Rainbow Cuba Tour for LGBT People and Friends
Saturday 07 May to Sunday 15 May 2011
CUBA REGARDS homophobia, not homosexuality, as the problem. Its efforts to remove legal and social barriers impeding dignity and parity for sexual minorities are exemplary. Cuba is the benchmark for LGBT freedom in Latin America and a global leader in gender and sexual equality.
THIS TOUR is open to LGBT people and all those who support them.
So sorry! Registration for this tour is now closed. It will repeat in 2012. In the meantime, check out our many other Cuba Education Tours.
Tour spots filled. All tours proceed with a minimum of ten travelers.
Join with Cubans in Havana as they commemorate IDAHO – the International Day Against Homophobia.
Nine days and eight nights of learning, fun and friendship in Cuba. Be part of the authentic daily life of Cubans in La Habana and Artemisa provinces.
Eights nights in the historic four star boutique Hotel Telégrafo.
An up close highly personal examination of Cuba's education and healthcare systems, progressive changes for LGBTs and island culture.
Meet and get to know Cuba LGBT activists and equality advocates.
Experience island history, social and ecological achievements first hand.
Glean insights into dynamic citizen engagement in all aspects of urban and rural development and national policy.
Establish enduring personal and professional relationships with your Cuban counterparts and North American tourmates.
EDUCATIONAL, SAFE, FUN, economical travel. Your tour is fully escorted from the minute you touch down in Havana until you return home. You're in the conscientious care of our fulltime multilingual Cuban guide together with a professional bus chauffeur.
Gay boy toasts his grandmother [abuela]. Cuban youth hold elders in esteem. Most older Cubans accept and stick up for their queer grandkids. The island is known as the Jewel of the Caribbean for its natural beauty and the unmatched warmth and kindness of its people.
CLUB CUBANO membership offers cash rewards and discounts.
TELL YOUR friends about this tour and website.
MEALS INCLUDED
IN TOUR PACKAGE
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
EIGHT BREAKFASTS
IN AIR
FIVE LUNCHES
IN AIR
IN AIR
THREE DINNERS
IN AIR
Apple indicates meals included in tour cost at hotels and fine eateries.
Rooftops in Old Havana.
Cuban girls perform folk dance.
Day 1
Saturday
Hello Cuba
The city of Havana as seen from the fortress El Morro, across the harbor from your hotel.
Welcome mojito.
Arrival at Havana's José Martí International Airport. Collect your bags and go through customs. You're welcomed at the airport lobby by your Cuba Education Tours guide and professional bus chauffeur.
Your guide will direct you to a bank or exchange bureau (CADECA) to purchase Cuban Convertible Pesos.
Private transfer to your Hotel Telégrafo located in the heart of Habana Vieja [Old Havana].
Private check-in with assistance from your guide. Followed by a welcome cocktail with hotel directors and staff.
Free time to settle in and rest up.
This evening you'll enjoy a group welcome dinner with your guide and tourmates.
One-in-ten cars in Cuba are pre-1959. Click photo to enlarge.
Exterior and interior of the Cathedral of Havana initiated by Jesuits in 1748 and completed in 1777. Click photos for larger view.
Streets are alive with music.
Example of restoration in Old Havana.
Street pantomime in Old Havana.
Why is this photo of John Lennon here? Click it to find out.
We'll take in a Rumba performance at the Callejón de Hamel – a center for Afrocuban art, dance and music.
Day 2
Sunday
Exploring Old Havana, National Ballet
Ornate filigree and statuary adorn Havana's Gran Teatro where the National Ballet performs. Click photo for view of interior. It's just around the corner from your Hotel Telégrafo.
Morning walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll visit four of the five historic plazas that make Havana unique in the western hemisphere. They contain the largest collection of Spanish colonial-era architecture in the Americas. This is a private tour led by your Cuba Education Tours guide.
Cathedral Square, the most beautiful and private 18th century colonial plaza on the island. Named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture: the Catedral de San Cristóbal de la Habana built by the Jesuit order.
Square of Arms, an ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers, surrounded by impressive buildings such as:
Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, former seat of colonial government. Today the building houses the Museum of the City.
