Gaucho Getaways Cuba: Havana & Trinidad People-To-People Journey May 1-9, 2012
Join Gaucho Getaways as we explore Cuba on this 8-night People-To-People journey featuring Havana and Trinidad. Cuba is a resplendent tropical island unlike any other in the Caribbean. It is a country of picturesque colonial towns and magnificent 20th century architecture, a country of spectacularly beautiful landscapes, an intriguing Afro-Cuban culture and a vibrant music, dance and art scene.
Of all the capital cities in the Caribbean, Havana has the reputation of being the most splendid and the finest example of a Spanish colonial city in the Americas. Restoration work in the old part of the city helps reveal the glories of the past. Many of its palaces were converted into museums after the Revolution and more work has been done since the old city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
Founded by Conquistador Diego Velazquez in 1514 Trinidad offers a romantic atmosphere mixed with its colonial slavery past, unique architecture and cobblestone streets. One of the area’s interesting sights is the Valley of the Sugar Mills, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. The valley has around 70 long-standing sugar mills which are a reminder of the importance of sugar to the Cuban economy over the centuries.
Our 8-night journey allows the group to meet professionals from all walks of contemporary Cuban life as throughout this OFAC licensed program discussions with economists, artists, educators, business owners, and historians will allow travelers to gain an insight into life in Cuba today.
This UCSB exclusive departure is limited to 34 guests.
Note: This itinerary differs slightly than the February 12-19 itinerary. This is due to flight schedules on the particular days of the week that this itinerary is offered.
May 1: Tueday. Havana Depart Los Angeles bound for Havana. Upon arrival transfer to the Parque Central, ideally located in Old Havana. Later this afternoon enjoy a short walk around the hotel area. Visit inside the wonderful art deco Bacardi building located just two minutes from the hotel. The views from the roof-top are superb but there are a lot of stairs to climb! Before dinner, gather for an introductory briefing and a welcome drink. Accommodations Parque Central Hotel (D)
May 2: Wednesday. Havana Havana, Cuba’s capital, whose strategic and commercial importance is reflected in the fortifications surrounding the city. Havana was declared the capital in 1519, and on December 17 of that year the first mass was celebrated under a ceiba tree which, according to legend, is an ancestor of the one standing at the east end of the Plaza de Armas. Around it rose the center of the original city – the plaza – and the first government buildings. With continued attacks by the French and English, colonial authorities decided to make Havana itself a fort, and in 1633 began constructing city walls that eventually ringed what is now Old Havana. Restoration of the historic center is one of the city government’s priorities and our time here will allow ample opportunity to evaluate the progress.
Enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana led by a city architect. Begin with a private viewing of the newly created model of Old Havana. The model serves as an excellent introduction to the lay-out of the city. It is color-coded by age with the historic buildings painted in crimson, pre-Revolution buildings in yellow and the post-revolutionary buildings in ivory.
Continue on to the Plaza Vieja, a stunningly beautiful old square surrounded by mansions. Although the square was for many years in a sad state of repair, that decay is being reversed by the caring restoration of Habana Vieja. Continue on to the Convento de Santa Clara which has been restored to pristine condition and now houses the Centro Nacional de Conservacion y Museologia. It is a remarkable building with a lobby full of period pieces and an inner and outer cloistered courtyard. Lunch is in a restaurant with local music.
This afternoon participate in a city orientation tour by bus which will be led by Eduardo Luis Rodriquez, director of the well-known journal, Arquitectura Cuba. The tour will include an inside visit to the wonderful Riviera Hotel which, when it opened in 1958, was considered a marvel of modern design. It was owned at the time by Meyer Lansky. The hotel has recently been restored to recapture its 1950s ambience. Drive along La Rampa which climbs past the offices of Cubana, the Hotel Havana Libre and Art-Deco apartment buildings to the Parque Copelia , an entire block of a large, lush park. Follow Calle L south from La Rampa and arrive at the wide steps which lead to the porticoed, columned façade beyond which lies the University of Havana.
