GIVE VIP:
Cuba 2025
Welcome to GIVE VIP: A travel experience tailored exclusively for GIVE VIP’s (Volunteers In the Past) who asked for more. More locations, more local culture and more real connection!
GIVE VIP: Cuba
December 6 - December 13, 2025
8 Days I $3,395 I Only a few seats left!
Experience the real Cuba on an unforgettable 8-day adventure! Explore Havana’s colorful streets, the colonial beauty of Trinidad, and the lush landscapes of Viñales. You’ll dance salsa, roll cigars, snorkel in the Bay of Pigs, dive into revolutionary history, and cook authentic Cuban meals with locals - all alongside a like-minded crew of past GIVErs. Join us (and bring a friend) on this once-in-a-lifetime journey through Cuba!
Login & select Private Trips to find Cuba!
*Good to know: Round-trip flights to Cuba are under $600 from most U.S. cities - some are as low as $400!
Cuba Itinerary
Here’s A GLIMPSE of ALL that awaits you
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Arrive in Havana and receive a warm welcome at the airport. After a quick transfer to your hotel, take a guided walk around the neighborhood to get acquainted with Havana’s vibrant energy. Experience a classic vintage car tour to explore iconic landmarks like El Morro Fort and El Cristo de La Habana, followed by a unique Cigar, Rum, and Coffee tasting to dive into Cuban traditions. The day will wrap up with a special welcome dinner as we set the tone for the rest of your GIVE VIP Cuba experience!
Meals: D
Day 2: Explore Havana
Start your day with a walking tour of Old Havana, where you'll visit significant historical sites such as El Capitolio and the Museo de la Revolución. Want to learn to dance…Cuban style? After lunch, take a Salsa Dance Lesson before heading off to explore Callejón de Hamel, a street filled with Afro-Cuban art and culture. Later in the afternoon, visit a local boxing gym in the heart of downtown Havana to learn about Cuba’s deep-rooted boxing tradition and meet some of the country’s rising athletes. End the day with a delicious Cuban dinner, followed by a drink at El Floridita, one of Hemingway’s favorite bars.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 3: Viñales - Tobacco & Coffee Plantations
Take a scenic drive to Viñales where you'll have time to explore the village, immersing yourself in its vibrant music and dance scene. Life moves at a slower pace here, providing the perfect opportunity to experience the real Cuba. Visit a traditional tobacco farm to learn about the cigar-making process, then stop by a coffee plantation to discover Cuba’s rich coffee culture. Finish the day on an underground boat tour of the Cuevas del Indio before making our way back to Havana for the night.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 4: Santa Clara & Trinidad
Journey to Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara Memorial and learn about the revolutionary icon’s role in Cuban history. Continue your trip to Trinidad, founded in 1514, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a “living museum” of Cuban history! A walking tour of Trinidad will show you its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere. After dinner, enjoy live Cuban music at Casa de la Musica, a popular spot for locals to listen to live salsa music under the stars!
Meals: B/L/D
Day 5: Explore Trinidad
Spend the day exploring Trinidad at your leisure on a choose-your-own-adventure (CYOA) day. You can visit the Valley of the Sugar Mills, relax on the stunning Playa Ancón, take a catamaran cruise to Cayo Blanco, join a local cooking class or even go on a hike in the Escambray Mountains. The afternoon is yours to discover the hidden gems of this charming town, from art galleries to quaint cafés! In the evening, if the group’s feeling up for it, there’s a one-of-a-kind spot tucked inside a cave - Disco Ayala - that’s definitely worth checking out.
Meals: B (CYOA Day!)
Day 6: Cienfuegos & Zapata Peninsula
Travel to Cienfuegos, known for its French-inspired architecture and beautiful bay. After a brief exploration of the city, head to the Zapata Peninsula and visit the Bay of Pigs, a historically significant site known for its failed 1961 CIA-backed invasion. Enjoy some snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, and learn more about the area’s rich biodiversity as we search for the world’s smallest bird, the Cuban bee hummingbird, in its natural habitat. We’ll head back to Havana for the evening where you will have some free time to explore!
Meals: B/L/D
Day 7: Cojímar, Art & Culture
Start your final day with a farm-to-table cooking experience in the coastal village of Cojímar, where you’ll hand-pick fresh herbs and learn to prepare traditional Cuban dishes and cocktails at El Ajiaco Café. In the afternoon, explore the Muraleando Community Art Project, a once-abandoned space now transformed into a vibrant hub for youth arts and culture. Then, enjoy a powerful in-studio performance by Habana Compás Dance, blending Afro-Cuban rhythms and percussion. We’ll wrap up this unforgettable journey with a special farewell dinner back in Havana to celebrate your GIVE VIP Cuba experience!
Meals: B/L/D
Day 8: Departure Day
Today is your final day in Cuba with no scheduled activities, allowing time to relax or explore at your own pace. Your guides will be available to help organize any optional experiences or accompany you for a final stroll through Havana. When the time comes, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport and send you off with warm memories of your GIVE VIP Cuba journey.
