Cuba PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE

Transcription

1 Cuba PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE WALKING TOUR CULTURAL ADVENTURE 8 DAYS February 25-March 4, 2018 April 8-15, 2018 TRIP ITINERARY

2 How we deliver THE WORLD S GREAT ADVENTURES A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that infectious spirit is woven into every one of our journeys. Our staff travels the globe searching out hidden-gem inns and lodges, taste testing bistros, trattorias, and noodle stalls, and discovering the trails and plying the waterways of each remarkable destination. When we come home, we separate wheat from chaff, creating memorable adventures that will connect you with the very best qualities of each destination. Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, handcrafted journeys have received accolades from the world s most revered travel publications. Beginning from our appreciation for the world s most breathtaking and interesting destinations, we infuse our journeys with the elements of adventure and exploration that stimulate our souls and enliven our minds. Whether you are looking for a challenging physical expedition or a leisurely cultural exploration, Boundless Journeys has exceptional itineraries to match your sense of adventure. Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider, and our expert local guides will open doors for you that other travelers miss, like dinner with their extended family in Peru s Sacred Valley, or meeting an art scholar in Florence. Relationships developed over many years allow you to experience our destinations through a well-connected friend. Small groups. Although the camaraderie of a group of likeminded travelers often enhances the journey, there can be too much of a good thing! We tread softly, and our average group size is just 8 10 guests, allowing us access to opportunities that would be unthinkable with a larger group. Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both scheduled, small-group departures and custom journeys so that you can choose which works best for you. Not finding exactly what you are looking for? Let us customize a journey to fulfill your travel dreams. Customer service that goes the extra mile. Having trouble finding flights that work for you? Want to surprise your traveling companion with a bottle of champagne at a tented camp in the Serengeti to celebrate an important milestone? There is no request that is too big or too small for our staff to handle. From your first call, we guide you through choosing your trip, provide advice on preparing for your adventure, and hold your hand until you return home. Multi-year recipient of Travel + Leisure magazine s World s Best Tour Operator ; and recognized by the editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth. 2 Boundless Journeys 2018

3 Cuba PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE WALKING TOUR Thank you for your interest in this fantastic journey to Cuba. We have handcrafted this tour from our own experience and hope you fall in love with the island as we have! THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS JOURNEY After a half-century of isolation and economic embargo, the country of Cuba is a kind of treasure trove, sheltering a rich cultural history just waiting to be explored. Here, timeworn buildings line grand Colonial squares, while high fort walls stand guard at the foot of deep water harbors, still protecting the island as they once did from roving pirates. Everywhere there are sights and sounds that are familiar in some ways, and alien in others: a waft of cigar smoke on the breeze, the thrum of a Spanish guitar or pulsing African drum, the faded facade of a once-elegant neoclassical theater. TOC TOUR OVERVIEW... 4 THE JOURNEY... 6 ACCOMMODATIONS...11 WHAT TO EXPECT OUR GUIDES NEXT STEPS BOUNDLESS BEYOND Americans flocked to this arresting island country until the 1959 Revolution changed everything. Today, the door is open once again, offering international visitors the chance to experience this vibrant and storied culture while having meaningful interactions with the people of Cuba from naturalist guides and farmers, to historians, park officials, artists, and small business owners. Our carefully curated 8-day walking tour brings us off the beaten track to experience Cuba s landscapes first-hand, including crenellated mountain forests, vast swamplands, beaches, and historic city streets. At night, we retire to carefully selected hotels and casa particulares, private B&B-type accommodations run by friendly, local hosts. HIGHLIGHTS Cuba s rich culture and natural beauty on daily walks and hikes through reserves, national parks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites A local perspective during thoughtful people-to-people exchanges with our Cuban guides, experts, and hosts Exploring Cuba s diverse habitats with visits to waterfalls, swimming holes, and prehistoric caves An up-close look at the legendary cigar industry Optional snorkeling & sunset viewing at one of Playa Girón s pristine beaches Expert-led walking tours in the historical and architecturally-rich cities of Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad SHOULD I TRAVEL TO CUBA NOW OR WAIT? It s clear that Cuba will begin to undergo changes in the near future. We expect that the country will remain a fantastic destination but a different one. If you are interested in seeing the country before it changes, the time to visit is now

4 TOUR OVERVIEW THE BASICS Duration: 8-day trip Tour start: Santa Clara Tour end: Havana Accommodations: 7 nights in casas particulares & hotels Trip rating: Easy Strenuous Land cost: $4,695 per person Single Supplement: First two reserved on each departure: $0*; Additional singles: $495 *Must reserve at least 120 days ahead WHAT S INCLUDED Just pack your bags we ve got you covered! When you re on a Boundless Journeys adventure, every detail is taken care of for you, so you can relax and truly experience each moment. Put your wallet away, leave your travel books behind, fold up your maps, and BE there. Your Boundless Journeys adventure includes: Expert leadership All accommodations All meals as noted in the itinerary All activities and park entrance fees as noted in the itinerary All on-tour transportation All gratuities except for those for your guide(s) and driver, which are at your discretion International airfare is not included in the price of your trip. Please contact your local travel agency or the airlines directly to make any arrangements you may need. If you would like assistance with booking your flights or other travel plans, please contact Boundless Journeys directly at (800) for a referral to our partners who will best fulfill your needs. 4 Boundless Journeys 2018

5 ITINERARY AT-A-GLANCE DAY 1 Fly to Santa Clara. Group introduction and transfer to the Cienfuegos. Welcome dinner and evening promenade stroll. DAY 2 Walking tour of Cienfuegos, the Pearl of the South, and People-to-People exchange with city musicians in the morning. Hike along sugarcane fields at El Cubano and Javira parks.transfer to Trinidad and enjoy a walking tour of the original colonial settlement, now a UNESCO site. DAY 3 Hike at Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes, past towering waterfalls and prehistoric caves. Coffee plantation tour. People-to-People exchange with a local photographer. DAY 4 Morning hike in the wildlife-rich Ciénaga de Zapata reserve. Afternoon snorkeling excursion and environmental presentation from the Director of Zapata National Park. DAY 5 Transfer toward Havana. We stop along the way to visit Ernest Hemingway s private home, Finca Vigia, and enjoy a short walk and picnic lunch at Parque Lenin. DAY 6 Walk along the otherworldly Valle de Viñales, with its rare geologic features. Visit a despalillo tobacco factory before returning to our tranquil country resort. DAY 7 Explore Havana, including a walking tour of the historic district of Havana Vieja with stops at landmarks along the way. This afternoon we may tour the Mercado San José or other sites before we enjoy a final celebratory dinner in town. The evening is yours to rest or enjoy Havana s nightlife. DAY 8 Farewell breakfast and departure

6 THE JOURNEY A NOTE REGARDING CUBA TRAVEL Travel in Cuba can be different than other places you may have visited and requires a flexible attitude. While we will do our best to adhere to the activities and visits listed in this itinerary, please note that our days are full, things don t always run on time, and a firm schedule cannot be guaranteed. Traveling in developing countries can be life-changing, and we ask our guests to appreciate the authenticity of your experience. The culture, food, people and activities you encounter will be exceptional because of their differences. DAY 1: Arrival; Transfer to Cienfuegos Bienvenido a Cuba! Upon the arrival of your flight into Santa Clara, you will clear customs before being met by your tour leader at the airport. After group introductions, we will board a bus and transfer toward Cuba s southeast coast and the city of Cienfuegos, also known as the Pearl of the South. Originally settled in the early 19th century by French immigrants from Bordeaux and Louisiana, Cienfuegos quickly rose to prominence thanks to its fertile farming land and prime location between the sugar trading routes of Jamaica and South America. Today it is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site and its eclectic colonial architecture and seaside vistas make it one of the country s most seductive towns. After dinner we stroll along the nearby Malecón promenade, a two-mile walkway that skirts the turquoise sea. In the evening, visitors can listen to performances by musicians and poets that perform along this celebrated peninsula. Further along, a narrow isthmus brings us to Punta Gorda, where charming 1950s suburban homes are interspersed among grand plantation manors. Our walk concludes at land s end and the Palacio de Valle, an architectural gem that incorporates gothic, neo-moorish, and Venetian influences. Accommodation: Hotel La Unión, Cienfuegos (or similar) Meals: D DAY 2: Cienfuegos; El Cubano; and Trinidad Activity Overview: City walking tour; Hiking on trails Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 1-2 hours; 2-3 hours Following a relaxing breakfast, we begin our walking tour at the Parqué Jose Martí, Cienfuegos historic center, where we will view important sites such as the 19thcentury neoclassical Santa Iglesia Catedral de la Purísima Concepción, the French and Italian-influenced Tomás Terry theater, and the Palacio del Ayuntamiento, with its distinctive red-domed top. On the Paseo del Prado, we take in some of the pastel-colored colonial buildings that Cuba is known for before paying a visit to the iconic statue of musician Benny Moré, the barbarian of rhythm, and one of the Prado s most famous sites. During our travels today, we will learn first-hand about Cienfuegos thriving economy from the cuentapropistas, or self-employed workers, who make their living here. Later in the morning, we ll be treated to yet another People-to- People exchange and performance by the Cantores de Cienfuegos, the local chamber orchestra, or another of the city s talented musical groups. This afternoon we bid farewell to Cienfuegos, continuing toward the town of Trinidad following a scenic coastal 6 Boundless Journeys 2018