Walk through the Colon Cemetery which offers a wealth of architectural styles in the many family tombs constructed here. The grounds are so saturated that the state has taken over the giant vaults of people whose families left after the revolution. Legal sales of some of the more than 53,000 burial properties at Colon have ranged from $600 to $1,700 but it is well known that there are many illegal sales of plots. Stop at the tomb of Amelia Goyri, the most visited tomb at the cemetery, because, it is said, she grants miracles. Our group will get a chance to interact with scores of pilgrims who line up here each day to leave gladiolas and engraved marble plaques for Goyri. Before dinner this evening drive to the Ceramics Museum for a tour and performance of Cuban music performed by Juan Molina, a classic guitar player. Welcome dinner at Café Oriente. Accommodations: Parque Central Hotel (B,L,D)
May 3. Thursday. Havana After breakfast this morning enjoy a lecture by Professor Julio Carranzas on “The Changing Faces of Cuba’s Economic Structure”. Late last year Fidel Castro was quoted as saying to an American journalist that the Cuban economic model “doesn’t even work for us any more.” Monumental changes since then have been announced including, but by no means limited to, the laying off of more than half a million state workers, the privatization of small businesses, a new credit law offering certain Cubans bank loans, and the devaluation of the peso to bring it on par with the dollar. As part of our round-table we plan to discuss whether or not these moves signify genuine change or not? After the lecture, walk from the hotel to the Presidential Palace, a huge ornate building topped by a dome. The history of Cuban political development is illustrated here from the slave uprisings to joint missions with the ex-Soviet Union. A few minutes away by foot is the Granma Memorial which preserves the vessel that brought Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and other revolutionaries from Mexico to Cuba in 1956. The Granma, a surprisingly large launch, embodies the powerful, unstoppable spirit of the revolutionary movement.
After lunch drive to one of Havana’s many urban gardens. The effects of the Special Period and consequent food shortages have had greatest repercussions in the city of Havana. With approximately 2.5 million people, Havana has about one fifth of Cuba's total population. While Havana's urban agriculture has taken on many forms, ranging from private gardens (huertos privados) to state-owned research gardens (organicponicos), Havana's popular gardens (huertos populares) are the most widespread and accessible to the general public. Popular gardens are small parcels of state-owned land that are cultivated by individuals or community groups in response to ongoing food shortages. The program for popular gardens first began in Havana in January 1991, and has since been promoted in other Cuban cities. In 2009, there were an estimated 30,000 popular garden parcels (parcelas) throughout the 43 urban districts that make up Havana's 15 municipalities. Our visit will include the garden at Vivero Alamar where the group will meet local gardeners and Noel Pina, the production manager at the garden.
End the day at Ernest Hemingway’s home, which has been lovingly preserved by the Cuban government. The house is just as Hemingway left it, with the books on the tables and many of his favorite photographs on display. Although one can only admire the home from the outside, it is a fascinating visit. Dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Parque Central Hotel (B,L,D)
May 4: Friday. Havana Morning lecture and discussion on Cuban/US Relations to be given by Professor Carlos Alzuguray
Accompanied by contemporary art curator, Abelardo Mena visit the new Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Arte Cubano (Cuban Collection). The Museo is actually divided into two sections, occupying two buildings: the Cuban Collection which we will see this morning, and the International Collection which we will see on Thursday afternoon. The museum’s origins date back to 1842 when the San Alejandro Art Academy started its collection, forming the nucleus of the museum founded in 1913. It expanded greatly after Castro took over in 1959, notably with works from the private collections of Julio Lobo and Oscar Cintas. End the morning with a briefing at the US Interest Section.
Following lunch, local artists, Alicia Leal and Juan Moreira host us in their home to view their work and discuss Cuban art. Alicia’s Leal work is of a markedly narrative nature while those of her husband, reflect many of the historical, religious and cultural influences in Cuba. We have also invited Juan’s Moreira’s daughter, Cirenaica Moreira, and Alicia Leal’s son-in-law, Novo, both cutting-edge artists to join us.
Depart the hotel for an evening reception at the Ludwig Foundation, an organization committed to the promotion of art in Cuba, followed by dinner at a private restaurant, La Chansonnier. Accommodations: Parque Central Hotel (B,L,D)
May 5: Saturday Morning drive along the “autopista” to Cienfuegos. Make a stop en route to the Bay of Pigs when, in 1962, about 1,300 heavily armed CIA-trained Cuban exiles came ashore fully equipped to provoke a counterrevolution to topple the Castro regime. Enjoy lunch in Cienfuegos at the fabulous Palacio del Valle which originally belonged to Celestino Caceres but which was given as a wedding present to a member of the local Valle family who added to it, producing a magnificent building.
