Places
Explore key regions, cities, sites, and routes in Cuba.
Why Cuba
Cuba offers a unique blend of historic resilience, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and warm hospitality—ideal for partner exchanges, donor journeys, choir tours, and people-to-people encounters. Havana’s classic cars and cathedral squares frame cultural engagement and service with local communities. Rural Viñales invites farm-to-table storytelling, while Trinidad and Cienfuegos add colonial colour and coastal rest. Our vetted partners ensure compliant travel (religious or people-to-people), accommodations, and approved programming so leaders can focus on storytelling, generosity, and next steps—supported by our travel commissions guide.
Top Highlights by Theme
- Havana UNESCO Core: Plaza Vieja, Plaza de la Catedral, Malecón boardwalk, and classic car storytelling.
- Community Collaboration: Gatherings with local organizations, home visits, university and cultural introductions, and humanitarian project support.
- Artistic Heritage: Buena Vista Social Club music, Callejón de Hamel murals, Fábrica de Arte Cubano, and ballet or jazz evenings.
- Viñales & Rural Life: Tobacco valley farms, mogotes, horseback trails, and community dialogue.
- Trinidad & Southern Coast: Plaza Mayor, bell towers, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Ancon Beach downtime, and Cienfuegos’ French-influenced waterfront.
Sub-Regions & Routes
Havana & Surrounds
- Base in Habana Vieja or Vedado for colonial plazas, community partners, and government-approved lodgings.
- Explore Revolution Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, and Hemingway’s Finca Vigía for nuanced history.
- Evenings feature local concerts, rooftop reflections, and classic car tours along the Malecón.
Viñales Valley
- 2.5 hr drive west; stay in casas particulares for authentic hospitality.
- Visit tobacco farms, caves, and mural de la prehistoria; integrate guided walks and community meals.
- Engage with agricultural co-ops and small businesses for empowerment storytelling.
Trinidad, Cienfuegos & South Coast
- 4–5 hr drive southeast; Trinidad’s cobblestones, Plaza Mayor, and Casa de la Música create soulful evenings.
- Cienfuegos’ Parque Martí, Palacio de Valle, and bay cruises add elegant seaside perspectives.
- Sancti Spíritus or Santa Clara day trips highlight Che Guevara memorials and provincial partners.
Matanzas & Varadero
- 2 hr east of Havana; Matanzas known as the “Athens of Cuba” with Afro-Cuban culture and performing arts.
- Varadero beaches offer downtime, donor appreciation dinners, and water-based electives.
Trip Length & Pacing
7 Days
- Arrive Havana; Old Town orientation, evening gathering, and classic car welcome drive.
- Havana partner day with community leaders, Old Havana walking tour, and evening music event.
- Day trip to Viñales with farm visit, lunch, and guided walk; return to Havana.
- Travel to Trinidad; colonial city tour, Casa de la Música gathering, and beach downtime at Ancon.
- Cienfuegos cultural day, partner briefing, and coastal reflection.
- Return to Havana for free time, donor meetings, and farewell dinner; depart.
9 Days
- Adds Matanzas and Varadero retreat with beach downtime and partner visits.
- Includes additional Havana service project or leadership workshop.
- Provides buffer for compliance briefings, rest, and cultural events.
12 Days
- Comprehensive circuit: Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, Matanzas/Varadero, and optional Santa Clara.
- Adds choir exchange, humanitarian project, and multiple donor storytelling nights.
- Allows flexible morning, strategic planning sessions, and follow-up interviews with Cuban partners.
Best Time to Go
- Dry season (November–April) features warm days, low humidity, and minimal rain—ideal for outdoor programming.
- Shoulder months (May, early June) are manageable with brief showers; hurricane season (June–November) requires flexible planning and weather monitoring.
- Summer (July–August) is hot/humid with festival energy; schedule indoor afternoons and evening programming.
- U.S. travel regulations may change; we follow up-to-date guidance on licensing (religious/education) and permitted activities.
Group Logistics
- Airports: José Martí International (HAV) for Havana, Juan Gualberto Gómez (VRA) for Varadero, and Abel Santamaría (SNU) for Santa Clara.
- Transport: Private coaches, vintage car convoys, and domestic charter flights (limited availability); we provide reliable drivers and compliance-focused itineraries.
- Lodging: Government-licensed hotels, partner-affiliated guesthouses, and high-quality casas particulares vetted for safety and comfort.
- Meals: paladares (private restaurants), partner-hosted meals, farm-to-table experiences, and coastal seafood; we plan menus for dietary needs and safe food/water.
- Mobility: moderate—cobblestones, humidity, uneven sidewalks; we schedule rest breaks, coach proximity, and accessible alternatives.
- Fundraising moments: rooftop receptions, jazz club storytelling, beach gatherings, and partner storytelling nights.
Extensions & Combos
- Pair with Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico for Caribbean comparisons.
- Add Florida or Texas pre/post for training or donor events.
- Combine with Mexico or Guatemala for Latin American collaboration circuits.
- Route via Spain for colonial heritage before arriving in Havana.
Safety & Stewardship Notes
We operate under current U.S. regulations, using licensed local partners. Our team manages OFAC-compliant itineraries, coordination, safe transportation, and health precautions so leaders can focus on relationships and generosity.
FAQs
- Q: Are U.S. travelers allowed to visit? A: Yes—under specific categories (religious, people-to-people). We design itineraries and documentation that comply with current OFAC regulations.
- Q: What documents are needed? A: We handle Cuban tourist cards, insurance (mandatory), and license documentation for each traveler.
- Q: How reliable is internet? A: Limited—Wi-Fi is available in hotels and hotspots using prepaid cards. We prepare teams for limited connectivity and provide communication plans.
- Q: Can we bring supplies? A: Yes—within customs limits. We coordinate in-kind donations with partners to meet real needs.
- Q: How far ahead should we plan? A: Secure 6–9 months ahead to confirm licenses, lodging, partner schedules, and charter flights if needed.
Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add Cuba to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.
Highlights
- Havana: Old Town plazas, Malecón sunsets, and vibrant gatherings
- Viñales: tobacco valleys, farm hospitality, and guided walks
- Trinidad & Cienfuegos: colonial plazas, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and seaside downtime
- Matanzas & Varadero: cultural exchanges, beach retreats, and donor appreciation
Fundraising for Churches
How Churches Use Cuba
- Havana worship nights, home church gatherings, and seminary visits that deepen global mission perspective
- Viñales farm hospitality and prayer walks that connect agriculture, community resilience, and discipleship
- Trinidad and Cienfuegos coastal evenings with Afro-Cuban music, donor storytelling, and sabbath rest
- Matanzas cultural exchanges, artisan collaborations, and beach devotionals for teams and supporters
What Works Well
- 7–9 day itineraries combining Havana context with one or two regional hubs
- Compliance-focused schedules (religious or people-to-people) with daily worship/teaching blocks and partner meetings
- Multi-night stays in Havana plus casas particulares or licensed hotels outside the city to reduce packing
- Built-in fundraising moments: rooftop worship, jazz club testimony, farm-to-table dinners, and coastal devotions
We handle licensing, logistics, and partner coordination so pastors can focus on spiritual leadership, generosity, and cultural sensitivity.
Sample Ministry Focus
- Arrival worship at Havana cathedral, followed by classic car tour and church partner briefing
- Service day with Havana congregation, afternoon Old Havana storytelling, and rooftop testimony night
- Viñales farm visit with prayer walk, lunch with host family, and evening worship under the stars
- Trinidad coastal sabbath, Casa de la Música outreach, and donor appreciation dinner overlooking Plaza Mayor
- Matanzas cultural exchange, beach devotion, and closing commissioning before returning to Havana for departure
What ETS Tours Provides Here
- Licensed itineraries across Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and Matanzas with bilingual guides and ministry liaisons
- Worship logistics: church permissions, sound equipment, translation, communion support, and adherence to religious licensing
- Transportation: compliant private coaches, vetted drivers, and optional classic car segments aligned with OFAC requirements
- Ministry partner vetting: churches, seminaries, humanitarian NGOs, arts collectives, and small businesses supporting community programs
- Hospitality: approved hotels/casas particulares, safe dining plans, water purification, and rest schedules respecting local rhythms
- Fundraising enablement: curated experiences for donor engagement, storytelling assets, gift sourcing, and post-trip follow-up templates
- Compliance support: category documentation, recordkeeping guidance, and in-country logistics that meet U.S. regulations
Talk with us to design your Cuba ministry itinerary, or add Cuba to your request at the lead form.
Ready to explore Cuba with your group?
We’ll map a simple plan, budget fit, and timeline.