Learn Spanish, Dance & Adventure in Havana & Viñales

Name: Learn Spanish, Dance & Adventure in Havana & Viñales
Brand: Corazon Cuba
SKU: 252017
Rating: 4.93 (15 reviews)

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4.93 Rating

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Location

Cuba
- Havana

Length

2 - 4 weeks

Program Tags

Adventure Travel After College Cultural Immersion Language Immersion Post-High School Study Abroad Volunteer Abroad

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Program Details

Activities

City Exploring Dancing Horseback Riding

Timeframe

Year Round

Housing

Guesthouse Host Family Hostel

Primary Language

Spanish

Age Min.

Pricing

Starting Price

1850

Price Details

Four week price includes accommodation (28 nights) in shared room with breakfast & lunch included (private rooms also available).

Spanish lessons (structured/intensive) each morning Monday to Friday from 09:00-12:00.

Dance lessons featuring Salsa – Tuesday and Thursday at 14:00 in a licensed dance school (approximately one hour each lesson). Ratio of instructor to student 1:1

Discover Cuba cultural excursions/activities Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon (usually commencing 14:00).

Two weekends feature a guided trip to the beach.

Week 3 is an adventure week in Viñales; inclusive transfers, accommodation, breakfast & lunch, Spanish lessons and adventure activities each day (see website for full details).

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Some Meals Tour Guide Transportation

What's Included (Extra)

Includes 28 nights accommodation, breakfast & lunch, welcome camino, 15 hours weekly intensive Spanish lessons, two weekly dance lessons, three weekly cultural excursions/activities, two escorted trips to the beach and an adventure week to Viñales including daily activities described.

What's Not Included

Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Some Meals SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa

What's Not Included (Extra)

Private taxi/airport transfer on arrival USD 40 each way. Dinner is not included but many options on your doorstep to provide for all budgets.

Last Updated: Dec 06, 2023

Last Reviewed: Jul 11, 2024

Wish List

28 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Four week full cultural immersion based in Old Havana & Viñales. Spanish classes are supplemented with dance classes, cultural tours and adventure activities to explore, enjoy and experience this amazing country!

Three weeks – 1st, 2nd & 4th week – are based in the atmospheric heart of Old Havana, Cuba. Spanish language lessons take place Monday to Friday in the mornings, and in the afternoons you receive dance classes and ‘Discover Cuba’ cultural excursions. Two weekends feature a trip to the beach while during the third week we change the setting and pace with adventure activities in Viñales.

Accommodation, breakfast & lunched INCLUDED in licensed Casa Particulares; shared single 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.

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Program Highlights

Live in the heart of Old Habana & Viñales and enjoy a full immersion into Cuban life – city and country / past and present – and an opportunity to really understand what makes this amazing country so special
Busy program including accommodation, breakfast & lunch and Spanish lessons throughout, transfers to/from Viñales, dance lessons and cultural activities in Habana and adventure activities on horseback, foot and bicycle in Viñales
Starts first & third Sunday of EVERY month and includes 28 nights but you are welcome to arrive early and/or extend for extra nights... we are open 365 days a year!
18+ program with no upper age limit (minors welcome if accompanied by an adult - this program is family friendly also!); we welcome all ages & nationalities!
All Cuban crew and Program Managers will help you feel at home providing 24/7 support

Popular Programs

Learn Spanish & Adventure in Viñales

Go back in time and experience a traditional Cuban lifestyle in the beautiful town of Viñales. After Spanish lessons enjoy daily adventure activities including hiking, horse-riding and cycling through some of the most wonderful landscapes in Cuba. 7 nights accommodation, breakfast & lunch, Spanish lessons and daily activities included. The program starts and finishes in Viñales, but transportation from Old Havana can be arranged.

Learn Spanish & Volunteer in Cuba

Our most exciting program – volunteer in Cuba during the first two weeks of every month. Can be taken for one or both weeks.

Stay in a Casa Particulare in the heart of Old Havana. Spanish language lessons Monday to Friday in the mornings. While the afternoons activities alternate between volunteering and cultural excursions. Weekend trips feature the beach and helping out at the Paseo del Prado ‘arts & crafts’ project.

Program Reviews

4.93 Rating

based on 15 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Gap Year

5 rating 93.33%
4 rating 6.67%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Housing 4.8
Support 4.95
Fun 5
Value 4.8
Safety 4.8

Good for Solo Travelers, Students, Adventure travelers

Showing 1 - 8 of 15 reviews

I was really lucky to have chosen Corazon Cuba for my trip to Cuba. As an American it is especially important to have a properly prepared stay. Tim was super responsive, flexible for special requests and clarified everything before my departure. Considering that Cuba has various challenges, my itinerary was well organized and everything went smoothly. The hosts in Havana and Vinales were wonderful and very helpful. I'm frankly amazed that Corazon Cuba provided such a rich program of activities, good accommodations, taxi collectivo transfers, breakfast and lunch as well as Spanish lessons for such a good value! I returned home full of great experiences, memories and fun stories to tell.

I went to Cuba and got the chance to meet such amazing people on this programme, some travelling alone or in groups up to 4 so there was never a shortage of interesting people to talk to or go out with. Everyone including the staff and teachers were all so welcoming and great fun. I learned so much and got to experience things I never would have such as in Viñeales where I got to horse ride to a tobacco and coffee farm, or morning hikes to see the most incredible sunrise. My Spanish has also improved so much more since the trip, definitely thanks to the teachers as the classes are small in sizes to ensure everyone benefits. If I get the chance ever again I will be back 1000%

Pros

You can learn so many things on this programme like dance, Spanish, and you can request if there are certain activities available near such as scuba diving
You can come as a group or alone and you will still make friends
Safest place to travel, Cubans are extremely welcoming

We had so much fun on this trip. I was really hoping to get under the skin of Cuba and the local staff were so great at offering that experience. Really wish I could have stayed longer! Leo and the team were really considerate and attentive whenever I had questions or needed help. There’s so much to see in Havana and beyond, I would definitely suggest two weeks as minimum. Depending on time of year, I would go for the dry season if possible. Too many good bars and music spots to recommend…… Thanks guys

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be prepared - Cuba is not up to speed with modern conveniences so make sure to come with an open mind and expect awful internet speeds!

I couldn’t have asked for a better week! From the beginning, the organization of the program and the contact with Tim was excellent; everything went flawlessly. Every single staff member in Havana were Amazing; very warm, friendly and helpful - I was made to feel at home and supported. I opted for a private room and was very happy with the accommodation in all aspects (cleanliness, comfort, location, safety). My spanish teacher was better than I expected, and I really appreciated being put in an appropriate level with only one other student in my class. The dance classes were a dream, I couldn’t get enough! I loved that everything I needed was walking distance and I always felt safe no matter the time of day or night. All in all, I have zero complaints, and would absolutely recommend this program. I can’t wait to return for another amazing experience!

I spent three weeks with Corazon Cuba in La Habana. Having learnt Spanish only while travelling in Latin America I still made a lot of mistakes. After three weeks I felt much more confident in the use of the language. I am now really able to have a deeper conversation in Spanish and I make considerably fewer mistakes. The teaching was varied, professional and linked to life in Cuba. We watched and discussed movies, read poems and short stories and got an in-depth comprehension of Spanish grammar.

The housing was simple, clean and well kept, food was delicious. Meeting people from all over the world was great fun. I met interesting people and made friends. Dancing lessons were great, my teacher had a lot of patience with me.

Thank you very much, I shall come back!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Having spent three wekks in Cuba in 1989 it was very interesting to see how Cuba has changed towards a more open society and a mixed economy.

I had a wonderful time. Everybody was friendly and helpful.
I would definitely return. And I already have recommended this program to many of my friends.I loved the dance lessons and my Spanish teacher was wonderful. I learned so much! Havana is a wonderful city in that location was perfect. It was easy to walk to restaurants, walk to the bus station, and walk to night dances. The rooftop was a lovely place to hang out. It’s a great way to meet people from all over the world. The staff was helpful and well organized.

