Name: Exploring the Island's Past, Present & Future with CNBC Wanderlust
Start: 2023-12-28T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-01-03T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Caribbean

Heart of Travel

Email address verified

135 reviews

Dec 28, 2023 - Jan 3, 2024

Group size: 6 - 12

Exploring the Island's Past, Present & Future with CNBC Wanderlust

Caribbean

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Heart of Travel

Email address verified

135 reviews

Dec 28, 2023 - Jan 3, 2024

Group size: 6 - 12

****Scroll to the bottom to see the full itinerary****

Have you ever longed to travel with other people who can relate to your experience of being Childless Not By Choice? Well now's your chance!

After experiencing an unforgettable group trip with Heart of Travel to Guatemala in 2022, Vanessa Swier of @both_childless_and_childfree was inspired to create such an opportunity. So, out of a love of travel and a desire to connect with other CNBC folks, CNBC Wanderlust was created.

CNBC Wanderlust is excited to be collaborating with Heart of Travel on this inaugural CNBC group trip and we hope you're excited to join us!!!

Scroll down to see the full itinerary.

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struggles that islanders have been facing for years, with their fate in the hands of an oppressive government and the outdated US embargo.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

CNBC Wanderlust'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 while traveling and connecting with other CNBC folks like yourself. 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 does double occupancy mean?

Double occupancy spots are for people traveling with a companion or roommate OR for someone traveling solo who is open to being paired with another solo traveler of the same gender to share a room. When you sign up for a double occupancy spot, please indicate if you are traveling with someone and if so, who, and how many beds are needed in the room (1 or 2). In the event, there is an uneven # of double occupancy sign-ups, a trip participant may end up rooming with a Tour Leader for parts of the trip or will be given the option to upgrade to a single supplement if desired.

What does single occupancy mean?

Single occupancy spots are for travelers who want their own room and bathroom. This applies to solo travelers who are not traveling with a roommate and do not wish to be paired with another traveler. To secure a single occupancy spot, please select the "single supplement add-on" at the time of registration. If you have any special requests for your room please let us know.

What are "additional nights"?

Often times travelers desire to add on an extra night of accommodation at the beginning or end of the trip. You can book additional nights through us by adding them to your cart at the time of registration. Likewise, they can be added later if you are unsure of your plans at the time of enrollment. Note the price is per room.

Will Heart of Travel help me book my international airfare?

Heart of Travel does not book international airfare for trip participants nor are we responsible for changes or delays in your reservation or flight. However, we will be more than happy to research and provide information on suggested flights. Simply provide us with the airport code for any airports that work for you to fly in/out of and we will be glad to take a look!

I have special dietary restrictions and/or medical needs or concerns. Can you accommodate me?

Yes! Heart of Travel has years of experience accommodating a range of dietary restrictions and preferences, even in some remote locations. Just let us know what you need and we've got your back. As for medical needs or concerns, Heart of Travel does its absolute best to accommodate all trip participants' preferences, needs, and abilities to ensure everyone stays safe and healthy and has a good time. If you have a medical condition or concern that needs to be discussed in greater detail please let us know as soon as possible so we can set up a time to chat and make sure we fully understand your needs and can prepare accordingly.

In the event, a Heart of Travel trip has not been canceled by Heart of Travel, but rather you have chosen not to join the trip for whatever reason, including COVID-19, the following policy will apply:

Cancellation 151 days or more before the trip start date: Fully refundable
Cancellation 91 - 150 days before the trip start date: Loss of deposit, the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable.
Cancellation 60 – 90 days before the trip start date: 50% Refundable
Cancellation 59 or fewer days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed, however, you could apply 70% of your payment towards a future trip to the same destination or 50% towards a Heart of Travel trip to an alternate destination.

*If you can’t make it on a trip but someone else can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your registration and dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, the new participant would be responsible for covering this fee.

TRIP POSTPONED OR CANCELED by Heart of Travel

In the event, a Heart of Travel trip is not possible due to COVID-19 (be it due to border closures or because we’ve determined the trip is not in the best interest of travelers and/or employees) we will notify participants immediately of the cancellation or postponement of the trip.

