Who is this for?
North American creative professionals eager to explore Cuba, in these changing times, are invited to participate in an authentic, uniquely-focused experience of this beautiful, mysterious and often misunderstood island nation. We'll learn something about Cuban arts, music, literature, architecture and history, while visiting art galleries, artisans' workshops and theater and experiencing music, dance and meeting some extraordinary individuals from a variety of fields. From this thoughtfully curated journey, you will know Cuba in ways few (if any) outsiders ever experience Cuba, and no doubt make wonderful connections and memories to last a lifetime.
Do I need to know Spanish?
While knowing the local language is always an advantage, a knowledge of Spanish is not needed as a translator will be with us throughout. Also, it's likely that some of our fellow journeyers will have some Spanish language skills, and some of the people we'll encounter (especially in the tourism industry) speak some English.
Price and Logistics?
We're offering a land-only package, with coordination of the group from Mexico City to Havana and return. You must book your own flights from your city of origin to Mexico City (MEX) and be in Mexico City Nov. 29, the day before the start date of our flight on Interjet to Havana. You should also plan to stay over night in Mexico City upon returning from Havana to meet your flights the following day (or however you have chosen your roundtrip to Mexico City, which is up to you). We will offer suggestions for Mexico City Airport Hotels (or other Mexico City resources should you choose to spend some time there). Please let us know if you choose to take a different route and meet us at the rental casa on the afternoon of Nov. 30, in which case you are responsible for transportation from the airport to the casa (taxis are abundant and the ride should be $25-$30 CUC from the airport to your destination in Havana city).
You are responsible for also booking your flights on Interjet.
We understand that some of you may choose to extend your stay in Cuba or fly from/to other destinations, as is your perogative. Please inform us of your plans in any case.
The flights to book are roundtrip from MEX to HAV:
Ft. 2900 leaving Nov. 30 from Mexico City International Airport at 11:15 a.m., arriving La Habana at 14:15 (2:45 p.m.)
Ft. 2901 leaving Dec. 8 from La Habana at 15:40 (3:40 p.m.) arriving Mexico City at 17:45 (5:45 p.m.)
We recommend you join Interjet's Club Interjet as there are discounts and advantages. Their prices change occasionally and there is no rhyme or reason, so we suggest you book as soon as seems reasonable, flights in both directions should be under $400.
In any case, Interjet offers a 20% discount to anyone 65 and over.
Interjet permits 2 checked bags of 50 lbs. each, but your preceeding flight may charge extra for a second bag. Check with your airline.
The balance of registration, along with all forms, is due by August 31, 2016. You must plan for your own accommodation and meals before and after our departure from/return to Mexico City. See PRICE page for details.
Once on the ground, all your costs are covered with the exception of those specified on the PRICE page.
Is it legal for me to visit Cuba?
Despite the recent moves by President Obama and the US government to ‘normalize’ relations with Cuba, travel regulations remain largely unchanged from years past. As relaxing as it might sound, it’s still technically illegal for an American citizen to travel to Cuba just to sit on a beach, mojito in hand. The Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), which is overseen by the US Department of the Treasury, still prohibits American citizens to travel to Cuba purely for tourist activities. However, OFAC does permit American travel to Cuba as long as it fits within one of 12 general categories. One of these categories, ‘educational activities,’ is how the majority of American citizens have legally traveled to Cuba for the past few years. On the form you will be given by the airlines, as to your purpose for this trip, check "Educational/Cultural". This trip meets the criteria for the U.S. Treasury regulations for "Special Permit, General License" travel to Cuba.
Is it safe to visit Cuba?
Of all the places in the world — especially compared to the U.S. with its gun violence, road rage and level of fear and aggravation –– Cuba is one of the safest places to travel. There are no guns in the society, no overt violence toward “regular folks,” (tourists or Cubans) and the only danger seems to be "Crimes of opportunity,” which are found everywhere — stealing something that’s easy to rip off. Like traveling, or living, anywhere, you have to be mindful of your wallet, camera, etc. Having lived in Havana a total of 6 months in the past 3 years, I have walked alone late at night in Habana Vieja (old town), Vedado (where we’ll be staying) and the more western suburb of Playa, and never felt unsafe. It’s a remarkably civil society, and the crime rate is very low. Last year, Cuba received a record 3.52 million visitors, up 17.4 percent from 2014. American visits rose 77 percent to 161,000, not counting hundreds of thousands of Cuban-Americans. Canadians, Europeans, Latin Americans, etc. have been visiting Cuba for decades… without serious incidents.
