A Journey of Art, Music, History, and More

 

DESCRIPTION:

Journey from the western tip of Cuba across the island to its far eastern shores. Cuba’s rich artistic heritage ranges from pre-Columbian cultures to the splendors of Spanish colonialism and the internationally acclaimed art of today. It is also a place of great natural beauty, with three magnificent mountain ranges and fertile plains where sugar cane and tobacco grow. Cuba has an easy-going, multi-racial population whose greatest enthusiasm is reserved for music. It is the home of the modern rumba, the cha-cha, the salsa, and excellent Cuban jazz. Wherever one goes on the island, music follows.

 

Begin in Santiago, whose population has the highest percentage of African heritage. Its
close links with Jamaica and Haiti, and an infusion of French planters and merchants, created a rich racial mixture evident in the music, art, and architecture of the city. In Baracoa, on the eastern shores, journey by boat up Cuba’s Toa river and meet local cocoa farmers. Discover another crown jewel of Cuba’s colonial cities, Trinidad, with its 500 years of history, cobblestone streets, pastel colored houses with elaborate wrought-iron grills, and beautiful palaces and plazas. Nearby, we explore caves, rivers, waterfalls, grottos, canyons, crystal-clear natural pools, and mountain hills.

 

Then spend four days touring historic Havana, viewing its architecture and urban gardens, and experiencing its art, music, and cuisine. Old Havana, with its square mile of colonial palaces, handsome plazas, and charming cobbled alleys was, with Mexico City and Lima, one of the three richest Spanish cities outside Spain.

 

Conclude the trip with an optional extension in western Pinar del Rio. Gaze across jungle-covered summits, which descend down limestone cliffs to verdant valleys. Witness a safe haven for rare indigenous animals, migrating birds, and marine creatures. This extension is highly recommended; Pinar del Rio exudes an altogether different feeling from the rest of Cuba, and appears even less changed over time than other areas.

 

CONSIDER:

Cuba's infrastructure is basic at best. Hotels (outside of Havana) are Spartan; restaurant service often slow; stairs and sidewalks uneven and pitted; roads bumpy, elevators often not functioning, and more. But for those willing and able to look beyond this, Cuba is a fascinating and rewarding country on the verge of big change. More details about the challenges can be provided.

 

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:

Please inquire.

Ideal Length of Trip:

Please contact CuriOdyssey Travel for more details.

 

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:

November through late March.