If the trip is canceled with 75 days of notice or more, travelers will have the option to receive a full refund, join the trip on the postponed dates, or transfer the amount paid to an alternative trip.
In the event, the trip is impacted less than 74 days before the start date the trip, it will not be canceled but rather postponed. This means there is no refund, however, you can receive a full 100% credit for the amount paid, good towards any other Heart of Travel trip to any destination at any time, or wait to go on your original trip at the new dates.

While adventure and connection through cross-cultural experience is our passion, we understand that there are inherent risks when it comes to international travel. Here at Heart of Travel, we believe in leaving places better than you found them, and part of making an impact is partnering with companies that share our values. That’s why we recommend purchasing Insured Nomads Travel Insurance before your upcoming travels. Insured Nomads Travel Insurance believes in safe, ethical travel that minimizes harm and leaves a positive impact on local communities.

Travel insurance is a sustainable practice because when you purchase a plan, this ensures you have the financial means to care for yourself should you get sick or hurt while traveling. This lessens the burden you may impose on a local community’s medical resources and guarantees that each worker gets paid for their services. Travel insurance also allows you to rest easy, knowing you’ve got someone in your corner should you get sick or experience travel disruptions. Visit Insured Nomads Travel Insurance and shop their available policies here. Have any questions? Insured Nomads offers incredible customer service and will make sure to find the perfect plan for you.

Disclaimer: Heart of Travel is a partner of Insured Nomads Travel Insurance. We offer their travel insurance plans and earn a commission for each plan sold. This does not impact your pricing in any way. Here at Heart of Travel, we are not insurance experts. Please contact Insured Nomads Travel Insurance for any questions regarding coverage, your plan, and filing a claim. Be sure to visit Insured Nomad’s website for complete coverage information.

Our standard payment plan involves a refundable deposit at the time of registration. The remaining balance is then divided into 2 additional installments. The trip is due in full 91 days before the departure date. If you pay with a credit/debit card you will automatically be enrolled in auto-payment and future payments will automatically be deducted from your account.

If you are interested in an alternative payment plan involving smaller monthly payments or custom payment dates please reach out to us at hola@theheartoftravel.org. We are happy to set up personalized payment plans and can offer interest-free payment plans for up to 12 months.

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.

DAY ONE, THURS Dec 28
DAY ONE, THURS Dec 28
Welcome to the Island
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 accommodations. You will then be given a brief orientation to the neighborhood.

That evening we will all enjoy a welcome dinner during which you can get to know your fellow CNBC travelers as well as your guides, while we discuss the itinerary for the following days.

You'll later have the option to 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 Capital! Or you can head back for the night for some R&R.
Read more
DAY TWO, FRI Dec 29
DAY TWO, FRI Dec 29
Walking Tour, Domino's, Street Art, Cocktail Class & Music
B, L & Dinner included

9:30 am - 2 hours 30 minutes

Walking & Bici-taxi Tour

Explore the city and all of its magic as we immerse ourselves in it's

history, lessons from the past, and what the local predict and desire for the future. Today, we'll take you on a walking tour of the historic center, stopping at all major plazas and points of interest. Additionally, we will get a bit "off the beaten path" to discuss the modern-day reality on the Island and the unique hurdles its citizens have to overcome daily in order to complete basic tasks, such as grocery shopping or repairing a common household appliance.

This tour provides you with a good lay of the land for independent exploration, as

well as a general overview of the island’s history and current political and economic

climate. We will also point out some of our favorite hidden gems such as shops, bars, cafés, art galleries, restaurants, and small businesses worth checking out and

supporting. Bici-taxis will be used to cut down on walking time when there are long

stretches between destinations. We encourage you to please ask your guide questions and feel free to make special requests if there is something specific you are hoping to explore during your time in the Capital city.

12:00 pm - 1 hour

Lunch

Indulge in a satisfying lunch located in the heart of the city. After a

delightful walking tour, one of our favorite charming restaurants invites you to experience the flavors of the Island. With a menu featuring a variety of options, you'll be treated to a selection of appetizers served family style. Dive into delectable dishes such as the renowned ropa vieja, succulent octopus, flavorful lobster, tender pork, and hearty rice and beans. This culinary journey promises to delight your taste buds and provide a true taste of the local cuisine.

1:30 pm - 1 hour 30 minutes

¡A Jugar Dominó!

