LGBT Cuba tour

Planet

On our trips we strive to be environmentally-friendly in every way. In this itinerary, aside from the the bus transfers, all the activities you will be taking part in are practically carbon free.

During this itinerary you will visit Las Terrazas biosphere reserve, Cuba’s first ever self-sufficient community dedicated to the research and protection of the local ecosystem. Included in the price of your trip is the entrance fee to Las Terrazas, which goes directly to the community’s ongoing environmental initiatives.

On day 4 you will have dinner at Finca Wilfredo, an award-winning organic farm which uses its own produce to cook delicious Creole food. Our guide will explain the history of how the US trade embargo has made food importation difficult and forced Cuba to embrace organic farming to feed the population. You will try a variety of traditional dishes, made from the farm´s own produce.

On this tour you will stay in local casas particulares (homestays), which produce far less waste than big hotels and consume much less energy.

People

We believe that Cuba’s most attractive quality is its people, and we like to give our clients as many opportunities as possible to interact with Cubans. You will be staying in casas particulares (homestays), where you will get the chance to better understand the realities of daily life in Cuba. You will have cocktail making lessons in a local bar, and go into the kitchen of a restaurant to learn about Cuban cuisine. You will also stay in casa particulares (homestays) meaning that your money goes straight into the local community, rather than into the pockets of multinational corporations. You will be eating at locally-run restaurants, paladares, where profit also goes straight back into the community.

We discourage hand-outs to beggars and instead give our clients the opportunity to make donations to appropriate organisations during their travels. Your guide will be happy to advise.

Our guides are very proud of their country and will take every opportunity to further your knowledge of Cuba´s rich culture – both historical and contemporary. You will also learn about Cuba’s LGBTI community: over the last 10 years the country has left its past behind and reinvented itself as a progressive nation when it comes to LGBTI rights. You will visit the state-run Cenesex (National Centre for Sex Education) that advocates for LGBTI rights and of which Raul Castro's daughter (Fidel’s niece) Mariela Castro is the Director. You will meet Clandestina, local lesbian graphic designers, and have the opportunity to go out to open minded bars and venues in Havana.