2010 Cuba Now Learning and Research Tour
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Cuba Now Learning and Research Tour: May 22 to 29, 2010
This new one-time program is geared to teachers, librarians, historians, writers, health care and legal pros, and people keen on Cuba.
Jazz singer in Santiago de Cuba.
COSTS
FLIGHTS
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
CITIES AND SITES VISITS
Havana City and Havana Province
Cities of Trinidad de Cuba and Cienfuegos
Santa Clara, Che Guevara's tomb, and the Escambray Mountains
TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Havana Libre
Former Havana Hilton, now Hotel Habana Libre An upscale luxurious respite during an action packed itinerary at this historic five-star facility.

Playa Ancón
You stay at the Resort Costa Sur in Trinidad de Cuba. It's a fun all-inclusive beach hotel on the warm white sand shore of the Caribbean Sea.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
All activities are included in tour costs unless noted otherwise.
Cuba flag icon
Special neighborhood block party hosted by Habaneros for tour participants
Tour the Museum of Literacy dedicated to the young women and men who conquered illiteracy in 1961
Private visit to the Latin American School of Medicine where international students learn to become doctors
Visit the José Martí National Library and meeting with its director
Tour the Casa de las Américas, a renowned Latin American institution for literature and art
Meeting with students and teachers at the Casa del Niño y La Niña school
Confab with representatives of the Cuban Teachers Union on gains in island education
Explore on foot Old Havana and a scale model of this district of this UNESCO World Heritage Site
Meet and dine with famed painter and ceramist José Fuster at his whimsical home studio
Climb to the top of the Escambray Mountains in Soviet Army trucks
Private panoramic motor coach tour of Modern Havana
Explore the Afrocuban inspired Callejón de Hamel in Central Havana
Visit Che Guevara's memorial, museum and mausoleum in Santa Clara
Enjoy evening hot spots for the best Afrocuban music and Latin jazz, salsa and dance
Walking tours of the central plazas and key historic sites of the cities of Trinidad de Cuba and Cienfuegos
Dance lessons taught by Cuban professionals with live music
Attend a regal cannon firing ceremony dating from 1519, and much more!
In Cuba from Saturday 22 to Saturday 29 May 2010
Hint Click BLUE text links across this site for activity details and more pix.

Student at the Casa del Niño y Niña student in Central Havana.
Youth needs set national policy in Cuba. Kids and their future come first.
Learn about Cuban advances in education, health care, librarianship, arts, cultural and historical preservation, and gender and race equity
Yes. It's legal for Americans. Click here for details!
Five days in Havana and three days in Trinidad de Cuba during which you'll experience the best of island dance, music, art, nature and history
A once-in-a-lifetime experience – a moment in life for reflection, rejuvenation, enjoyment, and to establish new friendships among islanders and tour mates
Cuban Now Learning and Research Tour
This tour's content makes it entirely licensable for citizens and residents of the United States to travel legally if their profession intersects with any of this program's activities.

Cuban tour guide
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, Cuban and American staff ensure worry free Cuba travel before, during and after your trip.

Logo for official 51st Anniversary Cuba Education Tours.
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 happens on the 51st anniversary year of the Cuban Revolution.
MEALS INCLUDED
Tasty complementary breakfast buffets are served daily from 7:00am to 10:00am at your hotels. Lunch is included on Days 2, 3, 4, 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.
TIME TO COMMIT
Time to schedule your Cuba Tour
Tour is size limited 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. If you want to stay longer in Cuba following the tour we gladly help with accommodations and air arrangements.
TOUR ACTIVITIES LEGEND
Cuba Now Learning and Research Tour icon Cuba Now girl icon for activities unique to this tour Cuban dance icon Shoe icon for music and dance activities
Cuban history and architecture icon Turret icon for history and architecture Cuban culture icon Face icon for art and museum visits
Cuban nature icon Owl icon for ecology exploration and nature romps Cuba Education Tours Meals included icon Fork icon for tour meals included
Beautiful Cuban beaches logo Ball icon for beach, sun and swimming Cuban fun and free time icon Cuban smile icon for free time, fun and leisure
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Legal Cuba Travel License for Americans
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.
Hello Cuba Girl
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 with Cuba Education ToursFive-star treatment round-the-clock from our Cuban and Canadian staff ensures worry free travel abroad.

