Cuba

A Look at Life in Havana

Program No. 23508RJ
Immerse yourself in the culture of Havana through meaningful interactions with locals, and learn about how the complicated history has impacted this remarkable city.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Embark on an extraordinary urban adventure as you get to know Cuba’s people, culture and history through its capital city. Discover the plazas of Old Havana with your Cuban host and venture to the outskirts of the city for a taste of rural life. Enjoy interacting with local artists, domino players, community organizers, business owners and farmers while learning about this city by supporting the amazing people that call it home. Support freedom of expression for Cuban artists, engage with owners of private enterprises by exclusively using their businesses, and promote the emergence of Civil Society by openly and freely sharing your own ideas and insights.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles a day on a combination of cobblestone streets and dirt paths. Getting on and off of a motorcoach. Navigating high curbs, uneven steps and stairs without railings. Travel in a tropical climate.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Gain an intimate understanding about life in Cuba – politically and culturally – as you meet local artists, musicians, dancers and farmers.
  • Learn about Cuban architecture from a renowned urban architect and city planner.
  • Engage in authentic Cuban passions as you learn to play dominoes with a local club and enjoy traditional dance from a private dance company.

General Notes

Road Scholar offers opportunities to travel legally to Cuba under the new OFAC Regulations published June 5, 2019. Following the General License category “Support for the Cuban People,” Road Scholar programs include activities intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba. Each day's program promotes independence for the Cuban people and results in meaningful interactions with the Cuban people. Questions about traveling to Cuba? Road Scholar has your answers. Learn more: www.roadscholar.org/cubafaqs.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Alberto Faya
Alberto Faya is a Cuban singer, researcher, composer, and professor of music. He has a degree from the University of Havana, is a professor of musical culture there, and gives lectures relating to Cuban history, culture, and music. During the 1970s, he worked to better incorporate African and Afro-Cuban music in Cuban society, striving to air Afro-Cuban rumba music on radio stations. Faya is a believer in the ongoing melding of different cultures and considers culture as the means by which personal identity is derived.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Karina Sanchez
Karina Sanchez View biography
Karina Sanchez is one of the many amazing bi-lingual Cuban leaders, who works with and has been trained by Road Scholar. She is the Cuban expert, and is responsible for relaying local knowledge, and both cultural and historical information for the places we visit throughout the program. Karina will answer questions pertaining to Cuba and the Cuban people.
Profile Image of Alberto Faya
Alberto Faya View biography
Alberto Faya is a Cuban singer, researcher, composer, and professor of music. He has a degree from the University of Havana, is a professor of musical culture there, and gives lectures relating to Cuban history, culture, and music. During the 1970s, he worked to better incorporate African and Afro-Cuban music in Cuban society, striving to air Afro-Cuban rumba music on radio stations. Faya is a believer in the ongoing melding of different cultures and considers culture as the means by which personal identity is derived.
Profile Image of Miguel Coyula
Miguel Coyula View biography
Miguel Coyula, anoted architect and urban planner, is a consultant to Cubasolar, the leading nongovernmental organization promoting the use of renewable energy in Cuba. He is a member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba, where he serves on the Commission for City, Architecture, and Culture. His long career has encompassed research and policy in the areas of agricultural, industrial, neighborhood, and community development. He has lectured widely at over 20 universities and research institutions throughout Latin America, the USA, and Europe.
Profile Image of Humberto Ramirez
Humberto Ramirez View biography
Humberto R. Ramirez Salazar is an architect and professor of the history of architecture and design at the School of Architecture, ISPJAE, Havana. He has been secretary of the International Council of Monuments and Sites, UNESCO NGO; president of Havana Architect Society; and a member of the National Heritage Commission. Some of his most important works as an architect and designer are the School of Architecture in Alamar, Agriculture and Animals National Research Center, Plaza Hotel Refurbishing Project, and Plaza Carlos III Shopping Center.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





Recommended For You

loading spinner