is pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant soon or who has a pregnant partner you should read the CDC info here. Feel free to consult your doctor as well.
- This trip is for Black people who want to show support for Cuban people and enjoy the jazz, beaches, etc that Cuba has to offer
- You must have a valid passport with 2+ blank pages. A tourist card is required for US citizens, others click here
- The stated itinerary may change at any time due to weather, or any other unforeseen issues.
- Your travel health insurance is bundled with your flight to Cuba
PRICING:
- Early Bird pricing ends: October 14th, 2019
- Normal pricing ends: November 14th, 2019
- Last Minute pricing ends: December 14, 2019, trip booking closes
The following prices are for days 1-6 above:
$2099: SHARED OCCUPANCY
You will be paired with 1 person in the room of our condo
If you have a friend taking the trip you can choose each other as roommates
**Price is per person
$2599: SINGLE OCCUPANCY
A single occupancy room
$2999: VIP OCCUPANCY
You will have your choice of the room in the condo
You can choose from several bottles of Havana Club rum
A BOX of authentic Cuban cigars
Classic car photo shoot starring you
Extra swag such as TB tanktop, sunglasses, etc
No meal restrictions
For those that want to add on 2 extra days (days 6 through 8 above):
[EARLY BIRD] $500: 2-DAY ADD ON
Trip to Trinidad, Catamaran to small island, Rumba Show, Hotel Accommodations, 2 Meals, Transportation, Guide, etc.
**Please contact us for longer stays.