It wouldn’t truly be a trip to the Island unless you find yourself sitting in a park or on a terrace, playing a round of dominó. More than just a game, dominó is an intrinsic part of the local culture. It is played everywhere, from the streets and parks to cafes and homes, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. As you play, you'll hear stories about the game's history and how it has become a beloved and integral part of the society. Today we will visit our friend's house for a very traditional and immersive experience with some of our local Tour Leader's childhood friends as they share their favorite pastime with us. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, our time spent playing dominó is sure to be a highlight of your trip!

3:00 pm - 2 hours

Siesta

Take some free time to relax, rest or explore independently.

5:00 pm - 1 hour 30 minutes

Street Art Tour

Take a deeper look into modern day life on the Island by learning about local street

art from the artists themselves. During this guided tour you will learn about

street artist, Fichu, among others as they share the stories behind their work, the hidden symbolism and socio-political messaging, and the artists hopes and fears for the future. This unfiltered and uncensored look into the local art, culture and economy will deepen your appreciation and admiration for this emerging generation of artists, creators and change-makers.

6:30 pm - 3 hours

Rooftop Cocktail Class & Dinner Party

Learn how to prepare cocktails and mocktails with a local bartender! Whether it’s

a Mojito, Daiquiri, or Canchanchára, you’ll be able to try your hand at different drinks, tasting them as you go and learning more about the Island's most iconic spirit - rum!

We can also adapt the beverages into mocktails and still have an incredible

experience so if you’d prefer to keep it non-alcoholic just let us know we can prepare ahead of time! Appetizers will be put out during the cocktail class, and you will later enjoy a family style meal and meet and greet with the artists and musicians.

7:30 pm - 1 hour

Concert and Meet & Greet with Local Musicians

During our cocktail class we will enjoy live music on the rooftop at Lorena's

house. Here we will meet with local musicians to hear them play and discuss music and the arts during this private concert with a trio of young musicians and

composers. The Island is home to a thriving art and music scene with everything ranging from classical musicians to contemporary artists. We’ll have a discussion with a handful of local artists and learn how the arts have helped to depict themes from their country's history and culture, as well as have their voices heard surrounding current events, a task that isn't always easy or safe for them to do.

Tonight we will also enjoy a delicious dinner with our new friends.
Read more
DAY THREE, SAT Dec 30
DAY THREE, SAT Dec 30
Classic Cars, Beach Fun, Local Art Scene & Nightlife
B, L & D included

9:00 am - 2 hours

Classic Car Tour

You didn’t think you would visit the Island and not have the chance to cruise

around in a classic car, did you? Prepare to be awed by not only the beautiful cars butalso the ingenuity of the people who have kept these cars running for more than 50 years. Out of necessity, due to lack of materials, locals have had to keep their cars in commission using sheer brainpower. Fortunately, they are nothing if not resourceful, as you'll surely notice after just a few days on the island. This extends to vehicles and machinery of any kind.

During our tour, we’ll get outside the city and visit a few different

neighborhoods in our cars - stopping for plenty of photo ops along the way and

discussing the local history over the past 5 centuries. We'll also get a chance to see the local forest, and drive across the other side of the bay, giving us a stunning view of the cityscape.

11:30 am - 3 hours 30 minutes

Beach Day

We’ll head to the beach after our classic car tour, arriving there at approximately 11:30 am. Here you can enjoy a relaxing morning and afternoon on the

beach, go for a dip or even do some snorkeling!

We’ll then enjoy a lunch of freshly caught seafood as we dine directly on the

beach. Local vendors also walk the shores of the beach selling fresh tamales, which we also highly encourage you to try. Once you're ready to head back to the city to

freshen up for your last evening exploring the city just let your guide and driver know!

3:30 pm - 3 hours 30 minutes

Siesta

Take some free time to relax, rest or explore independently.

7:00 pm - 2 hours

Dinner

Tonight we’ll hop in some little coco-taxis and speed on over to one of the modern neighborhoods. Here we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a cool little spot that was once an old cooking oil factory but has since been transformed into a stunning rooftop terrace restaurant and lounge. This incredibly hip and modern establishment offers an extensive menu with everything ranging from freshly caught seafood, veggie dishes, and mouthwatering desserts.

9:00 pm

La Fábrica de Arte

Get ready to experience the magic that is La Fabrica de Arte. It's hard to

put into words just how incredible of a place this is. You will view everything from

photography to sculptures, fashion to architecture, as well as film, live music, and much more. This mixed-medium art space contains multiple galleries, stages, dance floors, and social areas for eating and drinking and is frequented by both locals and foreigners on a nightly basis.