Meals: B
What's Included
- All accommodations
- Activities, Excursions, and Experiences (*day 5 not included: choose-your-own-adventure)
- Transportation (not including flights)
- GIVE & Local guides
- All meals (*breakfast only on days 5 & 8) & clean drinking water
- Access to GIVE’s preferred insurance & flight partners
- Trip preparation tools, checklists, and a meet-and-greet group call
- Pre-trip & in-transit support from GIVE’s Travel Specialists
- Access to your personalized GIVE Profile
- Access to GIVE's Ambassador Community post-trip
What's Not Included
- Flights *under $600 from most US cities
- Travelers insurance *check to make sure your insurance covers Cuba
- Passport, visa & entry-fee (if required), & vaccinations (if required)
- Personal souvenirs, snacks, CYOA-day meals, and refreshments (drinking water is included 24/7)
* GIVE reserves the right to change program dates and modify the trip itinerary
Trip Date & Price
GIVE VIP Cuba: Dec 6 - Dec 13, 2025
8 Days I $3,395
Only a few seats left - secure yours while there's still space! Trip deposit price is $1,200. Login and select Private Trips to find Cuba and secure your spot!
Good to know:
> 1 trip with only 18 spots (almost sold out!) - first come, first served. Exclusive to GIVE VIPs
> GIVE VIP is built exclusively for past GIVErs- and you can invite a friend, partner, or family member
> Round-trip flights to Cuba are under $600 from most U.S. cities - some are as low as $400!
> Guided by one of GIVE's tried-and-true guides, John (meet John below!)
Meet your guide
Hey y’all – I’m John (First GIVE Trip: Tanzania 2015)
I’ve helped lead over 70 GIVE trips around the world, and I couldn’t be more excited to help guide this brand-new GIVE VIP experience in Cuba.
I started as a volunteer in Tanzania back in 2015, and over the past 10 years, I’ve guided trips, built programs, led a student group, and helped grow this incredible movement. What keeps me coming back isn’t just the travel, it’s the community. It’s the people. And it’s those moments where you find yourself in a corner of the world thinking, "How the heck did I get here?"
That’s the spirit GIVE VIP was born from. This trip is for those of us who still crave that GIVE magic - meaningful travel, deep connections, and epic adventures!
GIVE VIP is all about discovering amazing new destinations, traveling "solo" but with a like-minded group, meeting new people, and creating memories that remind you why you fell in love with exploring the world in the first place.
Nos vemos en La Habana, Cuba.
Want to chat first?
Schedule a call with John to learn more about the trip! If you have his number already, feel free to text him on WhatsApp.
FAQ's
Traveling to Cuba
Why Cuba?
Because there’s truly nowhere like it. From classic cars and colonial charm to powerful history and warm hospitality, Cuba is full of soul. This is immersive, off-the-beaten-path travel — and most Americans never get the chance to do it like this.
Entry requirements:
U.S. Citizen: Traveling to Cuba as an American isn’t your average vacation — in fact, typical tourism isn’t even allowed. If you’re going to do it, this is the way: legally, meaningfully, and with purpose. GIVE makes it simple by walking you through the steps to travel under an approved U.S. travel category. You’ll get a clear, step-by-step doc that covers everything you need to know.
Non-U.S. Citizen: Travel rules vary based on your passport. We recommend searching your home country's travel requirements before booking. Have questions? We’ve got your back.
Is Cuba Safe?
Cuba is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America for travelers. The culture is incredibly welcoming, and you’ll be traveling with experienced GIVE Trip Leaders and amazing local guides the entire time. You’ll be well taken care of from the moment you land.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Nope. You’ll be with local Cuban guides who speak English and are there to support you every step of the way. That said, if you want to learn a bit before the trip, we’re all for it. Duolingo is your friend. Even learning a few basic phrases can go a long way to help you make connections and make the experience even more meaningful.
Who can go on a GIVE VIP trip?
This trip is exclusive to past GIVE Volunteers, but we get it if want to share the experience with friends, partners, and family! We’re all about growing the community and sharing the experience with the people you care about. GIVE VIP trips are designed for those ages 23+ and open to:
- GIVE VIPs (Volunteers In the Past)
- A VIP's friend, partner, or family member (even if they haven’t done a GIVE trip before)
If you have someone in mind who’d love this experience, we'd love to meet them! Here’s how to get them in:
- Have them apply ASAP (and put your name under Recommended By)
- Give us a call or send a quick text so we can approve them right away
- Lock in your spots before the trip sells out!
What’s the deposit and payment deadline?
The trip deposit is $1,200, with a total cost of $3,395. Flights are not included, but round-trip airfare to Cuba is under $600 from most U.S. cities - some are as low as $400! Since this is a one-time experience with limited space, the deposit helps us secure everything in advance and make sure those who sign up are truly committed. The remaining balance is due by September 6th. Spots will go fast, and this is your way to lock yours in without taking it from someone else who's ready to go.
Note: Past volunteer discounts don't apply, as this trip is exclusively designed for returning GIVErs.
Can I connect with the group before we go?
Yes, you can! We'll create a WhatsApp group just like usual, and we’ll also schedule a group video call for everyone to connect before we head out. That’s one of the reasons we lock everything in three months ahead—so the whole crew can get to know each other, ask questions, and make this thing feel real.
What should I pack?
We’ll send you a full packing list closer to your trip. You can expect to pack light and casual clothes, comfortable shoes, and some cash for personal expenses and souvenirs.
What will the accommodations be like?
We’ll be staying in charming casas particulares - private guesthouses that give you a true taste of Cuban hospitality. Rooms are shared (usually 2 people, max 4) with comfy beds and plenty of character. Want your own space? A single-room upgrade is available for just $575. Cozy, authentic, and a perfect way to soak in the local vibe!