Visit Beny More School of Art which trains students in the visual and musical arts. It is one of the top ten middle level art schools in Cuba. The Cuban government has a clear vision of the importance of the arts and takes pride in its arts education programs. Talk with students and see they wok with outdated instruments and tools but can produce wonderful music and art. Drive to the Villa Guajimico for dinner and overnight. Accommodations: TBA (B,L,D)
May 6: Sunday. Trinidad Spend the morning exploring Trinidad, the fourth of the seven cities founded by Diego de Velasquez in 1514 as a base for expeditions into the “New World’. Today it is maintained as a living museum, just as the Spaniards left it in its period of greatest opulence. It is the crown jewel of Cuba’s colonial cities. The whole city with its fine palaces, cobbled streets and tiled roofs, is a national monument and, since 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trinidad’s prosperity rested on the sugar industry, which was introduced in the 18th century. As a result of the wealth that the sugar industry brought Trinidad’s cultural life flourished. Schools of languages, music and dance were opened and a wide variety of artisans set up businesses, including gold and silversmiths. In 1827 the Teatro Candamo opened its doors. The well-off patricians built huge mansions for themselves (now museums) and sent their children to European universities. However, during the second half of the 19th century the Industrial Revolution and increased sugar beet production in Europe led to the decline of Trinidad’s slavery-based economy. Construction ceased and the city remained frozen in time.
Walk through the town and admire the maze of cobbled streets which is lined with terra-cotta tiled roofed houses in soft pastel colors. Much of the architecture is neo-classical and baroque, with a Moorish flavor reflecting the town’s heritage of conquistadores. Stop in at Trinidad’s Library where the group will learn more about the important role of libraries in Cuba. Meeting with staff at the library, the discussion will focus on the subject of intellectual freedom a passionately debated issue. Participants will learn more about how books are selected and what censorship occurs. The discussion will also focus on how Havana exerts control in more rural areas. We recommend that you bring a copy of your favorite novel to donate to the museum!
At lunch meet with local entrepreneur David Alamar who recently opened a private restaurant in Trinidad called Davimart, taking advantage of the relaxed regulations regarding private enterprise in Cuba. He is employing and paying 3 Cubans who are not family members to assist him.
Dinner in Trinidad. Trinidad in the evening is quite different from Trinidad during the day, and there is something very special about walking down its narrow cobbled streets by the light of the moon. Accommodations: TBA (B,L,D)
May 7: Monday. Havana Return to Havana this morning. Afternoon meeting with members of Observatorio Critico. Observatorio Critico is a network of mainly young activists who hope to shape the politics of Cuba in spite of the country’s one political party system. Drawing support from a wide range of social platforms, their goal is to found a proper civil society. They do not wish to overthrow the regime but rather establish freedoms to rejuvenate political discourse emanating from this grass roots movement. At leisure for dinner. Accommodations Parque Central Hotel (B,L)
May 8: Tuesday. Havana Morning visit to watch a rehearsal of the Danza Contemporánea de Cuba. This extraordinary dance group melds the techniques of classical ballet and American modern dance with the rippling spines and head rolls of traditional, or folkloric, Afro-Cuban dance; the complex rhythms of Cuban rumba; and the twirling hands and syncopation of Spanish flamenco.
After lunch stop at the Partagas Cigar Factory, one of the oldest of the Havana brands. The three- storied structure was originally built in 1845 to house the Vilar y Vilar Cigar Factory. See Cuba’s premium cigars being hand-rolled for the export trade as they have been since 1845. The factory now produces 5 million cigars a year including the Montecristo.
