May 3 - UCSB Alumni Association

Gaucho Getaways
Cuba: 15-Night
People-To-People Journey
May 3-18, 2012
Join Gaucho Getaways as we explore Cuba on this 15-night People-To-People journey.
Cuba is a resplendent tropical island unlike any other in the Caribbean. It is a country of
picturesque colonial towns and magnificent 20th century architecture, a country of
spectacularly beautiful landscapes, an intriguing Afro-Cuban culture and a vibrant
music, dance and art scene. Our unique 15-day program, traversing Havana,
Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Camaguey, Holguin, Barcoa, and Santiago unravels the richness
of Cuban culture and allows the group to meet professionals from all walks of
contemporary Cuban life. Most OFAC sanctioned itineraries to Cuba are one week in
length, so this itinerary provides ample opportunity to explore outside Havana and
Trinidad. These additional destinations, note several former Gaucho Getaways travel to
Cuba, provided their most treasured interactions and experiences.
Throughout this OFAC licensed program discussions with economists, artists,
educators, business owners, and historians will allow travelers to gain an insight into
life in Cuba today.
This UCSB exclusive departure is limited to 34 guests.
This itinerary differs from the January 15-night itinerary due to the in hotel used in Havana.
Thursday, May 2: Optional Early Hometown Departure For Miami
Depart your gateway city for Miami. Overnight in Miami. OR you may opt for a red-eye flight on the
evening of Wednesday January 4. Tour operator can assist with flight and hotel arrangements.
Friday, May 3: Havana
Arrive on red-eye flight from hometown. Depart Miami this morning on a scheduled charter flight to Havana.
Be met upon arrival, and transfer to the historic Nacional Hotel for lunch. The Hotel Nacional de Cuba is
located on the Malecón in Havana. It was designed by the famous New York firm McKim, Mead and White,
and features an eclectic mix of architectural styles. It opened in 1930 when Cuba was a prime travel destination
for Americans. In 1955 Meyer Lansky managed to persuade Batista to give him a piece of the Nacional. That
same year Pan Am’s Intercontinental Hotels Corporation took over management of the hotel. Lansky planned
to take a wing of the 10-story hotel and create luxury suites for high stakes players. Batista endorsed Lansky’s
idea even though there were objections from American expatriates like Ernest Hemingway. Under Lansky's
impetus, a wing of the grand entrance hall was refurbished to include a bar, a restaurant, a showroom and a
luxurious casino. It was operated by Lansky and his brother Jake, with Wilbur Clark as the front man.
The new wing of the hotel opened January 1956. The casino and clubs were an immediate success. According
to an unpublished article sent to Cuban Information Archives around 1956-57, “The bar was tended by local
bartenders, and the casino managed by gentlemen from Las Vegas.” By the spring of 1957 the casino, sublet
by the hotel for a substantial rent to Lansky, was bringing in as much cash as the biggest casinos in Las Vegas.
The casino was closed by Fidel Castro in October 1960. After years of neglect due to the disappearance of
Cuba's tourism following the Cuban revolution, the hotel was mainly used to accommodate diplomats and
foreign government officials. After the collapse of the USSR, the Cuban communist party soon reopened Cuba
to tourists in search of monetary support. Despite its restoration during the 1990s, the hotel no longer carries
the status and impact it once did. But its remaining splendor and history serves as remainder to Cuba's past.
Enjoy an orientation tour of the city before arriving at your hotel. Prior to dinner gather for an introductory
tour briefing and welcome reception. Accommodations: Parc Central (L, D)
Saturday, May 4: Havana:
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Old Havana. Begin with a private viewing of the newly created model of
Old Havana. The model serves as an excellent introduction to the lay-out of the city. It is color-coded by age
with the historic buildings painted in crimson, pre-Revolution buildings in yellow and the post-revolutionary
buildings in ivory. Continue on to the Plaza Vieja, a stunningly beautiful old square surrounded by mansions.
