Cuba Cultural Adventure with IVS
Explore Cuba’s vibrant culture, fascinating history and unbeatable nature with International Veterinary Seminars!
This itinerary works within the confines of the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control’s requirements that “Support for the Cuban People” programs promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society.
Tour Season
Trip Length
Activity Level
Arrival city
Price from
Trip Highlights
- Visits to Revolution Square and El Morro Castle
- Learn about La Libreta, the Cuban ration book system
- Meet with a veterinarian and learn about the Cuban veterinarian system
- Visit farms and learn of their famous tobacco cultivation
- Hiking in the Vinales Valley and Topes de Collantes National Park
- Snorkeling in Cueva de los Peces, in the Bay of Pigs
- Tour Finca Vigia – Ernest Hemingways’ home in Cuba
- Tour Havana by electric bike
- Enjoy live music and dancing
- Stay in comfortable bed and breakfast for a rich culture experience
About this trip
Cuba Cultural Adventure with IVS
Discover Cuba’s vibrant culture and natural beauty with International Veterinary Seminars and Bio Bio Expeditions. From historic Havana, including Revolution Square and El Morro Castle, to local markets, organic farms, and tobacco fields, this journey offers an authentic look at daily Cuban life.
Escape the city to snorkel Cueva de los Peces in the Bay of Pigs and hike the cool, lush trails of Topes de Collantes National Park. Designed around meaningful local interaction and fully compliant with “Support for the Cuban People” guidelines, this is a fun, immersive adventure that connects you directly with the heart of Cuba.
Seminar registration is US$925.00 for 12 RACE approved CE hours.
All are welcome including spouses and friends- only the veterinarian attending needs to register for the CE.
Itinerary
What to expect
Days 1–2: Havana History, Art & Everyday Life
You arrive in Havana and jump straight into the heart of Cuba by first exploring Revolution Square, El Morro Fortress, and crossing the harbor by ferry alongside locals. The next day you wander Old Havana with a local expert, visit artists’ studios and private businesses, and see daily Cuban life up close at neighborhood markets and ration stores. Evenings are spent in classic paladares and creative neighborhoods like Jaimanitas, home to José Fuster’s colorful community art project.
Days 3–4: Valleys, Farms & the Road South
You head into the countryside to Viñales Valley, visiting local tobacco farmers, hiking through limestone hills, and enjoying lunch at an organic farm overlooking the valley. Back toward the coast, you meet with conservation leaders, then explore Havana by electric bike before continuing south to Playa Larga, where life slows down and the Caribbean takes over.
Days 5–6: Reefs, Rainforests & Trinidad Nights
Snorkel the crystal-clear waters of Cueva de los Peces, stroll the elegant streets of Cienfuegos, and settle into the timeless city of Trinidad. A hike in Topes de Collantes National Park offers cool mountain air and lush rainforest trails, followed by free afternoons and lively evenings filled with music, dancing, and local flavor.
Days 7–8: Hemingway, Havana & Farewell Cuba
You return to Havana with a stop at Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s home, and lunch in Cojímar, the fishing village that inspired The Old Man and the Sea. Your final afternoon is open to visit art markets, galleries, or simply wandering to enjoy vibrant Havana. One last dinner in a private paladar caps the journey before heading home the next morning.
Flexibility and Patience
As with many travel experiences, flexibility and patience are key to having a positive experience on your trip. Especially in Cuba, things are changing very rapidly. Your itinerary is subject to change, and your local guide will do their best to keep you informed and up to date with any changes in scheduled activities.
Lodging
Where you'll stay
A note on the accommodations from our partners who live in Cuba:
Accommodations are comfortable and clean at the bed and breakfasts we stay, and the hosts are very warm and welcoming. Once people have that understanding, that it’s not a hotel, that their money is directly supporting these people, then they have a really wonderful time. They are businesses (more than 25k rooms to rent in Cuba) and very professional, but it’s an important point to clarify that they aren’t hotels. (please see photos in the gallery for examples of rooms you may stay in on your trip)
Dates & Pricing
Plan your trip
Dates
2027 Dates
February 14-21
Pricing
2026 Dates
$5,200 per person, based on double occupancy
$700 single supplement fee
Seminar registration is US$925.00 for 12 RACE approved CE hours.
All are welcome including spouses and friends- only the veterinarian attending needs to register for the CE.
Includes:
· Experienced Cuban tour guide
· 2 bottles of water per day per person
· Legal, licensed American travel tour requirements completed to the best of the detailed outline for Support for the Cuban People provided by the Office of Foreign Assets Control
· Meals outlined in the itinerary
· Accommodations outlined in the itinerary (private bed and breakfasts &/or hotel in Havana – depending on travel restrictions at the time of travel)
· All entrance fees for activities in itinerary
· Air-conditioned transportation while in Cuba
· Airport transfers to/from Havana airport (1 set airport transfer to/from Havana airport)
· Gratuities for all meals included in itinerary, plus 1-2 drinks per meal included as well
Not Included:
· Airfare to/from Cuba
· Cuban tourist visa
· Travel and medical insurance
· Meals not specified in itinerary
· Gratuities for guide and driver
· Items of personal nature-laundry, internet, etc.
Recommended by
Available Extensions
Extend your adventure with an add-on trip
Nothing found.
TripAdvisor 5.0
Facebook 4.9
Google 5.0
Please comment on your overall impression of the trip. Did it meet your expectations?
Yes, it definitely did. I didn’t really know what to expect. I felt like it was an excellent agenda, with a mix of travel, outdoor activities and historical tour etc. A little something for everyone.
What did you think about the quality and the knowledge of your guide staff?
Off the charts- fantastic!
Additional Feedback:
It was a very powerful experience. We learned so much about the economic, political and social systems of Cuba. We saw a good amount of the county and met incredible people. Eric and Marlon, our guides, were amazing people as well knowledgeable leaders. We are very grateful to them.
Cuba IVS 2024
Please comment on your overall impression of the trip. Did it meet your expectations?
The trip exceeded expectations.
What did you think about the quality and the knowledge of your guide staff?
Off the charts- fantastic!
If you were to tell a friend or colleague about your overall experience on this trip, what would you say?
I learned a great deal about Cuba thanks to the guides and saw a lot of the country. It was an amazing trip, we loved the Cuban people and hope to return.
Cuba 2024