Palacio del Segundo Cabo, seat of the second authority of the island. Today it houses important publishing concerns.
Museo de Artesania at Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. Today it displays treasures of artistic ceramics by the most prestigious Cuban artists from the middle of the last century to present. The institution is host to the Ceramic Biennial.
We continue onto San Francisco Square, one of the oldest plazas in the historical quarter. The square is named after magnificent Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco de Asís dating from the 16th century. The basilica is a striking example of Cuba baroque architecture.
And later to Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Absent are churches and government buildings, and is in contrast surrounded by opulent aristocratic 17th century residences. We'll visit an important center for the visual arts.
Group welcome lunch at La Mina Restaurant where you'll enjoy traditional Cuban dishes and live music!
Next we'll visit Callejón de Hamel, an alley where all the buildings display murals inspired by Afrocuban culture and religions. We'll enjoy the live Sunday rumba performance.
Return to your hotel and freshen up.
Highlight We attend a performance of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba at the Gran Teatro de La Habana. We'll enjoy Cinderella: A ballet in two acts and four scenes. Choreography and libretto: Pedro Consuegra, inspired by the homonymous tale by Charles Perrault; music: Johann Strauss; design: Armin Heinemann.
Musicians perform at your restaurant.
Havana's Malecón seawall near your hotel – a place for relaxation and new friendships.
Most common tour questions1 Is Cuban food good? It's healthy and simple but not spicy.2 Am I free to ask any question? You'll insult your island hosts by being less than candid.3 Is the water safe? Yes, but we suggest bottled water for peace of mind. 4 Are vaccinations needed? No. 5 Can Americans join legally? They are especially welcome to do so! We help with licenses. 6 Can I stay in Cuba after the tour? Absolutely and we are glad to assist. 7 Do Cubans like tips? Yes, please see our gratuities guidelines.
Students can major in dance and ballet at Havana's Institute of Superior Arts (ISA).
The Ballet Nacional de Cuba is acclaimed around the world. Click here to view a pictorial history.
An Afrocuban dance performance. Photos Barbara Fudge.
"I am Cuban and I am gay! Yes."
Psychologist Liliana Rodríguez de la Paz of Línea Ayuda.
Left Publication of CENESEX offers in depth coverage on all matters of sexuality and AIDS prevention. Right CENESEX pro-condom poster reads: Disfruta la vida evita el SIDA. ¿Cómo demuestro que te amo? [Enjoy life, avoid AIDS. How I show you that I love you?]. This one shows a woman holding a condom and tulip. A matching version shows a man. They appeal to both gays and straights.
Day 3
Monday
Gender equality and dance lessons
Exclusive meeting with members and representatives of CENESEX (Centro Nacional de Educación Sexual / National Center for Sexual Education). This organization and its founder Mariela Castro Espín campaign for equality and dignity for lesbians, gays, transsexuals and transgendered people. Its work consists of advocacy at the community and political level combined with national education efforts and sensitivity training. In particular CENESEX leads in the areas of HIV/AIDS awareness and support services, and gender and sexuality counseling. The heroic work of CENESEX has rocketed Cuba into the stratosphere of the most progressive nation in Latin America for queers. As such, Cuba today is ahead of the United States on matters of legality, compassion, safety, health and government supported promotion of equality.
We'll host a lunch for CENESEX staff and members of the Cuban Multidisciplinary Society for the Study of Sexuality (SOCUMES) at local restaurant.
Followed by meeting with Línea Ayuda [Help Line]. This dynamic volunteer organization provides an anonymous call in service for people struggling with drugs, alcohol, and sexuality. It also organizes safe sex outreach campaigns, and STD prevention and education programs for Cubans of all ages.
Return to your hotel. Explore local eateries for dinner. Your guide will make suggestions for every taste and budget.
Highlight Tonight we have a Cuban band playing for us. You'll learn how to perform and dance to Salsa, Son, Rumba, Mambo and other popular Cuban rhythms from the band members of Grupo Dulce María.
Highlight Ready for more dance? Tonight Piano Bar Havaneciendo at Galeano y Neptuno host LGBT night (optional).
