“You’re going to Cuba… on purpose?!” This was my dad’s reaction when I told him I would be joining Classic Journeys’ cultural walking tour of Havana, Cienfuegos & Trinidad. Curious and confused, he admitted he did not know why anyone would want to go there or what the draw was to this storied island. He also peppered me with questions from “Is it even legal to travel to Cuba?” to “Will they have vegetarian food for you?”, so we had plenty to discuss. Read on to learn more about my firsthand experiences on tour and how I answered all of my dad’s burning questions about my Cuban adventure.
Are you sure you can take tours to Cuba?
First things first, all U.S. citizens may travel to Cuba under the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ (SFCP) license. This is the category of license that Classic Journeys uses from the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. However, Americans simply going for tourist activities on their own remains prohibited.
While on our licensed tour in Cuba, you’ll directly and positively affect over 200 families living on this island. It was inspiring to engage in this meaningful program to support private enterprise in Cuba during daily meetings, meals, events, walks and discussions with the welcoming and grateful locals. Needing only a valid passport, a Cuba entry visa submitted online, and a Cuban immigration and customs form called D’Viajeros (obtained online like the visa with a few clicks), I was on my way.
What will you do on a Cuba Walking Trip?
My 7-day/6-night itinerary was handcrafted by our expert local guides and the founders of Classic Journeys who curated walks and arranged events to create the perfect balance of enjoyment and education. This includes visiting a cigar factory, cruising around in classic cars, learning to salsa dance, listening to live jazz on a private rooftop, and snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs. It also includes an authentic and up-close look at everyday Cuban life when you join a hands-on cooking class with a chef, discuss history with a diplomat, tour Hemingway’s house and take a nature hike (past waterfalls, pictured above) to meet with coffee farmers. You’ll hear and see first-hand what life is like on this island, the hardships they’ve overcome, as well as the challenges they continue to face.
Where will you stay and what will you eat on a tour of Cuba?
While Americans cannot stay in hotels (which are government-owned) I happily overnighted in the finest and most distinctive privately-owned accommodations on the island. The charming owners welcomed me into their boutique properties (and offered me a mojito while my bags were sent to my room). Centrally located for daily explorations with our guide, everywhere we went had generators, so if a blackout did occur, it went unnoticed. And the food in Cuba continued to impress me meal after meal. My dietary preferences were never an issue, as the seafood, rice and vegetable dishes, and fresh fruit were plentiful. I tried the vegetarian version of the popular Ropa Viaja as well as new drinks, including the delightful canchanchara, a drink made from rum, honey, and lime…cheers!
Who will you travel with during an American Tour to Cuba?
Our group of 16 was led by Audrey and Marta, our expert local guides who managed everything seamlessly. A mix of couples and solos, my fellow travelers were all kind, fun, smart, well-traveled and curious about Cuba. We had a great time exploring together, walking and learning together, and spending a week immersing ourselves in Cuban culture. From sharing meals, chatting about our lives back home, rolling up our sleeves to cook together, and asking questions to the locals we met along the way, we soaked in every moment of this trip. I came away with an authentic and interesting trip that was far more than just a fun vacation with new friends.
Can you bring me back a Cuban cigar?
Sorry, dad. While you can smoke them on tour (and will visit a cigar-rolling factory), you are not allowed to bring them back to the States. However, I did bring home some handmade souvenirs from local artisans and took lots of pictures along the way.
Since my return, Cuba has left me with the imprint of the kind, hardworking, and resilient people who were so appreciative of my visit. Everyone I met, from farmers to diplomats and classic car drivers to a rum sommelier, was welcoming and genuine in their interactions. Always offering you the best of what they had with a warm smile and hearty handshake, I was reassured time after time why I picked this fascinating place to explore (and I highly recommend it to other travelers). This island might have a complicated history and a challenging infrastructure to deal with, but the spirit of people, places and music I experienced showed me a beautiful culture that reminded me to positively embrace all that life throws your way.
About The Author: Julie is a 9-year employee of Classic Journeys who loves traveling and writing about exploring the world. As a Content Creator, she curates blogs, marketing emails, and social media posts about The World’s Finest Walking Tours. Having been to 20 countries so far, her bucket list of places to visit continues to grow each year. When she isn’t at her desk, you can find her in Italy visiting family, on the sidelines of her boys’ soccer games, or curled up reading a book.
Ready to explore Cuba, on foot at eye level? Join Classic Journeys on a curated walking tour led by expert local guides!
