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Cuba
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Description |
Schedule | Fact Sheet |
Registration
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DescriptionFor those who would benefit from a better knowledge about Cuba and want to mix it with simulating activities, Atenas de Cuba offers people-to-people, educational programs, on the Caribbean island. Cuba is a mosaic of economic, geological, cultural and historical complexity. Program activities highlight the rich cultural heritage, profound history, political complexity and the geographical and environmental diversity of the country, including several World Heritage Sites. Program participants have opportunities to: meet and hear from rural villagers, skilled craftsmen, educators and officials, learn about the day-to-day life and the role of women, visit local markets, wander in historic sites and to enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the people and inspirational beauty of the island. Rural Cuba is a virtually undiscovered treasure for Northerners. Atenas de Cuba, a Cuban non-governmental organization promoting bicycle transport and understanding between the people of Cuba and the world, runs the program in Cuba. The primary mode of travel is bicycle. The cycling varies from program to program but is generally easy to moderate. Side trips are available for those with extra energy. Accommodations are a mix private housing and small hotels. All participants receive comprehensive pre-departure materials with detailed instructions on setting up their bicycle, packing, training and other information for program preparation. This program explores real Cuba. Participants need to be prepared to live without their normal food, hot shower, fancy bed, etc. The program is ideal for the realist who appreciates the world and the wonderful rewards gained for the modest rigors of bicycle touring and people-to-people experiences. There are three modules: "El Corazon de Cuba" (Central Provinces), "Pinar del Rio" (Western Provinces) and La Cuna del Espiritu Cubano (Eastern Provinces). Programs are $1490, except for La Cuna del Espiritu Cubano, which is $1690. The fee includes accommodations, two-meals a day and a variety of museums, and cultural and educational activities in Cuba. The group is limited to 14 people so early registration is recommended. Comments from past people-to-people program participants. Programs are open to everyone. We do not restrict participation based on race, creed, color, nationality, national origins, religion, gender, sexual orientation. ScheduleAtenas de Cuba is current suspended because of the US government's controls travel to Cuba by any one under its jurisdiction. To offer our programs we need a license from the US government covering "people-to-people" program. The government is maintaining its bias that you can have a people-to-people experience traveling from hotel to hotel in a bus, but you can't have a people-to-people experience bicycling between experiences where you engage with people and won't issue us a license. Until we can overcome this hurdle we won't be able to offer the programs. Under normal circumstances, with freedom of travel, the Atenas de Cuba's programs start on Saturday and end on Friday fourteen days later. Programs are offered roughly as follows:
(after a break for hot weather and the occasional hurricane from May to October, the programs start again in November or December). If you would like schedule information as it becomes available send and email to: ibike @ ibike.org (remove the spaces), and request to be notified about the Atenas de Cuba program. FACT SHEET: Atenas de Cuba People-to-People Programs *El Corazon de Cuba Program (Central Provinces) All Program: Structure: Small group, people-to-people educational program. The objectives of the program is to strengthen your knowledge to better enable you to participate in important public policy discussion on a wide range of topics that affect your life. The program provides and opportunities to comparing and contrasting the work environment, quality of life, social programs, political structure and policies, economic policy and structure, environment and culture that you are familiar with, to those of Cuba. Day-to-day, on an ongoing basis throughout the program there will be opportunities to meet people and discussions on history, architecture, culture, ethnic diversity, social systems, gender rights and roles, politics, agriculture, mining, industry, fisheries, music, language, religion, geology, botany, and ecology. To increase the educational value though additional contact with the fundamental qualities of Cuban society, the primary mode of travel is bicycle, supported by a vehicle. There is no test at the end. The programs are run by your Cubans hosts. While the region, general route and total mileage are unlikely to change much; some of the details from program to program may be adjusted . Program Fees: US$1090 (except for La Cuna del Espiritu Cubano, which is $1290) (includes roundtrip air from Cancun, and fee to Atenas de Cuba for lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more). Average out of pocket expenses per program $250 plus or minus $200. There is a $200 discount if you make your own way to Havana. Starting/Ending Point: Havana, Cuba (flight to Cuba coordinated through Cancun, Mexico) Skill Level: Suitable for fit beginners/intermediate/experts Accommodations: Small hotels, cabanas (rustic cabins) and private homes, no tent camping. Van Support: truck. Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner, are provided. The cuisine is centered around rice, beans, yacca and other root crops. Vegetarians and people with special diets usually manage OK. But, when the group stays at private houses they can’t expect to have special dishes cooked for them and should bring a stash of supplements. Bike: Mountain bike or a touring bike with strong tires and wide gear range are recommended. (You might consider bring a bike that you can donate at the end of the trip. Contact us for more information.) Bike Rental: available for $100 for two weeks. El Corazón de Cuba (Central Provinces) *Essay on El Corazón de Cuba Program Schedule: November to April Status Description: Day 1-2: orientation and exploration in and around Havana. Day 3-11: With your Cuban hosts, alternating between intercity cycling days and days to explore the local area, cycle a beautiful route from Habana to Cienfuego, Santa Clara and Matanzas, stopping at schools, farms, museums, caves, factories, cultural centers, beaches, waterfalls, Che Guevara Memorial and the historic town of Trinidad. Day 12-13: return to and finish the program in Havana. Map Features: Exploration of the historic and cultural heartland of Cuba, meet people from a variety of walks of life to better understand their values and lives, beautiful coastal and highland landscapes. Mileage Daily / Total: 30-90km, 18-56 miles per day, starts with lower mileage / 600km, 370 miles total. Cycling Conditions: 95% paved roads, mostly rolling and small hills, an occasional big hills. Other Activities: Discussions, visits to museums, factories, historic sites, schools, homes, farms, monuments and cultural events, walking, music, dancing, swimming and spelunking. Pinar del Rio (Western Province) *Essay on Pinar del Rio Program Schedule: January to March Status Description: Day 1-2: orientation and exploration in and around Havana. Day 3-11: join your Cuban hosts to cycle through Pinar del Rio province, stopping at schools, farms, museums, historic sites, caves, and other points of interest. Some of the towns are Pinar del Rio, Guane, Santa Lucia, Vinalles, San Diego de los Banos and Soroa. Day 12-13: return to and finish the program in Havana. Map Features: Small group, visits to the people of the diverse cultures and lifestyles of western Cuba, beautiful landscapes of the tropical inland and coastal zones. Home visits and rustic accommodations. Mileage Daily / Total: 30-80km, 18-50 miles, starts with lower mileage / 650km, 400 miles total. Cycling Conditions: 95% paved roads, mostly flat and rolling, occasional bigger hills Other Activities: Discussions, visits to museums, factories, historic sites, schools, homes, farms, monuments and cultural events, walking, music, dancing, swimming and spelunking La Cuna del Espiritu Cubano (Eastern Provinces) *Essay on La Cuna del Espiritu Cubano Program Schedule: December to February Status Description: Day 1-3: overview of Havana and travel to Bayamo. Day 4-11: With your Cuban hosts, cycle an extraordinarily beautiful route from Bayamo to Manzanillo and Santiago De Cuba, stopping at museums, historic sites, schools, farms, factories, cultural centers, beaches, and numerous places significant in the 500 year struggle for self-determination and the forging of the Cuban identity. Day 12-13: return to and finish the program. Map Features: Small group, visits to the people of the diverse cultures and lifestyles of western Cuba, beautiful landscapes of the tropical inland and coastal zones. Home visits and rustic accommodations. Mileage Daily / Total: 30-95km, 18-60 miles per day, starts with lower mileage / 600km, 370 miles total. Cycling Conditions: 95% paved roads, mostly flat and rolling, occasional bigger hills Other Activities: Discussions, visits to museums, factories, historic sites, schools, homes, farms, monuments and cultural events, walking, music, dancing, and swimming New York Times article "Pedaling with a Revolutionary Spirit" on La Cuna del Espiritu Cubano Washington Post article "Cuba on Two Wheels" on La Cuna del Espiritu Cubano * Itineraries, fares and dates subject to change. |
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