Cuba Explorer tour and travel reviews

Visiting Cuba over Christmas under the “Support for the Cuban People” category was truly a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience, and one I will never forget. Since returning home, I’ve taken time to reflect on the journey, the people I met, and the many meaningful moments along the way. Working with Cuba Explorer was absolutely the right choice for planning and coordinating my customized itinerary. Karina and her team went above and beyond to ensure I could attend Christmas Eve Mass at the Havana Cathedral, along with many other memorable interactions with local Cubans. I want to give special thanks—and a strong recommendation—to my guide, Kamila. She did an exceptional job showing me the beauty of the country and introducing me to its warm, welcoming people. She was professional, knowledgeable, and also wonderfully personable. Her English skills and translations were excellent and extremely helpful, especially since I speak very little Spanish. I also want to recognize my driver, Yuri, who provided safe, punctual transportation throughout my trip. He was not only reliable but also incredibly friendly. If possible, I highly recommend requesting him as well. The places I visited and the people I met will stay with me forever. I learned so much about Cuba and its culture—things I could never have understood without experiencing them firsthand. The Cuban people are proud, resilient, and full of spirit despite the many challenges they face each day. The children, in particular, touched my heart with their joy, gratitude, and appreciation for even the smallest gifts. This journey was truly unforgettable, and I am deeply grateful for everyone who helped make it so meaningful.

Cuba is an awesome place to visit. Even though the country is poor, the people are friendly and treated us very well. The music, food , cigars and \’vintage\’ cars all make the trip worthwhile. The only suggestion which is beyond Cuba Explorer\’s ability to address, is fix the potholes in the roads heading out of Havana!

Cuba left a deep impression on me. The people were warm, genuine, and welcoming in a way that felt effortless and real. There’s a palpable pride in their culture—expressed through music on every corner, art that bursts with color and meaning, and a rhythm of life that somehow feels both relaxed and full of passion. The history is layered and complex, but the spirit of the country is unmistakably vibrant. It’s a place where creativity thrives, conversations linger, and you feel connected to something larger the moment you arrive.

I had done a lot of research in advance of arriving to prepare for my trip to Havana. The people and culture were welcoming and if one takes the time to engage, to ask questions, the experience is that much richer. The music is contagious and a core connection to the culture. Havana itself is beautiful in its own right, but awfully complex way to say it simply.

We had an incredible experience. Our tour guide Mariana and our driver were incredibly knowledgeable and truly seem to care about not just our experience but our well-being. My kids are very picky eaters and they were able to assist us in their crazy preferences. We learned a lot about Cuba the politics and the people.

Cuba is a beautiful place with kind people and wonderful culture. There is music and art everywhere. The only siggestion is to make a stronger recommendation for visiting art museums in Havana.

My impression of the people of Cuba is nothing but positive. They are well educated and extremely friendly. It is sad that so many are just getting by in life and have to work multiple job just to make ends meet. The food is amazing, especially the National dish (Ropa Vieja) and the lobster which is everywhere. Food and drink (especially alcohol) was very affordable. The only time I felt annoyed was the taxi drivers and the folks that sell the taxis in Havana. They are relentless and don\’t seem to want to take \”no\” for an answer. Not uncommon in other countries as well.

Dear Cubaexplorer, Thanks for making my dream come true… For many years I have been wanting to visit Cuba, the History the People and Culture has always fascinated me. Living in Florida as a Jamaican the Cuba culture has always been present. However I was curious as to the difference between living in the country and the Cuban people living outside of the country. My tour guide was the best, from our first meeting I was put at easy and felt safe and comfortable. He presented information in a clear and interesting way and answered all my questions. The accommodations and meals were First Class and the Cuban hospitality was excellent. My wife and I are hoping to return soon, and more importantly we would like be Ambassadors for Cubaexplorer. I am planning to share my experience on the radio and hopefully you guys can help us establish a Relationship through our ministry IBIUBU.me I look forward to hearing from you and understanding more of how we can be of service. Thanks again for all your help. Sincerely Dax Dunn Director IBIUBU.me

Could not say enough about the kindness and generosity of the Cuban people. The country is absolutely beautiful however, it is worn down and decrepit. The hotels we stayed at were beautiful, but the surrounding communities do not fare well. The island is full of culture and rich in history, but it is all in the past. The museums, the dance halls, the art, the social aspects need to come alive again. What once was so incredibly vibrant needs to be colored again. Absolutely LOVED our tour guide and driver…. amazed at all we did in such a short week. HIGHLY RECOMMEND Pedro and Lazaros. Thank you for an unforgettable trip and an experience of a lifetime.

Our trip to Havana was amazing. The itinerary had so many highlights that made our trip extraordinary, and our Cuban guide, Jorge was outstanding. He was kind, knowledgeable, flexible, and enjoyable everyday of the tour! It was a nonstop tour of the art, culture, history, people and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba’s capitol, Havana. Everything was interesting, the Louvre Museum of Modern Art, bicycle taxis and coconut cabs, the Cuban baseball game (thanks to Jorge!), the Capitol building, Revolutionary Square, San Francisco Square, and more. We enjoyed the beautiful costumes and musical revue at the Tropicana, as well as delicious cuisine everywhere we went. Our visit to the Convento de Nuestra Senora de Belen, the beautiful 1712 restored home for the elderly, and Muraleando, art community project was inspiring. The tour was a mix of perfectly preserved buildings next to dilapidated ones, and showed the obvious poverty and daily struggles of the Cuban people. The ride in the classic Chevy convertibles from the 1950’s and dinner at La Guardia as well as mojito and cooking lessons from the chefs at El Ajiaco Paladar, were the highlights. And last, but not least, our visit to Casablanca for the panoramic views of Havana, the 74-foot statue of the Christ of Havana, and a VIP experience of Cuban cigars, rum & coffee! It was a wonderful blend of the sights and sounds of Havana and the Cuban people, thanks to Cuba Explorer and the best guide Jorge Perez!

