Havana Explorer: Casas & Paladars

Arrive in Havana

Arrive in Havana and meet your MT Sobek guide at Jose Martí International Airport. Start your introduction to Cuba with a visit to Revolution Square, the location of many important public gatherings. Visit artist Jose Fuster's home and learn about his vision for his community, or drive to the other side of the harbor for a spectacular view of Old Havana. Check into your well-appointed room in a casa particular. In the evening, gather with the group for a welcome dinner at a private paladar.

Explore Old Havana

Today you can meet with an architectural expert, musicologist, architect, or professor to discuss issues relating to Cuban culture or politics. Then take a walking tour of Old Havana with your expert guide who will tailor stops to the interests of your group including galleries, workshops, and other thriving private enterprises. Enjoy lunch at a charming paladar and spend more time in the afternoon exploring Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See a live demonstration of Cuban dances by a well-known Cuban dance teacher and practice the steps yourself. Dinner tonight is on your own.

Visit a Farm Outside Havana

Drive to the outskirts of town and visit a flourishing private, organic farm. Tour the gardens and cheese-making facilities and enjoy a delicious lunch at their farm-to-table restaurant. There is also an opportunity to hike or horseback ride to a beautiful lookout after the tour. Afterwards, visit the beaches or Eastern Havana or explore the town on your own. Meet with your group for dinner at popular paladar followed by a visit to Fabrica de Arte, an old peanut oil factory turned art and music collaborative space.

Day Trip to Las Terrazas

Depart after breakfast and enjoy an hour-long drive through the countryside to Las Terrazas. Meet with a local guide who will take you on a short hike to a viewpoint that overlooks the community of one thousand inhabitants. Enjoy a traditional, organic, countryside lunch. Explore Las Terrazas and the various artists' homes in the community or take an optional zip line tour before heading back to Havana in the afternoon.

Enjoy the Arts in Havana

Take a private tour of art galleries and artists' studios, and talk with the artists about their work and inspiration. Participate in an interactive drumming class and learn the basics of the clave, bongos, and guiro. Stop for lunch at a paladar, then enjoy a dance performance of a vibrant troupe that incorporates flamenco and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Spend time this afternoon returning to Old Havana or visiting more galleries. Gather in the evening for a farewell dinner.

Depart from Havana

Enjoy one last breakfast in Cuba before saying farewell. Then, transfer to Havana's José Martí International Airport for your flight home.