7 I am thrilled that I finally had the chance to explore Cuba. This tour was the perfect blend of activity and interaction, and I learned so much about the culture and history it was eye-opening! -Heather H., Hinesburg, VT route. Our first destination is the parks of El Cubano and Javira, founded on lands that once housed dozens of sugar refineries and verdant fields of sugarcane. Our hike today takes place on forested trails where we spot historical vestiges of the parks sugar making past. Along the way, we break to refresh ourselves at the cool, fresh water pools and waterfalls that dot the region. Moving on to the town of Trinidad by mid-afternoon, we enjoy a walking tour of the original Spanish colonial settlement, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, an Old World feeling still resonates along streets lined with plantationera mansions. Many of these houses still contain original artifacts, including bone china, Italian frescoes, and delicate chandeliers. The atmosphere here is relaxed and tranquil, and offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling energy of Cienfuegos. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant in town, after which you may choose to enjoy an outdoor concert of local music on the city steps. Accommodation: Casa Particulare, Trinidad Meals: B, L, D DAY 3: Topes de Collantes Activity Overview: Hiking on trails with some uneven terrain, elevation gain and loss of approximately 600 Activity Level: Moderate Activity Length: 3-4 hours The Caribbean pine forests of the Sierra Escambray Mountains will be our outdoor playground today, where we hit the trails on a short hike inside the Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes. This protected area is made up of four small parks known collectively as the Topes. Here, the hike along the Salto del Caburní trail culminates with views of a thundering, 190-foot waterfall cascading into the swimming hole below. Another nearby option is the Vegas Grandes hike, which winds through fern and pine forest on its way to a second waterfall and pool. Or, we may try our luck on the Sendero La Batata, or Sweet Potato Trail, where a myriad of birds congregate in dense forests, populated by various species of lichen and moss and dotted with lucid pools. The hike ends at a prehistoric cave, fed by an underground river. We also visit a nearby coffee plantation with a small museum to learn about the role of coffee in Cuba, and the traditions surrounding it. We have lunch in the mountains before returning to Trinidad later in the afternoon with time to continue exploring the town s historic center and sites. Our day culminates with a People-to-People meeting with Julio Munoz, an acclaimed photographer whose published work of Trinidad has brought a town evocative of the past into the public eye. There is more time for exploring Trinidad s music scene in the evening after dinner. Accommodation: Casa Particulare, Trinidad Meals: B, L, D DAY 4: Zapata National Park; Playa Larga Activity Overview: Walking on trails; Snorkeling Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 1-2 hours hiking; 1-2 hours snorkeling After breakfast we drive west along the coast to one of the most famous locations in all of Cuba: The Bay of Pigs, or Bahia de Cochinos. This area is readily known as the site of