Cuba Education Tours private fuel-efficient luxury tour coach chauffeured by a professional driver.
Island transportation You travel in a private fuel-efficient luxury air-conditioned tour coach chauffeured by a full time professional driver.

Cuban airlines
Getting to Cuba Call 1-877-687-3817 toll free or email us. We can help.

Cuban water lilly
Memories of Cuba last forever. Discover the island on routes less traveled with Cuba Education Tours.

Beautiful Cuban beach.
Cuban beaches are noted for sugar-white sand and warm crystal clear water. Click photo to enlarge. You stay at the Resort Costa Sur in Trinidad de Cuba, an all-inclusive beach hotel on the Caribbean Sea.
CLICK TO REVIEW EACH TOUR DAY :: 01 :: 02 :: 03 :: 04 :: 05 :: 06 :: 07 :: 08 ::
Day 1 :: SATURDAY HELLO CUBA To Top
Rooftops in Old Havana.
Rooftops in Old Havana.
Cuban girls perform folk dance.
Cuban girls perform folk dance.
One-in-ten cars in Cuba are pre-1959.
One-in-ten cars in Cuba are pre-1959. Click photo to enlarge.
Cuban jazz musician in Havana
Streets are alive with music.
The capital city of Havana as seen from the fortress El Morro, across the harbor
Cuba's capital city is Havana. This is the fortress El Morro across the harbor from your hotel.

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.

Lobby of the Hotel Habana Libre!
Group transfer to the Hotel Habana Libre located in Vedado, the heart of Havana's cultural and entertainment district.

Mojito. Yum!
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.

TIME AND CLIME IN HAVANA



LONG RANGE FORECAST HERE
Havana's Malecón seawall
Havana's Malecón seawall near your hotel – a place for relaxation and new friendships.
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.
Ford Fairlane in Havana.
Colorful Cuban Tody.
Colorful indigenous Cuban Tody.
Logo for the definitive guide to endemic birds of Cuba.
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.
Day 2 :: SUNDAY DISCOVERING OLD HAVANA, COMMUNITY FIESTA To Top
Old building in Havana
Example of restoration in Old Havana.
Cuban mime
Street pantomime in Old Havana.
Cuban post box
Decorative mail drop box in Old Havana.
El Capitolio dome
Inside view of the dome of El Capitolio.
Exterior of the Cathedral of Havana Interior of the Cathedral of Havana.
Exterior and interior of the Cathedral of Havana initiated by Jesuits in 1748 and completed in 1777. Click photos for larger view.
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana.
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana.
Poster for a local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). We'll attend a special fiesta tonight. Poster for a local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR)
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana.
You'll meet Cubans from all walks of life in their neighborhood tonight.
Plaza Vieja in Old Havana.
Make Cuban friends at your CDR party.
Havana's Gran Teatro
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.
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. 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.

Musicians perform at your restaurant.
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 Learning and Research Tour. Tip: Be a good guest. Plan to take snacks for the kids, and rum and coke for the adults.
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!
Day 3 :: MONDAY HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION, HISTORY, AND JAZZ To Top
Fantasy garden and studio of acclaimed artist José Fuster
Fantasy garden and studio of acclaimed artist José Fuster. Click photo to enlarge. Credit Richard Harris
Giant mosaic of crab by José Fuster.
Giant mosaic of crab by José Fuster. Click photo to enlarge. Credit Richard Harris
Lunch item at the home of Cuban artist José Fuster.
José Fuster's lunch dishes are as colorful as his sculptures.
Cuban teacher with student
Cuban student and his teacher. Read a view on why the island's education system is so effective.
Havana youth sells fresh organic garlic on Havana street.
Havana youth sells organic onions from urban gardens on Havana street.