What about Money?
Cuba is a cash-only economy for now. There are two currencies: the CUP (Cuban Peso), in which Cubans are paid and are valued at 24:1 of the CUC, and the CUC (Cuban Convertible Currency), which is what we will exchange for the cash we bring. This can be exchanged back to major world currencies upon leaving Cuba. Although the CUC is roughly tagged to the U.S. dollar, it is recommended that you change your U.S. dollars into Euros or Canadian dollars BEFORE embarking on this trip. Yes, American dollars can be exchanged in Cuba, but you will be charged an additional 10% fee. Please order from your bank or online money-exchange service sufficient exchanged currency, in sufficient time, before you leave home. You CANNOT use ATMs or U.S. credit cards in Cuba. You must bring hard currency. If you run out of money while in Cuba, there is no way to get more! A general rule-of-thumb is $100 per day per person. If you plan to buy art or other "big ticket" items, bring more. Although best to change all the cash you think you may need upon arrival at the Havana airport, in order to avoid long lines, your cash can be exchanged once in the city of Havana.
Travel Insurance
We've just become aware that one well-known international travel insurance company has recently begun offering Travel and Health Insurance for U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba. Click here for more information and your personal quote.
What should I bring for myself?
There are many needs to be met in Cuba. Basic over-the-counter products are rare in Cuba, like ibuprophen, antibiotic cream, bandaids, cold medicines. Small notebooks and pens are appreciated, as are art supplies, reuseable tote bags and cotton clothing (which is very expensive). Baseballs and gloves, children's toys, etc are in high demand. We'll discuss this more as we get closer to departure.
What Can I Legally Bring In?
In addition to your personal jewelry, cameras and other valuables, visitors are allowed to bring into Cuba, duty free, two bottles of liquor, one carton of cigarettes and up to 10 kilograms of medicine. Gifts up to a value of $250 US can also be brought in. Of that, $50 is duty-free; the rest is 100 per cent taxable. Narcotics and firearms, except for authorized hunting weapons, are not allowed into the country. No restrictions exist on the amount of money a visitor can bring into the country, but amounts over $5,000 US should be declared.
Tourists are allowed to take their personal effects which include the articles (new or used) that they reasonably need for their holidays (according the length and purpose of the trip), plus: sport equipment, jewels, photographic camera, camcorder, cellular phones, blackberries, laptops, Ipods, MP3 players, video games, hair dryers, electric shavers, binoculars, one portable radio receiver, tape recorder, one portable music instrument and a sound recording device.
What Can I Legally Take Out?
Under rule changes announced by Obama in January 2015, American traveling to Cuba for authorized reasons are allowed to buy personal consumption goods while they're visiting, up to $400 worth of goods bought in Cuba for personal use. This includes no more than $100 of alcohol or tobacco products. Art and originally works over the $400 limit can be declared and taxes paid in Cuba.
More Information Upon Registration
You will receive via email more details, reading suggestions and other materials to prepare you for this exciting Journey.
Conference Call Prior to the Trip
We will schedule a conference call for everyone to meet and ask questions. We're also available any time to answer questions.
Call Aysha at 1-415-877-1044.
For more information and photos, go to: Visiting Havana, and Visit Cuban Resources.
North American creative professionals eager to explore Cuba, in these changing times, are invited to participate in an authentic, uniquely-focused experience of this beautiful, mysterious and often misunderstood island nation. We'll learn something about Cuban arts, music, literature, architecture and history, while visiting art galleries, artisans' workshops and theater and experiencing music, dance and meeting some extraordinary individuals from a variety of fields. From this thoughtfully curated journey, you will know Cuba in ways few (if any) outsiders ever experience Cuba, and no doubt make wonderful connections and memories to last a lifetime.
Do I need to know Spanish?
