Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Exotic Cuba - like you have not seen…

“Once a year, go someplace you have never been before”-Dalai Lama

 

Real travelers love South America. Andean Peaks, Amazonian Rainforest, Patagonian Glaciers, Incan Ruins, colonial Towns, white-sand Beaches and vertiginous Nightlife: the wonders of Americas set the stage for incredible adventures. The term America originally was applied only to South America, but the designation soon was tagged to the entire Landmass. Because Mexico & Central America share an Iberian heritage with nearly all of South America, this entire region frequently is grouped under the name Latin America.

 

The Caribbean is a region of the Americas that comprises the Caribbean Sea, surrounding Coasts & its Islands. The Islands of the Caribbean Sea or West Indies are an extensive Archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly strung between North & South America. The joyous mosaic of Islands beckons Paradise-hunters, to an explosion of color, fringed by Beaches & soaked in Rum. The lively & intoxicating profusion of People & Places is spread over 7000 Islands (fewer than 10% are inhabited) but inspite of the ‘sharing’ there is also much that makes them different. It is as though the Islands were built for travel; places that excite, thrill, challenge & infuriate.

 

Timeworn but magnificent, dilapidated but dignified, fun yet maddeningly frustrating - Cuba is a country of indefinable magic, a vibrant cultural melting pot of African, European & Caribbean influences.  Trapped in a time warp, it is like a Prince in a poor man’s Coat: behind the sometimes shabby facades, gold dust lingers. This is a country where you can wave goodbye to everyday assumptions & expect the unexpected. If Cuba were a Book, it would be James Joyce's Ulysses: layered, hard to grasp, frequently misunderstood, but - above all - a classic. Just bring an open mind & prepare for a long, slow seduction…in Cuba.

 

An incredibly varied & exciting vacation destination, pulsating with a spectacular mix of People, Traditions & Landscapes. From the snow-capped Peaks of the Andes to the undulating waterways of the Amazon, South America spreads a dazzling array of natural wonders. A Continent of lush Rainforests, towering Volcanoes, misty cloud Forests, bone-dry Deserts, red-rock Canyons, ice-blue Glaciers & sun-kissed Beaches. As landscapes go, there aren't many other places on Earth that offers so much variety.

 

Be mindful of what you are getting into: South America can be a lifetime addiction. You would not realize this when you first hike on Andean trails & be awed by the pre-Colombian sites, but you come back for more. You will fall in love with the incredible wonders of this Continent: its mist-covered Peaks, thundering Falls & vast Rainforests. Add to this, the human-made treasures: buzzing indigenous Markets, picturesque colonial Towns & vibrant Cityscapes. This is just the beginning & in South America there really is no end.

 

You can hike past ancient Temples first laid down by the Incas, contemplate the awe-inspiring power of Iguazu Falls, or spend the day watching Wildlife from a dugout Canoe on one of the Amazon's countless Igarapes (narrow Waterways). You can barrel down Andean roads by Mountain Bike, go white-water Rafting on class V Rivers & Surf amazing breaks off both Coasts. And once you think you have experienced it all, head to the dramatic landscapes in Tierra del Fuego, go eye-to-eye with extraordinary creatures in the Galapagos, & scramble up tableland Mountains in the Gran Sabana for a panorama that seems straight out of the Mesozoic era.

 

Sweat yourself dizzy on a Canoe ride before ending the day caiman-watching on a black-water Lagoon. Brave a white-knuckle bus ride down Peruvian slopes & be astounded by endless Andean vistas. Endure Patagonia’s wind-driven rain while chasing life-affirming Sunsets or simply lose yourself (& possibly your belongings) in the break-neck chaos of Buenos Aires or Salvador.

 

South America's diversity doesn't end with geography. You will find colonial Towns where cobblestone Streets lead past gilded Churches & stately Plazas little changed since the 18^th century. You can haggle over colorful Textiles at indigenous Markets, share meals with traditional dwellers of the Rainforest & follow the pounding rhythms of Afro-Brazilian drums corps. It is home to an astounding variety of living & ancient Cultures and experiencing it first-hand is as easy as showing up.

 

This is one of the World's great Music destinations. Nothing compares to hearing & practicing the rhythms of Colombian Salsa, Brazilian Samba & fast-stepping Forro in Rio's simmering Garrafeiras (Dance Halls), Argentine Tango in Buenos Aires' sultry Milongas (Tango Clubs), Ecuadorian Passillos in Quito's Salsotecas (Salsa Clubs) & Andean folk music in the place where they were born - all great places to chase the heart of Saturday night.