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.

Cuba Education Tours bus.
Get ready for an air-conditioned luxury coach tour of the most important sites of Modern Havana such as the Capital 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.

Cuban health care icon
Cuban culture icon
Tour highlight This afternoon we'll feast on a delicious lunch hosted by José Fuster, one of Cuba's most important contemporary ceramists and artists at his whimsical studio in Jaimanita, just outside of Havana.

Afternoon meeting at Asociación Cubana de Pedagogos (Association of Cuban Educators) headquarters. Here we will meet with union leaders and rank-and-file teachers to discuss the Cuban education system. The Asociación Cubana de Pedagogos has enjoyed a long fruitful relationship with the British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) resulting in numerous cultural and academic exchanges.

Club La Zorra y El Cuervo.
Tour highlight Tonight we have a Cuban band playing for us. You'll learn how to play and dance to Salsa, Son, Rumba, Mambo and other popular Cuban rhythms from the band members of Grupo Dulce María.
Logo of the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) Logo of the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM). Learn more about ELAM here.
Latin American School of Medicine graduates
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
Michael Moore visits the home of Cuban artist Jose Fuster while filming "SiCKO"
Moviemaker Michael Moore visits the home of Cuban artist José Fuster while filming SiCKO in March 2007.
Michael Moore of SiCKO
View the hilarious, sad movie trailer for SiCKO. Three cheers for Michael Moore.
Dr Aleida Guevara, daughter of Ernesto Che Guevara.
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.
Carlos Juan Finlay is the father of Cuban medicine.
Carlos Juan Finlay is the father of Cuban medicine. He discovered the source of yellow fever and more.
José Martí.
"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.
Restored houses on Havana's Paseo del Prado.
Restored houses on Havana's Paseo del Prado between Parque Central and the Malecón. Click photo to enlarge.
Afrocuban dance in Havana. Afrocuban dance in Havana. Afrocuban dance in Havana. Afrocuban dance in Havana.
Afrocuban dance in Cuba. African and Spanish heritages have combines to create a rich unique culture. Photos Barbara Fudge
Day 4 :: TUESDAY LIBRARIES, HISTORICAL SITES AND CEREMONIES To Top
Morro Castle and Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña.
Morro Castle and Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabaña guard entrance to Havana Harbor.
RESTAURANTE EL ALJIBE Always filled to the brim with clued-in local and foreign diners who appear to be having the time of their lives, this joint's barbecued chicken served in bitter-orange, lemon, and chicken juices sauce is the house dish, at once dark and tangy. And, oh yes, the house special of black beans, rice, chicken Aljibe, and tostones is a resplendent all-you-can-eat delight.

Delicious El Aljibe barbecued chicken.

Cuban soldiers fire the 9PM cannon.
Soldiers fire the 9PM Cannon.
Lord Byng faculty Richard Harris and 2009 LB Cuba tour student.
Why is this photo of John Lennon here? Click it to find out.
Biblioteca Nacional José Martí
Biblioteca Nacional José Martí. Click here or photo for larger view.

Tour feature Morning visit to the José Martí National Library [Biblioteca Nacional José Martí] and have a special meeting with its director and staff. This institution, founded in 1901, celebrates over a century of ardent dedication reflecting every aspect of Cuban cultural life in print, focusing on Cuba's key literature, arts, fine arts, history and science. Its collections hold the greatest value to the heritage of the nation; many of its editions exist only in the library. It holds vast treasures whose value is of import to the entire "New World" or "Our Americas," as the Cubans say. The library makes every attempt, despite lack of resources resulting from the U.S. blockade, to honor both tradition and attempt modern renewal. It is a living repository of the vital writings of outstanding Cuban intellectuals past and present.