8 the failed 1961 invasion by 1,500 CIA-backed Cuban exiles. But in the 17th century, it was the French pirate Gilbert Girón who made headlines, terrifying the local populace who later captured and executed him. The pirate became the namesake for the nearby Playa Girón, revered by visitors today for its pristine waters, bountiful reefs, and marine life. We stop at a favorite local snorkeling spot (note: equipment not available for rent or use) in the area and enjoy a picnic lunch. The warm, crystal waters here are the perfect place to scan for colorful tropical fish, and we ll learn firsthand about the health of Cuba s reef system one of the best preserved in the Caribbean before enjoying our own snorkeling excursion. (Those who prefer not to snorkel are free to swim or relax on shore.) Our snorkeling excursion is within the boundaries of Zapata National Park, also called Ciénaga de Zapata. The mangrove trees, wetland, and dense forests that encompass Cuba s wild Península de Zapata are as rich as they are remote, harboring some of the country s most important bird species. Ornithologists flock to the peninsula s designated national park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in search of endemic species including: the bee hummingbird, Zapata rail, and Cuban pygmy owl. But the park is also home to a plethora of larger wildlife, including wild boar, crocodile, and iguana. This afternoon, we take to the trails in Ciénaga de Zapata on a short walk, where we may encounter some of these rare and diverse species. Later today, we return to our casa in Playa Larga, where we listen to an engaging environmental presentation from Frank Medina, Director of Zapata National Park. Medina s lively and informative talk will center on Cuba s current struggle to balance conservation with growing tourism in the park. Tonight, we dine on an authentic menu of festive Cuban dishes in Playa Larga. Accommodation: Casa Particulare, Playa Larga Meals: B, L, D DAY 5: Hemingway and Parque Lenin Activity Overview: Walking Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 1-2 hours Today we begin to make our way towards Havana and on to the eastern corner of Cuba. We break up the drive with a visit to Ernest Hemingway s private home, Finca Vigia ( Lookout House ), on the outskirts of Havana. Constructed in 1886 by the Spanish architect, Miguel Pascual y Baguer, Hemingway purchased the home in 1940 and lived there while writing some of his most famous works, including For Whom the Bell Tolls. After a short drive we arrive at Parque Lenin, one of Havana s largest parks, constructed between under the direction of Celia Sanchez (a longtime associate of Fidel Castro). We stop to stretch our legs and have a picnic lunch before continuing on our drive west to a mountain resort called Soroa, where we check into our hotel. If there is time, we may visit a local orchid garden before dinner. Accommodations: Villa Soroa, Soroa Meals: B, L, D DAY 6: Valle de Viñales Activity Overview: Hiking Activity Level: Easy to moderate Activity Length: 3-4 hours After breakfast this morning we continue to the next UNESCO World Heritage Site on our tour: the breathtaking Valle de Viñales, located in the Sierra de los Órganos mountains. In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, the Valle de Viñales shelters a variety of unique habitats, species, and rare geologic formations. Our walk today takes place on a sprawling trail system within the valley, with portions winding along pathways we create ourselves. We pass the remains of limestone hills dating from 160 million years ago, where a rainfall has gradually eroded the rock, leaving behind the extraordinary features we observe today; the path is also dotted with the bulbous mogotes rock structures for which the valley is known, giving it a strange, otherworldly appearance. Two of the most famous are the Mogote dos Hermanas or Twin Sisters, which lie side-by-side overlooking the fields below. The entire area is riddled with an extensive network of caves and underground pools, which once provided a means of survival for the indigenous Guanahatabey people who made this valley home. A short stroll through town introduces us to the colorful sites and local people of Viñales, and leads us to a nearby farm where we learn the art of rolling a cigar. The tobacco crop has taken on an almost mythical status in Cuba, and we 8 Boundless Journeys 2018

9 A BOUNDLESS MOMENT IN CUBA A trip to Cuba is a feast for the senses the waft of dried tobacco leaves being prepared for cigars, the vibrant colors of the vintage cars, the fresh tropical fruits at meals, and the strum of a guitar the sensory experiences enhance the cultural ones. have the unique opportunity to tour a tobacco plantation, where we may hear the region s vaguero, or field workers, singing songs that encapsulate Valle de Viñales mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African heritages. By late afternoon, satiated with fresh air and exercise, we return to our resort to rest, relax, and enjoy dinner. Accommodations: Villa Soroa, Soroa Meals: B, L, D DAY 7: Explore Havana Activity Overview: Walking Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 3-4 hours Leaving the countryside, we head to Havana, a city known for its salsa rhythms, shabby-chic exteriors, and incomparable spirit. Our first stop will be Havana Vieja, or Old Havana. We ll enjoy a walking tour of this historic district beginning on the famed Obispo Street, with stops at notorious sites from Cuba s colonial and revolutionary periods, including: Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, the 18th century governor s residence; the Museo de la Ciudad or City Museum, housed on the site of Havana s first church; the Plaza de Armas (Havana s oldest square, dating to the 1520s), the Plaza de la Catedral; and the Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana, an 18th-century Jesuit church designed by Italian architect Francesco Borromini. Havana s turbulent past has been shaped by everyone from affluent colonial Spaniards to roving pirates, and it continues to be defined today by a new generation of Cubans who flock to the city in search of a better life. After lunch in a scrumptious paladar, we have more time to explore this fascinating city. Possibilities include the large art and craft market of Mercado San Jose, the Museum of Belles Artes with its impressive international collection, lovely neighborhoods, and the seafront Malecón a 5-mile seafront walkway where lovers stroll. In the evening we celebrate our week together with a farewell dinner at one of Havana s best restaurants. Afterwards, if you are worn out from our busy day, feel free to find your way back to our evening s hotel. If, however, you are feeling the infectious energy of the city, consider a visit to Fabrica des Artes, where the best of Cuba s avant-garde art can be experienced. Another option is to head to the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba for an evening bolero and other singing performances before returning to our hotel. Accommodations: Hotel Presidente, Havana (or similar Meals: B, L, D DAY 8: Departure from Havana This morning after an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departing flights. For flights leaving earlier or later, taxies are readily available. Meals: B PLEASE NOTE: This is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. The activities may also vary because that s what happens in Cuba. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise

10 ACCOMMODATIONS Cuba s luxury accommodations tend to be large, all-inclusive, resort-style hotels. In favor of a more authentic experience, the hotels and casas particulares we have selected for this trip offer a sense of place and numerous amenities. Please note that the accommodations on this trip are not typical of the Boundless Journeys experience, and even the nicest properties in Cuba do not come close to the level of accommodations on other trips. Casa particulares are essentially B&B-type accommodations, set within the context of a private house. For many of our guests, evening or morning visits with their casa hosts are a true highlight of their journey to Cuba. We have carefully researched available casas in each location and promise you warm, welcoming hosts and a unique Cuban family experience. While the below list of accommodations are what have been reserved for our trips, please keep in mind that given the current nature of tourism in Cuba, these may change with little or no notice. NIGHT 1 Hotel La Unión (or similar) Calle 31 esquina A-54 Cienfuegos, Cuba Tel A mid-sized hotel with boutique style and service, La Unión is housed in a beautiful neo-classical colonial building in the heart of Cienfuegos. Amenities include two patios, an open-air bar and pool tucked into an interior courtyard guarded by a duo of sculpted lions. The terrace offers lovely views over the city and bay. NIGHTS 2, 3, & 4 Casas Particulares in Trinidad & Playa Larga During nights 2, 3, and 4 we will be housed in a selection of local casas particulares or B&B-style guesthouses in the cities we visit. These are privately-owned family establishments and typically house 5-6 guests at a time, offering the chance to learn more about the city and its people. We have carefully selected the casas in our itinerary based on their central locations, comfort, and gracious hosts. 10 Boundless Journeys 2018

11 NIGHTS 5 & 6 Villa Soroa (or similar) Carretera a Soroa, Km 8 Soroa, Cuba Tel Villa Soroa is nestled among the Sierra del Rosario, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with 700 varieties of orchids grown here. The garden-flanked pool is the center of the modest hotel complex that provides an attractive and relaxing environment for nature lovers. Whether you re into bird watching, hiking, or horseback riding, you can do it here. Close to the hotel, there is a 22-meter waterfall and Cuba s largest orchid garden, with more than 20,000 orchids. NIGHT 7 Hotel Presidente (or similar) Calle Calzada No 110 esq Av de los Presidentes Havana, Cuba Tel A historic 4-star hotel recently refurbished in 2011, the Hotel Presidente offers great charm and ambience and is close to the Malecón seafront promenade. The refined rooms provide many amentieis and some offer sea views. Additional amenities include a plush lobby lounge, two elegant restaurants, a piano bar, and a cafe with a terrace by the pool

12 WHAT TO EXPECT OVERVIEW Travel in Cuba can be different than other places you may have visited and requires a flexible attitude. While we will do our best to adhere to the activities and visits listed in our People-to-People itinerary, please note that our days are full, things don t always run on time, and a firm schedule cannot be guaranteed. Traveling in developing countries can be life-changing, and we ask our guests to appreciate the authenticity of your experience. The culture, food, people and activities you encounter will be exceptional because of their differences. PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TRAVEL People-to-People travel is a new way of experiencing a destination and the only legal way for Americans to visit Cuba. On all or our trips, guests consistently tell us that their favorite activities are those that allow them to forge firsthand, authentic connections with local residents. Peopleto-People travel in Cuba offers visitors a true understanding of the country and the ability to meet its people and get off the beaten tourist path. During our 8-day journey, we ll spend time with artists, community project leaders, and musicians. We ll also participate in important discussions with local experts about conservation, architecture, and the economy. These encounters will not just leave you with real insight into Cuba and its people, but also with memories you will always remember. TRIP RATING Boundless Journeys trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Cuba: People-to-People Walking Tour is rated 2, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). Our walks range from 1 to 4 hours (2 to 6 miles) on city roads and country trails. PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well-prepared you are for the activities, the more you will enjoy yourself. As a general guideline, we suggest that you engage in easy to moderate aerobic activities (such as walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability (consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program). Please contact us if you have any doubts regarding your physical match with this tour. WEATHER Thanks to the year-round warmth of its semi-subtropical climate, Cuba experiences little seasonal variation and travel is possible at any time. The country has two seasons: the wet season between May and October, and the dry season between November and April. During the dry season, the weather averages between 78 F and 85 F, but temperatures are only moderately higher during the summer months, reaching into the 90 s in the warmest months. Summer visitors are likely to enjoy fewer crowds and less expensive prices. Hurricane season runs from June through early November, but hurricanes are most likely to occur from August through October. 12 Boundless Journeys 2018

13 WHEN TO GO The best time to visit Cuba is during the dry season, from November to April. Temperatures this time of year are typically between F, with lows in the 60s and minimal rainfall. These months are also the best time to avoid the worst of Caribbean humidity. TRANSFER DAYS Although Cuba is a relatively small country, the distances from one place to another are sometimes long, due to actual miles covered or, in some cases, the conditions of the road. We have tried to strike a balance between the importance of experiencing certain unique places, and the importance of taking time out of the vehicle to hike, explore, and immerse ourselves in the country s diverse landscapes. On a couple of days, there may be total driving times of 2-4 hours, but rest assured that they are well broken up with opportunities to explore, and that the destinations are well worth the effort. TRAVELER S RESPONSIBILITY Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation with Boundless Journeys staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers. SMALL GROUP TRAVEL Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 6-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure are all part of this intimate experience. UNPLUG WiFi is still a novelty in Cuba, and as such, it s extremely difficult to access. Most connections are unreliable at best, and you ll pay for a full hour even if you get cut off after just a few minutes. The fruitless search for Internet can be frustrating, so take advantage of the circumstances and disconnect. That being said, if you desperately need access, we know where to go. DRINKS WITH MEALS At Boundless Journeys we believe group dinners are a time to celebrate our day, while enjoying the best of local cuisine, and good company. In keeping with this spirit, we typically include local beer and mojitos with group dinners. If you prefer premium wine, or liquor, please feel free to order what you like, and you may settle your tab at the end of the meal. FOOD & WATER The general rule for food when traveling to developing countries is wash it, cook it, peel it, or forget it. The well

14 run hotels where we stay and the restaurants where we eat prepare foods in a sanitary manner, using distilled water to wash vegetables, and iodine to kill any bacteria. Avoid fresh salads. You should drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes. Never drink water from a tap, and use only bottled water for brushing your teeth. Many people experience a slightly upset stomach while traveling, and we recommend bringing an over-the-counter stomach aid. DRINKING WATER We provide purified or bottled water on all trips; however, in an effort to reduce waste, we strongly encourage you to bring a water bottle to refill where safe to do so. This will be the case in much of Europe, as well as a few other destinations, where tap water is safe to drink. In parts of the world where water must be purified, bottled water may be our only option. Here, we do our best to provide purified water from larger containers to refill your bottles, rather than using many small single-use bottles throughout your trip. This is just one small way we strive to travel more responsibly and we appreciate your efforts in helping us to protect the extraordinary places we visit. Boundless Journeys has taken the Travelers Against Plastic company pledge to promote sustainable travel and encourage travelers to avoid buying bottled water when they travel. You can take the pledge, too, and learn more about TAP s efforts at spices and the sheer variety of traditional dishes on offer. This is due in large part to the blend of African, Caribbean, Spanish, and Native American cultures that have contributed to a culinary melting pot over time. The restaurants on our tour have been carefully selected to give you a taste of the country s authentic cuisine, but don t underestimate the simpler yet equally delicious staples (think rice, beans, and local fruits) you will undoubtedly be treated to along the way. While we strive to offer our guests with the best possible meals and food available in Cuba, it is important to know that the food there is relatively basic and does not offer the variety and quality that we may be accustomed to at home. Please travel to Cuba with an open mind. If you do not have high expectations in this regard, you will not be disappointed. Vegetarians can easily be accommodated. Please inform us of specific dietary restrictions by completing your Guest Questionnaire. CUISINE Cuba s food scene has received a boost in recent years thanks to the country s changing political situation and improved access to international ingredients. But foodies have long appreciated Cuban cuisine for its deft use of 14 Boundless Journeys 2018

