Trip Highlights

  • Start your journey in Havana with salsa—the heartbeat of Cuban culture—where music spills from open doorways and the city’s vibrant energy instantly pulls you in.
  • Ride horseback through Viñales with Yosbel, our trusted guajiro guide, whose deep love for animals and the land brings the valley’s history, agriculture, and traditions vividly to life.
  • Visit eco-farms and connect with local families, gaining insight into daily realities while supporting small-scale producers who keep ancestral farming practices alive.
  • Share a traditional roast pork feast under the stars, accompanied by stories, music, and the warmth of community in the Cuban countryside.
  • Unwind on the quiet shores of Cayo Jutías, where warm waters, soft sands, and gentle breezes invite you to slow down and savor the moment.
  • Hear directly from Cubans about their hopes, challenges, and creativity, creating space for authentic dialogue and understanding beyond the headlines.

Our Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Welcome to Havana

  • Arrive in Havana, Cuba’s colorful capital where Spanish colonial façades meet the pulse of Afro-Cuban rhythms and the scent of strong coffee mingles with sea breeze from the Malecón.
  • Settle into Casa Vitrales, a beautifully restored guesthouse in the heart of Old Havana, where balconies overlook narrow cobblestone streets and every room blends historic charm with thoughtful, modern touches.
  • Kick off your journey with a lively salsa class, learning the basic steps and rhythms that make this dance the heartbeat of Cuban culture, before raising a welcome cocktail with your travel companions.
  • End the evening with dinner at one of the city’s most beloved paladares, where warm hospitality, locally sourced ingredients, and creative takes on Cuban classics set the tone for the days ahead.

Day 2: Into the Heart of Viñales

  • Leave Havana behind and journey west into the lush, UNESCO-listed Viñales Valley, where dramatic limestone mogotes rise above fields of tobacco, coffee, and cassava.
  • Explore the countryside on horseback with Yosbel, our trusted guajiro guide, whose deep knowledge of the land and animals brings the valley’s traditions to life. Along the way, stop at a family-run tobacco and coffee farm for a hearty homemade lunch, stories from the farmers, and a hand-rolled cigar tasting straight from the source.
  • Settle into your casa particular, a warm and welcoming home stay surrounded by gardens and open skies, offering a peaceful base to connect with the rhythms of rural life.
  • End the day with a traditional pig roast, where friends, family, and neighbors gather for music, dancing, and laughter under a blanket of stars—a true celebration of the Cuban community.

Day 3: Beach Day at Cayo Jutías

  • Spend the day on the quiet shores of Cayo Jutías, a pristine stretch of white sand where the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico lap gently against the coast. The journey there winds through rolling farmland and palm-lined roads, offering glimpses of rural Cuban life before opening onto the sea.
  • Swim, stroll, or simply stretch out under the sun, letting the slow rhythm of island life take over. For those who want a taste of local flavor, small beachside shacks serve up fresh-caught seafood, chilled drinks, and sweet treats to enjoy with your toes in the sand.
  • Return to Viñales in the late afternoon, the golden light spilling over the valley as the day winds down. In the evening, gather for a laid-back dinner, sharing stories and laughter as you unwind from a day steeped in the calm beauty of Cuba’s coast.

Enmanuel, Cuba's Regional Director

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Where We Stay

At Heart of Travel, we believe your home away from home should feel as authentic as the places you explore. That’s why we seek out premium boutique lodging owned and run by local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Rather than focusing on star ratings, we seek out properties that blend sustainable practices with one-of-a-kind character, heartfelt service, and genuine warmth. From thoughtfully restored heritage houses to eco-minded retreats, each stay is chosen for its ability to tell a story, support small-business communities, and create memorable moments.

The Heart Experience

What makes this journey special isn’t just where we go—it’s how we go. From trusted trip leaders to street musicians, local artists, and farmers in Viñales, every moment is crafted to connect you with Cuba’s soul and reflect our deep commitment to people, culture, and community.



Cuba’s Regional Director & Senior Trip Leader

Enmanuel co-designed this journey through Viñales and Havana to share the soul of Cuba—felt in the slow rhythm of its valleys, the creative pulse of its streets, and the salt-kissed stillness of the sea at Cayo Jutías.

Some of his favorite highlights include:

  • Building meaningful connections with local artists, guides, and entrepreneurs across the island.
  • Horseback visit to a family-run tobacco & coffee farm with a homemade lunch and fresh cigar tasting.
  • Day trip to Las Terrazas, an award-winning eco-community nestled in the mountains, known for its sustainability, art studios, and natural beauty.
  • Watching the stars fade into sunrise over Los Acuáticos.
  • Creating opportunities for genuine cultural exchange that feel real, unfiltered, and grounded in community.

