Cuba on a Shoestring small group vacation

Environment

Our trips are run in small groups with a maximum of 16 travelers. We believe this is the best way to enjoy intimate, authentic experiences whilst also being mindful of our impact on the environment and local communities we visit.

Traveling in a small group enables us to stay in family-run guesthouses, which are more environmentally friendly than the bigger hotel chains. A small group size also allows us to support small restaurants and cafes, serving locally sourced produce.

One of the biggest problems facing Cuba is the inadequate disposal of waste. The government has now invested in a program to raise environmental awareness among the population. To help minimise our impact we avoid using single-use plastic bottles, opting for refillable water bottles instead. Large water containers are also provided for the bus journeys so that travelers can fill up as required. During the initial welcome meeting, the tour guide talks to the group about this topic to raise awareness of the problem as early as possible.

Community

We work closely with a local team of Cuban nationals who share our commitment to responsible travel, from waste and water management to ensuring we leave as minimal a footprint as possible. Our local team are trained on our global responsible travel policies and practices. We also use a range of other local suppliers for different activities throughout the itinerary.

Promoting cross-cultural exchanges between travelers and locals is hugely important to us, because by interacting with locals our travelers become more than just “visitors” in Cuba. An included Spanish class allows our travelers to improve their language skills, making it easier to communicate the basics. The guided tours through Havana, Trinidad and Viñales are not only about exploring the beautiful places, but also about getting an insight into real Cuban life.

On this trip we stay in Cuban guesthouses. Guesthouses in Cuba are unique and charming. They are not just a style of accommodation, they truly contribute to experiencing what Cuba is all about. We work with a network of over 70 guesthouses across the country, ensuring that the financial benefits of tourism are widely spread.

Furthermore, we consider it essential to gain an insight into the history of Cuba. Your local leader, who is passionate about sharing the history, culture and tradition of their country, will of course contribute to this. But a visit to the Che Guevara mausoleum and museum in Santa Clara also helps to understand why Cuba is the way it is today.