Discover Cuba's Artistic Culture

Considered to be the first Eco-Museum of Cuba, Las Terrazas is a pioneering ecovillage dating back to a reforestation project which began in 1968. Today it’s a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, as well as the site of the earliest coffee plantations in Cuba. 

The community project Akokán Los Pocitos is the unofficial neighborhood serving as the center of the Abakua culture. "Akokán" translated from Yoruba - an African language used by the community for their religious practices - means "heart". This heart can be seen in the project's efforts to improve the locals' quality of life through community development and promotion of heritage, identity and the environment. 

The Valley of the Sugar Mills, or Valle de los Ingenios, is a historic and scenic region near Trinidad, Cuba. This valley is renowned for its lush landscapes and the remnants of the sugar industry that once thrived here during the 18th and 19th centuries. It comprises three interconnected valleys: San Luis, Santa Rosa, and Meyer, which collectively cover about 270 square kilometers. During its peak, the area was home to over fifty sugar cane mills, as well as plantation houses where the sugar barons lived. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a glimpse into Cuba's colonial past and the harsh realities of the sugar industry, including the use of slave labor. The area is dotted with ruins of old mills, plantation houses, and other structures, set against a backdrop of towering palm trees and rolling green hills.

Tobacco farming is a significant part of Cuba's agricultural economy, deeply intertwined with the country's cultural and historical identity. Known for producing some of the world’s finest cigars, Cuban tobacco has a global reputation for its exceptional quality, due in large part to the island’s ideal climate, fertile soil, and long-standing cultivation practices.

The Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) in Cienfuegos is a prominent cultural institution that fosters the development and dissemination of the arts and literature in the region. Established to unite creative forces in Cuba, UNEAC serves as a pivotal platform for artists and writers to collaborate, share ideas, and promote Cuban culture both domestically and internationally. The organization's efforts in Cienfuegos are particularly notable for their emphasis on preserving local traditions while encouraging innovation in artistic expressions. UNEAC organizes events, workshops, and exhibitions that help cultivate a vibrant cultural scene, making it an essential part of the cultural landscape in Cienfuegos.

Carbon Removal: According to the State of Global Carbon Dioxide Removal Report by University of Oxford, natural methods of removing carbon from the atmosphere are not enough by themselves due to the amount of pollution currently in the atmosphere. Innovations in removing and permanently storing carbon emissions are needed to conserve nature and reverse the course toward further climate change. 

Tomorrow’s Air: Global Family Travels is passionate about encouraging tourism that is not only sustainable but regenerative. To help with our mission, we seek to partner with like-minded brands such as Tomorrow’s Air, which operates within the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).   

Tomorrow’s Air is a collective of carbon removal innovators that work to permanently remove and store carbon from the atmosphere. Travel is a large contributor to global emissions, and we feel it is important to educate and empower travelers to support efforts that combat climate change! Therefore, as of January 2024, Global Family Travels will include a $25 contribution to Tomorrow’s Air into every trip. Clients may opt out of the $25 donation by emailing us to request its removal from your invoice.

Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through community-based travel programs.  In partnership with non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, access to clean water, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.  

Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.    
 
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip!  Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels