New Ways to Visit Cuba Legally
by Lydia Brown

In order to understand the importance of Obama’s lifting the travel ban to Cuba, we need to go back to 1960 when the U.S. government imposed an economic and financial embargo against Cuba (two years after the Batista regime was deposed by the Cuban Revolution). It was finally enacted in February of 1952 when Cuba nationalized the property of American citizens.  It was titled the “Cuban Democracy Act” and its sole purpose was to maintain sanctions on Cuba as long as the Cuban government continued to refuse to move toward “democratization and greater respect for human rights.”

People have been traveling to Cuba for many years, through the “back door”, if you will,  via the Bahamas, Mexico and Canada.  It entailed taking two flights.  One from U.S.A. to a foreign destination and then from there to Cuba with no “stamps” put in U.S. citizen passports. The embargo did not allow Americans to spend money in Cuba so they had to be sure they did not show an entry stamp on their passports.

Today, the “people to people” movement allows licensed vendors to set up tours that allow Americans to travel legally to Cuba.  The tours must have a full schedule of educational exchange activities that will result in meaningful interaction between travelers and individuals in Cuba.  The trips can range from a long weekend in Havana to more than a week on the island, usually including visits to historic sites like Old Havana or for the longer itineraries a visit to Cienfuegos, a picturesque city in the South.

Demand for these tours are strong and many tour operators already have long wait lists.  After all, the “forbidden” has always intrigued us and we have been waiting for nearly 50 years to get the opportunity to visit Cuba.

Stepping into Old Havana “ La Hababa Vieja” is like stepping back in time.  It’s a virtual time machine.  Plaza de Armas (oldest square in Havana)  has the oldest neo-classic building in  Havana,  the El Templete.  Casa de la Obra Pia’s notable curvaceous baroque portico was carved in Cadiz in 1686.  Today it is home to an 18th century furniture museum and the Covento de Santa Clara (a pre-baroque nunnery with rammed-earth walls and a beautiful cloister) which are just a few of the sites within a short walking distance of the square.  It’s like time stood still here and someone just replaced the battery.

Museums such as the Muse Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts) re-opened in 2001 after having been closed for 5 years. The art is divided into two buildings:  The Cuban Art collection  and the International Art collection…..the main attraction here is not the art but the building itself.  Magnificent.

If you have never tasted a traditional Cuban dish of “chicken stuffed with rice and beans” you are in for a treat. Authentic Cuban cuisines should not be missed.  I would try the  La Cocina de Lilliam or La Esperanza….fine Cuban cuisine.

What ‘s a trip to Cuba without a visit to a real Cuban bar! Check out one of Hemingway’s haunts, La Bodeguita del Medio (not really frequented by locals but a great photo op!). You can even tour the city in a 50’s Classic car or listen to the Cuban music and dance at a cabaret or club. The primo club is the Tropicana Cabaret  where the finest groups perform.  It’s an outdoor theatre that seats 800 and is packed on the weekends or you can try the Copa Room at the Hotel Riviera to see real Cuban musical groups perform. Music abounds in this country – it’s a real love affair.

Let us not forget Americans’ favorite pasttime… baseball. The Cubans have an obsession with this sport. You can visit the Cuban ballpark during Serie Nacional de Beisbol,  October to April. The Cubans have two teams: Sierie Nacional Metropolitanos and Industriales (or Los Azules, the Blues).  If you visit Parque Central on the edge of Old Havana you can witness an unofficial game and see how seriously Cubans take this sport!

While Cuba is beautiful and interesting and I have had many requests from clients to book Cuba, the price of the tours can be a deterrent. The official packages are not inexpensive and do not include the airfare!. A 3 night package in Havana starts at $2,095.00 per person based on double occupancy and up to an 11 night tour for $4,295.00 per person double occupancy. So, suffice it to say, you have to be serious about seeing Cuba! If you are looking for a beach weekend, you better stick with the Caribbean!

For information on People to People travel to Cuba please contact me at [email protected]