Get ready to learn about and explore the fascinating country of Cuba! Enjoy their arts and nature. Immerse yourself in the rich history of old Havana and grow to appreciate the beauty of this Caribbean Island. Not only is Cuba full of rich history and culture, it is also home to diverse wildlife, natural environments, and unique cuisine. Discover the ecosystems, fauna, and natural and cultural history of Cuba as you travel through Havana, the Viñales Valley, and Zapata National Park. Contact April Spencer 828.774.5681, ext 20, aspencer@wresa.org or Karen Sumner 828.774.5681, ext 26, ksumner@wresa.org with questions. Limited to 20 educators.
WRESA: Cuba for Educators Program
DRAFT ITINERARY
BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thursday, 07/20/2017
Miami, hotel near airport
Arrive in Miami. We will stay in a hotel near the airport for early morning transfer and flight.
Friday, 07/21/2017
Havana, Hotel Ambos Mundos or Similar (LD)
Transfer to the hotel upon arrival then enjoy lunch on the terrace of the hotel. This afternoon, lecture on Cuban history and Cuban and US relations over the years. Enjoy dinner at El Templete.
Saturday, 07/22/2017
Havana, Hotel Ambos Mundos or similar (BLD)
Explore old Havana and some of its many famous plazas and interesting buildings. In the afternoon visit Organoponico Vivero Alamar, an incredible urban garden located outside of central Havana, widely considered one of the most successful organic farms in the city After the economic collapse in the early 1990s Cuba was forced to develop new methods to feed its population without the support of the Soviet Union. Now, the country is filled with more than 7,000 urban allotments of “organoponicos”, which cover approximately 81,000 acres. During the tour, learn about the advances Cuba has made with respect to organic farming. Tonight eat dinner and enjoy a show at Habana Cafe.
Sunday, 07/23/2017
Soroa, Casas Particulares (BLD)
Travel to Soroa. En route, visit Sierra del Rosario, 61,000 acres of evergreen forest and home of Las Terrazas, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve and self sustained community names after the reforestation project initiated in 1967. After lunch at El Campesino, visit the Soroa Waterfall and Orchidarioum “Cascada y orquideario”. The Orchid Garden features more than 20,000 plants and 700 animal species, and hosts a botanical research center belonging to the University of Pinar del Rio. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Monday, 07/24/2017
Vinales, Casas Particulares (BLD)
This morning visit Mil Cumbres. Due to its complex geological formation and four different kinds of terrain, very peculiar flora and fauna inhabit this area including over 398 Cuban endemics and 48 local endemics. Receive a detailed explanation of the area in the Biological station before beginning your exploration, led by expert guides. Continue on to Cueva del Indio before checking into the hotel in time for dinner.
Tuesday, 07/25/2017
Vinales, Casas Particulares (BLD)
Tour Por el Corazon del Valle this morning before visiting Patio de Pelegrin for lunch. Pelegrín’s Patio, a space which encourages and promotes artistic expression amongst all sections of the community. It is an example of the promotion of social capital through providing opportunity for community engagement and mutual education. This afternoon visit a local school. This evening enjoy dinner at Finca de Paco.
Wednesday, 07/26/2017
Peninsula de Zapata, Playa Larga Hotel or similar (BLD)
After breakfast transfer to Zapata Peninsula. Zapata is renowned for its great diversity of ecosystems inhabited by more than 1,000 species of plants and 37 species of retiles including the endemic Cuban Crocodile. The park is also considered one of the world’s premier bird watching destinations. Enjoy lunch at Finca Fiesta Campesina then visit a school or educational organziation to learn about Cuban education. This afternoon visit the reconstructed Indian Village of Aldea Taina and Treasure Lagoon to learn about the original inhabitants of the islands the Taino people.
Thursday, 07/27/2017
Peninsula de Zapata, Playa Larga Hotel or similar (BLD)
After breakfast visit Bermejas Reserve for birding walk. Lunch at Cueva de los Peces before birding in the Sopillar region. Later, visit the Korimakao Project which consists of residents from the surrounding communities who are given the opportunity to develop and improve their performing skills such as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. Learn about the development of the program and interact with the talented students.
Friday, 07/28/2017
Havana, Hotel Ambos Mundos or similar (BD)
Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum en route back to Havana. School visit in the afternoon.This evening have a farewell dinner at El Aljibe.
Saturday, 07/29/2017
Depart for the airport this morning. (B)
COST PER PERSON: $3,700 (cost may vary slightly depending on number of participants and airfare to Cuba)
Includes:
- Airfare from Miami to Havana and return
- Accommodations, meals, entrance fees, and activities listed in itinerary.
- Private vehicle transportation unless otherwise noted in itinerary.
- Non alcoholic beverages with meals
- Internal flights
- Full time guide for duration of program
- Tips/gratuities for guide & driver
Accommodations: Price is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy arrangements are offered at additional cost. We will make every effort to match people who request to share with others seeking a roommate. Forced single supplements will be billed approximately 95 to 125 days prior to departure when the rooming list is finalized.
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
A deposit of $200 is required to reserve a space on the program. Reservations made less than 95 days prior to departure require full payment.
Unless stated otherwise in the payment schedule below, full payments are due no later than 95 days before departure. After this date, any reservations that have not been paid in full are subject to cancellation and cancellation fees will apply.
Payment Schedule: More information coming later. You will be able to set up a payment plan on a secure website. Final payment due April 16, 2017
***If interested or if you want more information, contact April Spencer (828-774-5681 ext 20) aspencer@wresa.org or Karen Sumner (828-774-5681 ext 26) ksumner@wresa.org.