CUBA

Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate, and cultural differences. Please click here to view the Cuba Making History packing list.

For almost 60 years, Cuba has been closed off to visits by Americans (except under special circumstances.) We have been informed that ARCC’s student groups are the first since the the early 1960’s to be invited to work on community service projects in Cuba. Previous visits by groups fell under the definition of “people to people exchange”, which for the most part consisted of simply giving donations and visiting tourist sites.

ARCC is the only organization to ever bring teenagers to Cuba to work in community service. This unique access combined with the fact that Cuba has been closed off to outside influences for 6 decades makes for a very special experience for our students. We have the opportunity to witness an extremely unique culture and society before tourism overwhelms the country.

Absolutely. President Obama eased travel restrictions for Americans to Cuba in January, opening the door for Americans to travel to this great country. We are fully permitted and licensed and will be flying directly from Miami to Cuba.

Yes. ARCC will arrange for your visa to be issued before your departure from Miami.

Most Cubans feel very positively about Americans. As an example, one of the big fashion items these days is clothing with imprints of the American Flag. As a visitor, they are honored that you are making such an effort to come to their country and work with them. American visitors are so rare that no doubt you will be the center of attention almost everywhere you go, especially in the smaller communities. People will be extremely curious about you and will want to chat and hear about your life in the United States,

Cuba is a relatively clean and safe place to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip. ARCC recommends, but does not require, that all students traveling to Cuba be protected from Hepatitis A and Typhoid.  When you enroll in the program, you will receive more detailed information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website by clicking here. Our leaders carry a full first-aid kit and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).

We sleep in a variety of private accommodations (Casa Particulares) and hotels.

We will be traveling in a 30-passenger private coach, vans and private taxis throughout this adventure.

We will have the opportunity to sample traditional local cuisine such as beans, rice, chicken and tropical fruit. Last years student’s thought the food “was amazing”. Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered for. It does help if we are informed of this prior to departure date.

Yes, all students traveling to Cuba need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after your trip start date. Be sure to make a photocopy of your passport and keep it in a separate place. If you lose your passport and you have a photocopy, it is much easier to replace.

During the summer, Cuba is on Caribbean Eastern Time. Therefore, on your trip the time in Cuba will be the same time as New York (Eastern Time) and 3 hours later than San Francisco (Pacific Time.)

Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this trip, it is important that you bring a backpack or duffel as your main piece of luggage. During the trip the group will be navigating through airports, getting on and off buses, going up and down stairways and escalators and taking short walks. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if everyone is able to carry their luggage.

Not at all. There is no language requirement for this program. If you speak Spanish you will have plenty of opportunities to use it, but your trip leaders and local guides will speak both Spanish and English and can help translate for you any time.