 |
|
 |
|
|
|
| Cuba Nature and Volunteerism Tour highlights |
|
 |
Learn all about the social and natural history of Cuba |
|
|
An evening of music and dance instruction with Grupo Dulce María |
|
|
Attend a rumba performance in the Afrocuban Callejón de Hamel |
|
|
Visit the Museum of Natural Sciences |
|
|
Meet with students at the Federico Engels High School in Pinar del Río |
|
|
Hiking excursion to Viñales Valley |
|
|
Numerous evening venues where the best Cuban music is performed |
|
|
Five days on the warm clean waters of the Caribbean sea at your hotel resort Guajimico |
|
|
Volunteer with Cuban students, engage in cultural and sports exchanges, and much more |
|
|
| Cities and provinces you'll visit |
|
|
Havana City and Havana Province |
|
|
Pinar del Río and Viñales Valley |
|
|
City and province of Cienfuegos |
|
|
Trididad in Santí Spiritus province |
|
|
|
 |
10 days and 9 nights in safe student-friendly vibrant Cuba! |
 |
|
Go to the island anytime with small or large student groups |
|
|
This program is also available in 8 and 15 day versions |
|
|
Teacher coordinators travel free (deservedly so, they work hard) |
|
|
Itinerary is adaptable for universities and organizations |
 |
|
Travel for change. Cuba Education Tours adheres to the principles of Fair Trade and Ethical travel. When traveling with us, your tourist dollars go directly to island communities and organizations working for environmental stewardship, education, equality and global peace.
Educational and safe. Explore the island, meet your Cuban peers, and learn about their culture while in the conscientious care of a full-time multilingual Cuban guide and a professional bus driver. Every student and educator ranks our island programs as an experience-of-a-lifetime. Cuba is considered amongst the safest and friendliest countries in the world. No visas or vaccinations are necessary to visit.
How to launch this program for your school
Click here to request a free quotation for this tour. No obligation or commitment required. We are glad to help. If this tour is not precisely what you want, you can request modifications on the request form. |
|
Hint Blue links below offer more details and pictures.
| Attention U.S. teachers It is not legal at this time for U.S. highschool students to visit Cuba. However it is possible for U.S. teachers to go to Cuba legally. |
|
Historic Havana. |
Teachers and students Want to talk with a representive from Cuban about this tour? Contact us. We eager to meet you and assist. |
|
Download presentation quality Cuba Nature and Volunteerism itineraries (safe files)
08 day, 07 night tour, 192 kb | 10 day, 09 night tour, 196 kb | 15 day, 14 night tour, 232 kb |
|
| CHECK OUT EACH TOUR DAY :: 1 :: 2 :: 3 :: 4 :: 5 :: 6 :: 7 :: 8 :: 9 :: 10 :: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| GETTING TO KNOW THE CARIBBEAN'S LARGEST CAPITAL |
TOP |
|
|
Remnant of an ancient wall that protected Havana from prirates and the British. |
|
|
AfroCuban art on display at the Callejón de Hamel |
|
Museum of the Revolution: old car not part of exhibit. One in ten autos are pre-1959! |
|
El Morro castle guards the entrance to Havana Habor. |
|
|
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.
Cathedral Square, the most beautiful and private 18th century colonial plaza on the island. Named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture: the Cathedral of Havana built by the Jesuit order.
|
| Square of Arms, an ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers, surrounded by impressive buildings such as: |
|
 |
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, former seat of colonial government. Today the building houses the Museum of the City. |
 |
|
Palacio del Segundo Cabo, seat of the second authority of the island. Today it houses important publishing concerns. |
|
|
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. |
|
We continue onto San Francisco Square, one of the oldest plazas in the historical quarter.
And later onto Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Absent are churches and government buildings. We'll visit an important center for the visual arts.
|
Cayo Hueso is home to the famed Callejón de Hamel, an AfroCuban cultural space. |
|
Now we'll pay a visit to the Museum of Natural History in the Plaza de Armas.
We spend time in Rumba performance at Callejón de Hamel, an alley in which the façades of all the buildings display murals inspired by AfroCuban religions themes.
Later, we'll meet alley artist Salvador Gonzales and visit his studio.
 Tonight we have a Cuban band playing for us. You'll learn how to perform and dance to Salsa, Son, Rumba, Mambo and other popular Cuban rhythms from the band members of Grupo Dulce María. |
|
|
|
|
|
| VOLUNTEERISM DAY IN PINAR DEL RIO PROVINCE |
TOP |
|
|
 |
|
World's smallest hummingbird, known as a zunzún, lives in Cuba. Shown here at actual size, it weighs no more than a dime. |
|
The jutia, native to Cuba, is a large rodent the size of a cocker spaniel. They dwell in trees and are vegetarians. Jutias are the preferred breakfast of crocodiles. |
|
Cuba has scores of plant and animal species that exist nowhere else. |
|
|
Fresh fruit and vegetable stand. Most produce is organic. |
|
|
This morning we depart for the western most province Pinar del Río.
