From Havana To Remedios

Some places in the world are worth the wait. The romantic, rumba-infused Republic of Cuba is one of those places. Join Backroads for an eight-day Educational Exchange program on this enigmatic Caribbean Isle. Learn about its culture and history through meaningful interactions with community members, business leaders, artists and educators. Experience the land from the perspective of farmers and naturalists. And delve into Cuba's rich traditions of music and dance. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy every imaginable occasion to interact and connect with the Cuban people.

The educational exchanges on this trip allow for some walking. However, the overall level of physical activity is much less than on other Backroads walking trips (and this is not a biking trip). Read more Straight Talk.

Days 1-2 History & Arts of Old Havana In Habana Vieja (Old Havana), join a discussion with members of the community and an expert from the city planning office Converse and share personal accounts with locals about the city's conservation efforts, view restoration firsthand and engage with the people doing this important work During a cultural exchange session with members of a community art project, gain perspectives on the role of the arts in U.S. community development compared to Cuba and learn about influential Cuban art and dance  Examine Cuban religions with locals who practice Santería, a fusion of West African, Caribbean and Roman Catholic beliefs.

Days 3-4 Agriculture, Ecology & Private Enterprise in Las Terrazas & Artists in Havana Partake in an educational exchange in Las Terrazas, a sustainable community within the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, where you'll dialog with naturalists and residents about the community's history and the reforestation project  Learn about the coffee industry from workers at Cafetal Buenavista, a restored French coffee plantation At a privately owned and operated restaurant, or paladar, sit down to a delicious lunch and engage with our hostess and her employees on topics such as private enterprise and the importance of food in Cuban culture  Gain insight into Havana's innovative Organipónico de Alamar, a neighborhood agricultural project with a sustainably run urban farm, produce market and restaurant  Enjoy a cultural exchange with Cuban independent artists to discuss self-expression in society and the challenges of being a working artist in Cuba.

Day 5 Music & Dance in Santa Clara & Historians in Remedios  En route to Remedios, stop in vibrant Santa Clara and interact with musicians and dancers who explain the significance of the danzón, Cuba's most important musical style Participate in an educational exchange with historians in Remedios as we explore the town's quiet streets and charming city center, discussing examples of preservation efforts along the way.

Days 6-8 Cuba's Sugarcane History & Parranderos in Remedios & Community Projects in Caibarién  Learn about sugarcane production, once the cornerstone of Cuba's economy, with a cultural exchange at a historic sugar mill Learn about one of the oldest Cuban traditions, the carnival-like Parrandas, from the community members who reveal how they passionately prepare for this popular Christmas celebration  Be charmed by the quaint town of Caibarién, where horse-drawn carriages and bicitaxis are still the main mode of transport  Take part in an educational exchange with a multi-generational community artisan group focused on recycled products and social issues  Engage in community projects whose goal is to teach music to future generations  The last morning head to Cienfuegos to catch your flight back to Miami.