Cuba 2026

A WEEK OF EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES & CULTURAL EXCHANGE
WITH THE BUSBOYS TRAVEL TRIBE

January 25 – January 31, 2026 | 7 Days / 6 Nights

Over seven days, participants will engage in a thoughtfully curated series of educational activities exploring Havana’s historic neighborhoods, museums, and cultural institutions. The program includes opportunities to connect with poets and students inspired by the legacy of Langston Hughes and Nicolás Guillén, attend live jazz performances during the 2026 Havana Jazz Festival, and experience Cuba’s rich culinary traditions through private paladares and farm-to-table dining. Highlights include visits to Casa de las Américas, ELAM (Latin American School of Medicine), Fusterlandia, the Lizt Alfonso Dance Company, community-based social projects, and a guided classic car tour of Havana—each designed to foster learning, dialogue, and cross-cultural exchange.

This all-inclusive program features guided ground transportation, English-speaking guides, 13 included meals, hotel accommodations, and Busboys and Poets team support—creating a meaningful, enriching educational travel experience centered on art, dialogue, and global connection.

Itinerary subject to change.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 — Sunday, January 25, 2026

Arrival in Havana & Welcome Dinner

  • Arrival in Havana between 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Group transfer to Grand Muthu Habana Hotel and check-in
  • Welcome snack at the hotel
  • 5:30 PM — Orientation session
  • 7:30 PM — Group transportation to dinner
  • 8:00 PM — Welcome dinner at Paladar Legendarios del Guajirito with live Buena Vista Social Club–style performance
  • Return to hotel

Day 2 — Monday, January 26, 2026

Arts, Poetry & Social History

  • 9:30 AM — Bus pick-up
  • Visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts
  • Lunch at Moneda Cubana, a local development and culinary training project
  • Exchange with students at the Moneda Cubana Gastronomic Project in Old Havana
  • Guided exploration of Plaza de la Catedral
  • Visit to the Langston Hughes sculpture at Casa de la Poesía and conversation with Cuban poets
  • Visit to Cuban Color Social Observatory, addressing racial equity and inclusion
  • Dinner at La Guarida private paladar
  • Evening at leisure

Day 3 — Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Education, History & Cultural Institutions

  • Morning visit to an educational center (primary, vocational, or university level, based on availability)
    • Discussion topics include family–school–community connections and inclusive education
  • Visit to Centro Fidel Castro
  • Lunch at Idilio private paladar
  • Visit to Casa de las Américas, a leading cultural and literary institution
  • Dinner at Fangio private paladar
  • Evening at leisure

Day 4 — Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Sustainability, Dance & Cuban Cuisine

  • Visit to Finca Vista Hermosa for a farm-to-table experience
  • Afternoon visit to the Lizt Alfonso Dance Company
  • Dinner at San Cristóbal private paladar
  • Evening at leisure

Day 5 — Thursday, January 29, 2026

Poetry, Medicine & Jazz Plaza Festival

  • Visit to UNEAC Headquarters to view the commemorative plaque honoring the friendship of poets Langston Hughes and Nicolás Guillén
  • Visit to ELAM (Latin American School of Medicine) and exchange with students and faculty
  • Lunch at Fusterlandia, featuring public art installations by José Fuster
  • Dinner at Al Carbón private paladar
  • Evening attendance at a Jazz Plaza Festival concert
  • Return to hotel

Day 6 — Friday, January 30, 2026

Community Projects & Farewell Celebration

  • Morning visit to Havana’s Eastern Beaches (weather permitting)
  • Lunch at Bacura, a restaurant and social project supporting child equestrian rehabilitation
  • Classic car tour through Havana, ending at Almacenes de San José artisan market
  • Dinner at Cocina de Liliam private paladar
  • Farewell night at Fábrica de Arte Cubano, featuring Jazz Plaza programming
  • Return to hotel

Day 7 — Saturday, January 31, 2026

Departure

  • Group transfer to Havana International Airport
  • Depart Cuba

Program Details & Pricing

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Meals Included: 13 meals
Location: Havana, Cuba
Departure Date: January 25, 2026

Pricing (Per Person)

  • $1,767 — Double Occupancy
  • $2,165 — Single Occupancy

Space is limited. Pricing is subject to availability.

What’s Included

  • Group airport transfers (Airport–Hotel–Airport)
  • Ground transportation for all scheduled activities
  • All educational and cultural activities listed in the program
  • English-speaking professional tour guide
  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary
  • Unique, immersive experiences with Cuban artists, educators, and community members
  • On-site Busboys and Poets team support
  • Commemorative souvenir

What’s Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Cuban travel visa
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Any activities not specifically listed in the program itinerary

Travel Visa Information

U.S. travelers are required to obtain a Cuban tourist visa prior to travel.

  • The visa allows single entry for up to 90 days (extendable for an additional 90 days)
  • A valid passport is required
  • The electronic visa is linked directly to your passport
  • A valid email address is required to receive your visa code
  • Visa processing typically takes up to 72 business hours

Apply online at:
https://evisacuba.cu

Reservation & Operational Information

  • Reservation requests must be submitted by January 15, 2026
  • Requests should be emailed to: busboysandpoets@gmail.com
  • Reservations will be confirmed within 48 hours
  • The Busboys and Poets team will coordinate all program and tour logistics
  • Payment instructions and follow-up details will be provided via email

Cancellation Policy

  • 44–21 days prior to departure: 30% cancellation fee
  • 20–8 days prior to departure: 50% cancellation fee
  • 7 days or fewer prior to departure: 100% cancellation fee (non-refundable)

Important Notes

  • The itinerary is subject to change due to weather, availability, or unforeseen circumstances
  • If a scheduled activity becomes unavailable, a comparable alternative will be offered