Cuba Trip May 2025 + FAQs

Cuba has proven its hospitality to foreign visitors for decades. If you have never visited Cuba, now is the time do to do so, especially since the current U.S. administration may soon place new limits on travel to Cuba for U.S. citizens.  If you have traveled to Cuba before, this is the right moment to continue supporting the Cuban people and to get an update on the recent economic and political transformations. And for everyone, there is no better time to visit the island than May 1, when hundreds of thousands of Cubans pour out into the streets to celebrate the international workers day.

This educational trip will focus on the current implementation of economic reforms and the complex political climate on the Island. We will meet with Cubans from all walks of life to get a better understanding of the reforms and how people understand socialism today. We will see first-hand, how the United States six-decade-long financial, economic and commercial warfare against Cuba is impacting the daily life of families and communities.

We will learn about the difficulties Cubans face in their daily lives and challenges brought by the expansion of the private and cooperative business sector. We will participate in debates about the path Cuba is taking and meet with people who have different political perspectives. We will visit creative grassroots projects, as well as innovative private and local government initiatives.  We will visit a farmer's market and a health clinic. We will travel to the ecological and arts community Las Terrazas in the rural province of Artemisa and visit an agricultural cooperative to learn about food production. We will have an option to participate in the International Solidarity and Trade Union Conference at the Convention Palace. We will enjoy Cuban food in private, cooperative and state-owned restaurants, and have a chance to experience a variety of cultural activities and Cuban traditions that have made the island so famous. And of course, we will tour the beautiful squares and historic buildings of Old Havana.

This trip is designed for socially responsible travelers, peace activists, unions members, professionals, students, academics, small business entrepreneurs, cultural advocates and people who are just interested in learning about the political, social and cultural life of Cuba - and much more!

This Cuba program is legally designed for U.S. citizens to support the Cuban people and promote people-to-people exchange.

You won’t want to miss this amazing travel opportunity!

Cost starting at $1,485 (depending on the accommodations you choose) • Deadline to register April 1, 2025

Reserve your spot 

$1,485 sharing room and bathroom and $1,695 for a single room occupancy/private bathroom 

Cost per traveler based on 25 minimal fully paid participants, with smaller enrollment a $100 fee increase will apply.

Program Cost Includes: 

  • Accommodations in a 5-star Gran Muthu hotel in Havana for seven (7) nights.
  • Breakfast every day and seven (7) additional meals (5 lunches and 2 dinners) and a cocktail party with Cuban guests.
  • Ground transportation to and from the airport.
  • Ground transportation for all scheduled activities in Havana, Cuba.
  • Program coordination as indicated in the tentative itinerary.
  • Entrance and program fees and expenses associated with scheduled activities.
  • Guided visits and cultural activities included in the program.
  • Fees/honoraria for professors, lecturers, and institutions, including a donation to two community projects.
  • Expenses for activities in Cuba, including providers (coordinator, guides, drivers, and others).
  • Translations and expert guides.

  Program Cost does not include: 

  • Domestic and/or international flight airfare and travel expenses to and from the U.S. to Havana.
  • Health insurance (now included in the airfare).
  • Cuban visa.
  • Meals and drinks not included in the program, as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Gratuities or honoraria beyond those included in the program cost.
  • Personal items and expenses.
  • Optional and unscheduled activities.

Friday, April 25

Optional Early Arrival

For travelers who prefer extra rest before the program begins or have flight schedules that make early arrival more convenient. We offer accommodations at a 5-star hotel for an additional $135 fee—please email us for details. We highly recommend this option, as airfare for this season often makes early arrival more practical.

Saturday, April 26

Arrival in Havana (Recommended arrival time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)

•Airport transfer to the hotel

•Orientation Meeting – Get acquainted with the group and program details

•Welcome Dinner – Enjoy a warm Cuban welcome and traditional cuisine

Sunday, April 27

Exploring Havana

•Panoramic City Tour – Drive through the vibrant Vedado and Miramar districts

•Visit to Callejón de Hamel – Meet cultural activist Elias Asset and explore this renowned Afro-Cuban street art project

• Lunch in Old Havana

•Walking Tour of Old Havana – Discover the heart of Havana’s history and architecture

•Cuba Today: Political & Social Landscape – Discussion with ProximityCuba’s resident director on the current situation in Cuba

Monday, April 28

Understanding Cuba’s Social & Economic Model

•Visit to ICAP (Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples) – Learn about Cuban non-governmental organizations and people-to-people diplomacy

•Cuba’s Economic Reforms – A university professor explains the country’s ongoing economic transformations

•Visit to José Fuster’s Art Studio & Community Project – Explore the home and workshop of Cuba’s “Picasso of the Caribbean” and witness how art revitalizes communities

• Lunch at the Art Studio

•Community Walk in Jaimanitas – See how Fuster’s work has transformed the neighborhood

•Panel: What Does Socialism Mean for Cubans Today? – Hear from young Cubans, including college students, social media activists, scientists, and professionals

• Cannon Firing Ceremony at La Cabaña Fortress (9:00 PM) – Experience a centuries-old Havana tradition

Tuesday, April 29

Sustainable Agriculture & Ecological Communities

• Travel to Artemisa Province to visit an agricultural cooperative

•Meeting with Small Farmers Association – Discussion on organic farming, food production, and distribution

•Continue to Las Terrazas, a renowned eco-community

• Lunch at Casa del Campesino

•Meet with local artists, entrepreneurs, and environmental activists

•Return to Havana – Optional cultural activities in the evening

Wednesday, April 30

Health, Economy, & Media in Cuba

•Visit to a Health Clinic & Meeting with Public Health Officials – Learn about the impact of the U.S. blockade on Cuba’s healthcare system and how the government is responding

•Tour of Vedado Farmers’ Market – See how Cubans navigate food access and pricing

• Lunch at a Local Restaurant

•Exclusive Film Premiere – Watch the latest documentary by Belly of the Beast, a U.S.-based media project uncovering untold Cuban stories through investigative journalism and stunning cinematography

• Evening: Optional cultural activities

Thursday, May 1 – International Workers’ Day (May Day Celebration)

•Join Cuba’s Largest Gathering – March alongside hundreds of thousands of workers in a massive May Day parade leading to Revolution Square

• Lunch in Miramar

•Visit to the Alba Community Theater – Meet members of two inspiring grassroots projects:

•Espiral – A community initiative focused on environmental education and empowerment using the methodology of popular education

•Okan-Tomí – A cultural grassroots project that preserves and reinterprets Afro-Cuban music and dance while providing workshops for children

• Live Dance & Music Performance

• Evening: Optional cultural activities

Friday, May 2

Choose Your Experience:

Option 1:

• International Solidarity Trade Unions Conference at Cuba’s Convention Palace

• Lunch at the Conference

• Return to the hotel in the afternoon

Option 2:

• Explore Cuban Arts & Literature

• Visit to the Arts & Crafts Market

• Walking Tour in Old Havana

•Lunch in Cojímar – Visit the quaint fishing village that inspired Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea

•Stroll through Cojímar – Experience the charm of this historic coastal town

 

Farewell Dinner & Cocktail Party – Celebrate the journey with Cuban guests and live music

Saturday, May 3

• Hotel Check-Out

• Transfer to the Airport

• Departure for the U.S.

A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT of $500 must be made on March 28, 2025 in order to secure your place in the program. The REMAINING BALANCE must be paid on April 11, 2025.

Deposits and payments are non-refundable. After the final payment date all funds are non-refundable. Should there be warnings concerning a city or country to which participants are scheduled to travel due to heightened safety or terror alerts, ProximityCuba will refund all program fees with exception of the deposits and funds paid to third parties to hold reservations or provide services.

  • Check: Write it to International Outreach Educational Center (IOEC) 200 Saint Andrews Blvd. #3402, Winter Park, FL 32792
  • Bank transfer: You can make a deposit to the Wells Fargo Bank. Account: IOEC  # 7371472890, Routing for wire transfers # 121000248 and routing number for direct deposits and electronic payments: 063107513
  • Online: If you would like to pay with a credit card, you can do so using PayPal. Since PayPal charges us a fee, YOU MUST INCLUDE IN YOUR PAYMENT the 3% service charge. Our email account is [email protected]

We suggest you to use the online way using PayPal to make more faster and easier your payment. 

IMPORTANT: Payment using PayPal must be sent to [email protected] and please DO NOT include the word CUBA since automatically banks will put a hold on the payment due to the U.S. blockade

To be part of this program you may reserve a spot right now or complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION

*Please remember to always carefully review our TERMS AND CONDITIONS section before making any payment.

Want more information? You can check our Frequently Asked Questions FAQ section or CONTACT US, we will be more than happy to assist you.

  • Is travel to Cuba legal? Effective June 9, 2022 the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has reinstated the "people-to-people" category of legal travel to Cuba. This amendment authorizes group educational travel conducted under the auspices of an organization that is subject to U.S. jurisdiction and that sponsors such exchanges to promote people-to-people contact, provided such travelers are accompanied by agent of the sponsoring organization. The Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued "General Licenses" in 12 categories of authorized travel, subject to appropriate conditions:
  1. Family visits.
  2. Official governmental business.
  3. Journalistic activities.
  4. Professional research or meetings.
  5. Educational activities.
  6. Religious activities.
  7. Public Performances, clinics, workshops, other athletic or non- athletic competitions, and exhibitions.
  8. Support for the Cuban people.
  9. Activities of Private foundations or research or educational institutes.
  10. For purposes related to export, import or transmission of information or informative material.
  11. Authorized export activities.
  12. Humanitarian Projects.

    US airlines will require you to sign their travel affidavit where you must indicate the OFAC license you will be traveling under. The information provided to the airline must be in correspondence with the ProximityCuba travel affidavit.
  • Do I need a Passport and Visa to travel to Cuba? Yes. All participants must have a valid passport to obtain a visa to enter Cuba. Your passport should be valid for a minimum of four months beyond your stay in Cuba. Also, be sure the passport, especially the photo, is in good physical condition. If you are a citizen of another country, you must have a valid passport of that country along with U.S. residency permit or visa with multiple entry permitted, also valid at least 4 months beyond the date of the trip’s return. If Cuban born, you must hold either a valid and stamped Cuban passport or if you left Cuba prior to January 1, 1971, a U.S. passport and a PE-11 entry permit. The Cuban government requires all U.S. Citizens traveling to Cuba to obtain a Cuban visa or Tourist Card prior to their arrival into Cuba. This Tourist Card can be used once within 180 days after the date of issue and it is valid for a single-entry for a period of up to 30 days. It can be purchased directly with the airline for a cost of approximately $50-$100. Please, always check with your airline prior departure (American Airline, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, among others). Customers who were born in Cuba, regardless of current residency, travel under separate requirements. If Cuban born, please contact us at [email protected], you may need additional documentation.
  • Does ProximityCuba provide airport transfers? ProximityCuba provides transportation to/from the airport for suggested flights in the programs. If taking alternative airlines or flights contact your trip coordinator. Taxis are available at the airport for between $20 to $40 USD per vehicle.
  • Is travel to Cuba safe? Yes, travel to Cuba is extremely safe. The crime rate is very low, and generally you should not have any problems walking around. That said, it is always wise to be responsible with your belongings and aware of your surroundings.
  • Do I need to know Spanish? No. While it is always nice to be able to communicate in the local language, you do not need to speak Spanish in order to participate in our programs. You will be accompanied by English-speaking guides and staff for all scheduled activities. In addition, many Cubans –especially in Havana – are able to communicate in English.
  • What is the climate in Cuba? Cuba has a tropical climate with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Temperatures vary little across the island, ranging from around 61 degrees in January to 90 degrees in August. It is hot and humid and the heat increases in June.
  • What do I need to know about Cuban currency? The official currency of Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP) (Peso Cubano or Moneda Nacional). The official exchange rate is 25 CUP : 1 USD; nevertheles, the informal market exchange rate is much higher, between $75 CUP to $100 CUP for 1 USD. This is expected to change since the Cuban government just announced that the official exchange rate will vary. We will provide updated information was the new regulations are implemented. The Cuban Convertible Peso or CUC is not longer circulating in Cuba. You will need money for not included meals, entertainment, trips you do on your own, gifts to take home, and other purchases.

We recommend that you spend some time researching the economic and political situation of Cuba, as well as Cuba-US relations. We will be meeting with politicians, local activists, doctors, journalists, professors, and other experts on our trip. It is important to have a base level understanding of the history and current political context of Cuba to get the most out of our meetings.

Some articles:

The hidden hand of the US blockade sparks Cuba protests, by Medea Benjamin and Leonardo Flores

The United States Tries to Take Advantage of the Price Cubans Are Paying for the Blockade and the Pandemic, by Vijay Prashad and Manolo De Los Santos

Carlos Lazo: The Cuban American Leading the Charge to Transform U.S.-Cuba Policy, by Medea Benjamin

We Should Applaud the Cuban Health System — and Learn From It, by Medea Benjamin

Distortions and Attempts to Undermine the Cuban Medical Brigades Will Not Succeed, byBill Hackwell

Cuba: A Brief History of 60 Years of Internationalism in Health.by Marinella Correggia.

CODEPINK Statement on Cuba Demonstrations

Videos:

Webinars:

Books

  • Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana by Peter Kornbluh
  • The Lonely Planet Guide to Cuba (2013)
  • The Cuba Reader edited by Aviva Chomsky, Barry Carr and Pamela Maria Smorkaloff
  • Eyewitness Guide to Cuba
  • Wonderful Havana by Julie Napier
  • Cuban Revelations: Behind the Scenes in Havana by Marc Frank (2013)
  • Cuba: Between Reform & Revolution by Lou Perez

Our Commitments

💗 Education & Open-Mindedness – I will learn about the history, culture, and political context of our destination, engage with preparation materials, and approach new perspectives with respect and humility. My goal is to listen to understand, not to argue or persuade.

💗 Respect & Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Discrimination – I will treat all participants, hosts, guides, translators, and local communities with dignity and kindness. I will not engage in any form of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, ageism, Islamophobia, anti-Arab racism, antisemitism, ableism, or any other form of discrimination or prejudice. I understand that any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, unwanted advances, or inappropriate comments, is unacceptable and will result in removal from the delegation. 

💗 Feminist Principles & Accountability – We embrace cooperation, problem-solving, critical thinking, compassion, and awareness of privilege. We actively speak out against all forms of oppression and strive to create a diverse and inclusive movement. Reading “Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” is a required part of my commitment to this delegation.

💗 Nonviolence & Ethical Conduct – I will uphold CODEPINK’s commitment to nonviolence in all my interactions, following local laws and respecting cultural customs. I understand that my behavior directly impacts the safety and reputation of the group.

💗 Patience & Flexibility – I recognize that traveling in a group requires adaptability and a positive attitude. Unexpected changes and logistical challenges are inevitable, and I will remain patient, cooperative, and solution-oriented.

💗 Courtesy & Respect for Hosts and Trip Leaders – I will show appreciation for the hard work of trip leaders, both in the U.S. and abroad. I understand that they make decisions for the safety and well-being of the group, and I will follow their guidance without resistance.

💗 Punctuality & Group Responsibility – I will respect the group’s time by being on time for meetings and activities. I understand that lateness disrupts the entire delegation and may result in missing scheduled events.

💗 Responsible Communication & Conflict Resolution – I will engage in respectful, honest, and constructive discussions. If conflicts arise, I will handle them with patience, empathy, and a commitment to resolution. I will not engage in gossip, public criticism, or unnecessary negativity.

💗 Photography, Media & Ethical Representation – I will seek consent before taking photos of individuals and ensure that any media I share respects the dignity and realities of the people we meet.

💗 Long-Term Commitment to Peace & Justice – This experience is part of a larger movement for peace and justice. I will carry what I learn forward and continue working in solidarity with the people and movements we engage with.

We highly recommend that every participant read “Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” as an essential resource for recognizing privilege and fostering an inclusive, justice-driven movement.

1. Health Precautions

•Stay Updated on Health Alerts: Be aware of recent health advisories, including mosquito-borne illnesses. Pregnant travelers should exercise extra caution.•Prevent Mosquito Bites: Use insect repellent with DEET, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep in air-conditioned or screened areas.
•Food & Water Safety: Stick to bottled or purified water and be mindful of food hygiene to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
2. Safety & Security

•Personal Belongings: While rare, petty theft, such as pickpocketing, could occur in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure and use cross-body bags or money belts.
•Transportation Caution: Use official, licensed taxis and agree on fares beforehand. Avoid traveling alone late at night in unfamiliar and isolated areas, and go in pairs when using washrooms.
•Situational Awareness: While Cuba is generally safe, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and trust their instincts in uncomfortable situations. Instances of sexual harassment can happen anywhere—if you experience or witness harassment, know that support is available. A designated point person will be available to provide assistance in a confidential and supportive manner. They can help you navigate any immediate concerns, connect you with trusted local resources, and ensure that you feel safe and supported throughout your trip. Your well-being is a priority, and any concerns will be handled with care and discretion.
3. Travel Logistics

•Be Prepared for Shortages: Cuba has been facing shortages in food, fuel, and other essentials, which may affect travel plans. Patience and flexibility are key.

"Everything was over the top great. The itinerary was unbelievably full, fascinating and generous and I loved it!" --Lynn Delaney from Oakland CA

"I honestly cannot think of a thing that could be better. The leadership was amazing and creative... We were always engaged and involved through the whole trip." --Natalie Shiras of Lee MA

"I loved the CODEPINK trip to Cuba that you planned and organized which exceeded any and all of my expectations... The trip was an eye-opener and so stimulating in every way. I so much enjoyed the guides, who were all so patient, knowledgeable, well spoken, and generous, the Cuban people we met, and all of your support team involved." --Anthony Rago of Climax NY

"When I look back I'm amazed by how much we did in a short time.  The presentations and meetings were excellent." --Molly Murdey of Porland OR

2019 delegation

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