There is an exciting travel destination back on the map in 2012. It is what I refer to as the “forbidden fruit” of the Caribbean, also known as Cuba. Although it is just 90 miles from Key West, Cuba has been off limits to travelers from the United States since 1961 with the exception of special licenses. In January 2011, the license process became a lot easier with the re-introduction of government-sanctioned “people-to-people” trips. If you have ever found yourself sailing through the Caribbean and wondering what is happening beyond those lights off in distance as the cruise ship captain points out Cuba, now is your chance.
Before you break out your Guayabera shirt and sign up for mambo dancing lessons, there are a few things you should know. The recently reintroduced people-to-people program reflects efforts by the U.S. government to engage U.S. citizens in “purposeful travel” to Cuba. So far, the U.S. Treasury department has issued licenses to 35 travel companies to organize people-to-people guided trips that focus on art, music, history and culture. The tours are organized through well known US tour operators and can be booked through a travel agent. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation with days spent on the beach and nights spent in jazz clubs smoking Cuban cigars, you might want to seek another destination. The itineraries are pre-planned and do not offer a lot of leisure time. Tours range from a quick 4 day excursion to Havana, to the 9 Day Cuban Music & Art Experience. To give you an idea on what to expect on a tour to Cuba, I chose to highlight the 8 Day Bay of Pigs itinerary from General Tours:
Day 1: Bienvenidos a Havana! Welcome to Havana! After clearing immigration and customs, your Cuban host will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the heart of Havana. Later that evening, celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Castillo del Morro, the Malecon and Casa de la Amistad: Your Cuban host will escort you on a breathtaking stroll through Castillo del Morro (Morro Castle), the majestic waterfront, and the elegant neighborhood of Miramar. In the afternoon, visit the neighborhood of Vedado to meet with representatives of the Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos (Cuban Institute of Friendship to the People), an international Cuban organization that promotes cultural relations between the U.S. and Cuba. You’ll then enjoy a tour of Casa de la Amistad (Friendship House), a historic mansion where you’ll have the opportunity to observe a forum regarding U.S. and Cuba relations. This evening, you’ll attend a local community block party, where people from all walks of life and every generation come together to discuss neighborhood issues, eat, drink, and form friendships. This evening of celebration and unity is often referred to as one of the most incredible experiences offered.
Day 3: Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja), visit a local school, and tour the Partagas Cigar Factory: Enjoy a stroll through the streets of historic Habana Vieja, exploring the famous Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas, the City Museum, and the Havana Club Rum Museum. The city has been restored to its historic splendor by UNESCO World Heritage; it exudes colonial charm at its finest and is a must-see for all travelers. Visit the Callejón de Hammel (Hammel’s Alley) – a community project promoting art, music, and culture. You’ll have the incredible opportunity to meet with several Afro-Cuban artists for an up-close and personal look at the thriving arts scene. After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll visit a grammar school in Havana. Here you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a lively group discussion. The children will get to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language and share their art projects with you, while you’ll gain a unique perspective of Cuban life from a new generation. As the sun begins to set, your Cuban host will escort you on a tour of the Partagas Cigar Factory, one of the oldest in Cuba. Here you will find authentic torcedors (professional cigar rollers) working while they are continually being read newspapers on the main floor. After they have finished hearing the news, they are read classic literature, which is why many Cuban cigar brands are named after literary figures such as Romeo and Juliet and Monte Cristo.
Day 4: The Bay of Pigs and Playa Larga: Adios Havana! This morning you’ll head south towards the Zapata Peninsula and the famed Bay of Pigs. Upon your arrival, you’ll visit the crocodile farm at Boca de Guama. Time permitting, you’ll also cruise through the swamp at Laguna del Tesoro and visit a re-creation of a Taino Indian village made up of roughly 50 small thatched huts spread over several islets in the lagoon. Here you’ll have the rare opportunity to meet some of the local Taino people and learn about their traditional way of life. Next stop is Playa Larga. After a quick check-in at the hotel, take some time to explore the area. Playa Larga is considered to be home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, and is well known for its white sand and turquoise blue water. Also located in Playa Larga is the Bird Watching International Center if you are a fan of our feathered friends.
Day 5: Bay of Pigs and Playa Giron: Your Cuban host will escort you to the Bay of Pigs, also known as Playa Girón, site of the legendary battle in April 1961 between Fidel Castro’s forces and the counterrevolutionary army. Shrouded in history, the area is home to Museo Playa Girón (Playa Girón Museum). There you will find photos, relics, and a written history detailing the Bay of Pigs Invasion and battles. With its thriving biosphere, Playa Girón also strongly appeals to the nature lover. In the afternoon, travel to the rural town of Papite – home of the Korimacao Community Project, where residents from the surrounding communities are given the opportunity to develop and improve their performing skills such as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. You’ll learn about the growth and development of the program and interact with the talented students.
Day 6: Travel to Cienfuegos, then back to Havana: This morning you’ll venture off to the seaside city of Cienfuegos, also known as the “Pearl of the South”. Walk through the main square and marvel at the architecture, mingling with the vibrant people who call this beautiful city home. From there you’ll explore the attractions in the main square and the Punto Gorda Peninsula, stopping for lunch along the way. No trip to Cienfuegos is complete without touring the acclaimed botanical gardens before making your return trip to Havana.
Day 7: Back in Havana: On your last full day in Cuba you’ll travel to one of Havana’s health facilities, also known as a “polyclinic”, and learn about socialized medicine. While at the facility, you’ll partake in a meet-and-greet with the director and staff, discovering the challenges and triumphs felt throughout the medical system. As the sun hangs low, tour through the Vedado and Centro Habana neighborhoods before indulging in a sweet treat at Copellia Ice Cream Emporium, which was featured in the movie Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberries and Chocolate). If you have a passion for baseball (or are just looking for some good old-fashioned fun), head over to Estadio Latinoamericano to watch the beloved Havana Industriales take on their provincial rivals in a national game. The Industriales are to Cuban baseball what the New York Yankees are to American baseball.
Day 8: Adios Cuba! After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight back home.
If you have “been there, done that” or just want to discover a new destination, consider traveling to Cuba for your next vacation. Don’t wait too long though, tour licenses are limited and space is selling out quickly. Tourists are eager to discover this time capsule waiting for them in the Caribbean!
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