15 OUR GUIDES With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with guides who are experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work the mark of a truly great leader our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure. Here are some of the guides we work with in Cuba. HEATHER HARDING Heather Harding has been guiding professionally for decades on Washington s Olympic Peninsula, where she lives, and in the plateaus and canyons of the American Southwest. In 1997, she began guiding during the winter in Latin American, leading whale watching/ research expeditions in Costa Rica, Mexico, and Dominican Republic. Heather starting leading People to People tours in Cuba just after legal travel there reopened in 2011 and has been introducing adventurous travelers to the magic of the palm tree isle ever since. ERIC KESSLER Eric has been a wilderness and adventure travel guide for almost 40 years. His career has taken him to every continent except Antarctica in a variety of positions from mountaineering guide, to academic researcher, to assignment photographer. Eric currently guides in western U.S. National Parks, British Columbia, and Cuba, where he first led an academic bicycle tour in Besides guiding, Eric s freelance photography work specializes in adventure travel and cultural and environmental conservation. When he is not guiding, Eric spends time with his two children, bicycling, reading, and living on Washington s San Juan Island and the Olympic Peninsula

16 NEXT STEPS TO MAKE A RESERVATION You can call Boundless Journeys at , request a reservation online, or contact your travel agent. We will confirm your spot with a deposit of $500 per person and the payment of internal airfare, payable by check or credit card. The balance for your trip is due 90 days prior to departure. ONCE YOU RESERVE As soon as you confirm your adventure, we will provide you with an extensive, detailed trip planner that includes arrival and departure instructions, a complete packing list, regional information, required documents, a reading list, and other details. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE In addition to your detailed trip planner, we will you a quote for Travel Guard trip insurance. Please let us know if you would like us to purchase a policy on your behalf. If you choose to decline this service, we ask that you sign and return the Insurance Waiver included in your trip planner package. Boundless Journeys strongly recommends purchasing Trip Insurance. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, the following schedule applies to your land cost and is determined by the day that we receive written notification: >90 days prior to the trip will be charged $ days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 25% of the trip price days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 50% of the trip price. <45 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 100% of the trip price. QUESTIONS? WHICH TRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Adventure travel may involve exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, and activities that may be new to you. If you have any questions about the level of comfort, difficulty, or activities included on your trip, please call Boundless Journeys at , or us at info@ boundlessjourneys.com. Our travel experts look forward to helping you select the perfect adventure. 16 Boundless Journeys 2018

17 BOUNDLESS BEYOND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL At Boundless Journeys we are committed to exploring the world in a responsible way and continually seek ways to tread lightly across the unique landscapes and diverse cultures on this planet. Here are just some of the ways we aim to travel responsibly: MAKING CONNECTIONS On some of our trips, our guests have the opportunity to visit organizations working to protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of local communities. Whether it is bathing elephants at a conservation center in Myanmar, or enjoying a farm-fresh meal at a family-owned organic farm in Costa Rica, our guests form meaningful connections with the people and places they visit. GOING LOCAL Whenever possible, we use small, locally operated hotels that have sound environmental practices; groups dine at restaurants that feature fresh and authentic regional cuisine; we choose partners that strive for the highest standard of responsible practices; and we employ local guides and support local economies. CONSERVING WILD PLACES On many of our trips, we explore stunning natural landscapes where conservation is of the utmost importance. As visitors, we not only tread lightly, but actively contribute to the conservation of parks and protected areas. LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? Here are just a few examples - one more involved, and one quite simple - of how our travelers give back to the places they have explored with us: The Botswana School Project was created in 2012 by Boundless Journeys guests who saw that there was a need for books, supplies, and computers in schools they visited in northern Botswana. A Bhutan guest donated baby outfits to families she met on mountain trails and in rural communities and schools. Two sisters who traveled to Peru donated school supply kits to a local school we visit on our Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour. Learn more: -travel/ PROUD MEMBERS Boundless Journeys is proud to support the following organizations and the important work that they do: