7 Days Mother’s Day Dance, Culture and Yoga Retreat in Cuba 2024
“A gift of Culture for your Mother”
Mother's Day Dance, Culture and Yoga
Reconnection . Inspiration . Spirituality
Summary
I dedicate this retreat first to my mother, creator of my life, of my dreams, and inspirer of this project that helps so many Cuban mothers every day.
I invite you to celebrate your day, mother, here in the pearl of the Caribbean: Cuba. Come and dance, laugh, walk, enjoy the colorful Cuban life in the company of other mothers.
Being a mother is the greatest gift that life has given me. Everything in me has changed since the day I took my little Lorenzo in my arms. In this retreat, I want to celebrate with your mother, and that together we discover the true beauty of Cuba, that which can only be known with a Cuban.
Bring your daughter or son and have a fascinating family trip that will change their lives forever.
With Love,
Ludisis Mones
- Mothers Healing Experiences
- 6 nights accommodation
- daily yoga classes
- full time local cuban guide
- private transportation
- Custom-made itinerary
- small group of participants
Retreat Itinerary
Today you will arrive in Cuba and Ludisis will pick you up at the José Martí International Airport (HAV).
The transfer to our “Casa Particular” (Guest House) is around 35 minutes. Upon arrival, your local hosts will warmly welcome you and show you your room.
Then in the afternoon, we will have a welcome ceremony in which you will meet the other participants and will have dinner together at a local palate (privately-owned restaurant).
Today’s accommodation:
Casa Particular (Guesthouse – 1 night)
Meals included:
There are no meals included in this day.
In the morning today, I invite you to a relaxing session of Hatha Yoga that will prepare you for the rest of the activities of the day.
Our local hosts will prepare a delicious breakfast in which you will be delighted with tropical fruits such as Guava or Papaya.
To immerse yourself in the culture and history of the Cuban capital, today we will take a walking tour of Old Havana in English. Old Havana is one of the fifteen municipalities of the province of Havana.
We will enter into its historic center which, together with its System of fortifications, was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982 by UNESCO.
The Historical Center of Havana has 3370 buildings, most of great environmental and patrimonial value.
Walking through this city Intramuros you will know its most characteristic symbols such as El Capitolio, El Templete, La Giraldilla, and El Castillo de Los Tres Reyes del Morro, the latter was inaugurated in 1630 and is the symbol that welcomes the city to those who arrive it by sea.
You will also appreciate the five main squares that define the physiognomy of the old city: Armas, Plaza de San Francisco de Assis, Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza del Cristo.
In addition to visiting historical sites, we will visit non-tourist neighborhoods to learn about the life of the locals, learn about the Cuban currency, and the peculiar lively and boisterous life of the Habaneros. Finally, we will finish this day with a Cuban Salsa class.
Today’s accommodation:
Casa Particular (Guesthouse – 1 night in Havana)
Included Activities:
Old Havana Walking Tour in English.
Cuban Salsa Dance with Ludisis.
Excursion to non-tourist neighborhoods to learn about the life of the locals.
Activities (up to the individual)
– Museum of the Revolution – 5 CUC
– National Museum of Fine Arts – 5 CUC
– Vintage Car Tour – 60 CUC (2 hours)
Westernmost of Cuban provinces, its main attraction for tourists is its natural beauty.
Today we will go to the one called Cuba’s natural cathedral, “Pinar del Rio” province is not only famous for the Viñales Valley, to Unesco world cultural landscape, but also for growing the best tobacco in the world.
Typical of this Natural Park is the unique mogotes, hillocks of limestone, honeycombed with cavities, and with a nearly flat top. Here in Viñales, you will get to know the Cuban tobacco growing process, where farmers transmit their secrets from fathers to sons.
At the end of the day, we will have a session of silent meditation surrounded by the majestic mountains of Viñales Valley, meet your inner being and fill yourself with the purity that the valley offers you.
Today’s accommodation:
Casa Particular (Guesthouse – 1 night in Havana)
Transfers:
From Havana to Viñales round trip is included.
Included Activities:
Guidance and demonstrative tour about Cuban tobacco.
Meditation Session in the middle of the Valley.
Activities up to the individual with extra cost:
– Horseback tour of the tobacco and coffee plantations.
– Tour of caves, prehistoric mural and coffee plantations
Meals included:
Breakfast
Today, first of all, we will begin the day with a tasty breakfast prepared by your local hosts at Casa Particular in Havana. Then we will start a trip to Trinidad the so-called museum city of Cuba.
This colonial jewel has a main square surrounded by magnificent 18th-century buildings such as the Sanchez Iznaga palaces, and the church of the Holy Trinity.
Here Spanish and African traditions are blended and flourish in a culture passed on from one generation to the other.