This is travel with heart—where impact and experience go hand in hand.

Yeni Betancourt

Yeni Betancourt

Local Host Viñales

Yeni is the heart and soul of our Viñales experience, welcoming every traveler like an old friend. Born and raised in the valley, she lovingly coordinates every detail of our time there. Her warmth is magnetic, her kindness unforgettable, and her deep ties to the community make each moment personal and real. Whether sharing stories over coffee or introducing you to her hometown, Yeni embodies connection, hospitality, and Cuban resilience

Rene & Yovi

Rene & Yovi

Local Hosts Viñales

Rene and Yovi are the vibrant, joyful duo at the center of our Viñales experience, partners in life and in making travelers feel right at home. Rene, a Viñales local and Yeni’s cousin, invites us onto their family farm for an unforgettable evening of pig roasting, dancing, and Havana Club toasts under the stars. Yovi, known for his warm spirit and legendary bear hugs, is often the first to welcome us after the long ride from Havana, helping us settle in and feel part of the family. Together, they bring heart, hospitality, and a whole lot of rhythm to every trip—and if you’re ready to dance, Yovi is always the first on the floor.

Mario

Mario

Partner Casa Cuarteles

Mario is one of those unforgettable faces you’ll associate with home in Havana. A partner at Casa Cuarteles, he’s often there with a warm smile, a fresh cup of coffee, or a perfectly timed mojito. The real magic happens when Mario welcomes us into his home and studio for a night of storytelling, dominoes, and a home-cooked meal by his wife—arroz, yuca, chicken, and all the flavors of Cuba made with love. With dancing, laughter, and salsa echoing through the gallery, Mario offers a true glimpse into Cuban hospitality.

Yosbel

Yosbel

Local Horseback Guide

In the lush, tobacco-scented valley of Viñales, Yosbel is our trusted guajiro guide, welcoming travelers with quiet warmth and a genuine smile. A veterinarian by trade, he leads scenic horseback rides through the countryside, sharing stories of the region’s flora, fauna, and rural life. Along the way, we stop to drop off donations and gain insight into the resilience of Cuba’s farmers. His compassion, knowledge, and steady presence make him a guest favorite time and time again.

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How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

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Expertly Curated Itineraries
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Fair Wages & Local Partnerships
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Regenerative Travel Practices
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Community-Based Experiences

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Hear What People Are Saying

- Amber Severson, New Years Eve in Cuba

Heart of Travel is the best for magical and ethical vacations! Chelsea and her incredible team first won me over in Guatemala in 2023 as they planned a beautiful trip that allowed us to see and experience so many different places, people, and things. A helicopter ride, a volcano hike, spa day, meeting the most badass Mayan weaver!!, a once-in a lifetime sunset tour in Tikal - done. I'm still trying to get over this trip lol. They knocked it out of the park again in Cuba for NYE! Chelsea and the spectacular Paloma had us dancing multiple nights away, eating the BEST food, and seeing ALL the sights while also giving us ample opportunity to support the Cuban people and educating us on why that is so important. You will leave their trips with new memories, new friends, and possibly, some new perspectives. Do it!!!

- Amber Severson, New Years Eve in Cuba

- Patty Frank, Exploring the Island's Past, Present & Future

I had an amazing time in Cuba. The people were so warm and welcoming. Every meal was superb and authentic and the accommodations were clean and comfortable. The group was small, so we were able to experience Cuba in an intimate setting with like-minded people. The guides were very active and full of energy, which made the trip even more exciting. I can't say I had a favorite event because there were so many to choose from, but it was an active group and I enjoyed horseback riding and hikes. The night life was infectious, with dancing, music and of course Mojitos. Heart of Travel is dependable and shares their love of Cuba.

- Patty Frank, Exploring the Island's Past, Present & Future

- Angelina Parker, Exploring the Island's Past, Present & Future

Travelling to Cuba with Heart of Travel was an amazing and memorable experience, highlighted by the passion of Paloma in sharing her country with us. It's hard to identify one favorite moment of this trip - between the Cuban people, dancing, laughter, learning about history and current state of this complex country, and FOOD (don't believe the other travel blogs out there - we had the most amazing food!), this is a trip that I will always hold close to my heart. Thank you to Paloma, Crystal, and Chelsea for such an amazing trip - can't wait to go on the next one!

- Angelina Parker, Exploring the Island's Past, Present & Future

How We Define Activity Levels

We rate each trip from Level 1 (Easy) to Level 5 (Challenging)—from fully accessible experiences to adventures best suited for experienced hikers/adventurers.

Whether you prefer a relaxed stroll or a rewarding trek, there’s a pace—and a place—for you.

Get the

Interest-Free Payment Plans Available

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