Cuba
Environmental Sciences & Sustainability
Cuba's well-protected coral reef system, botanical gardens, mountains & wetlands make it one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Its protected lands have grown by 43% since 1986 as a result of the government integrating sustainability into policy initiatives. Students will get a fresh look at environmental science & sustainability as they visit key organizations and participate in educational and cultural exchanges with Cuban residents.
For groups of 15+
Highlights
- Ministry of Science, Technology & the Environment – Learn about the organization’s policies & mission.
- Antonio Nunez Jimenez Foundation – Learn about Cuba's stance on sustainability & take a look at sustainable agriculture in action at a local permaculture farm.
- Organic Farm Visit – Speak with project managers & farmers.
- Las Terrazas Eco-community – Meet the locals living in a biosphere reserve & discuss conservation efforts.
- Cienaga de Zapata National Park – Walk along trails & beaches, take a boat ride through the wetlands & visit a crocodile sanctuary.
Itinerary
Day 1: Havana
Arrive at Jose Marti International Airport & begin with a bus tour of Modern Havana. After hotel check in, gather for an informational meeting/orientation session with your guides. End your day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant followed by free time to enjoy the city’s cultural activities.
Day 2: Havana
This morning, visit the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, an agency specializing in relations with international guests. Then, head over to the Ministry of Science, Technology & the Environment to discuss the organization’s policies & mission. After lunch, groups will go to the Antonio Nunez Jimenez Foundation to learn about sustainable agriculture in Cuba. End the afternoon shadowing gardeners & farmers at a local permaculture farm. Enjoy dinner & the evening to explore the city.
Day 3: Havana
After breakfast, drive to the port to discuss Havana’s harbor clean-up project & walk through the historical center to shop & admire the architecture. Grab lunch & travel to an organic farm just outside of the city where groups can talk with project managers & farmers. End the day meeting with members of the Committee for the Defense of the Revolution - a group of men & women committed to protecting their communities from “counter-revolutionary” activity.
Day 4: Artemisa & Havana
Today you'll travel about a hour outside of Havana to the province of Artemisa where groups can spend the day at the Las Terrazas biosphere reserve. This is an eco-community of farmers, guides, shop owners & families living in the Sierra del Rosario mountains. Students can meet with community members to discuss conservation & development efforts & walk through the reserve. Return to Havana for the night to rest or explore the city.
Day 5: Matanzas - Havana
This morning you'll depart for Matanzas, home to the Cienaga de Zapata National Park. This diverse reserve is the largest wetland area in the Caribbean, comprised of forests, coral reefs, an underwater canyon & an array of animals. Students begin the day by learning from park specialists about conservation & protection or visiting a crocodile conservatory. Return to Havana to rest, eat dinner & walk around the city.
Day 6: Havana
Begin your morning visiting a renewable energy research center where groups can chat with specialists about sustainable energy & visit projects around the area. After lunch, look at local art & chat with craftsmen at the Muraleando & Almacenes de San José markets. Return to the hotel for a brief meeting to reflect on your time in Cuba & enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Havana
Check out of your hotel & depart for Jose Marti International Airport.
Optional Add-Ons Available Upon Request
Customize Your Itinerary
You can adjust the number of days, choose the level of accommodations or change the sites visited. We'll create a complete package, including: flights, meals, meetings space or whatever else you may need.
