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Cuba

¡Viva Cuba! Culture, Community and Conservation — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 12 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Work alongside local farmers and learn about Cuba’s long-term sustainability and conservation projects. Visit an ecological biosphere, ride on horseback to a refreshing lagoon, participate in a six-mile hike and camp under the stars at the Lomas de Banao. Visit Cuba’s tropical beaches and experience the history and culture of colonial cities Trinidad and Havana.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 9-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Cuba!

Arrive into Jose Marti International Airport in Havana (HAV) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the guesthouse and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Go out for dinner at Paladares, one of Havana’s new privately-owned restaurants, before heading off on your adventure throughout the “Pearl of the Antilles!”
2

Charco Azul Lodge

Take a one-hour drive to Charco Azul, an ecolodge tucked into the hills just west of Havana. You’ll be introduced to the work of conservation specialists from Flora y Fauna, a local nonprofit who manage the majority of the protected territories in Cuba. In partnership with the local communities, the organization helps reforest the area and work with farmers to control the use of harmful toxins and train them in sustainable farming practices.
3

Las Terrazas Eco-Lodge

Visit Las Terrazas, the first ecologically-sustainable community in Cuba and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. See what ecotourism means when you set up services inside an environmentally informed community. Head back and take a horseback ride to the famous Charco Azul Lagoon.
4

Lomas de Banao Preserve

Travel five hours to the Lomas de Banao Preserve enjoying the sites of the Cuban countryside. Get an overview of the natural ecological preserve from park rangers and an introduction to their conservation efforts, including the projects your group will work on.
5

Conservation and Adventure

Support reforestation efforts in the Lomas de Banao Reserve as you help build erosion control barriers that will improve soil conditions and contribute to sustainable projects. End the day with a short hike and swim under the Bella Waterfall. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you'll begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.
6

Tunas de Zaza Mangrove Restoration

Head to the coastal town of Tunas de Zaza, one of the best spots for watching wildlife in Cuba, particularly pink flamingos. Enjoy the catch of the day at the park ranger station before heading up the Zaza River on a boat tour. Gather seeds from red mangrove trees along the way to replant further down the river, which is critical to sustain the local marine ecosystem.
7

Trinidad Beach Day

Head back toward Havana. After breakfast, set off on a cultural exploration trip to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a city full of history. Spend your afternoon relaxing at the beach and enjoying the warm Caribbean waters. Head to Havana for dinner.
8

Enjoy Havana's Best

Take a walking tour of Havana Vieja and see the city through a local lens. Ride a 1950s American classic car to Plaza de Revolución, and the Malecón. Music and dance are very important in Cuban culture, so feel the beat and end your program high dancing with your new friends. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
9

¡Adiós, Cuba!

Say goodbye to your new friends and to beautiful Havana on your way home. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 9 calendar days / 8 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Cuba

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Cuba offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Cuba Americas Conservation
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