NEW! 2025 Trip Dates!
Discover the African Heartbeat in Cuba
Dates
May 9-May 13, 2025
Pricing
$2399 USD per person
Length
4 nights/5 days
Group Size
2 minimum, 10 maximum
Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey to discover where African heritage and Cuban culture intertwine. Join Dr. Ervin Dyer, Africana studies professor and journalist, and Fisheye Journeys as we journey around Havana and uncover the African threads woven into the very fabric of Cuba's identity.
Tune in to the intoxicating rhythms of Afro-Cuban percussion
Learn to dance rumba, a dance deeply rooted in the soulful rhythms of African culture. It was entwined with European and indigenous influences and remains an integral part of Cuban culture.
Savor the Afro Cuban flavors found in everyday cuisine
Participate in discussions led by Afro Cuban professors, and more!
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Havana!
Once you touch down, a private ride will take you straight to your comfy casa particular. You’ll have a moment to recharge and freshen up before we kick things off.
Next on the agenda? A journey through the city in none other than a classic convertible. We'll make stops at the Revolution Square, cruise through the Havana Forest, and take a drive down the Malecón, among other cool sites.
Post-tour, we'll shake things up a bit with a rumba dance lesson. It's your chance to get into the local groove, no matter your dance skills. It's all about fun and laughter, and we promise you'll have plenty of both.
Finally, we'll wrap up the day with a group dinner. It's a great opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers and share your first impressions of the city.
Meals included: dinner
Day 2
After breakfast at our casa, we’ll embark on a morning walking/driving tour of Havana, passing by some of the sites Langston Hughes would have visited during his time here. A local guide will share insights into Hughes' connection to the city and his friendship with Cuban poet Nicolás Guillén. Along the way, we’ll stop at the UNEAC (National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba) to see the commemorative plaque that honors Hughes and Guillén's friendship and shared literary contributions.
After the tour, your taste buds are in for a treat. We'll hit up a favorite paladar for lunch. This privately-owned restaurant is all about authentic Cuban cuisine, a culinary experience you don't want to miss.
Our next stop is the Nicolás Guillén Foundation, where you’ll dive into the life and influential works of Guillén—renowned poet, journalist, and activist. We’re planning an interactive experience, possibly a poetry slam or shared reading, offering a unique opportunity to exchange creative energy and explore Afro-Cuban literature. You’ll engage in meaningful conversations about Guillén's lasting impact on contemporary Cuban society and delve into the challenges faced by Afro-Cubans today.
In the evening, we’ll head out for dinner at an amazing art space featuring art galleries and music.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 3
Today we’re planning a short road trip to Matanzas, a city rich in Afro-Cuban folklore, poetry, and history. Our first stop will be the Slave Route Museum, where you'll explore the history of slavery in Cuba and its lasting influence on the country's culture.
After lunch, we’ll visit the local cultural center for a private dance performance. However, the cultural center is currently undergoing changes. If those aren’t sorted out by our visit, we’ll adjust the itinerary and head back to Havana for free time to include some time for shopping, museum visits, or just leisurely sightseeing or relaxing.
You’ll have some time to refresh in the early evening, before heading out for dinner.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 4
After breakfast, we’ll visit Casa de las Américas, a renowned Cuban institution that promotes Latin American and Caribbean arts and culture. We’ll learn about the institution’s role in fostering literature, music, and visual arts.
Following lunch, we’ll continue to the Casa de África Museum. This visit will deepen your understanding of the African roots in Cuban culture, with exhibitions on African history, art, and religion.
You’ll have some downtime to relax in the late afternoon before gathering for our final group dinner. This will be a chance to reflect on your experiences and celebrate the friendships and connections made during this journey.
Optional: After dinner, if you're up for it, join us at the famous Tropicana Club for an iconic open-air cabaret show.
Meals included: breakfast + dinner
Day 5
We’ll have breakfast together, then private airport transportation.
You’ll return home feeling invigorated and will be itching for your next trip to Cuba!
Meals included: breakfast
Ready to join?
Additional info
Included:
Accommodation for 4 nights (all rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom in each room)
Transportation to and from the airport
In-country transportation
Meals as noted
Activities as noted
Translator for activities as noted
Not included:
Airfare in and out of the country
Mandatory travel insurance
Visa
Health insurance*
Alcohol, except where noted
Accommodations: We will be staying in casas particulares (homestays), which are similar to a bed and breakfast. Cuban homes are so charming and vibrant, you're gonna love 'em!
This trip will include 5 shared rooms. If you sign up with someone else, you will be paired up with that person. Otherwise, you will be assigned a roomie. We will put you and your roomie in contact before the trip! More details regarding accommodation will be shared upon purchase of the trip.
Single room supplements are available and are first come, first served. A single room supplement is $900.
U.S Citizens Traveling to Cuba: This trip is permitted through the "support for the Cuban people general license category" authorized by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. This itinerary is intended to provide a cultural experience and meaningful interactions with Cubans. You will receive a letter of certification and detailed itinerary to print and bring with you upon re-entry to the U.S.
Airport: Look for flights that arrive no later than 1PM on the day the trip starts to make sure you don’t miss any of the activities. The airport is José Martí international Airport (HAV).
*Health Insurance: Cuban authorities require proof of health insurance upon entering the country. Save a printed copy of your policy ready to show. If you don't have proof of health coverage upon arriving, you will be required to purchase Cuban medical insurance for the duration of your trip, which will run about $3 per day. Please note that most airlines include this in the ticket price.
What to expect in Cuba: While we try our best to stick to the itinerary, traveling in Cuba requires flexibility and changes to accommodation, transportation, and activities may occur. Cuban infrastructure has not been maintained according to western standards, hot water may be minimal, wifi connection may be slow when available, and the general pacing is slow but vibrant. Bring your sense of adventure and enjoy the moment!
Pricing: The trip cost is $2,399 per person. A $500 initial non-refundable deposit per person is required to reserve your spot and is included in this total price. A single room supplement is $900 and is due at sign up. Final payment is due no later than 45 days prior to departure. All payments must be made by credit card
Please read our FAQs page and Booking Terms and Conditions for more information.