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We have decided to run two groups with up to 10 people max per group due to high demand. Therefore, it says a maximum of 20 people but there will be no more than 10 people per group and we will have separate guides, casas particulares and vehicles for each group. We also will re-arrange the order of activities slightly to avoid overlap.
Please note that why travel to the island IS legal for US citizens, using the name of the country on the trip description page can cause problems for our third-party payment processor. Therefore, we will be referring to the country as "the island" on this itinerary and its people as "the islanders".
The island is easily one of the most unique and interesting destinations to visit in all of Latin America, if not the world. While you may come here looking for answers, you're more than likely to return home with even more questions. The island's vibrant culture is reflected in its art, music, dance, food, drink, and overall energy. However, it's important to recognize the struggles that islanders have been facing for years, with their fate in the hands of an oppressive government and the outdated US embargo.
In recent years, islanders, both on and off the island, have been raising their voices and demanding change on the island. The government's response to the July 2021 protest was a direct violation of human rights as they censored citizens, reduced access to resources such as the internet and electricity, and wrongfully imprisoned civilians for peaceful protest and personal expression. The decision to resume tours to the island was not taken lightly, but we eventually decided it was ultimately in the best interest of our local operators on the island to resume tours to the island and continue with our mission to educate people about the island.
Heart of Travel's trip gives you the opportunity to hear a variety of experiences and perspectives directly from islanders as we discuss the island's history, politics, economy, and current events. All of the activities on our trip are designed to support small, privately owned businesses and individual freelancers. We will not be staying in any government-owned hotels or eating in government restaurants and we will get absolutely as much of every cent possible directly into the hands of civilians and not government-operated businesses.
Our island tours immediately immerse you as you settle into your "casa particular" owned and run by a local family. From there you will jump into learning about the island's historic and cultural past and present while traveling throughout both urban and rural parts of the island. Our in-country host families, local guides, and drivers look forward to sharing the real island with you!
Per person price when booking a double occupancy spot for an 8-day/7 night trip
Per person price when booking single-occupancy spot for an 8 day/7 night trip
Per person price when booking a double occupancy spot for a 13 day/12 night
Per person price when booking a single occupancy spot for a 13-day/12 night trip
Upon arriving at the airport, one of our Program Directors will be waiting to greet you. They will then accompany you to the capital's historic center to get settled into your casa particular. You will then be given a brief orientation to the neighborhood.
That evening we will all enjoy a welcome dinner during which travelers can get to know one another and the guides better as we discuss the itinerary for the following days.
We'll later get into the spirit of the island with cocktails and live music at one of the historic center's most iconic, privately owned, bars just steps from the Capitol!