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Visit three community projects in Havana to learn how art is used to combat social problems
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
Have a religious experience on this Havana tour that hooks you up with local customs, folklore, and beliefs. Learn about the Afro-Cuban religions from a local insider - there are similarities to voodoo so expect this to be one colourful, eclectic, unconventional religious tour!
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
The barber´s alley: From the meeting point we walk to Barber’s Alley which is combination of street art with pubs and restaurants on an alleyway where we’ll tell the story of Papito, the founder of the community project, who was barber focused on at risk youth in his neighborhood wanting to give them the means to make a living and stay out of trouble. He gave the opportunity to become barbers and hairdressers. He created the school for the community with his own efforts and his experience as a barber by family tradition. We visit his house which is still a barber shop and at the same time, a museum with an exhibition of the most traditional ways to offer those services. He also turned around “the ugliest street in Havana” by getting neighbors involved in decoration of the street and opening local private businesses as a way to get some profit for the whole neighborhood. The alleyway was decorated by a very popular young local artist with graffiti: Yulier P. and has lots of artwork inspired by hairdressers.
Next we get into a taxi or private bus (depending on group size) to go to Fusterlandia in Jaimanitas neighbourhood, a Community Project by the successful local artist Jose Fuster who began decorating houses in his neighbourhood using pieces of ceramic tiles.  A project started by the 90´s during our serious economic crisis. Fuster got inspired by Gaudi, the Spanish muralist and he is considered the “Cuban Picasso”. Here they will hear Fuster’s story and visit his intricately designed mosaic house and art gallery and may meet a member of his family.
Last we drive to Muraleando, in Lawton neighbourhood: a whole cultural program promoted by a group of local artist directed by Manuel Mario Diaz Baldrich with different workshops and activities for children, teenagers and elderly including music, dancing, theater, painting, ceramics and sculpture work out of recycled materials. Here there are wall murals around the neighborhood from locals and visiting artists, even Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. After touring the community with one of the residents, we enjoy music with a presentation of a local band and a traditional Cuban lunch with a special local drink offered there “El Tanque”.
(If you’d prefer to travel as part of a regular group experience, please book our Afro-Cuban Religion Tour)
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
Local, English-speaking guide, transportation to all included activities, lunch and special drink.
Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide, transportation to/from meeting point/end point
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the tour.
Cubans love being photographed – however asking permission first is appreciated. Tipping is customary in Cuba.
In some circumstances you may find the guide is already waiting for you at the entrance to the building (street level).
In the case of poor weather, the guide will be inside “La Gargola” guesthouse. Please make your way up to the first floor (up the stairs, blue door) and meet your guide inside
If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point.
Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Please bring water and proper sun protection. If you would like to donate art supplies (paint, brushes, crayons, markers, pencils, etc).
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour.
It is possible that the Jose Fuster house may be closed, in which case we will explain to the pax the reason and explore the neighborhood and the house from the outside. This is rare but has happened in the past.
This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
La Gargola Guesthouse, 82 Calle Cuba (between Cuarteles and Chacon streets).
La Gargola Guesthouse, 82 Calle Cuba (between Cuarteles and Chacon streets).
By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.
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| AVAILABLE DATES | PRICE (1 ADULT) | PRICE (1 CHILDREN) | SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT | TRAVEL STATUS |
We will get back to you with an offer on the requested trip / package within 48 hours. All offers are non-binding and are usually valid for 7 days. Please note that reserved services can be canceled within these 7 days and that price may change until a final order is received.
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