Learn Spanish in Old Havana – a UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with atmosphere, music and dance. Homestay with Cuban family in a vibrant maze of neoclassical buildings.
This program is based in ‘Habana Vieja’ – in the heart of the historic old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is a myriad of gorgeous neo classical buildings packed with local people living cheek by jowl. At street level there is a constant buzz with musicians plying their trade in the many fantastic bars to be found in this popular neighbourhood. The area is VERY safe, and you will quickly feel comfortably at home. There are lots of interesting shops and quirky art galleries here and most of Cuba’s cultural heritage including national museums also.
Accommodation is a licensed Casa Particulare in the atmospheric heart of Old Havana; shared same sex dorm rooms with other program participants (couples or friends booking together automatically upgraded to private room with en suite/private bathroom) OR upon payment of a single room supplement you have the option to stay in another nearby Casa with your own room and private en suite bathroom. Either way breakfast and lunch are served at our main Casa and this is the hub of program activities. This is also where Spanish lessons are taken as well as group discussions, planning meetings and impromptu social gatherings.
This program starts and finishes in Havana – airport transfers available on request. Our main language school/hostel – Casa Corazon Cuba – was purpose renovated in 2015 and features same sex dorm rooms, separate toilet and shower facilities, dining & classrooms, two spacious roof terraces and lots of other quality space to relax and enjoy the atmosphere as well as making friends with other program participants and our amazing local team. If you prefer your own space or book with a partner or friends then accommodation is at a nearby Casa Particulare where we have double, twin and triple rooms available with en suite/private bathrooms.
Wherever you stay Spanish lessons, lunch, program meetings and inpromtu social activities take place at Casa Corazon Cuba – the main hub of your learn Spanish in Havana program.
Monday to Friday features Spanish lessons in the mornings leaving the afternoons and weekends free to do your own thing.
Monday to Friday’s intensive Spanish lessons take place shortly after breakfast. Tuition is delivered by an accredited and licensed Cuban teachers and on day one you receive a short test to establish your level and objectives. Lessons take the format of 3 x 45 minute lessons each morning, with 15 minute breaks to refresh, making approximately 3 hours of Spanish lessons each day – 15 hours per week. Lessons are held from 09:00 sharp, Monday to Friday.
* The Cultural Immersion content features additional Spanish language tuition, oral comprehension and dialogue (approx. 4 hours per week).
Weekly price includes 7 nights accommodation, breakfast & lunch and 15 hours intensive Spanish lessons. Cost of extra night – accommodation & breakfast $40
Cost of airport transfer – each way $40
Immaculate beaches, lush green hills, dramatic rainforests and waterfalls; imposing mountain ranges, vibrant cities steeped in history and a defiant Revolutionary chic; the island of Cuba can rightfully claim to be one of the most unique getaways on earth.
The largest and most populous island in the Caribbean, Cuba has been somewhat time warped by its socialist revolution of 1959, and that, combined with the decadence and corruption of previous regimes has made it a sunshine isle of stark contrasts. Vintage American cars roar through the streets of Havana. Horses and carts carrying water and food stumble through the countryside. Graphic revolutionary insignia adorn walls just yards from a decadent colonial palace.
Much of the island’s allure lies in its spectacular beaches and thrilling scenery. Christopher Columbus wasn’t joking when he declared in 1492 the coast of Guardalavaca to be “the most beautiful land I have ever seen.” The beaches there are like something out of a dream, so it should come as no surprise that thousands of holidaymakers head there each year to soak up the sun on the improbably white sands, dip into the warm, turquoise waters and indulge in the five star luxury that many of the hotels and resorts there provide.
While the world famous cocktails may surpass the hearty but occasionally limited food and the travelling around might be slightly more difficult than elsewhere in the Caribbean, Cuba more than makes up for this with its stunning climate, captivating history, generous charm and swinging salsa rhythms.
You need a visa (also known as Tourist Card) to enter Cuba. These are easy to buy online – we recommend the following service, see;
The standard Tourist Card is valid for 30 days. However, this can be extended twice when you are in the country on payment of a small fee – our local team can help you. This means you can stay for up to 90 days maximum on a single visit.
A pink coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required when flying to Cuba directly from the USA and a green coloured ‘Tourist Card’ is required to visit Cuba when flying from any country except the USA.
For US citizens / guests travelling directly from the US to Cuba we recommend the following service, see;
All our programs comply with ongoing US travel restrictions and are 100% legal for US and non US citizens alike. It is no longer necessary to apply to ‘OFAC’ for special permission to visit Cuba. When flying direct from the US to Cuba your airline will require you to sign and retain a one page ‘affidavit’.
This document lists 12 permitted categories of travel to Cuba. Please simply tick the box marked ‘SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE’. This is a travel category our programs comply with.
Following the abolition of the CUC (convertible peso) in 2021 the only official national currency now in circulation is the Cuban Peso (also known as ‘Moneda Nacional’). However, USD and EURO cash is widely accepted and easily converted into local currency.
Bank cards drawn on US banks are still not accepted in Cuba so US residents should bring sufficient USD cash for all your spending requirements while in Cuba.
For other visitors, to ensure maximum flexibility and to achieve the best rate of exchange, we also recommend cash – ideally USD or EURO. However, bank ATM machines are widely available throughout Cuba. Only government owned business accept card payments.
WiFi is still not widely available in Cuba except on a pay as you go basis in government hotels and internet cafes. However, inexpensive SIM cards can now be purchased on arrival – our local team can help you buy these. It may be advisable to ensure your phone is ‘unlocked’ and/or has a VPN service to ensure continuity of services when in Cuba. The situation is constantly evolving and improving so there is no need to be ‘offline’ for extended periods – unless you would like to be!
Cuban’s are big meat eaters but there is a varied and plentiful supply of excellent locally produced seasonal fruit and vegetables as you would expect from a tropical country.
However, strict vegetarians should please ask as often the ubiquitous black and brown beans served with every meal is started with some pork fat. The good news is that though repetitive Cuban food is very healthy with virtually no processed foods and almost organic given a of shortage of pesticides.