 

Yet this is only the beginning of a great musical Odyssey that also encompasses Peruvian Trovas, soulful whirling Venezuelan Merengue, steel-pan Guyanese Drumming, Paraguayan Harp music & more. Simply plunge in - though you might want to take a Dance Class along the way!

 

The real reward, however, is the South American Spirit. It seems like the entire Continent approaches’ life with the enthusiasm of an old-fashioned road trip: windows down & Stereo blaring. There is as much Music as there are adventures to be had. Samba spices up the sandy streets of Brazilian beach Towns, Panpipes liven Andean Markets, Argentine Folklorica (folk music) trickles out of truck radios in the Pampas & the jolting rhythm of Cumbia makes those Andean bus rides even more absurd. South America is a Continent that engulfs you & change your state of mind, your outlook on life. As soon as you step foot on South American soil, the transformation begins.

 

From the snow-capped Peaks of the Andes to the undulating Waterways of the Amazon, South America spreads a dazzling array of natural wonders.

 

The tropical sunlight is infectious. Like Birds shedding dull adolescent Plumage, visitors leave their Wardrobes of gray & black behind, when they step off the Plane & don the Caribbean palette. Even the food is colorful, with rainbows of produce brightening up the local Markets. You will also see every hue at intense, costume-filled festivities like Carnival, celebrated throughout the region but particularly in Trinidad. Glorious crumbling Cuba, Reggae-rolling Jamaica & Vodou-loving Haiti top the wish lists for Travelers seeking unique cultural experiences & UNESCO World Heritage listed havens.

 

The Islands in the Caribbean are also sometimes referred to as the West Indies. Christopher Columbus thought he had reached the Indies (Asia) on his voyage. Instead, he had reached the Caribbean & it was so named to account for Columbus' mistake.

 

Can there be a greater contrast than between bustling Barbados & its neighbor, the seemingly unchanged since colonial times, St Vincent? Revolutionary Cuba & its next-door banking haven, the Caymans? Or between booming British-oriented St Kitts & its sleepy, Dutch affiliated neighbor Sint Eustatius, just across a narrow Channel?

 

South America is a Continent that engulfs you & changes you - your state of mind, your outlook on life. As soon as you step foot on South American soil, the transformation begins.

 

And now, let us talk about Cuba, timeworn but magnificent, dilapidated but dignified, fun yet maddeningly frustrating but still a country of indefinable magic.

 

Historical Heirlooms | Expect the Unexpected | Rhythms| Beaches                 

Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is a country comprising the Island of Cuba, as well as Isla de la Juventud & several minor Archipelagos. Cuba is located where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic Ocean meet. It is these rich dichotomies that make travel here the exciting, exhilarating roller-coaster ride it is. Trapped in a time warp & reeling from an economic embargo that has grated for more than half a century, this is a country where you can wave goodbye to everyday assumptions & expect the unexpected.

 

Cuba with its legendary Cigars & Rum made from sugar cane, is famous for Fidel Castro & Che Guevara, 1950s era Cars, Spanish-colonial Architecture & Guantanamo Bay.

 

Cuba is a complex country which rewards the inquisitive minds. Tales of Imperialists, Sugar Barons & Revolutionaries abound and a unique Society exposes you to a way of life completely different to our own. Bereft of modern interference, Cuba’s colonial Cities haven’t changed much since musket-toting Pirates stalked the Caribbean. The atmosphere & architecture is particularly stirring in colonial old Towns of Havana, Trinidad, Remedios & Camaguey where grandiose Squares & cobbled Streets tell erstwhile tales of opulence & intrigue and house grand Mansions, innovative Art Galleries, welcoming Casa Particulares & informative Museums, which reveal the complex development of this exotic Island. Cuba features 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Yet, despite pockets of preservation, many buildings still lie ruined like aging dowagers waiting for a face-lift.

 

With more funds, these Heirlooms may yet rise again. Indeed, thanks to private investment, many of them have already been partially renovated, morphing into spectacular private Homestays or retro-themed Restaurants proudly showing off their weighty historical heritage. Private enterprise is displaying the first buds of a creative spring, while the big-name Brands from that well-known frenemy in the north have yet to dilute the cultural magic. As a result, the country is rife with experimentation. Here is a free-spirited Cafe where earnest Students sit around debating Che Guevara's contribution to world revolution; there is an avant-garde Art Studio where the furniture is as outlandish as the exhibits.

 

The vast majority of Cuba's tourists gravitate to the attractive arcs of white sand that pepper the country's north coast & offshore Islands. But, explore beyond the Beaches & you are in a different domain, a land of fecund Forests & Crocodile-infested Swamps, abandoned Coffee Plantations & rugged Mountains as famous for their revolutionary folklore as their endemic species. Cuba, once observed German Scientist Alexander von Humboldt, is a kind of Caribbean Galapagos where contradictory curiosities exist side by side. Get off the beaten path & seek them out.

 

The exotic UNESCO World Heritage listed Capital of Cuba & largest city in the Caribbean, is a must-see. For centuries, Havana with its historic Centre, has served as the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. Today, Havana is the heart of the Nation’s busy Political, Scientific & Cultural life. Museums, Theatres & Concert Halls, Art Galleries & cultural Institutions are popular venues, while some - such as the National Ballet of Cuba, House of the Americas, Foundation of New Latin American Film & National Folkloric Dance Group, Buena Vista Social Club - have won international acclaim.

 

The City’s first building, overlooking the entrance to a protected Bay, dates back to 1519. Originally christened La Villa de San Cristobal de la Habana, the City became a depository for Treasures that Spanish fleets brought to the New World. It also became the centre of Trade & Commerce between the old & new worlds. Havana’s strategic geographic position was a major factor in its rapid growth & the City decided to build a sea wall in the 17^th century, which took more than 100 years to complete.

 

Cuba is a founding member of the United Nations, the erstwhile G77, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organisation of African, Caribbean & Pacific States, ALBA & the Organization of American States.

 

Currently, it has one of the World's only planned Economies dominated by the Tourism industry & the exports of skilled Labor, Sugar, Tobacco, Coffee & Nickel. Cuba has historically - both before & during Communist rule - performed better than other countries in the region on several socio-economic indicators, such as Literacy & Infant Mortality & Life Expectancy.

 

Cuba is a melting pot of Cultures, primarily those of Spain, Africa & the indigenous Tainos of Cuba. After the 1959 Revolution, the Government started a national Literacy campaign, offered free Education to all & established rigorous Sports, Ballet & Music Programs.

 

The rich Cuban Music is the most commonly known expression of Cuban culture. The central form of this music is Son, which has been the basis of many other musical styles like "Danzon de nuevo ritmo", Mambo, cha-cha-cha & Salsa. Rumba ("de cajon o de solar") music originated in the early Afro-Cuban culture, mixed with Spanish elements of style.

 

The Tres was invented in Cuba from Spanish cordophone instruments models (the instrument is actually a fusion of elements from the Spanish Guitar & Lute). Other traditional Cuban instruments are of African origin, Taino origin, or both, such as the Maracas, Guiro, Marimbula & various wooden Drums including the Mayohuacan.

 

Popular Cuban music of all styles has been enjoyed & praised widely across the World. Cuban classical music with strong African & European influences & featuring symphonic works as well as music for Soloists, has received international acclaim thanks to Composers like Ernesto Lecuona. Havana was the heart of the Rap scene in Cuba when it began in the 1990s.

 

Recognized Cuban Artists include Gloria Estefan & Celia Cruz, Los Van Van Orchestra, known as "the music machinery of Cuba", Pianists Chucho Valdes & Frank Fernandez & Omara Portuondo, member of the Buenavista Social Club. Many of these Artists have won Grammy Awards. Dance also holds a privileged position in Cuban culture & is considered an essential part of life. Classical Concert Dance is supported by the Government.

 

Expect the Unexpected. From rural Vinales to urban Havana, it is as if the whole country is slowly awakening from a deep slumber. In Cuba, adventure is what happens on the way to having an adventure & that is just the beginning......now is a great time to visit, so get your spirit in gear & prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Come now & ride the wave Yep! Cuba is waiting & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

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Come…be inspired & discover the World…

 

We are in the process of updating our Offerings of experiential journeys to Cuba. Please contact us in the interim if you want to explore more Options & we will be happy to offer suggestions based on your personal preferences…