CENESEX president Dr Mariela Castro Espín. Learn more about renowned sexologist, the incredible daughter of the Cuban president, and her campaign for sex education, fairness and equality, and hopes for Cuba too, at GayCuba.ca
Vilma Lucila Espín Guillois (1930-2007), mother of Mariela Castro Espín, was a feminist and revolutionary married to Raúl Castro, the current Cuban President. Espín was founder and President of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) from 1960 until her death. The FMC has a membership of over 4 million women. Espín was also a leader in the Council of State, as well as a member of the Central Committee and the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba from 1980 to 1991.
Cuban organic gardening triumphs
There are over 7,000 organopónicos across the island. This number increases daily.
More than 200 gardens in Havana supply its citizens with more than 90% of their fruit and vegetables.
Since 1994, yields have increased from 4 to 24 kg per sq meter (8.8 to 53 lbs per 1.2 sq yard).
Over 900 million kilograms (one million tons) of food per year is produced on organopónicos: about 82 kg (180 lbs) per person.
Today, 35,000 hectares (85,500 acres) of land is being used for urban agriculture in Havana.
The urban agricultural workforce in Havana has grown from 9,000 in 1999 to more than 44,000 in 2006.
Chemical pesticides and fertilizers are banned in the city of Havana.
Urban gardens build communities resulting in jobs, better health, greater food supplies, urban beautification, reduction in fuel, energy and chemical use, improved safety, and ecological diversity locally.
Merchant at a farmers market offers organic pineapple and papaya.
Vivero Organopónico Alamar welcome sign reads: We sell high quality seedlings, grafted fruits, fresh vegetables, and ornamental and medicinal plants as well as other agricultural products. (UBPC is Unidad Básica de Producción Cooperativa / Basic Unit of Cooperative Production).
Day 4
Tuesday
Urban agriculture and art
In preparation for this morning's activity, watch this riveting British Broadcasting Corporation feature from Around the World in 80 Gardens on urban organic farms in Havana including a walk-through of Vivero Organopónico Alamar by fab host Monty Don.
This morning we'll visit the UBPC Vivero Organopónico Alamar, 15 km (9.3 miles) east of Havana. It's one of the most successful urban organic farms in Cuba raising ornamental plants, medicinal herbs, and millions of seedlings for neighboring residential and collective farms. Established in the early 1990s by a dozen people, today the Alamar cooperative has over 400 members and provides a range of healthy, organic vegetables to nearby communities. Produce is raised employing the practice of permaculture: no chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, natural biological methods are used to nourish the soil, frustrate pests and conserve water. The result is an increased rate of yield and reduced costs.
Highlight Special lunch prepared by members of Vivero Organopónico Alamar – a chance to dine with your new Cuban friends.
Island artist Víctor Manuel's Gitana Tropical, known as the Cuban Mona Lisa, was painted in Paris in 1929.
Followed by a private guided tour of the Palacio de Bellas Artes [Palace of Fine Arts] dedicated exclusively to housing Cuban art spanning three centuries. Sections are devoted to landscape, religious subjects and narrative scenes of Cuban life. A gallery devoted to the 1970s displays the latest generation of Cuban artists whose works reflect the strong symbolic imagery prevalent in recent decades. Together the exhibits account for the richness of the island's Spanish, French, Chinese, African and Aboriginal cultural roots. Notable works include those of René Portocarrero and Wilfredo Lam.
Return to your hotel. Explore local eateries for dinner. Your guide will make suggestions for every taste and budget.
Evening entertainment suggestion Casa de la Amistad is one of the best settings to listen to great traditional music in a welcoming friendly atmosphere. You'll enjoy the classical son group, La Peña del Chan Chan perform up-tempo salsa and bolero. Dance with Cubans and foreign visitors on the veranda or in the beautiful gardens of Casa de la Amistad's spectacular mansion facilities (entrance fee is 3 CUC and is not included in tour cost).
Havana youth sells organic onions from urban gardens on Havana street.
Fresh from the farm. We have lunch at the Vivero Organopónico Alamar.
Youth are key to making it happen: New urban farms in the Metropolitan Park of Havana are producing an abundant harvest of a wide variety of crops, including tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, spinach, cassava, guava, papaya, bananas, carnations, zinnias, snapdragons and marigolds.