Depart the hotel for a farewell dinner at La Guarida. Owner. Enrique Nuñez opened La Guarida in 1996 when Fidel Castro made some minor economic reforms issuing a limited number of licenses to residents to earn cash either by opening small restaurant to tourists or putting them up in their homes. But there were restrictions. Only 12 seats were allowed per restaurant and workers had to be family. Many ingredients were either designated illegal contraband or impossible to find. La Guarida is perhaps the most well-known of all Paladars in Havana made famous because it was where Strawberry and Chocolate, the 1994 Oscar-nominated film about gays in Cuba, was shot. Mr Nuñez grew up in just two rooms on the third floor that are now dining rooms. He has subsequently hosted guests ranging from the King and Queen of Spain, Jack Nicholson and the Nobel author Gabriel Garcia Marquez. But as the fame of the La Guarida grew, the conditions for Mr and for Cubans in general – worsened. The last decade saw a deterioration of Cuba's economy and the eventual closing of La Guarida in 2009. It re-opened less than a year ago. Accommodations Parque Central Hotel (B,L,D)
May 9: Wednesday. Havana Depart the hotel for the airport for your flight back to Los Angeles. (B)
Gaucho Getaways Cuba An 8-Night People-To-People Journey • May 1-9, 2012
Included: • Roundtrip airfare on a charter flight from Los Angeles to Havana, returning from Santiago • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary based on double occupancy • All meals as listed in the program. One drink is included with lunch, and one with dinner. This can be a bottle of water, a soda or beer or wine. • Cocktails at the welcome and farewell dinner • Chilled bottled water available on the coach • Sightseeing and excursions as listed • Transportation in a deluxe motor-coach with air-conditioning • Services of a local Cuban guide • Services of a Distant Horizons escort • Honorarium provided to Cuban lecturers as noted in the itinerary • A Cuban visa card which will be issued by Distant Horizons • All gratuities • Mandatory Health Insurance and evacuation required by the Cuban Government. This provides $25,000 worth of medical coverage and $7,000 worth of medical transportation
Does Not Include • Any items not listed. • Departure tax of approximately $30 to be paid on departure from Santiago • Flight from hometown to Los Angeles. For your convenience, tour operator Distant Horizons can arrange for your flight from your gateway city to Los Angeles at additional cost. OFAC approves flights from the USA to Cuba 30 days prior to departure so all exact times are tentative until then. • Excess luggage charges which are strictly enforced in Miami. Please note airlines are currently allowing one free check-in luggage but are considering charging for luggage in 2012. So far no decision has been reached on this.
What to Expect: Travel to Cuba is controlled by The Cuban Assets Control Regulations, which are enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and affect all U.S. citizens and permanent residents wherever they are located. Regulations require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed in order to engage in any travel-related transactions pursuant to travel to, from, and within Cuba. The UCSB Alumni Association has been issued a specific license for this program pursuant to section 515.565(b)(2) of the regulations. Our license expires in August, 2012.
Our program has been carefully constructed to offer participants an opportunity to meet with a number of Cubans as well as to learn more about this country. A full-time educational exchange program has been planned and participants are expected to be part of each group activity. Meals have been arranged in a variety of restaurants including some of the newly re-opened private restaurants known as “paladars.” We will be using comfortable 40- seat buses with air-conditioning and microphones. Roads are good in Cuba.
Upon registration, you will be receiving a packet of information addressing topics such as currency, visas and what to bring. Please note for now that it is not possible to use a US credit card in Cuba and that visas will be issued prior to departure. Your passport will not be required to issue a visa. Also upon registration the UCSB Alumni Association will also provide, pursuant to the regulations, a written statement on its letter stationery that cites the number of the UCSB Alumni Association license, and provides notification to each participant of his or her recordkeeping responsibilities as a traveler under the license. OFAC may require the submission of a report from the Licensee or any individual travelers concerning the activities undertaken pursuant to the license. Cuba: 8-Night People To People: Havana & Trinidad Registration Form: May 1-9, 2012 $4,480 per person, based on double occupancy, Los Angeles International Gateway
Gaucho Getaways * UCSB Alumni Association * UC Santa Barbara * Santa Barbara, CA 93106 805-893-4611 (P) 805-893-4918 (F)
Enclosed is my/our deposit for $______($500.00 per person) for ____ person/s for Cuba. I/we understand the final payment is due, payable by check, on or no later than February 8, 2012. Registration can be made with check payable to Distant Horizons. Mail deposits to Gaucho Getaways.
