A great experience, a little lacking on the rustic. Would recommend

Overall, I loved this program. Off the Map: Cuba offered a great tour of Cuba, stretching from west to east. Highlights included a natural pool carved into a rock, working with sea turtles, playing soccer with Cubans in Old Havana, a night tour of Camaguey, and a 9km hike in the Sierra Maestra. I did wish we stayed in more "rustic" accommodations- hotels were standard most of the time. Staying in a lodge in the Sierra Maestra was by far my favorite, and I wish we had more of that. Our program leaders were amazing- some of the coolest people I've ever met. Everything on Guanahacabibes Peninsula was also awesome. I would, however, have added some more community service. Overall, I'd recommend it for sure.

Things to know:

-Hope you like rice and beans- you'll eat A LOT of it.
-Bring lots of bathing suits. I only brought one, and it was a big mistake.
-A day pack and some water bottles can be VERY useful.
-Realize that schedules are VERY flexible.
-Bring books and cards- they're useful during free time.