NEW! 2026 Trip Dates!
Discover the African Heartbeat in Cuba
Dates
March 12-16, 2026
Pricing
$2399 USD per person
Length
4 nights/5 days
Group Size
2 minimum, 10 maximum
Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey to discover where African heritage and Cuban culture intertwine. Join Dr. Ervin Dyer, Africana studies professor and journalist, and Fisheye Journeys as we journey around Havana and uncover the African threads woven into the very fabric of Cuba's identity.
Tune in to the intoxicating rhythms of Afro-Cuban percussion
Learn to dance rumba, a dance deeply rooted in the soulful rhythms of African culture. It was entwined with European and indigenous influences and remains an integral part of Cuban culture.
Savor the Afro Cuban flavors found in everyday cuisine
Participate in discussions led by Afro Cuban professors, and more!
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Havana!
Once you touch down, a private ride will take you straight to your comfy casa particular. You’ll have a moment to recharge and freshen up before we kick things off.
Next on the agenda? A journey through the city in none other than a classic convertible. We'll make stops at the Revolution Square, cruise through the Havana Forest, and take a drive down the Malecón, among other cool sites.
Post-tour, we'll shake things up a bit with a rumba dance lesson. It's your chance to get into the local groove, no matter your dance skills. It's all about fun and laughter, and we promise you'll have plenty of both.
Finally, we'll wrap up the day with a group dinner. It's a great opportunity to mingle with your fellow travelers and share your first impressions of the city.
Meals included: dinner
Day 2
After breakfast at our casa, you’ll kick off the day with a visit to the Nicolás Guillén Foundation, where you’ll explore the legacy of Cuba’s national poet, journalist, and activist. Run by Guillén’s grandson, the foundation is a vibrant hub for dialogue on race and identity in Cuba. It shares a building with UNEAC (National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba), where a commemorative plaque honors Guillén’s friendship and literary bond with Langston Hughes.
From there, you’ll set out on a walking and driving tour of Havana, tracing some of the places Hughes visited during his time in the city. A local guide will share insights into Hughes’ connection to Cuba and his powerful collaboration with Guillén.
Lunch will be at a beloved paladar tucked away in Old Havana known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Cuban dishes. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Casa de África Museum to explore Cuba’s African roots through art, history, and spirituality.
To wrap up the day, you’ll head to the Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a lively art space that comes alive at night with music, performance, and culture. Dinner reservations are set for the group at its in-house restaurant—a trendy spot where food, art, and community all come together.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 3
Today, you’re off on a road trip to the coastal city of Matanzas, known for its vibrant Afro-Cuban culture and deep roots in rumba music and dance. Once a major hub of the transatlantic slave trade, Matanzas today stands as a place of resilience and creativity.
After a scenic 90-minute drive from Havana, you’ll visit the San Severino Fortress, home to the Slave Route Museum, to explore how the history of slavery shaped the region’s identity.
Lunch follows at a local restaurant, then you’ll continue to Ermita de Monserrate, a hilltop church overlooking the city. There, you’ll enjoy a private rumba performance and cultural exchange led by a community leader dedicated to preserving Afro-Cuban heritage. You’ll return to Havana by late afternoon with time to relax before dinner.
Meals included: breakfast + lunch
Day 4
After breakfast, you’ll visit Casa de las Américas, one of Cuba’s most influential cultural institutions. Founded to celebrate Latin American and Caribbean arts, it has long been a creative hub for writers, musicians, and visual artists. You’ll learn about its legacy and explore its rotating exhibits.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax or explore—whether it’s visiting an art gallery or Hemingway’s house, we can help arrange it.
As evening falls, you’ll gather for a final group dinner to toast the week and share reflections. The night ends at the iconic Tropicana Club, a legendary open-air cabaret that’s dazzled audiences since the 1940s with its music, dance, and vibrant costumes—a quintessential Havana experience.
Meals included: breakfast + dinner
Day 5
We’ll have breakfast together, then private airport transportation.
You’ll return home feeling invigorated and will be itching for your next trip to Cuba!
Meals included: breakfast
Ready to join?
Additional info
Included:
Accommodation for 4 nights (all rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom in each room)
Transportation to and from the airport
In-country transportation
Meals as noted
Activities as noted
Translator for activities as noted
Not included:
Airfare in and out of the country
Mandatory travel insurance
Visa
Health insurance*
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 5 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.
Single room supplements are available and are first come, first served. A single room supplement is $900.
U.S Citizens Traveling to Cuba: This trip is permitted through the "support for the Cuban 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. You will receive a letter of certification and detailed itinerary to print and bring with you upon re-entry to the U.S.
Airport: Look for flights that arrive no later than 1PM on the day the trip starts to make sure you don’t miss any of the activities. The airport is José Martí international Airport (HAV).
*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. Please note that most airlines include this in the ticket price.
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 $2,399 per person. A $500 initial non-refundable deposit per person is required to reserve your spot and is included in this total price. A single room supplement is $900 and is due at sign up. Final payment is due no later than 45 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.