Beautiful country. Wonderful people eager to connect. Dysfunctional political system. Occasionally tour guides and taxi drivers point out specific buildings, dates etc. Too much info. Jorge at the capital (who was excellent) sometimes got me lost in the details First nights meal was so- so

The trip was great. Everything I expected and more. Our guide and driver were fabulous. We saw a lot of great places, went to some interesting and educational medical facilities and had some of the best food ever. I highly recommend Cuba Explorer for anyone who wants to travel to Cuba.

The Cuban people are very friendly. They are easy to mingle with and make one feel quite at home. The country is very nice as well, however the lack of any recent infrastructure or modernization projects is beginning to show and if not acted on, will become an insurmountable detriment at some point in the future. The trip was well planned (considering it was over a weekend) and most museums and touristy areas were either closed or closing early. The tour guide (Jorge) was very good and is highly recommended. He was very flexible and knew everyone and made things happen!

Honestly, I can\’t think of anything! This is the second summer that I’ve led a school trip to Cuba with Cuba Explorer: last summer to Havana, Bay of Pigs, Trinidad, and Santa Clara, this summer to Havana, Pinar del Río, and Viñales. I couldn’t be more pleased with Cuba Explorer, and the students and parents who took the trip agreed. Last summer’s trip had sixteen travelers (and two chaperones), this year’s twenty-three travelers (and two chaperones), and I have no doubt that the increase in numbers for this summer’s trip was due to the quality of Cuba Explorer’s program last summer. If you wish to experience Cuba as an American and do so legally under American law, Cuba Explorer is the way to go, no question. I would recommend Cuba Explorer without reservation!

Cuba is a beautiful place with wonderful nature, great architecture and friendly people. Due to U.S. embargos a lot of things are not available. The embargo makes for a great resourcefulness in the Cuban people, but also makes it difficult for them to maintain their infrastructure.

Fantastic trip! The Cuban people and Cuban culture are amazing. The schedule for the weekend in Havana was perfect. I never felt rushed and my guide, Norberto Hernandez, made sure that we covered everything at a decent pace. Norberto even left sufficient “downtime” between the tour and our daily dinner plans to relax at the hotel/pool. Norberto is a walking encyclopedia of information when it comes to Cuban history and culture and the many interesting aspects of Old Havana. I learned so much from Norberto during my weekend visit.

Amazing trip! Atila, our guide, was amazing! He not only showed and told us so much about Cuba, but really allowed us to experience it! The culture is beautiful and the people are so kind!

We absolutely loved Cuba! It was so unique compared to other places we have visited and the people were all so friendly! We were amazed by what a thriving center Havana was for the all the arts…music and visual. So much talent! One thing that stood out the most to us is how clean the city was compared to similar cities we have visited. We felt completely safe everywhere we went and the food was delicious!

We had such a good time we are coming back!

Loved everything

Kubo was a fascinating visit for me. I did not realize how significant of a colonial city. It was in terms of size and strategic importance. I knew a bit, but the scale blew my mind. The people were extremely friendly and we were always treated with grace. I will continue to keep this trip in my heart.

This was the trip of a lifetime. Yes, there is horrible poverty but the culture, food, history, architehture, sites and sounds of Cuba were absolutely incredible. The people are amazing; warm, friendly and welcoming. I loved this trip b/c everything was planned, organized, scheduled and \’taken care of.\’ It was so nice not to have to worry about where to go, what to see, how to get there and \’are we in the right place?\’ ALL the restaurants, events, shows, tours, rides and hotels were top notch. Donating items to poverty-stricken families and children was so rewarding. On this tour, we were able to see ALL OF CUBA. I learned so much about it\’s history, politics, religion and farming. I met so many authentic, genuine people of Cuba who were wonderful, hard working and caring. I appreciated Dan\’s insight and the discussions from JORGE, our guide. Everything from appropriately tipping to wearing the proper outfit, the itinerary was very complete…and it made for a wonderful trip. Water was provided. I don\’t think any other tour would offer such a wide range of sites, sounds & tastes than Cuban Explorer. I loved the weather. Beautiful blue sky, always a breeze, warm but no humidity. I was riding a horse through the mountains of Cuba, talking with tobacco coffee and honey farmers. Amazing. The goat farm and sunset were memorable. Our driver, Juan Carlos, was such a gentleman. He was always on time, always assisting at the van and just a go-with-the-flow kind of guy. The trip was scheduled, but relaxing. Dan provided options and flexibility. We decided to attend a Community Group helping children rather than go to an art gallery…it was perfect and was actually very meaningful to me. Everything always worked out and beautifully fell into place. The hotels were 5-Star accomodations. The CASA of HayDee was spectacular. Food was so fresh and deliious! I really loved the organic garden and the cooking \’lesson.\’ The mojito tutorial was a blast as well. I like the way DAN has friends throughout Cuba who met up with us and explained things along the way. Carlos was handsome, insightful and fun. The entire trip had a delightful vibe and upbeat tone. If there was any issue or problem, Dan was \’on it.\’ His experience and attentiveness meant a great trip for all. I cannot wait to print out and organize all my photos. Many of my friends want to follow my footsteps and join on one of Dan\’s Cuban trips in the near future.

I loved Cuba and what truly made it incredible was the warmth and kindness of the Cuban people. In regards to culture, I\’ve been to about 30 countries and Cuba probably possesses one of the best cultures I\’ve experienced. I truly believe you guys did a great job and I absolutely was very blessed with a great tour guide and driver. If I could offer any suggestions it\’s to improve your webpage as it pertains to the query (application) page people fill out to ask about the tours. Additionally, you guys have great Trip Advisor reviews, but for the young crowd, you should really get on Instagram actively!

Norbert and Yuri were what I liked best about our tour. Norbert was extremely knowledgeable, patient, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. Yuri was quick with a smile and a joke each and every day. They were enthusiastic representations of the Cuban people, and went to great lengths to contextualize all that we experienced in Cuba historically, helping to break some of our Americanized misperceptions about the country and its people.

Beautiful country with tremendous history and so much promise.

My trip was fabulous! You should have Pedro as your guide, he was so knowledgeable. Everything was extremely well coordinated. Highly recommend Cuba Explorer and Pedro as your tour Host!

Our impression of Havana, the reception we received, and the quality of the accommodations provided were all very positve. This was our second visit to Cuba–for a special occasion, our 49th wedding anniversary–and we had a very good experience thanks to the Cuba Explorer team. A more central, less \”big box\” hotel, say in the Paseo del Prado area, would give the visitor a richer experience. The exposure to Santeria could be more authentic. Lastly, the tour as presented could give, if not a false, at least an incomplete picture of current conditions in Cuba.

As a US citizen, I have always been intrigued with Cuba, the mystery, the history, culture and people. When the pathway to travel to Cuba was established under President Obama, I made a promise to visit. My visit to Havana provided me with the sights, sounds and reminders of the interesting history. The architecture, classic vehicles and beautiful landscape did not disappoint. The interactions with the people through music and arts and even on the streets were genuine and authentic, very warm and welcoming. The diverse culture from the distant past to the present was felt and experienced throughout my stay.

Loved Cuba\’s dynamic culture, layers of history and welcoming people!

We very much enjoyed meeting the individuals we met and had a chance to talk to on our 6 days in Cuba. We don\’t speak enough Spanish to converse, so it was great that a the two farming families we met and the cycle tour guide knew English. People were welcoming and willing to answer questions.

Love the people and culture. Sad about their living conditions

The art and music of Cuba are major attractions. It is sad to see so many of the old buildings in disrepair, so many are worthy of international investment. In spite of our countries\’ political differences, the people of Cuba remain open to travelers from the US.

Beautiful land of contrasts.This is the 5th time I have used Cuba Explorer. They have always delivered a good service. This was perhaps the smoothest trip as in the past for one reason or another we had to change hotels.

Eye-opening! Warm and friendly people.

The trip was amazing, and Evia was great! We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Cuba.

Cuba is a beautiful country, with lovely and welcoming people. Everyone was so kind, and the culture is vibrant.

I saw so much potential. Because of the continued financial crisis, Cubans are just trying to survive. Is there a way out of the deprivation? The Revolution, the sugar market, the fall of the Soviet Union and Covid, what next?On the other hand, the countryside is beautiful. The people are warm and welcoming. They deserve better.

Cuba was fascinating! The blend of cultures have made such vibrant architecture, art and food. The people were lovely. We have never felt more welcome.

I\’ve been leading groups traveling to Cuba for the last 12 years and the Cuban people are friendly, welcoming, flexible, and easy going. They are always eager to connect and create long-lasting friendships. Their culture, music, and overall way of living is deeply informed by their west African and Spanish roots, making them a unique island nation. There are multiple Cuban music genres and you can hear them in every corner. Their visual arts are also quite stunning–not to mention the architecture. All in all Cuba offers a feast for the heart, ears, and eyes.

I have never taken a customized tour before, and the experience was incredible. We could focus on the activities that most interested us, instead of a generic tour designed to appeal to as many people as possible. When we requested modifications to our tour, they were efficiently accommodated. Our tour guide was excellent. She made sure we had a great time and were well taken care of. By the end of the trip, I felt like I had made a lifelong friend. When I got sick on the last day, she was very solicitous and made sure I had whatever I needed and was okay. I loved getting the emails leading up to the trip. They gave us very useful information and helped us get excited for our trip. I also really appreciated the suggestions about gifts. That gave me a greater appreciation for the struggles people in Cuba have due to the embargo, which enriched my experience. It also created a feeling of connection to the Cuban people to collect gifts in preparation for our travels.

Really enjoyed our brief visit in Havana. It met or exceeded all expectations.

Cuba is a naturally beautiful country, the people are friendly and welcoming and the culture diverse & unique.

It was great to experience Cuba and its people on this trip. The country is very safe and welcoming. The people are warm and happy to connect with Americans and share their vibrant culture with us. Everything about the trip\’s itinerary was perfect from the pacing of events to our guide and driver. Loved my trip to Cuba!

Beautiful and unique!

There is such beauty in the people, it’s architecture and so much to learn that I didn’t know

Cuba is a unique place – there is no other place like it. The food, art, natural habitats and the people are beautiful and complex.

The people are wonderful. Creative, entrepreneurial, kind. The culture is fascinating and complex. The city of Havana is a wreck other than a few spots. Signs of how beautiful it was are everywhere

They are very proud people with a rich art and music culture. I wasn’t expecting to experience as much as we did, and had a fantastic trip. While Cuba is a 3rd world country, there are many aspects that surprised me as we drove cross country.
Experiencing everything we did. I felt like I was gone much longer because of all we did and see. Our guide, Atila, made the trip! He was so knowledgeable and informative and shared so much history and culture about the Cuban people. Some of the stops we did were so educational and interesting. I truly feel like I learned so much about the Cuban people and their culture.

This is my eighth year bringing groups to Cuba with Cuba Explorer – and it will not be my last. I expect the best and I get it. Everything is so well organized and considered by them. From the moment we land in Havana and get met by a driver, to check-in at the hotel, to all the elements of the itinerary – everything went well. One thing you find out when you\’re there is that the guides can help with a huge array or personal requests. I could go on but you get the point.

I enjoyed the experience. The Cuban people were friendly and inviting.