Before arriving at our Vila in front of the sea, we will make a stop to be pleased with Cienfuegos a city that dazzles for its French architecture.
Tonight I invite you to delight yourself with live music and folklore at La Casa de La Música de Trinidad.
Today’s accommodation:
Beachfront Villa (Guesthouse – 1 night in Trinidad)
Transfers:
From Havana to Trinidad is included.
Included Activities:
– Excursion to the city of Cienfuegos: The call Pearl of the South.
Activities up to the individual:
– Night of live music and folklore at La Casa de La Música de Trinidad (transfer 10 CUC and entrance fee 1 CUC)
Meals included:
– Breakfast
Hatha Yoga at sunrise on the shore of the beach watching the rising Sun will allow you to reconnect with your inner being and have a beautiful moment of peace.
After breakfast, The Topes de Collantes Natural Park, an immense protected area that owns 45% of the endemic birds of the country awaits you for a Hiking excursion.
In the afternoon, a tour of immersion workshop in Trinitarian popular culture, excellent opportunity to learn about the typical ceramics of the area, the colonial architecture and the efforts of the neighbours to conserve it.
Today’s accommodation:
Beachfront Villa (Guesthouse – 1 night in Trinidad)
Included Activities:
– Hatha Yoga Class at Sunrise with Ludisis Mones.
Activities up to the individual:
– Topes de Collante Natural Park Excursion (80 CUC)
Meals included:
– Breakfast
In the morning today after breakfast we will embark on a trip to Havana in a private car.
The Afro-Cuban Religion or Santeria came to the island in the minds of Africans brought to Cuba as slaves.
In Cuba, this belief was syncretized and in the present is one of the most popular beliefs in Cuba. Today we will visit a temple of local practitioners who will teach you their rituals, ceremonies, and the characteristics of each deity.
An Afro-Cuban or Cuban Salsa dance workshop of your choice is included this afternoon. At night one of the most important shows in the country brings you, artists, from the winner of several Grammys “Buena Vista Social Club”.
Today’s accommodation:
Casa Particular (Guesthouse – 1 night in Havana)
Transfers:
From Trinidad to Havana is included.
Included Activities:
– Afro Cuban Culture Workshop with Locals practitioners.
– Salsa Dance Lesson with Ludisis Mones.
Activities up to the individual:
– Buena Vista Social Club Show and Dinner – 70 CUC.
Meals included:
– Breakfast.
Hatha Yoga session and Vipassana meditation.
A ceremony with offerings and mantras to the orishas.
Breakfast and departure at Casa Particular in Havana.
Transfer to the José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana (included).
Transfers:
Airport Transfer is included.
Meals included:
– Breakfast.
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Retreat Description
Come and explore Cuba with a Cuban who has local knowledge, insider secrets, and history that you can not find anywhere else.
Yalorde as a Cuban is the guide and a local friend who is always at your disposal and shows you the magic spots that only a Cuban knows.
- Explore the heritage center of Old Havana through our walking tour in which we will also visit the non-tourist neighborhoods where you can get to know the true local life in Havana.
- Take your practice to a different level with our relaxing daily Hatha Yoga sessions. Meditate in typical places of Cuba such as its beautiful beaches or on a rooftop with the best views of colonial Havana.
- Experience the real Cuba in “Casas Particulares” where you can share with your local hosts about the culture and the Cuban idiosyncrasy.
- Attend a show of traditional Cuban live music and dance with locals during the show.
We invite you to her neighborhood in Havana, for an exclusive experience! Engage with her family and neighbors, visit and enter local houses and enjoy a typical day of a local Cuban.
- Walk on 500-year-old cobblestones streets while we share the unique history that embraces Havana. Get to know the most remarkable historical sites of Havana, like La Plaza de La Revolución, The Capitol, La Bodeguita del Medio, and La Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabaña.
- Feel get back in time when visiting the colonial jewel of Trinidad, a gorgeous city with its main square surrounded by magnificent 18th-century buildings.
- Enjoy the ultimate experience visiting local temples of Afro-Cuban Culture or Santeria where the true protagonists will teach you about this transcendental African influence.
Prepare for an adventure to the Viñales Valley, located in the westernmost of Cuban provinces, called by some of Cuba’s natural Cathedral and declared UNESCO World Cultural Landscape, but also known for growing the best tobacco in the world.
Breathtaking tour to the Topes de Collantes Natural Park in the Escambray Mountains to delight yourself with its huge natural pools, beautiful waterfalls, and fascinating flora and fauna, for example, Colibrí or the national bird: El Tocororo.
- Indulge in the tobacco aroma and learn from the farmer the cultivation process and how to roll Cuban tobacco with your hands.
