The Experience
Our most immersive, people-to-people journey through Cuba, this trip is built around community and cross-cultural engagement. The bulk of our time will be spent developing art projects with the youth who reside in an area of Havana called Lawton. Create ceramic tiles for the town’s murals, repairing the nearby soccer fields, play sports together along with a range of other meaningful activities.
In addition to connecting with the community, explore the main sites of Havana, a city overflowing with art, music and dance. Enjoy salsa dancing classes with the local community, visit the home of Ernest Hemingway and sample some its amazing cuisine. Take an overnight journey to the colonial towns of Trinidad and Cienfuegos, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Revel in a private performance by a Cuban Guitar Ensemble, take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Trinidad and relive history at the Bay of Pigs.
Legal, Immersive Travel To Cuba
Discover Corps offers a legal way to travel to the island of Cuba. We operate under the Support for the Cuban People license which ensures that you are traveling with an itinerary that will help support Cuban micro-entrepreneurs. Visit our Cuba FAQs page for more information.
Our Impact
The community of Lawton, just outside of Old Havana, was a typical barrio of Havana in distress. The economic hardships of the 90’s and lack of resources led to many children dropping out of school and urban decay to take hold. That was until a pioneering community art center called Muraleando was formed to help youngsters revive their neighborhood.
Today, Muraleando, which means “mural making” in Spanish, is a hub for creativity and a place for the community to come together to learn art, music and dance. Volunteer alongside this pioneering community by creating colorful ceramic tiles for the community and participating in dance workshops and sports games with the children, helping to both inspire children and continue the regeneration of their town.
Where You’ll Stay
During your trip, you’ll have the unique opportunity to stay in casas particulares, which literally translates as “private homes”. Casas are essentially family-run bed & breakfasts (think AirBnB’s with private breakfast in the morning). Families invest in making sure their houses are up to international quality standards, and they greet you with Cuban hospitality – but also give you the privacy and comfort you desire.
While houses vary in style from eclectic to classical, they all provide a comfortable glimpse into Cuban life. Our portfolio of casas particulares for this trip are located near Muraleando in the neighborhood of Lawton and have private bathrooms, air conditioning & a fresh breakfast each morning.
Itinerary Overview
Arrive in Havana and meet your guide before setting off for an introduction to Muraleando. The following day begin your project, creating art and learning printmaking and salsa dancing. Venture off to Trinidad and Cienfuegos to uncover the beautiful colonial architecture, quaint plazas and alleyways.
Return to Havana where we’ll continue our projects with the children at Muraleando. We’ll also take time to explore Havana’s oceanfront Malecon, visit Hemingway’s house and explore the charming old town of Havana for shopping and music. Say your goodbyes at Muraleando before flying home.
Optional Post-Trip Extension
Discover Corps’ post-trip extensions allow you to extend your experience beyond the core itinerary and explore unique corners of the destination.
Traveler’s Journal
Ann L.
Milwaukee, WI.
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Rating: 5/5 stars
Dates and Prices
Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.
$3,695 Adult
$3,495 Child
- Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
- Single Room Supplement = $500. This will guarantee you your own, single occupancy room for the entirety of the trip. If you are a solo traveler and would like us to match you with a roommate of the same gender, please book as double occupancy. See full details here.
- Have questions about the logistics and legalities of traveling to Cuba? Contact us at (619) 758-3030.
What’s Included:
- Bilingual expert Cuban guide & private Cuban driver
- All meals in Cuba – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at restaurants or in Cuban families’ homes
- 5 nights accommodation in casas particulares in Havana
- 2 nights casas particulares accommodation in Cienfuegos
- All scheduled activities
- All in-country ground transportation and airport transfers via air-conditioned van
- Tips for luggage handling, restaurants, and programmed activities throughout tour
- Legal documentation of your support for the Cuban people program
- 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline & turnkey service
What’s Not Included:
- Tips for Cuban guide and driver
- International airfare
- Cuban visa
Dates
Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Want to make it private? Schedule a personal travel consultation and we’ll make it happen.
2024 Dates
November 24-December 1, 2024
December 26, 2024-January 2, 2025
2025 Dates
February 16-23, 2025 STS
March 23-30, 2025
June 15-22, 2025
July 13-20, 2025
July 27-August 3, 2025
October 5-12, 2025
November 23-30, 2025
December 26-January 2, 2026
2026 Dates
Feb 15-22, 2026 STS
March 22-29, 2026
April 4-11, 2026
June 14-21, 2026
July 26-August 2, 2026
October 4-11, 2026
November 22-29, 2026
December 26-January 2, 2027
Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More
Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.
Customized Private Trips
Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.