Entrance to the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Modernist sculpture by noted Cuban artist Rita Longa stands outside the entrance to Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Giant mosaic of crab by José Fúster. Click photo to enlarge. Photo Richard Harris.
José Fúster's lunch dishes are as colorful as his sculptures.
Fantasy garden and studio of acclaimed artist José Fúster. Click photo to enlarge. Photo Richard Harris.
Day 5
Wednesday
Gender equality, arts, city tour
We'll meet with members of the Federación de Mujeres Cubanas – FMC [Federation of Cuban Women]. Founded in August 1960, today it is Cuba's largest mass organization and a United Nations recognized NGO. We'll learn of its crucial work in advancing full female equality, leadership building, skills training, and scores of other essential services for women and the family.
We'll feast on a delicious lunch hosted by José Fúster, one of Cuba's most important ceramists and painters at his whimsical studio in Jaimanitas, just outside of Havana.
Get ready for an air-conditioned luxury coach tour of the most important sites of Modern Havana such as the Capitol building, the Grand Theatre, Central Park, Prado promenade, Plaza de la Revolución, Coppelia Ice Cream Park, Plaza José Martí (in front of US Interests Section), Malecón seawall, Monument to the Battleship Maine, Hotel Nacional, University of Havana, Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón, and the Miramar, Central Havana and Vedado neighborhoods.
Return to your hotel. Explore local eateries for dinner. Your guide will make suggestions for every taste and budget.
Evening entertainment suggestion Take in a cabaret floorshow at the Hotel Nacional or Hotel Riviera (optional, not included in cost).
Click to graphic to learn more.
This inspired mural was painted on a garage door of a Havana FMC facility thirty-five years ago. Click mural for larger view.
Members of the Federation of Cuban Women greet Cuba Education Tours participants at their national headquarters in Havana.
Cubans come in all colors and are proud of it!
Cuban Trogon (Tocororo), Priotelus temnurus, is Cuba's national bird – its colors match the red, blue and white of the national flag. It is endemic to the island.
Exotic and unique plants and animals thrive in Cuba. The island has more protected areas than any other country.
Young person staffs farmers market.
Model at Casa de Moda Cuban La Maison.
Day 6
Thursday
Las Terrazas eco-community, fashion show
Morning departure to Las Terrazas eco-community in the Sierra del Rosario mountain range spanning the provinces of Artemisa and Pinar del Río.
We'll tour the rural village called Rancho Curujey and enjoy a welcome cocktail while learning about this self-sustaining community's successes in reforestation, historical preservation, environmental balance, and a good life.
Next, we'll meet with local artists and craft workers in their homes and studios.
We'll visit a local school, talk with its teachers and students.
Later we'll walk the incredible ruins of a French Coffee Plantation built in 1801 worked by African slaves.
We have lunch at a rural restaurant specializing in traditional country cuisine – ever popular with tour participants.
You'll have free time to swim in the fresh waters of the Río San Juan and explore the surroundings of this lush tropical paradise. Don't forget your swimming suit.
We'll meet the environmental scientists and technicians responsible for the restoration of the jungles and forests of Las Terrazas. We'll learn the principles, approaches and practices that combined serve to sustain the region.
Return to Havana and your hotel.
Evening highlight Fashion show at Casa de La Maison! This beautiful facility offers a whole range of services – several clothing stores, a jewelry shop, and piano bar – in an atmosphere of distinction and elegance. It was built in 1946 by architect Manuel Gamba Alvares de la Campa, as the residence for a wealthy family. We'll dine at its open-air restaurant and watch the 9:30pm fashion show complete with live music and modest cabaret.
In the countryside, many youth are engaged in organic agriculture combined with rigorous academics.
Once deforested and mired in poverty, Las Terrazas today is a self-sustaining eco-community.
We'll swim in this heavenly pool at Las Terrazas. Don't forget your suit.
Evening fashion show and dinner at Casa de Moda Cuban La Maison.
Many staples are grown organically in Havana: Bananas, coffee, cucumbers, pineapple, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and avocados.
Eight-story Che Guevara sculpture in the Plaza de la Revolución. Click photo to enlarge.
Details from two stone monuments in Havana honoring US civil rights heroes Malcolm X and Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
Cuban drag shows are attended by straights and gays alike. It is a popular form of island entertainment.
