Frequently Asked Questions
We’re looking for diverse groups of young Cuban Americans (ages 22-35) who are genuinely committed to building lifelong relationships with the Cuban people.
Tu Cuba is a program by CubaOne Foundation that takes groups of young Cuban Americans to Cuba to experience the island, meet the Cuban people, and explore their heritage. Since our first trip in 2016, we’ve taken twelve trips to Cuba, bringing 118 young Cuban-American leaders to Cuba for the first time. We’ve led themed trips on a diverse set of topics like technology, women leadership, LGBTQ in Cuba, Afro-Cuban roots, and relief work following Hurricane Irma. Thirty eight participants were reunited with family members that they have never met, some met their grandparents for the first time. We’ve developed the trips to provide you with authentic experiences and the opportunity to build lifelong, meaningful relationships with Cuba and its people—the itineraries are great. We’ve also found that it’s special to go through the experience with a group of peers.
Yes! We require a security deposit in order to secure your spot on an airline, as well as a basis to reserve accommodations in Cuba on your behalf. You should bring some cash for additional expenses, but if you’re selected, we’ll handle your airfare from Miami to Havana, most (milestone) meals, and lodging. All we ask is that you use your visit as an opportunity to meet and form meaningful relationships with the Cuban people.
Our itineraries are curated around the interests of you and your peer group. For example, if you’re interested in art and business, we’ll take you to the Instituto Superior de Arte where you’ll meet some of Cuba’s most talented artists or organize a lunch with a group of cuenta-propistas (self-employed entrepreneurs).
Totally. You’ll stay in Cuban homes (casas particulares) and we work hard to create authentic experiences for our participants by facilitating connections with ordinary Cubans from all walks of life who will speak candidly with you about life on the island. Our program includes time for you to explore and get to know Cuban peers.
Yes—for now. Our Tu Cuba program is specifically focused on the Cuban American Diaspora. We’re passionate about helping all people forge meaningful, lifelong relationships with Cuba and its people. A good starting point for those ties is the Cuban American community, but we’re working on expanding our program.
In theory, yes. There are wi-fi spots in Havana and other cities, but connecting to the internet can sometimes be a challenge. You should anticipate being off the grid for a few days.
We were founded on the idea that every young Cuban American should have the opportunity to visit Cuba, meet its people, and explore their culture. Our founders committed to financing that gift for the first 40 young Cuban Americans to travel with us. We’re actively looking to bring additional groups to Cuba by partnering with companies, foundations, and individuals who share our mission.We have had 100% alumni giving to date and it is an important metric that we use with major donors and outreach to foundations. We have no plans to accept government or public funding.
Nope. We were inspired by the Birthright Israel concept and how it could be applied to the Cuban American community. CubaOne Foundation is an independent organization.
We have all shared similar experiences and understand that for many Cuban American families, a visit to Cuba can be a profoundly emotional experience. The best advice that we can give you is to listen to both your heart and your family, and have an open conversation with them about why you want to visit Cuba and what it means to you. If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line.
We are a non-partisan organization that supports policies that make our trips possible and promote dialogue between the U.S. and Cuba on a people-to-people level. We welcome members and applicants with diverse political views.
¡Claro! Cuban-born Americans are welcome!
Rest assured that we’re working hard to expand this opportunity to as many young Cuban Americans as possible. We’re currently taking 30-40 Cuban Americans to Cuba every year. If you don’t get selected this time, registrations for next year will be available soon.
Yes, we’re open to outstanding applicants who fall slightly (a year or two) outside of this age range.
Sample Itinerary
Pre-Departure
Welcome Reception and Program Orientation in Miami. Meet your fellow travelers as your TuCuba host provides insight on what to expect during your trip. Following orientation your TuCuba Host will accompany you to visit Miami’s own Little Havana neighborhood for an exclusive Welcome Reception with local Cuban American leaders and the CubaOne Foundation board.
Day 1 – Miami/Havana
Your trip begins with an early morning arrival at the Miami Airport where your cohort of traveling TuCuba companions and host will gather for departure to Havana, Cuba.Your cohort will arrive at Jose Martí International Airport, and meet your Cuban guide for the week in a classic 1950s American car. Settle in at a local casa particular, then begin with a walking tour of Old Havana, and end your first day by joining in a neighborhood Caldosa as locals welcome you to Cuba.
Day 2 – Pinar Del Rio & Viñales
Explore life outside of Havana on a trip to Pinar del Rio and Viñales. Along the way, we’ll stop for a visit at the Patio de Pelegrin community project, an organic farm, art space and coffee shop. See rural life from horseback, enjoy a traditional Cuban pig roast for lunch, tour a local tobacco farm, roll your own cigar and meet the beautiful people of Viñales.
Day 3 – Cuentapropistas and the new Cuba
Travel from Pinar del Río to Habana Vieja, and tour the small businesses and cuentapropistas creating the new Cuba. Have dinner at paladar, a privately owned restaurant, and experience the Havana nightlife scene.
Day 4 – Trinidad
Journey to the UNESCO world heritage site, Trinidad, where we’ll swim at the local falls, enjoy a local lunch and experience the 15th century architecture of one of Cuba’s most traditional cities.
Day 5 – Havana
Meet with local art collectives and tour the National Museum with an art professor. After, we’ll take a water taxi to Regla to explore the Santería religion. Finish the day with the Cuban people and an epic sunset on the iconic Malecón
Day 6 – Havana
People-to-People Connection: We’ll spend the day connecting you to your Cuban peers. Work in tech? Meet the new wave of entrepreneurs defining the Cuba tech industry. A musician? we’ll visit a recording studio. The evening will bring celebration as we visit the legendary La Guarida of Fresa y Chocolate fame, and spend the evening dancing with Cuba’s young cosmopolitan set at Fabrica de Arte Cubano.
Day 7 – Havana to Miami
Debrief your trip over breakfast and round table session with other young Cubans in Havana. Pack up for the return trip to Miami, FL.
Ready to Go?
A significant portion of your in-country programming is customized for each co-hort to maximize your cultural experience. Many of the places we visit are not tourist destinations and are thus not always available. Therefore, this program should be considered as a sample only. Final itineraries are sent to participants one to two weeks prior to departure.