Overall we thought the trip was terrific. The people were friendly and very welcoming. We enjoyed staying in a private home rather than a fancy hotel to absorb the culture.
My husband so enjoyed the vintage cars and the opportunity to ride and take pictures. I loved the countryside Vinales and the horse-back riding.

little too much walking to see buildings that were at one time important architecturally but are now closed. Not enough of the native Cuban living, specifically arts and culture. The night club visit was amazing but we would have enjoyed it more had it not come at the end of a long travel day. With all the walking it we would have liked to walk the park to see the artists painting, to buy from a local artist. We would have liked to see a Cuban marketplace aside from the obvious tourist trap. It is difficult to balance the idea of a marketplace of $20 USD souvenir trinkets with the low average income of native Cubans. Surprised at the lack of repair and restoration of the Hemingway home. Trying to balance the opulence of our accommodations with the deterioration of the building immediately next to it. We would have liked to get off script to see what Cuba is really about rather than spend so much time seeing buildings we couldn\’t access.

The people we encountered were friendly and helpful. The art, traditional and contemporary music and the food were all wonderful. I was taken aback by the amount of begging in the streets, which I know is a result of the economic crisis. I loved our tour guide Jorge Cumberbatch, who was so knowledgeable and insightful about everything we were experiencing. I loved the variety of Cuban cultural treasures were exposed to, like the Habana Compás dance company, the Callejón de Hamel, and the Art Museum. I loved the fact that we were a very small group and bonded pretty quickly amongst us and with our tour guide Jorge.

I very much enjoy my visit. Our tour guide, Jorge Perez, and Driver Chofer Lazaro, were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Had a great time at the jazz festival. Started with our guide Jorge and our transportation driver. They both went the extra mile to make sure our group had a great time and were very communicative. They both made sure we saw many sites and took the time to explain the many historical aspects of what we were seeing. Jorge also made sure we were settled at the hotel and daily ensured we knew what the plans were for the next day. The artist at the festival were great! Being an avid jazz fan, I really enjoyed the performances and the creativity of the artists that were featured. Rest assured this will not be my last time coming to the Havana Jazz festival. Thank you all for a memorable experience!

Those whom I\’ve met on the trip including our guide and the driver were great.

My tour was focused on the Havana Jazz festival, and the music was the highlight of my trip. Our guide, Jorge Cumberbatch, made the experience even better. Jorge\’s encyclopedic knowledge of Cuba and its culture would make him an excellent guide for any tour, but his deep understanding and love of Cuban music made him a perfect guide for us. Our van driver Manuel also went over and above with his time during our stay to make traveling around Havana easier, night or day. Cuba is a beautiful country with resilient people and a culture with deep roots in Africa, indigenous America and Europe.

Beautiful and resilient people despite difficult circumstances. Love Cuban culture and of course music. Appreciated how nice Cubans are to Americans.

Our tour guide Jorge and driver Lararo made it a fabulous trip. Jorge was so pleasant, flexible, patient, and his knowledge of Cuba and the country ‘s history was the core reason we had such a wonderful trip.

I had a wonderful time in Cuba with the tour. Jorge Cumberbach was an excellent tour guide who is very astute, has excellent English, and was able to explain everything about Cuba to us. We went to various locations and the meals were great. Not to say we have a very compatible group of 6 people. I learned a lot more about Cuba on this trip. I had not been there since 2004. Unfortunately, it seems that the economy is worse and it seems that there are more poorer people, but they still continue with their lives. The Jazz festival was excellent, but also our ability to go to different places to listen to jazz during our free time.

My impressions of Cuba, it’s people and culture have been consistent…..LOVE THEM ALL

Cuba is full of friendly, kind, happy people–unlike any other place we have visited. We loved it!The standard accommodation for this tour is the Grand Aston in Havana. I haven\’t been there, but I was very happy you changed us to the Palacio de los Corredores. Also you changed us to the Casa Colonial 1830 in Trinidad. We really liked both of those changes!

Cuba was a beautiful place! So many different microenvironments: cities, mountains, beaches, agriculture. People were warm and welcoming. The Cuban culture and history was fascinating to learn about.

I really enjoyed my trip to Cuba. The planning was seamless. Karina at Cuba Explorer created an itinerary that matched my interests. Obtaining a visa was very easy. Communications from Cuba Explorer were excellent. My tour guide, Jorge Cumberbatch was extremely knowledgeable on the history of Cuba. I felt like I was being guided by a professor. He was also very accommodating to my needs and interests. Ramon my driver was kind and reliable. I enjoyed my time with both of them. Sometimes as a solo traveler you don\’t know what to expect From the moment I met Jorge and Ramon, they made me feel welcome and comfortable in Cuba. I would use Cuba Explorer again.

I thought that everyone I met was friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the food, music, history and art.

Cuba is lovely and the tour was fantastic. Our guide was knowledgeable and knew everyone. All the meals at the restaurants were delicious. Service was amazing. We would do it all again in a heartbeat.

One of the best countries I’ve visited. The people. The culture. The energy. It was all so beautiful.

Wonderful country and people, vibrant history, and excellent sites to see. Great itinerary and combination of experiences condensed into the 4 day trip; also excellent guide and driver on tour.

Without a shred of doubt, the absolute best thing about our visit to Cuba, for the second time, was our guide Gretel Cylvester!!! The second best thing about Cuba was our bus driver, Roberto. Gretel is the best. She is friendly and welcoming, incredibly knowledgeable, completely fluent in English and Spanish, and very professional. At every turn of our visit, we knew that Gretel had everything taken care of. She doesn\’t miss even the smallest of details. As for Robert, well, he is the consummate chofer – talented, safe, punctual. But the add-ons with Robert are his friendliness and his willingness to interact with American high school students who want to practice their Spanish a little bit every day. There were a couple of times when he managed to \”thread the needle\” with the medium sized omnibus, a feat that my students strongly applauded each time. What a tremendous show of respect for Robert\’s abilities. From the perspective of my students, this is an extremely eye-opening and informative experience. The end result is that their perspective on Cuba really shifted from one of fear, uninvestigated curiosity and suspicion to one of authentic respect and gratitude. This shift comes about through their interactions with Gretel and Robert primarily, but also through interactions in chance encounters with people we run into on the streets. Highlights of the trip for the students were the hands-on activities, the cooking, the salsa class, the afternoon at the Community Mission and of course an impromptu basketball game in Old Havana when we concluded our visit with Beyond Roots. The two experiences that my students least appreciated were the visit to Beyond Roots and the store Clandestina mainly due to the fact that they seemed to be stores more directed toward female clients, not teenage boys. They loved the Cuban food while simultaneously recognizing the routine nature of the offerings and respecting the privilege they have in access to such large quantities of food. My wife and I loved our stay in Cuba and, like the students, Gretel and Robert are the primary reasons for that. Cuba is a hard place to visit emotionally. It is tough to be forced to deal with our privilege every day and struggle to answer why such immense economic discrepancies exist in our world. We are not immersed in that unbalance in a routine lives in the states and it is so valuable to exit that bubble. We also realize that Cubans are very rich in attributes that, in comparison, make us look poor. One example is the crisis in mental health that plagues the US right now, especially in the wake of COVID19. According to Gretel, Cubans have not experienced this same crisis. In her explanation, Cubans are more socially connected to their communities, their neighborhoods. It\’s a culture that unfolds on the streets and public plazas. US culture isolates people, opening the doors to loneliness and depression. It\’s also hard for me to separate my experience in Cuba as a working teacher, supervising a group of teenage boys, from what that perspective may be if I were unencumbered by that constant responsibility. In my personal travels, I prefer to forgo the guided tour framework, opting instead to make daily plans and arrangements on my own. I wouldn\’t dare do that when traveling with students. Cuba could possibly feel much more relaxing and I would feel more independent in my day to day were I to be with just my wife. I hope to return again, without students, to see for myself. Cuba Explorer, as a cultural guiding company, fully met our expectations and exceeding them often. My wife and I will most certainly travel with you guys again in the future. Thank you very much.

We found the Cuban people open and friendly. We felt safe everywhere we went. The itinerary exposed us to a variety of experiences – some pure tourist fun like the Buena Vista Social Club and Vintage Car Ride– and some \”off the beaten path,\” like the organic farm and the ride to the mountaintop nature tour. Altogether, the itinerary, and our excellent guide, Atila, taught us a great deal about Western Cuban history and culture. We were very comfortable and pampered in the two hotels, but were dismayed to find the run-down state of many buildings within steps of the hotel and in most of the other neighborhoods we visited, except Miramar. Also, we wondered why whoever was in charge of picking up trash did not pick up the mounds of open garbage on the curbs. This is a basic government service to assure the safety and health its citizens. And a country hoping to promote tourism to boost its economy has to be aware that this is off-putting to visitors. Also, as much as we enjoyed the Cuban people we met, we were saddened by the number of people who tried various hustles to us in the street. Their first question was always \”Where are you from>\” And once we answered USA, they tried various ways to get us to give them US dollars. They would tell us they work but earn little at their jobs, there is terrible inflation at the grocery, etc. Was the reason for these hustles really widespread poverty, or do they resent USA citizens because of the embargo? We are not sure.

A wonderful experience. I was unsure of what to expect given that over the years the information that we have been given by the press in the US is quite contradictory . After our 8 days in Cuba we were very impressed with the Cuban people and how they are dealing with difficult economic conditions. The Cuban people were always friendly and open with us and very proud of their culture.

The people were wonderful.

The people generally seem very friendly. I always felt safe walking around. However, like anywhere, use common sense. I did have quite a few people engage me in conversation and then ask me for money at the end of it. That did get old after a while.I really didn’t like the music show on the first night. It seemed very formula, the sound was bad, and it was more about entertainment than music. It was something that you would see on a cruise ship. (I’m a passionate amateur musician, so my view might not be the norm)

Cuba is a beautiful place with beautiful people. I loved the tour and learning about the culture, economy, political environment and more. Although people are very friendly, there is a sadness and hopelessness that many people possess. There is not enough food, resources, or opportunity to help people thrive. I get the sense that people are barely surviving.

The Cuba Explorer trip was more than simply unforgettable, it was an insightful and rich learning experience. The itinerary was well-organized and thoughtful. What stood out the most was the opportunity to engage with the people of Cuba and learn about it\’s rich culture, history, and vibrant local life.

Cuba is beautiful. The people are wonderful. Lots to see and do.

A tropical paradise with friendly people and an interesting history

We all had a wonderful time in Havana. Gretel was a perfect tour guide! Thank you so much for helping me set up a fun couple of days for a group of divers that had never been to Cuba before. It was great!!

I instantly fell in love with Cuba. The way community comes together to make life easier and full of purpose. I am an artist and am from the mountains of North Carolina USA which just experienced a lasting natural disaster. Cuba resilience, how are is used as inspiration, healing, hope and employment filled me with hope. I know I will return.

Cuba is beautiful and its people were gentle, and very hospitable, but I was saddened by the poverty. I was very impressed by the program especially given the challenges of Lack of electricity.

I think the United States has acted badly in it\’s relations with Cuba and understand now how this has affected your country and its economic situation. I was impressed with the people and the culture and would like to come again since I had to leave early.

I was very aware of the poverty of the people as well as their warmth and creativity.

We were taken in by all of it. The people are friendly and full of joy and music. The architecture is beautiful, but heartbreaking to be in such disrepair due to the embargo. Because of the economy, Cuba is also a very affordable place to visit.

I instantly fell in love with Cuba. The way community comes together to make life easier and full of purpose. I am an artist and am from the mountains of North Carolina USA which just experienced a lasting natural disaster. Cuba resilience, how are is used as inspiration, healing, hope and employment filled me with hope. I know I will return.

The people are very friendly and the mountains are beautiful. I was shocked to see the impact the American embargo has had on the country. It was sad to see so many beautiful buildings falling apart.

Great experience during my tour, enjoyed my guide and my driver, I miss them already. The daycare had closed earlier due to to no water but the principal and teachers stayed to greet me. Everyone was so appreciative for the gifts and excited to show the children when they returned. The Cuban people are warm and welcoming. The food was incredible and I really enjoyed the live entertainment and dancing. The tours that involved art were rich in history and cultural references. (Pack an empty suitcase for your souvenirs!) Included in the tour are the iconic images and experiences of Havana… – the classic vintage convertible cars – the live music – the firing of the cannon at the fortress – the beautiful Spanish Cathedrals and squares – the National Hotel and the tribute to famous people and actors have have stayed and eaten there – Hemmingway\’s farm and home – the harbor of the portal of Havana – roaming the streets of old Havana – the mosaic tile museum (Oh my God!) – the tour of the Afro-Cuban artist section

Learned a lot ! The hotel in Havana was awesome but not handy to get around in afternoon free time . Loved Trinidad. A lot . Wish we could have gone into museum at Cinta Fiuga (spelled wrong) and the one museum in Trinidad near plaza , and seen inside church , would have scheduled for day when open . Julio was awesome to connect with responsive and helpful ! This was a great introduction to Cuba. Wanted a bit more delving into buildings of old Havana versus looking at them from outside only. I would recommend a rum tasting or going to that museum . Cuba was really interesting and the staff at hotels very kind and helpful.

Our trip was wonderful! Our guide Osmin was so knowledgeable, very flexible, and really opened our eyes to Cuban life. We would absolutely recommend Cuba Explorer to anyone interested in travelling to Cuba. Their services are professional and they are very communicative, which really eased any anxieties we might have had about venturing abroad. Cuba should be on everyone\’s travel bucket list. The people are welcoming, the food is amazing, and the landscape and ocean views are unparalleled. We will definitely be coming back, because there\’s so much more to see and do!

I taught geography/history for over 30 years, so I have a good understanding of Cuban history. I was somewhat surprised of the disrepair of the high-rises along the Malecon. I found the people to be friendly, hardworking, at least in the service industry, and positive under economic hardship.

Wonderful experience, lovely people and culture. Food was diverse and excellent. Havana is a real gem and should be seen by everyone.

The people we met in Cuba were helpful, friendly and energetic about trying to accommodate our concerns and changes in our schedule. This was particularly noteworthy because the systems of Cuban society seem to be so profoundly broken.

I was so moved by how gracious and kind the Cubans are. This has been the most memorable trip I have EVER been on. The culture has so much depth, beauty, and history. I immediately felt comfortable with my guide and driver and we became friends fast!

The people were more open and welcoming than I expected. I really enjoyed Cuba, in general!

I have always been in love with the people, culture, and history of Cuba. I was a vocalist and clavero of a Latin Jazz/Salsa band when I was at university. My outsider’s generalized perspective is that Cuban people are warm, welcoming and extremely resilient. While it is difficult and sad to see the privations and scarcity caused by the unjust US blockade and elements in Cuba’s leadership class who use it to maintain power, the vibrancy and inventiveness of the Cuban people still shines through. I am disgusted and ashamed by my own country’s role in this injustice and I hope that Cuba’s leadership understands that hope is growing thin amongst many of the wonderful people of Havana whom I met. My visit made me feel even more love and brotherhood with the people and the land of Cuba.

We had a great trip! Everything was organized well! Our guide, Osmin and driver were wonderful. I\’d add to the beach day- there are 2 options: seeing the coral reef while snorkeling and seeing the starfish beach. The tour includes one and you have the option to pay $10/person to do the other activity. Both are great! Highly recommend doing both.

Our trip was excellent. The entire staff at Boutique Vapor 156 did an amazing job in assisting and addressing all our needs. Our driver Roberto and tour guide Maryales(misspelled) were fantastic. They work excellent together. Vinales scenery and people were amazing. We were shocked by the longest blackout ever. Nonetheless Cuba is a beautiful country with amazing people full of kindness, love, and spirit.

We really enjoyed our trip in Cuba. Havana was amazing with its rich history. The people were very friendly, and clearly trying to find ways to improve their lives. The accommodations at Hotel Chacon were outstanding, as was the staff. Our time near Playa Giro was eye-opening. The birdwatching was very good considering the time we allotted for it. The guides were well prepared for our visit. The rolling blackouts were a challenge for Cuba Explorer to respond to, but they did an outstanding job anyway (thanks, Julio!). Our driver, Jesús, was exemplary in his driving safety and courtesy to the passengers. Finally, our guide Norberto was knowledgeable and attentive.

I found the trip to be informative and educational I learned a lot from our very knowledgeable tour guides. The health care and social programs gave a glimpse into various aspects of Cuban live. It was disheartening though to see the economic struggles of the country and the impact on the Cuban people.

I found it to be a community, which helps each other.

People were super friendly and accommodating.

Fantastically beautiful culture. A beautiful country with a rich history and tradition, warm, inviting and indefatigable people, and incredible contributions to the world from a political, culinary and cultural perspective.

We could not have been more impressed with your country and your people. We learned so much regarding the embargo and the real impact on the Cuban people.

I fell in love with the island and the people. Loved the food, music, natural beauty, and atmosphere. It was hard to leave.

Cuba has such a rich culture and everyone is so nice!

Great tour. Atilla was amazing.

Awesome and stunning.