Cuban health care icon
Lunch at one of Havana's most popular restaurants: El Aljibe. This eatery is so famous and food so tasty it is being franchised.

Casa de las Américas HQ in Vedado, Havana, Cuba.
Casa de las Américas in Vedado.
Tour feature Afternoon visit to the Casa de las Américas and meeting with its staff. This first-class arts institution was founded by Haydée Santamaría (1923-1980), one of several female participants in the Moncada rebellion of 1953. Her advocacy to make culture paramount resulted just four months after the 1959 Cuban Revolution, in the establishment of the Casa de las Américas. Its purpose is to research, support, publish and promote the works of Latin American writers, sculptors, musicians and artists. This esteemed institution bestows the Casa de las Américas prize, one of Latin America's oldest and most prestigious artistic awards to both professionals and students. Some scholars and writers of note who have won this prize are Edward Brathwaite, Eduardo Galeano, Susana Rotker, Françoise Perus, Beatriz González-Stephan and Luis Britto García. Today the Casa is recognized globally as the stalwart Latin American cultural authority.

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.

Cuban students watch the firing of the 9PM Cannon.
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.
Day 5 :: WEDNESDAY LITERACY, SCHOOL VISITS AND COMMUNITY ARTS To Top
"Yo Si Puedo" means "Yes I Can" learn to read 2006 commemorative stamp issued on 45th anniversary of the Literacy Campaign.
Left Plaque at Literacy Museum: "Yo Sí Puedo" means "Yes I Can" learn to read. Right 2006 commemorative stamp issued on 45th anniversary of the Literacy Campaign known in Cuba as "Alfabetización."
Callejón de Hamel
Callejón de Hamel, located in Central Havana's Cayo Hueso neighborhood, is an Afrocuban cultural hotspot.
Afrocuban folkdance
Afrocuban inspired folkdance at Callejón de Hamel.

Museum of Literacy
Museum of Literacy at Liberty City near Havana.
Morning visit to Museo de la Alfabetización (Museum of Literacy) that exhibits relics of the 1961 literacy campaign. We'll meet with museum director Susana Morejon, who will in addition to explaining the literacy campaign, talk about how Cuba's literacy model is now used in Venezuela, Bolivia and other Latin American countries.

Prior to the Revolution a quarter of adult Cubans were illiterate and another million were semiliterate. Ten thousand teachers were unemployed and 70% of the rural population had no schools. After 1959 all private schools were nationalized and education became free and universal. Former military garrisons were turned into schools. In 1961 all schools were closed for eight months and some 250,000 students and teachers were sent to rural areas to teach reading and writing, laying the foundation for Cuba's stellar literacy rate today. This campaign brought tens of thousands of city youth into contact with the country people, breaking down racial barriers and instilling a spirit of national cohesion.

Casa del niño y la niña director Rosita Sardiñas and student in Havana.
Casa del niño y la niña director Rosita Saradiñas and student in Havana. You'll meet them.
Afternoon visit to Casa del niño y la niña [House of the boy and girl], a Central Havana neighborhood sponsored learning facility for young Cubans seeking to expand their academic options following the regular school day. We'll meet with Director Rosa Sardiñas for presentation on her outreach work for kids in the community of Cayo Hueso. We'll have exchanges with teachers that live in the community.

We'll the Callejón de Hamel, an alley where all the buildings display murals inspired by Afrocuban culture and religions. Afterwards we'll meet alley artist Salvador Gonzales at his studio.

Club La Zorra y El Cuervo.
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).
Cuban Bananas Cuban Coffee beans Cuban Cucumbers Cuban pineapple Cuban sweet potatoes Cuban eggplant Cuban advocado
Some among many staples grown organically in Havana province: Left to right Bananas, coffee beans, cucumbers, pineapple, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and avocados.
Day 6 :: THURSDAY SANTA CLARA, CIENFUEGOS, TRINIDAD DE CUBA To Top
Che Guevara Memorial
Che Guevara: dad, doctor, military leader, writer, thinker, humanist and baseball fan!
Che Guevara poster by Linda Coe and Marcel Hatch
The most famous face in the world after Jesus Christ.

