2019 Colorado Academy Cuba Program
| Travel Dates: | May 26, 2019 - June 1, 2019 |
| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Deadline(s): | Interested travelers should enroll by November 9th |
Important Reminders
Passport check
Insurance Reminder
Fundraiser
Review all materials
What to Expect
Please read through all of the information below. More details will be added as your departure draws closer.
Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers and given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Date | Day | Location | Activity | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 23 | Saturday | Denver, CO & Havana, Cuba | After a night time arrival in Havanna we'll head straight to our casas for dinner and a short orientation meeting. | Havana Casa Particulares |
| May 24 | Sunday | Havana | This morning we'll enjoy a tour of Old Havana, focusing specifically on some of the more interesting architecture and public spaces. After lunch we have the unique opportunity of visiting a boxing gym and drumming workshop, both of which cater to teens. | Havana Casa Particulares |
| May 25 | Monday | Havana | As much as any other country on earth, modern-day Cuba is tightly associated with two personalities: Che & Fidel. How did a medical doctor and avid traveler turn into two of the world's most famous revolutionaries? Today we'll delve into the story of the friendship that changed the history of Cuba forever with visits to the Cuban Revolution Museum, Che Guevara's home, la Plaza de la Revolucion. In the afternoon we'll visit Fusterlandia, a neighborhood which was claimed by a community of artists and converted into folk art kingdom. We'll also meet with Emprendadores, a local group of young entrepreneurs. Did we mention you'll be rolling through Havana the entire day in classic convertibles? | Havana Casa Particulares |
| May 26 | Tuesday | Havana & Las Terrazas | This morning we're off on a day trip to Las Terrazas, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and secluded eco-village of artists, coffee growers and ecologists about one hour from Havana. We'll visit Hotel Moka, one of first ecological hotels in the world, and check out an old coffee plantation. We'll also do a beautiful hike in the surrounding hillsides which culminates with an relaxing dip in some natural swimming holes. Then we head back to our casa particulares in Havana for the night night. | Havana Casa Particulares |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Havana, Santa Clara & Trinidad | After breakfast we are off to Santa Clara! On the way you'l check out Finca Vigia, where Hemingway spent much of his time. We'll also visit Muraleando which is an inspirational community arts center. After lunch we arrive at Che Guevera's Mausoleum and the famous, if quirky, train museum. This day will provide the group an opportunity to engage in open debate about Che and his role in Cuban revolution, the circumstances of his death and his legacy throughout wider Latin America. After our afternoon in Santa Clara we head to the idyllic town of Trinidad, a one of a kind, perfectly preserved Spanish colonial town and UNESCO World Heritage site on the southern coast of the country. | Trinidad Casa Particulares |
| May 28 | Thursday | Trinidad & Cienfuegos | We'll take a walking tour of the city this morning before heading to the Playa Ancon for the afternoon. After sunset we'll enjoy a celebratory dinner before our flight back to the States the following day. | Cienfuegos Casa Particulares |
| May 29 | Friday | Cienfuegos, Havana & Denver | Today we're up early for breakfast and a departure back to the airport in Havana for our flight home. | Your own bed, eventually! |
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Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe. We vet and inspect the accommodations to ensure they uphold the ethos of our programs, are great values for our travelers and nice places to rest after enriching days of travel.
Casa Particular
Staying in casa particulares is the best and most memorable way to travel through Cuba. One of the few places where free enterprise is allowed to flourish, these homes are managed by Cuban families who also serve as the hosts. Many of the homes are quite impressive!
Group Flight
DEPARTURE FROM USA
Airline: American Airlines
Flight: AA2445
Date: May 26, 2019
Departs: Denver (DEN) – 10:00 AM
Arrives: Miami (MIA) – 4:01 PM
Airline: American Airlines
Flight: AA2699
Date: May 26, 2019
Departs: Miami (MIA)– 6:55 PM
Arrives: Havana (HAV) – 8:10 PM
RETURN TO USA
Airline: American Airlines
Flight: AA2706
Date: June 1, 2019
Departs: Havana (HAV) – 12:55 PM
Arrives: Miami (MIA) – 2:10 PM
Airline: American Airlines
Flight: AA2793
Date: June 1, 2019
Departs: Miami (MIA) – 9:34 PM
Arrives: Denver (DEN) –11:54 PM
Once your flight has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.
Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.
Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.
We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.
FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION
Air travel can be unpredictable. Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc. Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route. Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night. Our primary role will be to keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a quick and effective resolution.
Host Community and Project Details
Community Overview
We will be using Casa Particulares throughout our time in Cuba. These are homes that have been transformed into small, private hotels or guest houses, something akin to renting an entire home on Airbnb. The host provides breakfast, and is available for anything that the guest might need during the day time, but is not staying with the guests at night. Casas Particulares are essentially a fusion between a bed and breakfast and host family. Travelers will have time to share meals and socialize with the families who run the casas. This option is much preferable to government-operated hotels and has emerged as the most common option for accommodations in Cuba as well as one of the few places in which free enterprise is flourishing.
Project Overview
WTT/SSA groups have the unique opportunity to live and work together with the local host community. The service project depends completely on the needs of each community and can vary greatly from year to year. Service projects are planned together with our Country Director and community liaisons. The project will always benefit the entire community and is chosen and approved by community leaders. Projects are always proposed by local community leaders as they are most in tune with the needs of the community.
Service projects are intended to be both challenging and rewarding for participants and community members. Generally, the work entails renovating or replacing an existing structures (health clinic, community center, school, etc.) that needs work. Usually there are little or no funds available to complete these projects, so WTT/SSA plays an important role in the community. Some past projects in Cuba have included constructing a ceramic center and print-making area, and spending time with the elderly.
Packing List
What follows is a sample packing list, which will be updated for each program. We recommend you bring a larger piece of luggage like a roller, duffel bag, or backpack, as well as a smaller backpack that you can bring on hikes, weekend excursions and shorter activities.
Most importantly, be sure to remember your PASSPORT and STUDENT ID.
CLOTHES:
Underwear
Socks
T-shirts, tank tops or work shirts
Long sleeve shirt
Shorts
Light weight pants, jeans too heavy for Cuba in May/June
Swimsuit/s
Rain jacket
Good walking shoes
Sports sandals ie Chacos/Tevas etc. (optional)
Flip flops (optional)
Good sun hat/s
TOILETRIES: BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:
Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
Mosquito repellent
Band Aids and Neosporin
Hand Sanitizer
Medication in properly marked original container
MISCELLANEOUS:
Sunglasses
Journal and pen
Camera (phone, digital, but you’ll want to take pictures).
US Dollars (we recommend about $50-$150, depending on amount of desired souvenirs, extra items etc.) Please no credit cards, due to embargo these will not work.
Durable water bottle
1 quick-dry towel
Deck of cards or other portable games –
STUDENT ID
Spanish/English Dictionary
Support Team
At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional support staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find a list of the team members involved in the planning, organizing, and leadership of your program.
Emory University – B.A. Sociology and minor in Latin American History
During college, Luke spent a semester living and traveling in rural Mexico. His experience sparked a fascination with Latin America and a commitment to community service that continues to this day. Upon graduating from college, he joined WorldTeach and lived with a local family in a small village in Costa Rica while teaching elementary English. After this experience, he moved to San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and wrote for The Tico Times newspaper. Luke has since traveled to over 60 countries on five different continents. Now settled in Denver with his family, he continues to crave massive helpings of rice and beans.
Jorge Luiz Acanda Gonzalez
Program Leader
Jorge is in-country partner and manager for Walking Tree Travel. He has been working with academic groups and private tours for the last 3 years. He really enjoys people and is exceptionally gifted in turning all our clients into good friends. Born and raised in Havana, Jorge is an expert on a history of Havana and personally knows many local chefs, entrepreneurs, professors and local celebrities. He has traveled extensively abroad, most recently to Spain, Switzerland and Germany.
Group Roster
Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.
- 1 Alexander Main
- 2 Andres Guevara
- 3 Britt Lochhead
- 4 Caroline Burke-Dullinger
- 5 Carson Stone
- 6 Christian Agelopoulos
- 7 Christopher Marchetti - Group Organizer
- 8 Christopher Wachuta
- 9 Daniela Torres Rivera
- 10 Elle Smith
- 11 Henry Chesley-Vogels
- 12 Jack Lewis
- 13 Jane Kelly - Group Organizer
- 14 Joshua Estrada
- 15 Juliet Cramer
- 16 Kendall Beall
- 17 Lillian Greenberg
- 18 Lisa Todd - Group Organizer
- 19 Margarita Diaz
- 20 Maya Rutherford
- 21 McCue Behrhorst
- 22 Parker Beasley
- 23 Peter Carpenter
- 24 Samantha Moore-Thomson
- 25 Sophie Link
- 26 William Ungar
Blog and Communication
During travel we will work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blogs and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program. Students regularly contribute to these posts, giving parents a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will receive an email notification when the first blog is posted, after which we recommend you check in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this page.
Beyond this proactive approach to communication during the trip, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants semi-regular access to WiFi so you can also expect to communicate with your traveler directly. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.
GLC Curriculum
Walking Tree has developed a curriculum of activities meant to help travelers get the most out of their trip before departure, during travel and after they return home. These simple and engaging activities are meant to spark discussion, frame experiences, and prepare participants to travel ethically and effectively both on this trip and on future adventures.For more information about student learning objectives and the format of the curriculum, click on the ‘learn more’ button below.
To view and complete the Pre-Program Activities, visit our online portal at the button below.
Standards of Behavior
In order to run a safe and successful program, it is important that we create an environment of trust, security and respect. All individuals participating in our programs are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of behavioral conduct.
ABSOLUTE DISMISSAL
- Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Associating with participants while they are in possession of, or are consuming, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety.
- This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.
GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE
- Getting a piercing or tattoo.
- Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
- Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
- Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
- Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
- Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
- Breaking group rules.
These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.
Health and Safety
We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Cuba website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult with your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before travel.
Our in-country staff prepare meticulously for all programs. Walking Tree will register our programs and travelers with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in case of emergency. In country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families via in depth interviews and home visits, and keep up on important current events in the region.
Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in a multi-day leadership training retreat. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff and U.S.-based staff.
We receive medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we are able to meet every students’ needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues that you did not list during your initial registration process. Program Leaders will also hold an online information session before your departure, as well as an arrival orientation in-country, in order to give participants important instructions on food safety, hygiene and preventing injury and illness. Leaders and in-country staff always respond immediately to any mental, physical or emotional health issues and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.
Insurance
While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel is never without risk. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with two additional provisions: Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) and Bed Rest. Detailed explanations of both provisions can be found on the link below.
To provide families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry. Begin by getting a quote here.
IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage with CFAR included, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your deposit/first payment. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight.