CUBAWRESA: Cuba for Educators Program

July 21-29, 2017

Get ready to learn about and explore the fascinating country of Cuba! Enjoy their arts including dancing and music, their lively community structures, and their diverse wildlife and natural environments. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Old Havana and grow to appreciate the authentic beauty of this Caribbean island.

Join expert guides in exploring the country’s educational organizations, botanical gardens, organic farms, and natural reserves, as well as its friendly and welcoming people, for a better understanding of Cuba and its complex relationship with the United States.

Discover local communities, ecosystems, and the natural history of Cuba as you travel through Havana, the Viñales Valley, Soroa, and Zapata National Park.

• Learn about Cuba’s nationalized educational system including their history of successful reform.

• Observe endemic wildlife at Zapata National Park, with the chance to see the Cuban Crocodile.

• Take a guided tour of the Orchid Garden in Soroa.

• Experience breathtaking views of Viñales Valley and Sierra del Rosario.

• Attend a special presentation by the Korimakao Community Project and discuss the program with the artists.

• Walk along streets of Old Havana, decorated by colonial architecture and bursting with Spanish history, politics, and culture.

• Dine at traditional Cuban restaurants and enjoy the local food and music.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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JULY 27- ZAPATA PENINSULA After breakfast visit Bermejas Reserve for a birding walk. Lunch at Cueva de los Peces before birding in the Sopillar region. Later, visit the Korimakao Project, which consists of residents from the surrounding communities who are given the opportunity to develop and improve their performing skills such as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. Learn about the development of the program and interact with the talented artists. Overnight at Playa Larga Hotel or similar. (BLD)

JULY 28 - HAVANA Visit the Bay of Pigs Museum en route back to Havana. This afternoon, visit the National Botanical Garden, known for its field collection representing the various ecosystems of Cuba. This evening have a farewell dinner at El Aljibe. Overnight at Hotel Ambos Mundos. (BD)

JULY 29 - HAVANADepart for the airport this morning. (B)

JULY 21 - HAVANATransfer to the hotel upon arrival then enjoy lunch on the terrace of the hotel. This afternoon, attend a lecture to learn about Cuban history and Cuba-U.S. relations over the years. Have dinner tonight at El Templete. Overnight at Hotel Ambos Mundos or similar. (LD)

JULY 22 - HAVANAExplore Old Havana and some of its many famous plazas and interesting buildings. In the afternoon visit Organopónico Vívero Alamar, an incredible urban garden located outside of central Havana, widely considered one of the most successful organic farms in the city. After the economic collapse in the early 1990s, Cuba was forced to develop new methods to feed its population without the support of the Soviet Union. Now, the country is filled with more than 7,000 urban allotments of “organopónicos,” which cover approximately 81,000 acres. During this tour, learn about the advances Cuba has made with respect to organic farming. Tonight eat dinner and enjoy a show at Habana Cafe. Overnight at Hotel Ambos Mundos or similar. (BLD)

JULY 23 - SOROA Travel to Soroa. En route, visit Sierra del Rosario, over 61,000 acres of evergreen forest and the home of Las Terrazas, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve and self-sustained community named after the reforestation project initiated in 1967. After lunch at El Campesino, visit the Soroa Waterfall and Orchidarium “Cascada y orquideario.” The Orchid Garden features more than 20,000 plants and 700 animal species, and hosts a botanical research center belonging to the University of Pinar del Río. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at casas particulares. (BLD)

JULY 24 - VIÑALES This morning visit Mil Cumbres. Due to its complex geological formation and four different kinds of terrain, very peculiar flora and fauna inhabit this area including over 398 Cuban endemics and 48 local endemics. Receive a detailed explanation of the area in the biological station before beginning your exploration, led by expert guides. Continue on to Cueva del Indio before arriving at your accommodations in time for dinner. Overnight at casas particulares. (BLD)

JULY 25 - VIÑALES Tour Por el Corazon del Valle this morning before visiting Patio de Pelegrín for lunch. Pelegrín’s Patio is a unique space that encourages and promotes artistic expression throughout the community. It is an example of the promotion of social capital by providing opportunities for community engagement and mutual education. This afternoon visit a local school. This evening enjoy dinner at Finca de Paco. Overnight at casas particulares. (BLD)

JULY 26 - ZAPATA PENINSULA After breakfast transfer to Zapata Peninsula. Zapata is renowned for its great diversity of ecosystems inhabited by more than 1,000 species of plants and 37 species of reptiles including the endemic Cuban Crocodile. The park is also considered one of the world’s premier bird watching destinations. Enjoy lunch at Finca Fiesta Campesina then visit a school or educational organization to learn about Cuban education. This afternoon visit the reconstructed Indian Village of Aldea Taina and Treasure Lagoon to learn about the original inhabitants of the islands, the Taino people. Overnight at Playa Larga Hotel or similar. (BLD)

LAND PRICING$3,245 (based on 10 participants)Price includes accommodations, meals, and activities as mentioned in the itinerary, in-country transportation, and all gratuities. Does not include items of a personal nature, tourist visas, or international airfare.A NOTE REGARDING FLIGHTS: U.S. commercial service to Havana is pending final approval from the Cuban government. The U.S. Department of Transportation has authorized flights on various carriers from Charlotte and Atlanta. Once final approval has been given and schedules have been released, Holbrook Travel will communicate with you regarding flight arrangements and tourist visa requirements for your program.

Price is based on double occupancy rooms. Single rooms may be available for an additional $645 per person. A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form are required to secure your space on the trip. This deposit is refundable until April 17, 2017 excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Final payments are due no later than April 17, 2017. Cancellations received after this date are not refundable. Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information visit travelinsured.com or call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

THE FINE PRINT

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENROLL: Contact Dr. April Spencer (aspencer@wresa.org) or Dr. Karen Sumner (ksumner@wresa.org) | Visit holbrook.travel/wresacuba

BLD = BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER

ITINERARY

photo by anna rydin