Cuba is full of talented and friendly people. The expressive art is amazing and Tropicana show exhibits the talent of the dance and voices. Visiting community projects that are created and run by the volunteers was heartwarming. Sadly, neither the government or the people can maintain the beautiful architecture.

Impression of Cuba: Generally speaking, the crumbling stucco, the peeling paint, and the overgrown greenery only add to the intrigue and splendor that is Cuba. It would be nice to see more buildings in good repair, but they are endearing in their current state. The various architectural styles are stunning. I love Cuba. Cuba\’s People: I found Cubans to be very polite, calm, passionate, intelligent, artistic, fun loving, and proud of their heritage. I love the Cuban people. Cuba\’s Culture: Where to start! The music is rich, the dancing is delightful, the art is colorful (and everywhere!), and the history and architecture is fascinating. The Cuban culture is unique and I love it.

Cuba was one of the most interesting places I have ever visited. The lack of physical maintenance of many of the buildings was disheartening but the people I met seemed happy with their lives and not angry and resentful. I was impressed by the creativity, with wonderful art and music. I was saddened by the deforestation that occurred over the distant past and surprised that there wasn\’t more subsistence farming.

The Weekend in Havana tour was a captivating journey through Cuba\’s vibrant culture and rich history. From the moment we touched down at José Martí International airport, we were enveloped in the charm and energy of the city. Exploring Old Havana\’s picturesque plazas and historic architecture was a highlight, made even more memorable by the impeccable service provided by Pedro and our driver, Yubee. Their dedication and warmth added a personal touch to our experience. Visiting Ernest Hemingway\’s home at Finca Vigía was a poignant reminder of Cuba\’s literary legacy, while indulging in the local cuisine at Paladar Café Laurent and Fusterlandia was a culinary delight. However, it was Ajucare\’s local soup and mojitos along with Mojito-Mojito that truly stole the show, offering an authentic taste of Cuban flavors that left us craving more. But what truly captured my heart was the unexpected serenade from a lady selling peanuts in the square. Her soulful voice echoed through the streets, complemented by the mesmerizing artwork adorning the alleys. In conclusion, the Weekend in Havana tour is a must for anyone seeking adventure, culture, and the warm hospitality of the Cuban people. It\’s an experience that will leave a lasting impression for years to come.

Wonderful culture….music, food, locals. We, however, didn\’t have that experience at the hotel where many workers were less than friendly, clearly because we were American.; things like pretending to not understand English but then speaking perfect English to a non-American

Just returned from my cuban holiday. I found Havana and the countryside to be very safe and enjoyed every moment of my trip. We visited local families, a school, the famous Tropicana Review, a restoration garage for 1950 autos. We also visited a tobacco, farm, a goat farm all while we were on our horse riding venture. We learned how cigars were made and observed the cheese making process from goats milk. We had the opportunity to tour Havana in a 1950s Chevrolet. The trip was one of the best I’ve ever taken with much ease. I found Cuba to be very safe, colorful, lots of rum music and friendly people. I even learned how to make a proper Mojito and cook lobster Cuban style. Since I have been home, I have recommended this trip to at least five different people. Cuba was very easy to get to, from Miami less than an hour air flight. Indeed a perfect wonderful family trip, I highly recommend this Cuban holiday.

My experience of Cuba is that it is a fascinating place with rich culture and history and beautiful people.

I left Cuba inspired by the creative innovation (organic/sustainable farms, national school of dance, etc) as well as their intentional respect of history (black history museum where students were learning math surrounded by examples of black excellence and Cuban black history). I also saw amazing expressions of culture (art museum, jazz performances, informal and formal art exhibitions. Finally, I was impressed by the restored buildings and historic architecture that took me back to the early days. And, as a Haitian-America, I was touched by the genuine respect the Cuban people had for the Haitian story of liberation. Mostly, I left with my heart full from the love and generosity of the Cuban people I had the pleasure to meet in their homes, at historical sites, at a farmers market or on the street. We will return and explore the eastern part of the island. Osmin was an exceptional tour guide for us, too. He was well informed about Cuban history and handled many questions from our group with grace and expertise. He also gave us unique insights about his personal history and his family. I left feeling like I’d made a new friend. I loved my time in Cuba!

I really enjoyed the trip. The colonial and Spanish architecture was beautiful and it felt like it was still 1959.. The ambience was inviting even though Havana seems so neglected. Old cars horse drawn wagons in the country, oxen plowing the fields, emphasized the spirit and hard work of the people. Our local guides were wonderful. I loved meeting Cesar’s family. I’m sorry I didn’t read enough of the info sent to us before the trip. I would have brought more to support the people. The visits to the art galleries were excellent.

This was definitely a learning experience! The people are very nice and I found the culture to be a very rich and a deeply valued culture. The coast was beautiful!

Beautiful land. Very friendly & courteous people, with a vibrant culture & a great reverence for their land & its history.

Cuba exceeded my expectations….a beautiful island with many friendly people, amazing architecture and history!

Kind, friendly, resourceful, hardworking, artistic , entreprenural….

Our trip to Cuba was a once in a lifetime experience! Touring Havana with all it\’s history and architecture was amazing! Riding around in Lola the pink chevy was very fun! Our guide Dago was a walking, talking google reference! He seemed to know everything about Cuba and was a wealth of information! Our favorite part was the trip into the mountains and seeing the farms and the more rural aspects of Cuba. The scenery in the valley was breathtaking! We are small farmers and beekeepers ourselves and it was a very personal experience for us to meet those farmers. The horse and cart ride was a highlight of the trip! Everyone we met was so nice and accommodating. The hard working people of Cuba deserve the chance for free trade and the ability to grow their economy! The food was awesome and very abundant! The cooking class was so fun and a real experience! We would recommend this trip and even go back ourselves in the future! There were only a few negatives to the trip – the first hotel did not have the correct power for my cpap machine – the machine would start and then stop. The first night I only got 1.5 hours of sleep, the second night only 3.5 hours. I think they have motion sensors in the rooms that shut the power off if no one is moving around. Each time I would get out of bed the power would go back on. Also our room smelled of mold and had some cleanliness issues. Also – it would be nice to have a welcome packet available upon arrival. We checked in and then didn\’t know where to meet the group or what time the welcome dinner was. We realize that things can fluctuate and there were some things that were cut out of our tour that we were looking forward to. I would have liked more time to wander around Vinales and go to the market and the shops there. Our group of 9 got along really well and I think we have made some lifelong friends! On a future trip we would love to go to some seaside towns and closer to Guantanamo Bay! Thank you for all you are doing to increase relations between the US and Cuba!

