Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey with us as we explore the magnificent role of women in Cuba’s Architecture, Arts, and vibrant culture. Join our people-to-people trip for a unique opportunity to engage with Cuban professionals, delving into discussions about the island’s architecture and development being led by Women. Gain insights into the multifaceted impact of US/Cuba relations from diverse Cuban perspectives.
Our adventure kicks off in the enchanting capital of Havana, where the city’s pulse beats with a tour of historic plazas led by a female Architect, Exploring fine art by women, and a lively cultural spirit of music and dance. From the iconic Malecón to the historic plazas of Old Havana, immerse yourself in the architectural tapestry woven by Cuban women that defines this vibrant city.
As we traverse the Cuban landscape, our journey takes us to colonial gems like Cienfuegos and Trinidad. These charming towns, frozen in time, offer a backdrop where you’ll engage with local historians, meet urban planners shaping the future, and absorb the captivating rhythm of live music echoing through the picturesque cobblestone streets.
The heart of our trip lies in the rich tapestry of Cuban arts. Experience rhythms of Cuban music, feel the infectious energy of traditional dance, and witness artistic expressions that reflect the island’s cultural vibrancy. This immersive journey goes beyond the surface, allowing you to connect with Women of the local communities and experience Cuba in a way that transcends any other experience there.
Join us on this exciting exploration where every step unveils a new layer of Cuba’s beauty and history. From the bustling streets of Havana to the quaint alleys and squares of colonial towns, this trip promises a kaleidoscope of diverse experiences that highlight the importance and role women play in Cuba’s history, identity, and further development. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this unforgettable trip!
For more information or a draft itinerary please email drea@globalexchange.org
What’s Included
Double Rooms
Single Room Upgrade
$179
In country transport
Private group transportation throughout program in air-conditioned transportation
Trip leader
Fluent English speaking Cuban guide to facilitate
Meals
Breakfast and one additional meal per day
Admission fees
Guest speakers, visits, entrance fees covered as per itinerary
Accommodations
Five star accommodations
Pick-up
Group pick-up from airport upon arrival and departure
Donations
What’s Not Included
Airfare and tourist visa
Tips to guides, drivers, hotel staff, wait staff
Items of personal nature
Travel Insurance
Itinerary
Times and events subject to change
Draft Itinerary for the Women in Arts, Culture and Arch Tour 2025
- Arrive in Havana, Group pick-up at airport by your guide and driver
- Lunch or dinner included depending on arrival time
- Check in to the hotel Gran Aston
- Dinner included (tbd)
- Breakfast at hotel
- 9:30am Walking tour of Old Havana with a female architect
- The group will explore the four main plazas of the 18th-century colony: Plaza de Armas, which originally housed the main administrative buildings of the colony; Plaza Vieja, the oldest of the plazas; and Plaza de la Cathedral, site of the baroque cathedral of Havana. This visit will include other important places such as Plaza de San Francisco, site of the basilica of San Francisco and the old Havana stock exchange.
- 12:30pm Lunch TBA
- 2:00pm Visit the Church of the Virgin of Regla, the Black Madonna, who is syncretized with the deity of Yemaya. Here will will also learn a bit more about AfroCuban religions
- Dinner on your own
- Visit to a jazz Club or other music venue to to enjoy female musical group
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 9:30am Visit to the Colon Cemetery. Named for Christopher Columbus, the cemetery is noted for its many elaborate marble memorials. The opening was in the XIX century. The architect was Calixto de Loira, and his was one of the first bodies buried in the cemetery on September 29, 1872 12:00pm Lunch at La Torre Restaurant with an incredible view of the city.
- 1:30pm City tour by bus of modern Havana including the historic and picturesque Jose Marti Revolution Square and Playa municipality
- 2:30pm Visit to Callejon de Hamel, an artistic Afro Cuban project in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood. Here you will have the opportunity to dance and enjoy performances of various artistic groups dedicated to Afro-rooted music and traditions.
- Return to the hotel
- 7:00pm Travel across the bay of Havana to enjoy dinner (not included and location tba) with a great view of the Bay of Havana followed by the historic “Cañonazo”; a cannon firing ceremony dating back to colonial times, held at the Morro Castle.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 9:00 am Visit to the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) an NGO responsible for fostering people to people diplomacy through solidarity with groups worldwide. They are your host institution while in Cuba. Here we will discuss US and Cuba relations, politics, etc. – preferably with a woman leading the discussion.
- 11:00am Have an exchange with a female representative of the Union of Cuban Jurists to learn about the historic more inclusive changes to the new Cuban family code and the rights of religious people. 12:30 pm Lunch (location tba)
- 2:30 pm Visit with a Female Musicologist to learn about the history and evolution of Cuban Music. 4:30 pm After our meeting we’ll enjoy a beginner level dance class to learn some basic Cuban dance steps incorporating music we learned about in the discussion.
- Return to the hotel making a stop at the historic Plaza de la Revolución where leader Fidel Castro addressed millions of Cubans on special occasions.
- Return to the hotel.
- Dinner and evening on your own.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 9:00am tour of the newly renovated Capitol building housing one of the largest indoor statues in the world. Ask for a female guide.
- 10:30am Visit to the San Jose Artisan Market, also a good example of small enterprise in Cuba. 11:30am Enjoy lunch and a visit to Corral Falso 259 Community Art Project to learn about this thriving community space. We’ll enjoy a lovely lunch prepared by members of the community. 2:30pm Visit Casa de la Cultura to exchange about the work done with young people in the communities. Return to the hotel
- Dinner and evening on your own
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 9:30am Meet with female specialists at the Office of the Historian. Learn about the Master Plan for Restoration of Old Havana through the salvaging of neglected buildings, tourism for restoration investment, and the accompanying social plans
- 11:00am Visit with a representative if the Cuban Women’s Federation to learn of their important work 12:30pm Lunch at a female run paladar
- 2:30pm Visit to the Fine Arts Museum, located near Paseo del Prado, considered one of the most important museums in Latin America and the Caribbean. Together with the largest collection of Cuban art in the world, it preserves pieces from the most important European schools. Here we will enjoy a guided tour with a female specialist of the Cuba collection of art.
- Dinner and evening on your own
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 8:30am Leave for Trinidad making a stop off in the city of Cienfuegos.
- City tour of Cienfuegos known as the Pearl of the South. The group will learn how the local architecture reflected the prosperity of sugar, tobacco and fruit trading, as well as about the 19th-century European influence.
- Lunch on your own while en-route
- Continue on to Trinidad, A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Cuba´s south central region. The group will learn how in this town, the local architecture also reflected the prosperity of sugar, tobacco and fruit trading, as well as about the 19th-century European influence.
- Check in Hotel La Ronda
- Dinner included (tbd)
- After dinner enjoy the evening at Casa de la Musica
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 9:30am Tour of the Colonial City
- Visit the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills)
- Lunch included (location tbd)
- Afternoon: Meet with a female representative of the Restoration Office.
- Visit a local ceramist and artisan fair and see the work of local artists.
- Dinner on your own
- After dinner we will reconvene to participate in a CDR Visit. The CDR’s or Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, are essentially a block organization that can be found in every Cuban neighborhood since the time of the revolution. During this visit you will learn how the committees serve the community now. This is also the best time to bring donations to the community as well as enjoy snacks and beverages together and more importantly to exchange with Cuban’s in their neighborhood and learn about the realities of their day to day life.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- 8:00am Return to Havana by way of Matanzas where we will visit the historical Castle San Severino to learn a bit about the important history there.
- Lunch on your own at el Chiquirrin in Matanzas
- Back on the road to Havana, check back in to the Hotel Gran Aston
- 8:00pm Farewell dinner location TBD
- Visit the fabulous Fabrica de Arte Cubano, a former cooking oil factory turned into a giant, multilevel cultural institute featuring live music, dance, art exhibits, drama productions, films and more.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Depart for airport and return to the US.