Che Guevara plays baseball
Cienfuegos Malecon
Cienfuegos also has a Malecón (waterfront drive).
Architectural detail of old building in Cienfuegos
Exquisite architectural detailing on Cienfuegos heritage building.
Hotel Los Caneyes
Hotel Los Caneyes, 3 km from Santa Clara, is built to resemble a Taíno Indian village.
Baby sea turtle in Cuba Baby sea turtle. Cuba's beaches are perfect for snorkeling and water sports. They are also protected from exploitation and abuse of marine life.
Cubans on a bus

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.

Cuban health care icon
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.

Cuban health care icon
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.

Evening suggestion Afrocuban performance at Las Ruinas (optional), or stay at the resort and relish its many entertainment features and lounge poolside.
Armored Train Museum in Santa Clara
Display of the Batista train Che wrecked – the final decisive battle for the victory of the Revolution.
Santa Clara's main plaza
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.
Cienfuegos main plaza
Cienfuegos, founded by French colonists, sports a replica of the Arc de Triomphe in its central plaza.
Ciefuegos Cathedral.
Construction of the Cathedral of Cienfuegos took over three decades, from 1833 to 1869. Click photo to enlarge.
Day 7 :: FRIDAY BEACH, MOUNTAINS, HISTORY AND MUSIC To Top
Birdwatching in Cuba
Today is for trekking and bird watching.
Hacienda Codina
Enjoy a traditional lunch at Hacienda Codina, once a Spanish coffee plantation.
Cuban cane cutter.
Sugar still plays an important but diminished role in the economy. Click photo to enlarge.
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.
Cuban bongo playerMusicians (and kids) play on the Playa Ancón.

Cuban beach boy
Ceramicist at Santander workshop
Sixth generation member of the Santander family spins decorative pots at centuries-old workshop.
Cuban pygmy owl Fernandina's flicker in Cuba Cuban parrot
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.
Playa Ancon Beach
Ancón beach at your all-inclusive resort hotel in Trinidad.

Cuban nature icon
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.

Cuban health care icon
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.
Trinidad de Cuba's main plaza
Cuban nature icon
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.

Cuban nature icon
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.

Cuban health care icon
Evening suggestion Live Cuban popular music at the nightclub Casa de la Trova – a great opportunity to dance with Cubans and your tour companions.
Cuban peasant hut
Peasant hut in the high altitude jungles of Topes de Collantes.
Soviet Army truck in Cuba
A Soviet Army truck is deployed to fight for nature. You'll ride to the mountains in one today.
Cuban tropical pond
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.
Live music at the ever-popular Casa de la Trova in Trinidad.
Cuban New Years celebration
Festive dancing at Casa de la Trova.
Racial integration in Cuba Cubans come in all colors and are proud of it!
Day 8 :: SATURDAY FAREWELL CUBA To Top
KEEP IN TOUCH with your new Cuban friends – exchange email addresses! Bring some business 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.
Green Anolis from Cuba.
Green Anoles: Lizards are ubiquitous in Cuba. The island has 73 known native species and this number is growing. They are not aggressive, don't bite, nor are they poisonous.

Early morning transfer to Havana's José Martí Int'l Airport for your return home. Don't forget to save 25.00 CUC for your Cuban airport departure fee and some money for meals on the airplane.
Want to stay longer in Cuba following your tour? Contact us and we will help make it happen.

Old Cuban saying, "a true friend remembers the song in your heart when you have forgotten the lyrics."
Cuban flower.
Goodbye Cuba girl We'll miss you and hope you return soon!
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