Everything was amazing! from the organization, the soon replies and info that I had before my trip, the accommodation, lovely people, food and salsa classes...

Translated by Go Overseas:

Thank you for all the help that each one gave me in the hostel, from directions to get to know the city, take care of myself, enjoy, house rules and panoramas. Joy and professionalism was always present.
Thank you also for the security provided at all times.
It was a wonderful and transformative experience.
With love for each of the team members, Natalie

Original review:

Gracias por toda la ayuda que me brindó cada uno en el hostel, desde indicaciones para conocer la ciudad, cuidarme, disfrutar, normas de casa y panoramas. La alegría y profesionalismo siempre estuvo presente.
Gracias también por la seguridad otorgada en todo momento.
Fue una experiencia maravillosa y transformadora.
Con amor para cada uno de los integrantes del equipo, Natalie

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Please notice that in Corazón Cuba: You are going to learn and have fun in a cozy place, with an excellent location and amazing people!

Had a great time in Havana! Absolutely loved the city, loads of stuff to do. Lot of history. Staff is very nice and really want to take care of you and make sure you are safe. Spanish teachers are great too. I was the only one on advanced level so I had private classes all week. I really enjoyed the culture walks, very informative and nicely done.
Because I already danced before I changed level and then had a higher level class with 2 other girls. Really nice that this was possible. Overall the program is very flexible and alters to your wishes.

Questions & Answers

Is this program still running after the new travel restrictions were put into place?

All our programs restart from 3rd January 2021. After an 8 month lockdown the country reopened to visitors in mid November. New arrivals are required to take a test on arrival at Havana Airport and quarantine with us until results are delivered (hopefully no more than 24 hours) before joining the rest of the group. Cuba is one of the safest 'exotic' destinations you could consider at this time -...

By Tim Poullain-Patterson on December 18, 2020

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Martina Bednjanec

Program

Learn Spanish, Dance & Adventure in Havana & Viñales

Martina Bednjanec traveled to Cuba 5th to May 31st in 2014. She is from Zagreb, Croatia, a Geomatics engineer, and 26 years old. She has a Bachelor's degree from University of Zagreb and a Master's degree from Royal Institute of technology (KTH) in Stockholm in Geodesy and Geoinformatics. She studied and worked for five years in Stockholm, Sweden. She enjoys learning new languages and likes a Latin American style of life--relaxed with lots of music and dancing.

Why did you decide to enroll with Corazon Cuba in Cuba?

I wanted to make a longer trip to South America and some Spanish speaking country to improve my Spanish. I found Corazon Cuba's program in Venezuela (called Travelling Classroom) through google.

It encompassed Spanish lessons with adventure traveling, which was a perfect match for what I was searching for.

As the situation in Venezuela is a bit unstable now, I was happy to hear that they opened the same program in Cuba and I decided to try it out.

If you could go back and do something differently, what would it be?

Hmm...difficult question. I was really satisfied with everything, so maybe I would point out that I'm sorry that I didn't do the diving trip with our guide, Joel. I didn't do it because of bad weather and rain during the two weekends. It was not possible to do it during working days because of our schedules were full with Spanish lessons.

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Tell me about one person you met.

I met Joel, who was our guide and my companion for the most of my trip. It's just amazing to hear how the people of my age live in different cultures and to experience their lifestyle for a short time.

He introduced us to almost his whole family. His uncle Vianko is a renowned artist and his girlfriend Gracy is a law student.

We also met his father and others; we went out with his friends who play in a band and they told us about their work and views on life matters.

As Cubans lack lots of stuff, it's an eye-opening experience to understand what really matters in life. It makes you not take things for granted and appreciate what we have in life.

What was the best moment of the entire trip?

There were lots of them! I think I'll never forget the night when we went to the Buena Vista Social Club concert in Hotel Nacional. I really didn't expect much, but the music and atmosphere turned out to be so great and the show was just amazing.

We also spent evenings in local restaurants listening to the bands and drinking mojitos. Another great moment was our trip to the mountains of Pinar del Rio, where we watched a telenovela in the evening with the locals.

