Exploring the Island's Past, Present & Future

Ho
Heart of Travel
  • Email address verified
149 reviews
Dec 28, 2023 - Jan 3, 2024
Group size: 6 - 12
Exploring the Island's Past, Present & Future
Caribbean

Heart of Travel
  • Email address verified
149 reviews

Dec 28, 2023 - Jan 3, 2024
Group size: 6 - 12

About this trip

Click here to view a detailed version of this 7-day/6-night itinerary. 


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 page and its people as "the islanders". By clicking the link above you can view a more detailed and uncensored look at our itinerary!


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struggles that islanders have been facing for years, with their fate in the hands of an oppressive government and the outdated US embargo.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. 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! 

What’s included

  • 6 nights accommodation
    Private room + bathroom inside casa particulares
  • 16 meals
    Includes one beverage at each meal
  • In country transport
    Ground, air, water as indicated on itinerary
  • Entrance + guide fees
    For all activities included on the itinerary
  • 24/7 access + support
    Provided by bilingual Heart of Travel Tour Leader

What’s not included

  • International airfare
    To/from the island
  • Travel Medical Insurance
    Required, usually included in flight. We will provide assistance
  • Tourist Card/Visa
    You can purchase at airport on departure day or in advance online. We will provide assistance
  • Meals not stated
    Any meals not indicated on itinerary
  • Trip insurance
    Recommended, not required
  • Tips
    To local guides

Available Packages

7 day / 6 night: Double Occupancy

Per person price when booking a double occupancy spot for a 7-day / 6-night trip. 

$2,350
Deposit:$750
7 day / 6 night: Single Occupancy

Per person price when booking a single occupancy spot for a 7-day / 6-night trip.

$2,750
Deposit:$750

Available options

Basic I Online Travel Spanish Course
$99

Learn the basics of Spanish for your upcoming trip with our online, self paced Basic Travel Spanish Course! Access granted within 48 hours.



Your Organizer


Ho
Heart of Travel
149 reviews
The Heart of Travel was born out of a deep-rooted love and passion for travel, art, history, food, nature, culture and adventure as well as a call to give back to the communities and people that had already provided us with so much. The travel industry has long been bombarded with double decker tour busses, beach front resorts and cruise ships, often at the expense of the local communities. As a response to this failing system, we began a boutique travel company that allows clients to explore new places in an authentic and non-touristy way, offering travelers a more intimate and unique experience all while removing the stress and hassle of researching, planning, bargain hunting, reserving and more that goes along with planning a trip or vacation.

Reviews

I had a wonderful trip to Ecuador with Heart of Travel. It’s an amazing country with a lot to see and explore. The animals, snorkeling, scenery, food and the people really made this trip special. I highly recommend it!
By Liz O for Wildlife Discovery in a Galapagos Paradise on Dec 10, 2024
Our trip coordinator Selvyn made our wonderful trip smooth and incredibly enjoyable. Every turn, every day with every driver he coordinated, we knew we were in great hands. Selvyn made himself available to us and was responsive immediately with care, friendliness, politeness and professionalism. He went above and beyond for our family. We are planning a return trip very soon and of course we will request our friend Selvyn. Thank you and thank you Selvyn for a perfect experience! Roth Family
By Virna R for Custom Trip Services: Virna Gonzalez on Nov 30, 2024
This tour was a highlight of our trip to Guatemala. Easy booking, clear communication, on-time pick up with flexibility, informative, personal, and a great experience!
By Kimia P for Antigua Coffee Farm Tour with Don José on Nov 19, 2024
MS
It was an Amazing time and travel. There was never a dull moment. The food was great but at times wished we had a little more. I have already began to recommend Heart of Travel to a couple of friends. Thanks for such a memorable trip.
By Martha S for Experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, México on Nov 15, 2024
The trip was great! Cris was a wonderful tour guide and all of the activities were enjoyable. She personalized the trip for everyone. In addition, I had dietary restrictions, which were able to be addressed.
By Christine W for Experience Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, México on Nov 14, 2024
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References

I cannot recommend Heart of Travel more enthusiastically! We took a trip to Guatemala to see the Giant Kite Festival in Sumpango. It was important to us to learn about Guatemalan culture, people, history, food, and have authentic experiences where we could get to know people. From my very first conversation with the team, I felt confident in their experience and that our values aligned. They absolutely exceeded expectations - everything was perfect! The travel arrangements, hotels, restaurants and activities were all impeccably well executed. The variety and intimate nature of all our activities was superb, as was our amazing guide, Selvyn. His passion for his country and people is heartwarming, his knowledge of culture and history is encyclopedic. He is a consummate professional, taking care of everything we could possibly have needed or wanted. He is also a tremendously warm and wonderful person who we felt really fortunate to get to know. The work by the entire team behind the scenes to ensure a magically seamless trip is impressive. We fell in love with Guatemala; the beauty of the country, warm smiles of the people, amazing food, rich history, and an incredibly well-planned tour led by an expert guide - what's not to love?! You will love Heart of Travel!
By Angela D on 20 Nov, 2024
Heart of Travel is the best for magical and ethical vacations! Chelsea and her incredible team first won me over in Guatemala in 2023 as they planned a beautiful trip that allowed us to see and experience so many different places, people, and things. A helicopter ride, a volcano hike, spa day, meeting the most badass Mayan weaver!!, a once-in a lifetime sunset tour in Tikal - done. I'm still trying to get over this trip lol. They knocked it out of the park again in Cuba for NYE! Chelsea and the spectacular Paloma had us dancing multiple nights away, eating the BEST food, and seeing ALL the sights while also giving us ample opportunity to support the Cuban people and educating us on why that is so important. You will leave their trips with new memories, new friends, and possibly, some new perspectives. Do it!!!
By Amber S on 08 Feb, 2024
KL
Words can’t begin to express the way this trip impacted me! Every single person we met was so amazing, so kind, and truly opened their hearts and lives to us! Cuba, you have left an undeniable mark on my soul… Your people, your colors, your food, your history… Thank you for sharing this world with us! Cannot wait for our next trip! We love you 🥰
By Krista L on 24 Jan, 2024
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