This is a perfect chance to meet and interact with people from the island as well

as many other parts of the world! Plus, live music will start at 10:30 pm and if you’re

looking for something more laidback there are quiet lounges and various patios for a breath of fresh air. Whether you’re hitting the dance floor or taking in the local art, this unique space truly has something for everyone.

Transportation will be available back to your accommodations upon request anytime between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am. We can make as many trips as necessary so people are not bound by other's schedules.
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DAY FOUR, SUN Dec 31
DAY FOUR, SUN Dec 31
Heading to the Countryside
B, L & Dinner included

10:00 am - 3 hours

Depart for the Countryside

Today, we’ll make the 2.5-hour journey from the city to the countryside, where

we will visit an UNESCO World Heritage site. Known as the heart of the

tobacco and coffee-growing region of the island, this beautiful rural area is also known for its kind people, stunning landscapes and agricultural production. We will make 1-2 stops along the way for bathroom breaks, stretching and to grab a coffee or snack!

1:00 pm - 2 hours

Lunch & Organic Farm Tour

Take in the serenity of the countryside while dining on fresh, locally grown

ingredients. Before lunch, we’ll take a short tour of an organic farm our lunch stop restaurant is located on. Here, we will discuss food production in the area, the cost of food on the island, and these farmer's innovative organic farming techniques before enjoying a family-style meal.

2:15 pm - 2 hours

Siesta

Take some free time to relax, rest or explore independently.

3:00 pm

Check-into our accommodations

Upon arrival into town, we will get you checked into your accommodations. The

homes are simple but well maintained and cheerful, with welcoming hosts, AC,

mini-fridges, and breakfast included. Wifi access, albeit slow, is also available. Many of the homes also boast charming garden areas and front porch rocking chairs.

Our group will be divided into various houses but they will be within a block of

one another, or possibly even right next door. Exact housing assignments in are often defined a week before arrival or less, this is normal. However, you can

rest assured our local host, Yeni, will be securing you the best accommodations

available in the area!

4:15 pm - 45 minutes

Donation Distribution Organization, Optional

Before heading out to our evening pig roast we will sort out any of the supplies that

people have brought to donate. Working with our trusted local contact, Yeni, we will organize the supplies and she will talk to us about the communities, schools, and

individuals that will be receiving the supplies.

Out of respect for people’s privacy, we will not be doing a mass distribution, rather, we will allow our local contacts to handle the disbursement of the donations. They will provide us with some photos to document the drop-off, however, we will not take photos for social media purposes of this aspect of our trip but you can keep them for your personal collection.

5:00 pm - 4+ hours

Pig Roast & NYE Party

Nothing says local countryside like a “lechon asado”, or delicious pig roast

as we'd say in English. Enjoy the friendly company of the local farmers as we help to

roast our very own pig, learn to make mojitos, play dominó, listen to live music, and

dance the night away in true guajiro style. There is no official end time for the pig roast but people usually spend 3 to 4 hours there to enjoy the breathtaking setting and warmth of our hosts.

Since it's New Years, we can choose to stay late and ring in the New Year on the farm or head back into town for dancing and live music.
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DAY FIVE, MON Jan 1
DAY FIVE, MON Jan 1
Horseback Riding, Tobacco & Coffee Farm, & Salsa Class
B & Lunch included

11:00 am - 4 hours

Horseback Riding to Tobacco & Coffee Farm

Enjoy an outdoor adventure with a light hike or horseback ride throughout

the Valley to learn about flora and fauna. Here, we will visit a tobacco and coffee

farmer’s home. This is a great opportunity to try, and purchase, cigars, snap an iconic photo and sip on a delicious local beverage known as canchánchara!

While here, you will learn about the tobacco industry in greater detail as well as the overall way in which the island's economy works. This experience will deepen your appreciation of the work that goes into creating products and experiences for tourists and the way in which your visit to the country can have a positive impact on the lives of individuals. Taste local coffee, smoke a hand-rolled cigar, and sip on a delicious canchanchára, a classic local cocktail. This visit to Alejandro’s house is a major highlight of the trip for many!

3:00 pm - 3 hours

Siesta

Take some free time to relax, rest or explore independently.

6:00 pm - 2 hours

Salsa Class

Time to bust a move on the dance floor! Learn the basic steps of salsa during our

one-hour dance lesson. If time allows, we will also learn the basic steps of

merengue and bachata, two other common styles of dance that are popular throughout Latin America. Soak up this cultural immersion experience and learn a new skill all while taking in breathtaking views of the Valley.

Once we've wrapped up our class we will be right in the heart of town so you can grab a bite to eat, go for a drink or continue dancing the night away!

8:00 pm

Optional Dinner, Drinks & Dancing

For those up for a little more nightlife, your tour guides and leaders will be happy

to accompany you to one of our favorite spots to eat dinner. This little tapa's

bar is a great option for dinner and drinks and just a stone's throw from various options for salsa dancing at night!
Read more
DAY SIX, TUES Jan 2
DAY SIX, TUES Jan 2
La Playa & Entrepreneurship
B, L & Dinner included

5:30 am - 3 hours 30 minutes

Stargazing & Sunrise

For those looking for a little morning exercise with a gorgeous reward, there is an

optional hike to watch the sunrise. We will visit a small community

up in the mountain range surrounding the valley where you can enjoy an epic sunrise. This town is known nearby water pools that are said to have healing and restorative powers. This experience gets us some time in nature and a glimpse into life off the beaten path.

We begin our moderate hike before sunrise, allowing us to appreciate the stars

whose light (along with that of our headlamps) will guide us. The first 30 to 40 minutes is flat and is followed by 30 minutes of a steeper incline. Upon arrival at our lookout point we will enjoy a beautiful sunrise and breakfast.

If you'd prefer to hang back, you can hit the snooze button and enjoy breakfast at

your accommodations

9:00 am - 1 hour

Zipline/Canopy Tour

Get your adrenaline pumping on this 4 cable zip-lining experience. Your local

guides will fit you in professional gear and accompany you on this thrilling experience.

If you stayed behind from the hike, our driver will take you to meet up with the rest of the group for this experience!

10:00 am - Departure - 3 hours

Return to the Capital CIty

Time to head back to the city! We’ll begin the journey back to the capital,

making stops for bathroom and stretch breaks as needed.

1:00 pm - 1 hour

Lunch

This afternoon we will dine at a charming and artsy restaurant that is not only adorable but a great option for international dishes and incredible cocktails and mocktails in a casual environment.

We’ll spend some time cooling off with freshly prepared drinks and delicious plates, before heading out to explore more of this vibrant city

3:00 pm - 2 hours

Siesta

Take some free time to relax, rest or explore independently.

7:30 pm - 2 hours

Farewell Dinner

Tonight we'll enjoy a special farewell dinner at a hip local paladar, as we celebrate

our new CNBC friendships and the end of an incredible adventure together!!
Read more
DAY SEVEN, WED Jan 3
DAY SEVEN, WED Jan 3
Adios New CNBC Travel Buddies
B included

Departure

Transfer to the Airport

On our final day, we will have breakfast before heading to the airport to catch our return flights. Transportation will be provided 3 hours prior to your flight
Read more

DAY ONE, THURS Dec 28

Welcome to the Island

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 accommodations. You will then be given a brief orientation to the neighborhood.

That evening we will all enjoy a welcome dinner during which you can get to know your fellow CNBC travelers as well as your guides, while we discuss the itinerary for the following days.

You'll later have the option to 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 Capital! Or you can head back for the night for some R&R.

Heart of Travel

135 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.

Unparalleled! Charming and knowledgeable guide, Intimate experiences with in country folks, amazing food, and accommodations. Glorious and fun.

By Valerie S for Caribbean Escape: Discovering Puerto Viejo & Bocas del Toro 2024 on Oct 04, 2024

This was an awesome extension to our Peru Inca Trail trip! We got to do homestays with two different families and experience life on the Uros floating islands! I highly recommend it for anyone traveling to Peru!

By Adrianne T for Peru Extension: Lake Titicaca, 3 days/2 nights on Oct 01, 2024

This was a challenging, adventurous, fun, and incredible trip! The Inca Trail 4-day hike is brutal and amazing at the same time! It's not for the faint of heart and I couldn't have asked for a better group of women to do it with or better guides! Everything was curated so well! Thank you Heart of Travel for such a fantastic experience!