The locals that I met for the first time offered us everything (even beds in their house because of the strong rain outside). I also drank freshly brewed coffee, which they grew and it was just a delight - the best coffee I ever drank.

I also liked poetry reading and art exhibitions on Sundays in Paseo del Prado, one of the main streets in Havana. I can also never forget the way we rode in Cuban public transportation. We rode in completely full buses in Havana and old massive trucks around the country.

Any tips for future participants in general and/or tips specifically for female students?

Bring sun lotion and insect repellent. Also try to bring some things as a donation, such as shampoos, soaps, tissues, child toys, pens, or crafts because they really lack these things. No special tips for female students because it's really safe. Also, try to learn some Spanish words before you come, as not many people speak English.

Josef Hrastelj

2014 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Pablo Hernandez Viñas

Program

Learn Spanish, Dance & Adventure in Havana & Viñales

Job Title

Head Spanish Teacher

Pablito is the leader of a team of 8 other teachers for more than 7 years, having the responsability of preparing the curriculum and arranging the level placement of the students. He organizes the different spanish subjects for each level and recieves guests of all kind, letting them know the details of their choosen programs and making a nice use of the hospitality to ensure and achieve a nice stay for them.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Visiting the Historical Casquet in Havana and the city of Trinidad were one of my best travel experiences on Cuba. Trinidad City was a mixture between the frozen live history and the modernism of a regular cuban society. My friends and I enjoyed a massive amount of nature and traditions. There are many good places to visit like Playa Ancon, the night club named La Cueva and others. Being in Havana was the best part. Here I had very good walks around the city, incredible nights in salsa clubs, many activities to do in the town with the local people and the greatest time ever.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

When I started teaching, I was able to speak and interact with a lot of people, not realizing that I would encounter people from all around the world. This was only possible because of working at Corazon Cuba. I developed a lot of skills throughout the years I worked here and have grown a lot as a person by attending to the needs and being part of the joy of the guests I looked after. I acquired higher responsibilities due to the increasing fields added to my job. Understanding people of any kind has been a powerful tool i achieved to satisfy people visiting us and I got to a different level, not only in teaching spanish but also helping to experience the real cuban society and life.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

The best story I heard from a student that has returned to Corazon Cuba is that after leaving Cuba, it felt like there was something missing in their life that they couldn´t find anywhere else in the world. The warmth of the Cuban people and the welcoming atmosphere in Corazon Cuba made them return a lot of times because Cuba started to feel like a second home to them.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

I would prefer to be part of the 4 weeks ¨Learn Spanish Culture and Dance¨ program. It offers the possibility to experience all of Cuba, learn about the history and culture, aquire new skills like talking in spanish and dancing salsa in a longer period of time. This gives you the chance to fully immerse in this very different way of life.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

One of the unique characteristics our company has is the family environment and the welcoming warmth we offer to our guests. We recieve a lot of new clients every month but when they leave, they are not just clients anymore, they are family. Seeing the tears in their eyes, knowing that they are leaving some part of a new family behind, makes us sad but also very proud of the environment we welcomed them in. And even though it is always very hard to say goodbye, they can always come back, knowing that they have a second home here with us.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

There are many factors to make a company successful. In our case, it is the combination of the environment we create and the decade of teaching experience we offer to our guests. Corazon Cuba developed into a family business, all of us are not just colleagues, we are friends. We take the experience we have by using it to help each other improve the work we do. We offer an environment where the guests can feel relaxed and happy but at the same time recieve a very high level of education. We always work with a smile on our face, which doesn´t take out the professionalism of what we do but makes it even better.

Tim Poullain-Patterson

Founder Director

Leandro Talledo Hernandez

Program Coordinator

About Corazon Cuba

Corazon Cuba are based in the heart of Old Habana where we run programs combining learning Spanish, 'dance & discover' cultural excursions and meaningful volunteering to help you maximise your time in this amazing country. Cuba is a country like no other - gorgeous neo-classical buildings rubbing alongside primary coloured classic American cars...