Day 7
Friday
Urban planning and drag show
Meeting with Peoples Power (Cuban National Assembly) representatives in the Cayo Hueso section of Central Havana. We'll explore achievements of this remarkable community. It was first settled in 1912 by Cuban tobacco workers returning from Key West and Tampa in Florida at the end of the war against Spanish colonialism. Long in need of regeneration and renovation, the neighborhood's estimated 39,000 people have a strong sense of ownership in a part of town where many families have lived in the same homes for generations.
A major urban renewal project spearhead by the Cayo Hueso Integral Transformation Workshop started in 1988 with the aim of closely involving local residents in a new social and physical transformation drive. Today, one can easily discern the changes made and those underway inspired by the workshop. We visit schools, health clinics, the Callejón de Hamel, and schools.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the sights and sounds of the city. Your guide will keep you posted on happening events around town.
Highlight You'll enjoy an evening visit to Bar de Las Estrellas Cabaret in Havana's Lawton neighborhood (entrance fee and first bottle of rum and coke included). This club features Cuba's best drag performers and are tops in the Americas. Check out the video of Bar de Las Estrellas performers!
Community Rumba performance in Havana's Callejón de Hamel.
Afrocuban inspired folkdance.
Havana revelers.
Mí Cayito beach is a place were LGBT people relax and enjoy themselves.
Photo: Byron Motley
Rainbow flag waves proudly in Havana during May 2010 IDAHO commemoration.
Day 8
Saturday
IDAHO events, Mí Cayito beach
This morning we join with LGBTs, their family and friends to participate in commemoration of the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). Hundreds will rally at the foot of La Rampa (23rd Avenue) to celebrate gains and seek greater recognitions and understanding.
At the 2010 IDAHO rally CENESEX spokesperson Dr Alberto Roque Guerra stated: Enjoying our sexuality is inherent to our nature and a prerogative that is rightfully ours, and passing laws to protect the rights of the least favored groups has been intrinsic to the Cuban Revolution's humanist nature. It's not about being ready; it's an act of justice that must be dealt with immediately.
Afterwards we'll take a trip to the Mí Cayito section of Guanabo Beach east of Havana. Mí Cayito beach is where Havana LGBTs congregate.
Farewell group dinner at the popular El Patio Restaurant. Located in the Cathedral Square, in the heart of Havana's colonial district, El Patio is housed in a beautiful 18th century residence, the former Palace of "Marqués de Aguas Claras." Construction began in 1751 and ended in 1755, with distinguishing elements that makes the house one of the most interesting among Cuban architecture of that era. El Patio's menu will please the most diverse tastes. It offers stellar service and tasty international cuisine.
The balance of the evening is free to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city with tourmates and your new Cuban friends.
Scenes from May 2010 IDAHO events. Above center Mariela Castro Espín, CENESEX director.
Farewell dinner at El Patio Restaurant.
Left Mí Cayito beach is where Havana LGBTs go to chill out.
KEEP IN TOUCH with your new Cuban friends – exchange email addresses! Bring some business cards to pass out on the island. Take pictures and keep a journal. Upon your return, we'll post them on this website for all to see and enjoy.
Day 9
Sunday
Goodbye Cuba
We'll miss you and hope you return soon!
Old Cuban saying, "a true friend remembers the song in your heart when you have forgotten the lyrics."
Early morning transfer to Havana's José Martí International Airport for your return home. Don't forget to save 25.00 CUC for your Cuban airport departure fee and some money for meals on the airplane.
Want to stay longer in Cuba following your tour? Contact us and we will help make it happen at a price you can afford.
Our services
EDUCATIONAL, SAFE, FUN, economical travel. Your tour is fully escorted from the minute you touch down in Havana until you return home. You're in the conscientious care of our fulltime multilingual Cuban guide together with a professional bus chauffeur.
WE ENSURE American teachers travel to Cuba legally. 
We'll take in a Rumba performance at the 
In preparation for this morning's activity, watch this riveting British Broadcasting Corporation feature from Around the World in 80 Gardens on urban organic farms in Havana including a walk-through of Vivero Organopónico Alamar by fab host Monty Don.
