Recent changes in regulations have restricted some travel options for Americans wanting to visit Cuba for educational and cultural purposes. However, there remain luxurious and legal ways to immerse yourself in Cuban culture.
From October 16th to 21st, 2019, Guillermo Pernot, a two-time James Beard award-winning chef and partner at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, will lead a small group of nine travelers to Havana, Cuba. This exclusive tour, in collaboration with Access Culinary Trips, promises a unique adventure showcasing the island’s cultural and culinary highlights.
Tamar Lowell, CEO of Access Culinary Trips, explains, “Our tours operate under the ‘Support for the Cuban People’ category, which remains legal and unaffected by recent regulatory changes. We work solely with private Cuban citizens, promoting entrepreneurship and fostering meaningful connections. Despite the confusion following the June 4 announcement, we’ve seen increased interest in our small-group culinary tours in Cuba, and we continue to operate as planned.”
Having visited Cuba over a dozen times in the past seven years, Chef Pernot consistently returns with fresh inspiration for the Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar’s menu. During the tour, guests will dine and participate in cooking classes at various local paladares (privately owned restaurants) and Havana hotspots, including El Biky, Al Carbon with renowned chef Ivan Chef Justo, Habana Mia 7 in Vedado, La Guarida (known for its innovative cuisine and role in the film “Fresa y Chocolate”), La Cocina de Lilliam, and Ajiaco.
Beyond food, participants will enjoy art, music, dining, and meaningful interactions with locals, creating lifelong memories. Activities include exploring street art galleries and discussing works with artists or curators, a Sunday pig roast at a local’s home, a cocktail demonstration by a retired barman from the birthplace of the daiquiri (Hemingway’s favorite bar), and private salsa lessons with a dance instructor.
The tour spans six days and five nights, facilitating authentic connections between Americans and Cubans. Priced at $3,990 per person for double occupancy, it includes accommodation in a deluxe private vacation home in Havana, meals, an expert bilingual local tour leader, and guided activities in Havana and Cojimar.
Looking for an optimal way to experience Cuba despite new restrictions and political tensions? Chef Pernot has another trip scheduled for March 4-9, 2020.
For more details about joining the October 2019 or March 2020 trips, contact Cuba Libre at [email protected] or Access Culinary Trips at 1-800-567-9400 or [email protected].