By Adrianne T for Adventure in the Andes: The Inca Trail on Sep 29, 2024

This trip was a wonderful introduction to Cuba. Everything was thoughtfully planned out and really connected us to local culture - beautiful accommodations, delicious meals, private artists tours, and much more. We fell in love with the people… and I have to say the food :) and hope to book another Cuba trip soon. Thank you to Paloma and Enmanuel for a perfect time. We always leave HOT tours with many new friends and we found them both amongst them.

By Noel G for The Island Express: Arts & Entrepreneurship on Sep 04, 2024

This was an incredible trip. From top to bottom, beginning to end, it hit all the right notes. The care with which the Heart of Travel team prepared this voyage, and followed through on that preparation, is absolutely unlike anything I've seen. We are a family of four. The prospect of traveling to a Latin American country and pursuing a packed itinerary of activities with two young daughters was daunting to say the least. We had to pack our clothes carefully – for the cold weather of the Ecuadorian highlands as well as the sunny breezes of the tropical Galápagos archipelago. Heart of Travel was there for us with detailed packing lists and pertinent information about weather, safety, and activities. We knew our guides by name and photo before we even left the States. We could tell the team cared about us before we even began our travel. And then we got to the country and it was nothing short of magical. We stayed at historical haciendas and met indigienous craftspeople. We ate food cooked with love and care from fully stocked kitchens. We had the time we needed to experience things on our own terms, ask questions and get full answers, have conversations that opened up our understanding of the world, and grow closer together as a family and a tour group. Our accommodations were excellent, and our hosts were knowledgeable, flexible, and able to accommodate us when our plans changed in the moment. Highlights include: * Teaching my daughters how to play pool in the lobby of the hacienda as dusk fell and our food was being prepared in the other room; * Hearing Christina, a Quichua artisan, talk about her traditional clothing and sing a song about two young lovers; * Enjoying a pre-dinner cup of cinnamon tea in the bar of a 300-year-old hacienda, in the same spot where Simón Bolivar may have sat as he was bringing revolution to South America; * Touring a working rose plantation, watching the workers prepare the day's shipments, exploring the 400-year-old Jesuit chapel, and enjoying a homemade lunch at the main house; * Walking with the giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island while noticing the beaks of all the various finches that flew around; * Scuba diving in a school of tropical jack fish near Seymour Island on our second-to-last-day; * Standing on the official equatorial benchmark at 0°0'0" and learning about how over the centuries different cultures found their way to that spot; and * Making memories and friendships that will stay with us long after we get home. Chiva and Charlie were amazing guides, babysitters, social media mavens, and friends. Gustavo led us around his native country with care and consideration. The drivers were professional and always on time. We waited for nothing and always had people thinking about our next steps. At the same time that our guides were working to ensure a seamless travel experience, they were making friends and sharing their lives with us. I especially want to highlight how Chiva and Charlie stepped up for us. My wife and I had signed up for a scuba excursion one day, and this meant our daughters would need to stay with the rest of the group. We had talked and prepped about this for a while, and even introduced some of our travel buddies to our girls so they'd feel more comfortable being alone with other grown-ups while their parents were on the water. When the day came, our scuba party was preparing to go, but the balance of the travel group decided that instead of doing the planned small group activity – with our kids – they wanted to rest and shop in the village. Rather than cancelling the plans and having the kids sit around the hotel all day, Chiva and Charlie stepped up to the plate. They brought our kids on a boat and walking tour for most of the day, and then they stayed in touch with us throughout. We got so many pictures of our kids hanging out with the tour guides, enjoying the sea air on the catamaran, eating a full lunch, laughing huge belly laughs, playing, singing, just raucous fun. Who knew that in addition to being amazing tour guides, these two were also professional babysitters? Our tour ended with tearful goodbyes, and we felt like we had made friends for life. Our family is always going to remember our Ecuador trip with Heart of Travel. tl;dr: Looking for a great family trip? Look no further! Perfect, amazing service on every level, and some of the best memories we will ever have.

By Heather P for Custom Services: Heather Patin & family on Aug 11, 2024

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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

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

I just returned from a two week trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. The trip was an incredible balance of learning, discovery, and recreation. Both the local guides and the Heart of Travel coordinator, Chiva, were excellent!!! The accommodations, food, and itinerary were fantastic. I will definitely travel with Heart of Travel again.

By Lina A on 27 Jun, 2023

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