Upon arrival we'll meet with students at the Federico Engels High School in the city of Pinar del Río. The school is one of only fourteen of it’s kind in Cuba. It is a vocational boarding school recruiting Cuba’s brightest young minds. The students who attend show great promise in the fields of mathematics and science, but are encouraged to pursue a range of academic studies. Ninety-five percent of the graduates from these high schools go on to attend university.
Lunch in the high school cafeteria or at a local eatery.
After lunch we'll help out our new high school friends with school maintenance projects, then participate in sports and cultural activities.
Time to say farewell to your new friends and continue on to your Viñales Valley hotel resort Los Jazmines. |
|
In the province of Pinar del Río, as in rural districts across the island, families raise goats and other animals for the pantry, sale or trade. Like cheese? Every community makes its own and the flavors are varied and delicious! |
|
 |
|
Federico Engels High School is named after the 19th century titan of natural and social history, and political and economic theory. His best pal was Carlos (Karl) Marx. |
|
| Green tree lizard, one of dozens of island reptiles. There are no poisonous plants or animals in Cuba. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| EXPLORING THE SIGHTS OF VINALES VALLEY |
TOP |
|
|
|
|
Consider climbing to the top of a mogote! |
|
| DID YOU KNOW? Cuba has 300 ecologically protected areas comprising 22 percent of its landmass. 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. The World Wildlife Federation (WWF) declared Cuba the only country with a planet friendly economy. |
|
Learn about the cultivation and manufacture of tobacco resulting in the world's most famous cigars. |
|
|
Morning exploration of the agriculture-based Viñales Valley. You'll be in awe of its spectacular natural landscape featuring the most interesting and varied geological formations in the Caribean. The valley is particularly famous for its great freestanding rock formations called mogotes.
We'll visit an agricultural cooperative in Pinar del Río and meet with its members who grow tobacco, coffee, root and leaf vegetables. We may have an opportunity to volunteer at one of these self-sustaining communities.
Followed by a visit to Mural de la Prehistoria a huge painting made on the side of a mogote. Early-on in the Revolution Fidel Castro endorsed the grand project in response to an appeal by a local artist to pay tribute to the Darwinian perspective of evolution.
Free time to explore Viñales village at your leisure. Examine its open-air craft market, Parque Martí, main parish, and other interesting highlights of this charming colonial town.
Visit Carmen and Caridad Miranda's magical forest, known as the Viñales Botanical Garden. These two elderly widows maintain a little Eden full of fruit trees, orchids and medicinal plants nurtured organically.
Free evening to enjoy the amenities of your hotel. |
|
 |
|
Land crab. They migrate to the sea in the millions annually. |
|
Junior learns to ride a horse. Cubans can truly claim that no child is left behind. |
|
 |
| Animal partners help out on the farm. Eco-friendly practices result in tasty organic produce and high productivity. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CIENFUEGOS – THE PEARL OF THE SOUTH |
TOP |
|
|
|
| Right White sand beach of your Resort Guajimico, comprised of over four-dozen bungalows and a club (discoteca). |
|
Former sugar baron's opulent mansion. His wealth was generated by slaves.
Cienfuego's seaside Malecón. |
|
Historic edifice in Cienfuegos city center.
Iguana suns itself on Guajimico beach. They are not poisonous or mean. |
|
|
|
|
|
Morning departure to Cienfuegos, otherwise known as The Pearl of the South, for its wealth of 19th and early 20th century buildings.
City tour of Cienfuegos: Your guide will explain the origins of this beautiful cosmopolitan city. We'll explore Cienfuegos' Plaza Martí where the ceremony of foundation of the city took place, and where you'll find a reproduction of the Parisian Arc de Triomphe.
|
Turn-of-the-century Cienfuegos landmark modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Below Guajimico has 51 private bungalows (one is reserved for you and your roomie). |
|
 |
We'll visit neoclassical buildings such as the Cathedral, built with donations from wealthy slave-owning families like the Lebrancs, the Albis, the Terrys. Inside are reproductions of the Twelve Apostles in stained glass imported from Paris. The original machinery of the clock tower – still in place and working – was manufactured in France. We also visit the Tomas Terry Theatre, constructed at the end of the 19th century, which still displays original decorative elements including wood and iron works, frescos, etc.