While knowing the local language is always an advantage, a knowledge of Spanish is not needed as a translator will be with us throughout. Also, it's likely that some of our fellow journeyers will have some Spanish language skills, and some of the people we'll encounter (especially in the tourism industry) speak some English.
Price and Logistics?
We're offering a land-only package, with coordination of the group from Mexico City to Havana and return. You must book your own flights from your city of origin to Mexico City (MEX) and be in Mexico City Nov. 29, the day before the start date of our flight on Interjet to Havana. You should also plan to stay over night in Mexico City upon returning from Havana to meet your flights the following day (or however you have chosen your roundtrip to Mexico City, which is up to you). We will offer suggestions for Mexico City Airport Hotels (or other Mexico City resources should you choose to spend some time there). Please let us know if you choose to take a different route and meet us at the rental casa on the afternoon of Nov. 30, in which case you are responsible for transportation from the airport to the casa (taxis are abundant and the ride should be $25-$30 CUC from the airport to your destination in Havana city).
You are responsible for also booking your flights on Interjet.
We understand that some of you may choose to extend your stay in Cuba or fly from/to other destinations, as is your perogative. Please inform us of your plans in any case.
The flights to book are roundtrip from MEX to HAV:
Ft. 2900 leaving Nov. 30 from Mexico City International Airport at 11:15 a.m., arriving La Habana at 14:15 (2:45 p.m.)
Ft. 2901 leaving Dec. 8 from La Habana at 15:40 (3:40 p.m.) arriving Mexico City at 17:45 (5:45 p.m.)
We recommend you join Interjet's Club Interjet as there are discounts and advantages. Their prices change occasionally and there is no rhyme or reason, so we suggest you book as soon as seems reasonable, flights in both directions should be under $400.
In any case, Interjet offers a 20% discount to anyone 65 and over.
Interjet permits 2 checked bags of 50 lbs. each, but your preceeding flight may charge extra for a second bag. Check with your airline.
The balance of registration, along with all forms, is due by August 31, 2016. You must plan for your own accommodation and meals before and after our departure from/return to Mexico City. See PRICE page for details.
Once on the ground, all your costs are covered with the exception of those specified on the PRICE page.
Is it legal for me to visit Cuba?
Despite the recent moves by President Obama and the US government to ‘normalize’ relations with Cuba, travel regulations remain largely unchanged from years past. As relaxing as it might sound, it’s still technically illegal for an American citizen to travel to Cuba just to sit on a beach, mojito in hand. The Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), which is overseen by the US Department of the Treasury, still prohibits American citizens to travel to Cuba purely for tourist activities. However, OFAC does permit American travel to Cuba as long as it fits within one of 12 general categories. One of these categories, ‘educational activities,’ is how the majority of American citizens have legally traveled to Cuba for the past few years. On the form you will be given by the airlines, as to your purpose for this trip, check "Educational/Cultural". This trip meets the criteria for the U.S. Treasury regulations for "Special Permit, General License" travel to Cuba.
Is it safe to visit Cuba?
Of all the places in the world — especially compared to the U.S. with its gun violence, road rage and level of fear and aggravation –– Cuba is one of the safest places to travel. There are no guns in the society, no overt violence toward “regular folks,” (tourists or Cubans) and the only danger seems to be "Crimes of opportunity,” which are found everywhere — stealing something that’s easy to rip off. Like traveling, or living, anywhere, you have to be mindful of your wallet, camera, etc. Having lived in Havana a total of 6 months in the past 3 years, I have walked alone late at night in Habana Vieja (old town), Vedado (where we’ll be staying) and the more western suburb of Playa, and never felt unsafe. It’s a remarkably civil society, and the crime rate is very low. Last year, Cuba received a record 3.52 million visitors, up 17.4 percent from 2014. American visits rose 77 percent to 161,000, not counting hundreds of thousands of Cuban-Americans. Canadians, Europeans, Latin Americans, etc. have been visiting Cuba for decades… without serious incidents.
What about Money?
Cuba is a cash-only economy for now. There are two currencies: the CUP (Cuban Peso), in which Cubans are paid and are valued at 24:1 of the CUC, and the CUC (Cuban Convertible Currency), which is what we will exchange for the cash we bring. This can be exchanged back to major world currencies upon leaving Cuba. Although the CUC is roughly tagged to the U.S. dollar, it is recommended that you change your U.S. dollars into Euros or Canadian dollars BEFORE embarking on this trip. Yes, American dollars can be exchanged in Cuba, but you will be charged an additional 10% fee. Please order from your bank or online money-exchange service sufficient exchanged currency, in sufficient time, before you leave home. You CANNOT use ATMs or U.S. credit cards in Cuba. You must bring hard currency. If you run out of money while in Cuba, there is no way to get more! A general rule-of-thumb is $100 per day per person. If you plan to buy art or other "big ticket" items, bring more. Although best to change all the cash you think you may need upon arrival at the Havana airport, in order to avoid long lines, your cash can be exchanged once in the city of Havana.
Travel Insurance
We've just become aware that one well-known international travel insurance company has recently begun offering Travel and Health Insurance for U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba. Click here for more information and your personal quote.
What should I bring for myself?
- Passport – check your passport and make sure the expiration date is at least 6 months after the end of our trip date.
- A map of Havana - please buy one before you leave!
** Your GPS will not work, as you will not have regular cell phone or wifi service ** - A guidebook, if desired
- Clothing for the tropics and light jacket for cooler evenings
While we'll mostly be casual, there may be a few nights where more "dressy" clothes are appropriate - Comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella, sunscreen, flashlight
- All medications and toiletries you might need for the duration of your trip
** Do not assume you will be able to find/buy anything you might want or need ** - Extra batteries (and chargers) for everything that might need them
- A grounded 3-prong to 2-prong adapter for chargers and other small appliances
(just in case, as many outlets do not have the third grounding prong)
** Cuba uses the same electrical outlets and current as U.S.: 110-220v ** - Snacks like nuts, dried fruit and chocolate, as the snacks you're used to will not likely be found
- Journal, pens, sketch pad, memory stick for backups (if needed), etc. - whatever your creative outlets
- Yoga Mat (if desired)
- Bathing suit and beach towel if planning time at beach, although not on our itinerary
- Extra Cash for whatever purchases you may want to make
There are many needs to be met in Cuba. Basic over-the-counter products are rare in Cuba, like ibuprophen, antibiotic cream, bandaids, cold medicines. Small notebooks and pens are appreciated, as are art supplies, reuseable tote bags and cotton clothing (which is very expensive). Baseballs and gloves, children's toys, etc are in high demand. We'll discuss this more as we get closer to departure.
What Can I Legally Bring In?
In addition to your personal jewelry, cameras and other valuables, visitors are allowed to bring into Cuba, duty free, two bottles of liquor, one carton of cigarettes and up to 10 kilograms of medicine. Gifts up to a value of $250 US can also be brought in. Of that, $50 is duty-free; the rest is 100 per cent taxable. Narcotics and firearms, except for authorized hunting weapons, are not allowed into the country. No restrictions exist on the amount of money a visitor can bring into the country, but amounts over $5,000 US should be declared.
Tourists are allowed to take their personal effects which include the articles (new or used) that they reasonably need for their holidays (according the length and purpose of the trip), plus: sport equipment, jewels, photographic camera, camcorder, cellular phones, blackberries, laptops, Ipods, MP3 players, video games, hair dryers, electric shavers, binoculars, one portable radio receiver, tape recorder, one portable music instrument and a sound recording device.
What Can I Legally Take Out?
Under rule changes announced by Obama in January 2015, American traveling to Cuba for authorized reasons are allowed to buy personal consumption goods while they're visiting, up to $400 worth of goods bought in Cuba for personal use. This includes no more than $100 of alcohol or tobacco products. Art and originally works over the $400 limit can be declared and taxes paid in Cuba.
More Information Upon Registration
You will receive via email more details, reading suggestions and other materials to prepare you for this exciting Journey.
Conference Call Prior to the Trip
We will schedule a conference call for everyone to meet and ask questions. We're also available any time to answer questions.
Call Aysha at 1-415-877-1044.
For more information and photos, go to: Visiting Havana, and Visit Cuban Resources.