A visit to Cienfuegos, a Sensational city by the Sea with French architecture that remains intact despite the weather. Its Historic Center, declared by UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, is considered a unique model of 19th-century urban planning in Cuba and the Caribbean.
Have fun while you learn and dance Cuban salsa with locals in our private salsa classes. Salsa is a popular dance and comes from our national dance.
Know before you go:
This tour complies with the general license category Support for Cuban People for individuals (515.574). The tour provides the basis and support for your compliance with the law. Our tours are original and tailor-made. A Cuban plan them, and a Cuban run it.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance preparing your visa (also called Travelcard).
Yalorde Yoga Villa - Accommodation
Colonial Style Private Room with Private Bathroom
Colonial style Share Room with share bathroom
Trip Facts
What is included?
- Individualized and personalized guide of Ludisis
- Hatha Yoga classes and meditation sessions
- Walking tour of Old Havana in English
- 6 nights accommodation in beautiful Villas
- Airports transfers
- Excursions in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad
- Transportation to and from Havana, Viñales, and Trinidad
- All breakfasts at our Casas in Cuba
- Tobacco Plantation Excursion
- Life changing visits to neighborhoods in Havana to meet locals and know the real Cuba life
- Workshop of Afro-Cuban Culture or Santeria
- Unique custom-made itinerary created with Love for you
What is not included?
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa
- Personal expenses
- Additional activities not included in the itinerary
- Meals
- PCR test
- Medical Insurance
Summary Of Travel Times:
- Havana to Viñales – 3 hours
- Havana to Cienfuegos – 2 h 45 min
- Cienfuegos to Trinidad – 1 h 22 min
- Trinidad to Havana – 4 hours
- José Martí International Airport to Casa Particular – 35 minutes
Cancelation Policy:
- 100% deposit refund for cancellation 1+ days before retreat start date.
- 50% deposit refund for cancellation 1-0 days before retreat start date.
- 0% deposit refund for cancellation 0-0 days before the retreat start date.
Remaining Payment:
- The remaining balance is due upon arrival.
- If paid at the time of booking, a full refund of the remaining balance is available up to the day before your retreat start date.
Questions & Anwsers
Notice for travelers in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19):
- Vaccinated travelers are allowed to enter Cuba.
- All travelers must carry a COVID-19 negative RT-PCR certification, carried out no more than 72 hours before traveling, in a certified laboratory, in the country of origin. and a vaccination certificate.
- Children under 12 years of age, regardless of their nationality, upon arrival in Cuba, will be exempt from presenting a vaccination schedule or RT-PCR test.
- When boarding the flight at origin, airlines will require their passengers to provide evidence of a vaccination scheme, and a negative RT-PCR test applied within 72 hours beforehand.
This tour complies with the general license category “Support for Cuban People” for individuals (515.574).
The tour provides the basis and support for your compliance with the law. Our tours are original and tailor made. A cuban plan them, and a cuban run it.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any assistance preparing your visa (also called Travelcard).
While the weather can’t be predicted, it’s usually nice and sunny in Cuba.
June, July, and August are the hottest months.
Tropical showers usually come through in August – November, but they usually pass quickly.
They leave clear blue skies, lots of warm weather, and sunshine.
A part of the proceeds of this retreat is used to support the children of the local community in Havana.
If you wish, you can contribute with donations that you can personally deliver to the children and families most in need in Havana.
The electrical supply in Cuba is 110 volts / 50 cycles standard, and all appliances use flat, two-pronged plugs (like the ones used in the US and Canada).
We recommend bringing adaptors and converters with you if your appliances don’t use 110 volts or flat, two-pronged plugs.
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required).
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Fly to Havana Jose Marti Airport Cuba (HAV) and you will be greeted by Ludisis at the airport.
This tour complies with the general license category “Support for Cuban People” for individuals (515.574).
The tour provides the basis and support for your compliance with the law. Special arrangements may be available for travelers who prefer to travel under the “People to People” category.
Our tours are original and tailor-made. A Cuban plans them, and a Cuban runs it.
Americans can actually join any of our Cuba tours, as long as they take the steps to fulfill the requirements for legal travel to Cuba.
This involves traveling to Cuba in a way that satisfies conditions for a general license for Cuba. We recommend you to travel under the category: “Support to the Cuban people”.
Our retreats have a full itinerary of cultural activities included and use services that support private locally owned businesses in Cuba.
Having a full schedule of tour activities included, as well as most meals, these tours represent an alternative to our original style Cuba tours which involve only essential inclusions, and mostly free time at each destination in Cuba.
The currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP).
We do not recommend you bring travellers cheques, as it is very difficult to exchange them in Cuba.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers.
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel.