I have traveled a lot, and visited dozens of countries; Cuba is by far my favorite. The people are wonderful, friendly and welcoming. Havana rivals Venice or Prague in its buildings and history. Vinales was the most beautiful scenery I’ve seen since visiting Asia. The crystal blue waters on the Cuban beaches were incredible. Cuba offered so much and more.

I had high expectations and somehow Cuba still exceeded them! All the locals we met were extremely friendly and welcoming. The culture is rich and vibrant with outstanding fresh flavorful food, lively music and beautiful architecture.

I have only seen a little bit of Cuba, but it strikes me as a very vibrant and very complicated place.

Havana has potential for returning to a great travel destination. The city contains so many beautiful buildings that need so much Tender Loving Care. The country has so much history that until visiting in person one cannot fully picture. The people are welcoming and friendly.

Greta, our tour guide was awesome!!!!! It was sad to see so much decay in the buildings and to see the people having to ask for money to survive, but The Cuban are so friendly and hopeful for a better life. They work hard for very little it seems, but they manage those beautiful smiles

The people were nice and friendly overall. Culture, I mean my brother-in-law\’s family is all from Cuba and I speak Spanish so I came with some background.

Biggest impression was the people. Simply amazing, kind and always willing/wanting to help. The people are having it tough, but they never let that dampen their spirit or the way they warmly welcome visitors. Always felt super safe and never once had any regrets about going to Cuba….. well, except for all the food I ate and all the rum I drunk !

This was our 2nd visit and this trip not as good as first due to changes in the economy, food and tour schedule.

I was surprised by the people. Everyone was friendly, pleasant, and inviting. We never felt uncomfortable or afraid.

Our guide Gretel was excellent & our driver. Hotel was good, breakfast good, we did have issues with the a/c & only hot water one day no cold. The restaurants we went to were good, all the servers went out of their way to accommodate us.

I found the trip interesting and perfect organized.

Very friendly people, generally most people take pride in their appearance and work

We loved visiting.

We had a great time on our trip. Ivia was wonderful.

Cuba is fascinating and beautiful with a rich culture and kind people. People were so kind and welcoming.

Tour guide amazing!!

Very warm, friendly, colorful, and vibrant. We loved the culture and loved learning more about history.

Our trip was excellent. The entire staff at Boutique Vapor 156 did an amazing job in assisting and addressing all our needs. Our driver Roberto and tour guide Maryales(misspelled) were fantastic. They work excellent together. Vinales scenery and people were amazing. We were shocked by the longest blackout ever. Nonetheless Cuba is a beautiful country with amazing people full of kindness, love, and spirit.

I had an amazing experience in Cuba. Everything was what I expected and more!

I really enjoyed my first trip (hopefully not my last!) to Cuba. I enjoyed the opportunities during the tours to meet the different guides and people sharing their projects and getting glimpses of what life is like in Cuba. The people were friendly, kind, funny and resilient. I also enjoyed the music!

Cuba has a rich history, interesting architecture and traditions that made our trip enjoyable. It also highlighted the impact of societal equity on the prosperity and development of a country with significant unrealized potential.

The tour exceeded expectations. Our guide, Osmin, provided a lot of information, and answered so many questions from our group. The excursions were very interesting. The pace was slow enough to not be tiring, as we stopped and talked about what we were seeing. Cuban architecture was amazing. And the people so helpful and interesting to talk to. Also, CubaExplorer provided all the guidance needed to make the trip successful, every step of the way. Soo happy I had the opportunity to see Cuba, and this was the right group to do it with for me.

ery wonderful people with heart and soul to be admired. The island is beautiful and the historical architecture is among the world\’s greatest. The culture is shared by all Cubans with those who come to visit.

The people were so kind and friendly .

The people are friendly and kind! The poverty is heartbreaking and it was hard to see the way so many people live.

I loved what I saw of Cuba and would hope to return one day. Everyone we met was friendly and eager to help, despite my lack of Spanish.

Fascinating

Much love to the people and the culture is the best!!!!

The great experience started with Julio and the staff that organized our trip and the tours. Our tour guide and driver in Cuba were excellent. Gretel is amazing. She has a vast knowledge of the history and culture of Cuba. She went out of her way to make sure we enjoyed all aspects of our trip from sites seeing to Cuban food etc. My family couldnt be happier with this visit. Truely a great place and people to see, experience a learn about.

I had a blast touring Havana and surrounding areas on my (6) day trip with Cuba Explorer! From start to finish, all the details were handled professionally and in a timely manner. I didn\’t have to stress about anything which made the trip even better than expected. My tour guide Jorge Perez was top notch – 5 stars! He was always upbeat, humorous, polite and extremely knowledge. He was also very sensitive to the needs of our group accommodating for physical aliments and adjusting the schedule for poor weather conditions. I\’ve travelled to many countries and have never witnessed any place quite like Cuba. Cubans are hospitable, the food is delicious and there\’s ton of interesting sights to explore. If you want to get the most out of your trip to Cuba, I highly recommend touring with Cuba Explorer!