Havana Biennial Trip: April 12 - 16, 2019
The Havana Biennial is coming back to Havana this year! It aims at promoting contemporary visual artists mainly from Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean, although artists from all over the world are invited to attend.
This year’s theme is “The Construction of the Possible” and aims to open political, intellectual, historical, and cultural dialogue.
The Biennial is the most significant event for Cuban visual arts. Around 235 artists from nearly 50 countries are expected to attend. For 30 days, the selected artists interact with the public in the squares, streets, and demolished buildings of Havana. Art expositions, workshops, and conferences are scheduled across the city.
Travel with us and immerse yourself in the Cuban creative scene! Gain access to behind-the-scenes dinner parties, events, and exhibitions of the event.
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TRIP COST: $1799 PER PERSON*
Receive $100 off on full payment booking
DEPOSIT: $500 PER PERSON
REMAINDER DUE: 30 DAYS BEFORE TRIP DATE
Click here for answers to FAQs on our Cuba trips.
Day 1 HAVANA
Airport pickup and transfer to the casa particular (guesthouse)
Arrive in the captivating city of Havana
Tune in to the rhythms of the locals with a Cuban salsa dance class + private dance performance
Welcome dinner + meet other travelers
Meals included: dinner
Day 2 HAVANA
Explore Old Havana and enjoy an architectural tour led by a university professor
Visit El Taller Experimental de Grafica - a printmaking and lithographic workshop
Visit La Factoria Art Gallery for a discussion on the gallery’s current exhibition. Afterward, we’ll stop for a visit at the Fototeca to view the work of leading Cuban artists
Tour around the different neighborhoods in Havana by a classic convertible + get to learn about the history of the city
Visit the Fabrica de Arte, an art space and night time spot for an evening of arts and music. Dinner reservations will be made for the group inside of their trendy restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 3 DAY TRIP TO THE COUNTRYSIDE (1.5-hour trip from Havana - included)
Travel to the Cuban countryside
Meet a local family and learn about the traditional methods of maintaining the farm. You’ll get to pick the fruits and vegetables for our lunch later in the day
We’ll take a short hike through the farm and up the river
Learn how to make an authentic Cuban meal with the fresh ingredients from our farm visit. End the afternoon than with a game of dominoes and chat with the family
Absorb the flow and culture of rural Cuban life
Dinner reservations at a trendy and new restaurant in Old Havana with delicious cocktails and international cuisine
Meals included: breakfast + farm to table lunch
Day 4 HAVANA: CUBAN DESSERT MAKING LESSON!
Walk along the Malecón to view the public art projects in the area — more than 70 artists invited to participate in this particular project
Cigar and rum pairing with sommeliers - enjoy a selection of tapas to go with the rum and cigars
Visit art studios, galleries and exhibitions
Free late afternoon to explore at your leisure. We can arrange activities for you that fit your interests. For example: Round trip transport to the beach, scuba diving with a marine biologist, visit the cigar lounge at the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, etc.
Sunset drinks and a dinner reservation at La Guarida restaurant, made famous by the film, Fresa y Chocolate, the only Cuban film to have ever been nominated for an Oscar
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 5 HAVANA
Transportation to the airport
Return home with good vibes and a beat you just can't shake
Meals included: breakfast
WANT TO GO?
April 12 - 16, 2019
Additional info
Included:
Accommodation for 4 nights
Transportation to and from the airport
In-country transportation (public transport: shared taxis and buses)
Meals as noted
Activities as noted
Not included:
Airfare in and out of the country
Mandatory travel insurance
Visa
Health insurance*
Souvenirs
Other incidental expenses (just ask if you're not sure)
Alcohol, except where noted
Accommodations: We will be staying in casas particulares (homestays), which are similar to a bed and breakfast. Cuban homes are so charming and vibrant, you're gonna love 'em!
This trip will include 6 shared rooms. If you sign up with someone else, you will be paired up with that person. Otherwise, you will be assigned a roomie. We will put you and your roomie in contact before the trip! More details regarding accommodation will be shared upon purchase of the trip.
Americans Traveling to Cuba: This trip is permitted through the "people-to-people general license category" authorized by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. This itinerary is intended to provide a cultural experience and meaningful interactions with Cubans.
*Health Insurance: Cuban authorities require proof of health insurance upon entering the country. Save a printed copy of your policy ready to show. If you don't have proof of health coverage upon arriving, you will be required to purchase Cuban medical insurance for the duration of your trip, which will run about $3 per day.
What to expect in Cuba: While we try our best to stick to the itinerary, traveling in Cuba requires flexibility and changes to accommodation, transportation, and activities may occur. Cuban infrastructure has not been maintained according to western standards, hot water may be minimal, wifi connection may be slow when available, and the general pacing is slow but vibrant. Bring your sense of adventure and enjoy the moment!
Pricing: The trip cost is $1799 per person after early signup. A $500 deposit per person is required to reserve your spot. Final payment is due no later than 30 days prior to departure. All payments must be made by credit card.
Please read our FAQs page and Booking Terms and Conditions for more information.