Afterwards we will move on to your Hotel Guajimico, a beach-front resort nestled in a lagoon on the warm waters of the Caribbean sea. Located between Cienfuegos and Trinidad, it's a dream-come-true for nature lovers, snorkelers, scuba divers and sun worshippers. |
|
|
|
|
|
| EXTENDING A HAND OF FRIENDSHIP |
TOP |
|
|
|
North American students help out Cuban high school students for several hours before engaging in cultural activities with their new friends. Here they are cleaning up a Caribbean beach. |
|
Then they learn new dance steps from peer instructors … |
|
… and practice soccer, baseball and other sports. |
|
|
Full day work and cultural exchange with high school students in the Cienfuegos countryside. This is one of the most exciting components of any Cuba tour. North American students help out their Cuban conterparts for several hours in the fields or with school building and ground maintenance. This is followed by friendly games and cultural activities. Many students become lasting friends.
Lunch is served in the high school cafeteria or at a local eatery.
Later this afternoon we'll have an optional visit to "La Virgen" caves and a and trek up a mountail jungle trail known as "Sendero Los Corrales."
Return to Guajamico. Your evening is free to enjoy the amenities of your resort hotel.
|
Cuban high school students perform impromptu concert. |
|
|
Volunteerism is an island way a life dating back centuries.
Many Cuban youth pick careers as health professionals, social workers, legal advocates, educators, scientists and technicians. |
|
Cubans learn social skills via civic engagement.
A good day's work is followed by great music and good food – let's party!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| HISTORIC TRINIDAD: ONE OF THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS |
TOP |
|
|
|
| Right Trinidad's main plaza featuring buildings that are hundreds of years old, yet the neighborhood bustles with vitality. |
|
Trinidad's Iznaga tower was built to keep watch over cane-field slaves. |
|
Sixth generation member of the Santander family spins decorative pots at centuries-old workshop. |
|
In preparation for your trip, we suggest the movie "Motorcycle Diaries," an inspiring and thrilling adventure that traces the youthful origins of a revolutionary spirit who would become Che Guevara. |
|
|
Morning departure to Trinidad. Today we explore on foot one of the oldest cities founded by the Spaniards in the West Indies, Trinidad, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
We visit its Plaza Mayor, Museum of Architecture, Museum of Romance, the main parish and other amazing sites, some dating back centuries.
We will also stop at a mirador (lookout) over the Sugar Mill Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the sugar barons had their countryside mansions and mills.
Trinidad is well known for its pottery makers. We meet with a family that has been passing the tradition for generations: the Santanders.
Free time to wander the city's historic streets or enjoy the beach.
Return to Guajamico. Your evening is free to enjoy the amenities of your resort hotel.
 |
|
Preview of the sand and palms surrounding your resort hotel! |
|
Cubans come in all colors and are proud of it! |
|
You might be able to attend a Cuba major league baseball game depending upon when you travel. Hint January thru March are the playoffs. |
|
Yes, there are wild flamingos in Cuba! Left Boys fishing for dinner off a coastal seawall. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dance with me. Guajimico has a discoteca where you can have fun with your classmates and local Cubans. |
|
Don't forget the beach at Guajimico! |
|
|
Full day work and cultural exchange with high school students in the Cienfuegos countryside. This is one of the most exciting components of any Cuba tour. North American students help out their Cuban conterparts for several hours in the fields or with school building and ground maintenance. This is followed by friendly games and cultural activities.
Lunch is served in the high school cafeteria or at a local eatery.
Late afternoon return to our hotel.
Your evening is free to enjoy the amenities of your resort hotel – including its discoteca! |
|
| Left Who are these guys? They're high school students who became friends with one of our North American youth delegations following a day of volunteerism. |
|
Cubans love surfing too. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| FAB TIME ON THE BEACHES OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA |
TOP |
|
|
An affordable rare delight. Indulge! |
|
Just do it! |
|
|
Free day to enjoy the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea next to your resort hotel. Sunbathe, snorkel, and explore the beach and nature with your fellow student travelers. (Watersports rentals fees additional.) |
|
 |
|
 |
| Left Hatchling poised to become a gentle giant: Cuba protects endangered sea turtles, along with other marine life, thus all flourish. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| RETURN TO HAVANA FOR DEPARTURES |
TOP |
|
|
 |
|
We'll miss you and hope you return soon! |
|
|
Hop onto your bus for Havana's José Martí International Airport for flight home.
Keep in touch with your new Cuban friends – exchange email addresses! Bring some "calling cards" to pass out on the island. Take pictures and keep a journal. Upon your return, we'll post them on this website for all to see and enjoy. |
|
 |
|
Old Cuban saying, "a true friend remembers the song in your heart when you have forgotten the lyrics." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our services