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Reservations and Payments: Reservations for a tour require a deposit of $500 per person and an application form signed by the participant. Full balance of the trip cost is due upon receipt of final invoice no later than February 8, 2012.
Tour Price Includes:
Hotel Accommodations: In 4-star or best available based on two persons sharing a twin room. Distant Horizons reserves the right to substitute hotels for those named in the brochure when necessary. Distant Horizons will do all possible for single participants to satisfy requests to share rooms. On occasions when it is not possible, the single room supplement will apply. If Distant Horizons or assigns you a roommate and your roommate cancels or changes their mind about sharing a room, you will be liable for the single room supplement. Meals: American breakfast (B), lunches (L) and dinners (D) are included as specified in the itinerary. All Land Travel Listed: Including one group airport transfer upon arrival in Havana and departure from Havana, entrance fees to monuments, local guides and special activities as quoted in the itinerary. All gratuities and taxes are included, except the $30 airport departure tax due in Havana. Baggage: One average size suitcase, not exceeding 44 pounds or 20 kilos is allowed. In addition, one carry-on bag is allowed. Visas: Visas are required for U.S. citizens visiting Cuba, and these are easily obtained through Distant Horizons.
Tour Price Does Not Include: Charges for domestic air into and from Miami, passport fees, visa fees, visa service fee, meals not listed, airport transfers if not arriving with the group, drinks with included meals other than water, excess luggage charges, insurance of any kind, laundry charges, individual tour transfers for individual arrival and departure at transfer points, and items of a purely personal nature. Tour cost is based on rates of currency exchange at time of printing (September 2011) and is subject to change with or without previous notice. If there is a price increase prior to the day of departure in the basic costs, such increases may be passed on to the participant. Deviations: Distant Horizons is very happy to make any special land or air arrangements.
Cancellations Distant Horizons and the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason, including insufficient number of participants, and to decline to accept or retain any person as a participant at any time. Should this happen, refunds will be made without obligation, although we cannot be held responsible for any additional costs already incurred by participants.
The tour price is based on a number of people traveling together. If bookings fall below the minimum required, passengers will be advised of additional costs for that departure date.
If a participant cancels, the following refunds will be available upon written notice of cancellation to Distant Horizons. Notice more than 90 days prior to departure: a refund less a $250 cancellation charge. Notice between 90 days and 60 days prior to departure: a refund less 50% of trip price. Notice between 60 days and 30 days prior to departure: a refund less 75% of trip price. No refund shall be issued if cancellation is received less than 30 days prior to departure date. No refunds shall be issued after the tour has commenced. No refunds shall be issued for occasional missed meals, sightseeing tours or any unused services.
Areas of the World We Travel To Some of the countries we offer trips to have State Department Warnings. Warnings and Public Announcements are frequently changed by the State Department and it is the responsibility of the traveler to keep themselves updated. We recommend that you check the State Department web-site at travel.state.gov for up-to-date information about the countries you are interested in.
Air Carriers Contract The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time tour members are on board their planes or conveyances. The passage contract in use by the airline concerned when the ticket is issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of these tickets and/or the passenger.
Responsibility Distant Horizons and the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association act only in the capacity of agents for the hotels, airlines, bus companies, railroads, ship lines or owners or contractors providing accommodations, transportation or other services. As a result, all coupons, receipts or tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the supplier. By acceptance of tour membership, the participant agrees that neither Distant Horizons nor the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association nor any of their subsidiaries shall become liable or responsible for personal injury, damage to persons or property, loss, delay or irregularity caused by persons not controlled by it, such as (without limitation) airlines, bus and shipping companies, suppliers of accommodations or other services, or resulting from any acts of God, defects in vehicles, strikes, wars, whether declared or otherwise, civil disturbances, medical or customs regulations, acts of terrorism, epidemics or government restrictions. Distant Horizons and the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association cannot be held responsible for unfavorable weather or closure of access routes due to bad weather conditions. Distant Horizons and the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association are not responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the participant as a result of the above mentioned causes.
Tour participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of these terms and conditions and signifies acceptance of, and consents to, all of the terms and conditions set forth herein, on behalf of any participants they may act for and for themselves when registering for, or making payments on, this tour.