Espíritu TravelReviews of espiritutravel.com

My experience in Cuba was wonderful. It began with Espriritu sending a detailed itinerary that included a balanced mix of guided tours and exploratory/free time. In addition, we received information on 1) what to do to prepare for the trip, 2) cell phone use in Cuba, 3) how to be a responsible tourist and 4) what to pack. Once we arrived, exchanged our money and got settled in the paladares, our guided tour began. The size and composition of our group presented particular challenges that our guide, Oscar, handled with patience, tactfulness and grace. We were exposed to the rich history and culture as well as the ubiquitous music vibrancy of Cuba. For Americans, I would suggest that washcloths be added to the packing list as neither of the paladares had them. Our only negative experience occurred when we stopped for lunch on the road to Cienfuegos. After waiting an inordinately long time to be served (some who came after us were served before us), the food was just okay to inedible. It is not an experience any of us wanted to repeat. Overall, I had a wonderful time and highly recommend Espiritu.

What a fantastic vacation, Espiritu Travel, made everything so easy and went over and beyond our expectations. Karen was fantastic , I could not recommend Her and the team at Espiritu any higher.. Fantastic will book again ..

My family (mom with two adult sons) enjoyed our trip to Cuba very much as a result of the excellent Espíritu planning, service and accommodations. Karin, from Espíritu, developed an itinerary with written details were clear and very appreciated. The itinerary was flexible and accommodated our additional forays. First and foremost, we want to commend Santy, our guide and Eliar, our driver. They were a phenomenal team – personable, knowledgeable, caring, and humorous. Their synchronicity with each other was amazing. Santy’s knowledge of Cuban history and culture whet our appetite for more and his familiarity with places of interest for our bi-generational group was perfect. The three casas particulares that hosted us were lovely but very different. All were exceptionally clean and the breakfasts were delicious. The Soroa orchid garden was magical and we were enamored with Jonelle at Casa Monolo! We wish we’d had more time at Playa Larga and Girón. Had we known about the impersonal and unappealing-ness of the Varadero resort scene, we would have eliminated that and extended our time in Girón. Our hosts at Casa La Kabana were gracious and inquisitive. We wish we’d had more time with them to continue our interesting conversations about bi-racial families (theirs and ours). Trinidad is an exceptional city in a gorgeous, natural region. There, we enjoyed the best meals of our stay, thanks to the collaboration between Santy and Eli. Our accommodations were spacious and clean but more impersonal than our earlier family stays. We were underwhelmed by Melía Varadero. Perhaps “all inclusive” resorts just aren’t our thing, as they are rather soul-less. The showers were great! We did enjoy an amazing hour of snorkeling with bread-lured schools of snapper. I want to conclude these remarks again, with platitudes for our guide Santy and his partnership with Eli our driver. They offered us an experience of Cuba and Cuban people that touched our hearts.

The trip was good. Very informative. Oscar was very attentive. The Cowboy guide who took us horseback riding was remarkable. The Best!! Thanks for a well prepared agenda. Brenda

Very nice trip! Trip was good! Living arrangements were good, and the food there was good. Tour guide, Oscar was good and the drivers were good! The experiences were Great! Two negatives for me were, on Wednesday, the place where we stopped to eat, the service was poor. It took about 3 hours to get our food. They served the tour guide, and drivers, all the others there, except us. They served up last after all the new people who came in after us! It was so humiliating for us!. 2. All the information should be the same, weather on the website or distributed. The information on the website stated that lunch would be provided, I think on Thursday, and it was not. All in all it was a good tour and a Great experience! Thank you! Audrey

My wife and I had a wonderful 10 day trip ( 1 extra day in Havana) in February 2019. Fernando was our guide. We were the only 2 travelers for this tour and so it became a private tour. Fernando had excellent choices to dine and we enjoyed his company. Cuba is a warm and friendly country. Crime is almost non-existent. We remember the Cuban missile crisis and it was interesting to hear Cuba's side of history. Also Karin (Espiritu Travel owner) was always very responsive when I had any questions or concerns before we left on our journey.

Espiritu Travel provided a very worthwhile tour of Cuba and I would highly recommend the trip with a few caveats. I had a great opportunity to get to see Cuba up close and personal which included meeting our various tour guides and Casa hosts, all of whom were extremely open, friendly and helpful. It was very special to be able to visit Cuba in such an intimate way. Our trip enabled us to go way beyond the typical hotel accommodations and major attractions. It was very special and I will always have fond memories of our trip. But to take this trip you need to be adaptable to what Cuba is all about. One of our casa's was lovely except it was a three story walk up in a small apartment building that was pretty run down. The unit we stayed in was very clean and our host was incredibly sweet. But our room had no chair to sit and there was no common area to rest up in. So be prepared for some adjustment from what American tourists are used to. Cuba doesn't have many new vans and the one we traveled around in was not in the best condition. The roads are very rough so traveling was not the most comfortable experience. So be prepared for some "bumps" in the road. If you can deal with that and really want to see Cuba beyond a cruise ship excursion or a stay in the big hotel, go with Espiritu. They gave us good service, the guides and driver were very special, the information provided was excellent and everyone involved tried their best to make our trip a meaningful and enjoyable one. I recommend them for travelers who want to see the real Cuba but are a little adaptable.

I would recommend this trip - Uncovering Cuba - to anyone who is interested in getting an insider's view of what it's like to live in Cuba (a bit austere, limited freedom, good education, limited access to products and lacking the infrastructure that we take for granted in the states) and what the Cuban people are like (warm hearted to the core, some satisfied while others frustrated and bursting to get out to see the world, welcoming, and all eager to help you see their country). Espiritu arranged a well planned and executed trip and populated it with the most terrific, knowledgeable and personal guides and drivers - Yillian and Michael, that's you. In fact, I think Yillian, the guide, was the best part! Espiritu was clear in warning that this is not your typical luxury vacation with American amenities, but the homes we stayed in were clean and breakfasts tasty. If this fits your style and interests, this is your trip.