Although the square was for many years in a sad state of repair, that decay is being reversed by the caring
restoration of Habana Vieja. Continue to the Convento de Santa Clara which has been restored and now houses
the Centro Nacional de Conservacion y Museologia. It is a remarkable building with a lobby full of period
pieces and an inner and outer cloistered courtyard.. Lunch at a restaurant with local music. This afternoon
enjoy a city orientation tour by bus, which will be led by Eduardo Luis Rodriquez, director of the well-known
journal, Arquitectura Cuba. Explore the wonderful Riviera Hotel which, when it opened in 1958, was
considered a marvel of modern design. It was owned at the time by Meyer Lansky. The hotel has recently been
restored to recapture its 1950s ambience. Drive along La Rampa which climbs past the offices of Cubana, the
Hotel Havana Libre and Art-Deco apartment buildings to the Parque Copelia, an entire block of a large, lush
park. Follow Calle L south from La Rampa and arrive at the wide steps which lead to the porticoed, columned
façade beyond which lies the University of Havana. Drive to the Ceramics Museum for a tour and a private
performance of Cuban music performed by Luis Manuel Molina, a classic guitar player. Welcome dinner at
Café Oriente. Accommodations: Parc Central (B,L,D)
Sunday, May 5: Havana
Morning lecture by Professor Julio Carranza on “The Changing Faces of Cuba’s Economic Structure.” After
the lecture and discussion, walk to the new Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Arte Cubano (Cuban Collection).
The Museo is actually divided into two sections, occupying two buildings: the Cuban Collection which visit
this morning, accompanied by an art curator, and the International Collection. The museum’s origins date back
to 1842 when the San Alejandro Art Academy started its collection, forming the nucleus of the museum
founded in 1913. It expanded greatly after Castro took over in 1959, notably with works from the private
collections of Julio Lobo and Oscar Cintas.
After lunch at a local restaurant we walk to the Presidential Palace, a huge ornate building topped by a dome.
The history of Cuban political development is illustrated here from the slave uprisings to joint missions with
the ex-Soviet Union. A few minutes away by foot is the Granma Memorial, which preserves the vessel that
brought Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and other revolutionaries from Mexico to Cuba in 1956. The Granma, a
surprisingly large launch, embodies the powerful, unstoppable spirit of the revolutionary movement. Meet
local artists Alicia Leal and Juan Moreira at their home. Alicia’s Leal work is of a markedly narrative nature
where the onlooker becomes an active participant and even protagonist of the painter’s unsettling scenarios.
The surrealist paintings of Juan Moreira, Alicia’s husband, reflect many of the historical, religious and cultural
influences in Cuba. African myths and rituals brought to the island with the slave-trade in the 17th century are
predominant as well as the social and political events of the 19th and 20th centuries that shaped Cuban
traditions and folklore.
Depart the hotel for an evening reception at the Ludwig Foundation, an organization committed to the
promotion of art in Cuba, followed by dinner at a private restaurant, La Chansonnier – one of the best private
restaurants in Havana. Meet with owner, Hector Higuera and learn more about the impact that recent economic
changes have had on his business life. Parc Central (B,L,D)
Monday, May 6: Havana
Learn more regarding Cuban/US Relations during a lecture at the hotel by Professor Carlos Alzuguray.
Enjoy an inside visit to the Gran Teatro de la Habana, Havana’s most important theater. The theater is home to
Alicia Alonso’s Ballet Nacional de Cuba as well as the national opera company. If a performance is playing
during our stay here, we will obtain tickets. End the morning at Ernest Hemingway’s home, which has been
preserved by the Cuban government. The house is just as Hemingway left it, with the books on the tables and
many of his favorite photographs on display. Although one can only admire the home from the outside, it is a
fascinating visit.
After lunch drive to one of Havana’s many urban gardens. The effects of the Special Period and consequent
food shortages have had greatest repercussions in the city of Havana. With approximately 2.5 million people,
Havana has about one fifth of Cuba's total population. While Havana's urban agriculture has taken on many
forms, ranging from private gardens (huertos privados) to state-owned research gardens (organicponicos),
Havana's popular gardens (huertos populares) are the most widespread and accessible to the general public.
Popular gardens are small parcels of state-owned land that are cultivated by individuals or community groups
in response to ongoing food shortages. The program for popular gardens first began in Havana in January
1991, and has since been promoted in other Cuban cities. In 2009, there were an estimated 30,000 popular
garden parcels (parcelas) throughout the 43 urban districts that make up Havana's 15 municipalities. Our visit
will include the garden at Vivero Alamar where the group will meet local gardeners and Noel Pina, the
production managers at the garden. Enjoy an evening at leisure. Park Central (B,L)
Tuesday, May 7: Havana
Morning briefing at the US Interest Section. This briefing will allow our group to learn more about the
US/Cuban relations and the role of the US Interest Section in Havana.
Visit the Colon Cemetery. Though Colon is one of 20 cemeteries in the capital, it handles 80 percent of the
city’s burials each year. The grounds are so saturated that the state has taken over the giant vaults of people
whose families left after the revolution. Stop at the tomb of Amelia Goyri, the most visited tomb at the
cemetery, because, it is said, she grants miracles. Our group will interact with scores of pilgrims who line up
here each day to leave gladiolas and engraved marble plaques for Goyri.
After lunch at El Ajibe meet with members of the Observatorio Critico including one of the coordinators of the
group, Mario Castillo. Observatorio Critico is a network of mainly young activists who hope to shape the
politics of Cuba in spite of the country’s one political party system. Drawing support from a wide range of
social platforms, their goal is to found a proper civil society. They do not wish to overthrow the regime but
rather establish freedoms to rejuvenate political discourse emanating from this grass roots movement. Other
members including political scientist, Dmitri Prieto Samsonov; environmentalist, Isbel Díaz Torres; and Tato
Quiñones, an Afro-Cuban who sees connections with Observatorio Critico and the traditions of resistance
brought from Africa, will meet with the group. Dinner at La Guarida. Parc Central (B,L,D)
Wednesday, May 8: Cienfuegos
Morning drive along the “autopista” to Cienfuegos. Make a stop en route to the Bay of Pigs when, in 1962,
about 1,300 heavily armed CIA-trained Cuban exiles came ashore fully equipped to provoke a
counterrevolution to topple the Castro regime. Enjoy lunch at Cienfuegos and then visit the campus of Beny
More School of Art, which trains students in the visual and musical arts. It is one of the top ten middle level art
schools in Cuba. The Cuban government has a clear vision of the importance of the arts and takes pride in its
arts education programs. Enjoy a chance to talk with students and see how they work with outdated
instruments and tools but produce wonderful music and art. Dinner and overnight in Cienfuegos.
Accommodations TBA (B, L, D)
Thursday, May 9: Trinidad
Enjoy a lovely drive through scenic landscape to Trinidad. After checking into the hotel we head east and
explore the area known as the Valle de Los Ingenios. This is a living museum of the sugar industry, featuring
75 ruined sugar mills, summer mansions, barracks, and other facilities related to the field. The famous
Manaca-Iznaga Tower, built in 1816, is 45m high, and the tolling of its bells once marked the beginning and
end of working hours on the sugar plantations. Ultimately, Trinidad’s prosperity rested on the sugar industry,
which was introduced in the 18th century. As a result of the wealth that the sugar industry brought, Trinidad’s
cultural life flourished. Schools of languages, music and dance were opened and a wide variety of artisans set
up businesses, including gold and silversmiths Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Accommodations TBA (B, L, D)
Friday, May 10: Trinidad:
Explore Trinidad, the fourth of the seven cities founded by Diego de Velasquez in 1514 as a base for
expeditions into the “New World’. Today it is maintained as a living museum, just as the Spaniards left it in its
period of greatest opulence. It is the crown jewel of Cuba’s colonial cities. The whole city with its fine palaces,
cobbled streets and tiled roofs, is a national monument and, since 1988 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In
1827 the Teatro Candamo opened its doors. The well-off patricians built huge mansions for themselves (now
museums) and sent their children to European universities. However, during the second half of the 19th century
the Industrial Revolution and increased sugar beet production in Europe led to the decline of Trinidad’s
slavery-based economy. Construction ceased and the city remained frozen in time.
Walk through the town and admire the maze of cobbled streets which is lined with terra-cotta tiled roofed
houses in soft pastel colors. Much of the architecture is neo-classical and baroque, with a Moorish flavor
reflecting the town’s heritage of conquistadores.
Stop in at Trinidad’s Library to learn more about the important role of libraries in Cuba. The discussion with
library staff will focus on the subject of intellectual freedom, a passionately debated issue. Gain an
understanding as how books are selected and what censorship occurs. The discussion will also focus on how
Havana exerts control in more rural areas. Bring a copy of your favorite novel to donate to the library!
At lunch meet with local entrepreneur David Alamar who recently opened a private restaurant in Trinidad,
taking advantage of relaxed regulations regarding private enterprise. He is employing and paying 3 Cubans
who are not family members to assist him in running this restaurant.
After lunch, stop at a maternity home. Maternity homes were set up in the 1960s in remote areas of Cuba to
bring women in later stages of pregnancy closer to hospitals. Homes were later expanded to every municipality
in the country and are now key to ensuring adequate maternal and child health care. By placing emphasis on
maternal and infant health, the Cuban government has lowered the infant mortality rate from 91 per 1,000 live
births in 1950 to 4.7 per 1,000 live births in 2008. There are approximately 210 maternity homes in Cuba, all
staffed with around-the-clock nurse care. Return to Trinidad for dinner. Accommodations TBA (B, L, D)
Saturday, May 11: Camaguey
Depart the hotel this morning and drive to Camaguey. En route stop at Ciego de Avila. A small city of shaded
colonnaded shop-fronts, Ciego de Avila is the most modern of Cuba’s provincial capitals, founded in 1840.
Enjoy an afternoon visit to the Fabrica de Tabacos El Sucro to learn how cigars are made. Inside, men and
women sit rolling and pressing cigars for local consumption. A blackboard shows production goals and
achievements. On average, a roller makes about 90 cigars a day, depending on adeptness and the shape of the
cigar – there are over 60 shapes and some are more difficult than others. The manager will meet with the
group and discuss the affect of cigar production on the Cuban economy. After lunch continue on to Camaguey.
Before dinner enjoy a private Salsa class. Salsa has its origins in Cuba where the blending of African drum
rhythms and Spanish guitar evolved into a variety of Latin American music: Son, Danzón, the rhythms of
Carnival, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Salsa and even Tango came out of Cuba. Today's Salsa dancing is a rich
blend of Latin-American and Western influences with various distinct styles Cuban ("Casino"), New York
Style ("Mambo on 2"), Los Angeles Style ("On 1"), Colombian Salsa ("Cali-Style") and Miami-Style Salsa.
Accommodations Colon Hotel (B, L, D)
Sunday, May 12: Camaguey
During the 19th century Camaguey was the center of the rebellion against Spain. The most famous native son is
General Ignacio Agramonte renowned for many feats of bravery. Camaguey was also the birthplace of Carlos
Finlay, the doctor who first linked the mosquito with the yellow fever germ.
Enjoy a walking tour of the large colonial core of the city. It is now a national monument containing more old
buildings than any other city save Havana. Visit a number of buildings including the Casa Natal de Ignacio
Agramonte, the birthplace of the patriotic hero and the mansion where his family lived for many years, It is
notable for the third-floor balcony that runs the length of the façade and around the corner. Now a museum, the
house preserves the original furniture and a number of enormous clay pots. These clay pots were used to store
water and historically a family’s wealth could be measured by the number of tinajones (clay pots) in their
possession. The pots are now the symbol of the city! Visit the main theater which is home to the Ballet of
Camaguey, the most respected Cuban dance group after the Ballet Nacional.
Afternoon drive to Minas to visit a special violin workshop which opened in 1976. The workshop is run by
Alvaro Suarez Ravinal who has over 50 years experience of making violins. With the Cuban Ministry of
Culture he is training locals to turn native hardwoods into elegantly carved violins. Schedule permitting,
attend an Alfareros game. The Alfareros are the baseball team that represent Camaguey in the Cuban National
Series. Accommodations Colon Hotel (B, L, D)
Monday, May 13: Holguin
After breakfast depart for Holguin stopping en route at the city Las Tunas, capital of the province of Las Tunas
which lies 411 miles east of Havana. The city, originally named Las Tunas was, in 1869, renamed Victoria de
Las Tunas, a title given it by its Spanish governor to commemorate a colonial victory over the Cubans. The
name reverted to plain Las Tunas in 1895, following the battle in which the Cubans finally took back the city.
These days Las Tunas is a centre for trade in the production of sugar and chemicals.
Tour the Provincial Vicente García Historical Museum which rises majestically in the heart of Las Tunas City.
In the opinion of architects, the building is a true expression of eclecticism. Others consider it a principal
reference to local geography. Its construction dates back to the days when Don Rafael Zayas González, a local
illustrious journalist, was the town’s major. So as to accomplish a work filled with distinction and elegance,
the renowned Santiago de Cuba-born professional Carlos Sagarra Fernández, was hired as principal engineer.
The building was opened in 1921. Invaluable historical pieces are stored in its eight exhibition rooms, through
which thousands of Cuban and foreign visitors have passed.After lunch continue on to Holguin.
This afternoon explore this city – Cuba’s 4th largest which is known as the “city of parks”. Walk through the
Parque Colon Garcia and stop at the Natural History Museum, which has the world’s smallest frog as well as
the world’s smallest hummingbird. Enjoy dinner this evening at the Restaurant 1720- a beautifully restored
mansion. Accommodations: Hotel Pernik (B, L, D)
Tuesday, May 14: Baracoa
Before departing Holguin this morning stop at the only mechanical organ factory in Cuba. This small factory
produces about six organs a year. Eight professional organ groups exist in Holguin and there will be a chance
to meet with the Familia Cuayo – one of these groups – who are based at the factory. Continue driving along
small provincial roads to Baracoa.
Upon arrival in Baracoa enjoy an afternoon meeting with Cuban professor Alejandro Hartmann, a historian
and author who lives and works in Baracoa as a curator of the city’s history museum. End the day at the home
of Dr. Hartmann where there will be a chance to meet his family. Dr. Hartmann still lives in the family home
built in the 1800’s when his German ancestors immigrated to Baracoa Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Accommodations TBA (B, L, D)
Wednesday, May 15: Baracoa
The morning will include a visit to Baracoa’s museum whose displays trace the history of the region since preColumbian days. Continue on to the town’s cathedral which is an ocher-colored edifice dating from 1805 and
was built on the site of an earlier church which was destroyed by pirates in 1652. The cathedral contains the
cross known as the “Cruz de la Parra.” Continue on to the Archaeological Museum, Baracoa’s newest and
most impressive museum. The exhibits here are showcased in a series of caves that once acted as Taíno burial
chambers. Among nearly 2000 authentic Taíno pieces are unearthed skeletons, ceramics, 3000-year-old
petroglyphs and a replica of the Ídolo de Tabaco, a sculpture found in Maisí in 1903 that is considered to be
one of the most important Taíno finds in the Caribbean.
Drive a few miles outside of town to the Duaba River where a short boat ride has been arranged. Cruise
through lush landscapes and forests where the air is filled with the chirps and sqawks of more than a score of
different bird species. Enjoy lunch at the Finca Duaba beneath the shade of palms and plantains. The final stop
for the day will be at the village of Guirito where local famers will perform adaptations of Cuban son – dance –
known as el nengen and el kiriba.
This evening after dinner at a local restaurant attend a magnificent performance of Afro-Cuban dancers in the
local Casa de la Cultural. Dr. Hartmann will accompany the group and provide background on this quite
extraordinary performance. Accommodations TBA (B, L, D)
Thursday, May 16: Santiago
After breakfast depart for Santiago stopping en route at Guantanamo to pick up an escort who will accompany
the group to the east side of Guantanamo Bay which overlooks the Guantanamo US Naval Base. It is the only
one located in a communist country and is a constant thorn in the side of Cuban-US relations. Since 1903 the
US has held an indefinite lease on the property, which it claimed as a prize at the end of the Cuban-Spanish
American War. Since 1959 the US Treasury checks have not been cashed by Fidel Castro. After lunch at a
local restaurant continue on to Santiago.
En route to the hotel enjoy an orientation tour, including driving the Moncada Barracks which is known for
being the place where on 26 July, 1953, Fidel Castro and 79 soldiers dressed in Cuban Army uniforms stormed
the barracks. Although no longer used as barracks, the building houses a superb museum that tells the tale of
the attack, the Revolution and subsequent history. Drive by the Plaza de la Revolucion which is dominated by
a massive monument to Antonio Maceo, the hero-general of the War of Independence.
End the afternoon at the original Bacardí Rum Factory, which opened in 1868. While the family fled the island
after the Revolution, the Cuban government has continued to make traditional rum here: the signature Ron
Caney brand coupled with smaller amounts of Ron Santiago and Ron Varadero. In total, the factory produces
about nine million liters a year, 70% of which is exported. It is not possible to visit the factory, but a small
tourist bar attached to the factory, offers rum sales and tastings. Accommodations Hotel Casa Granda (B,L,D)
Friday, May 17: Santiago
Full day to explore the second largest city in Cuba, its capital until Havana became so in 1553, and the city
whose population has the highest percentage of African heritage despite the Spanish architecture. Its eastfacing position and proximity to Jamaica and Haiti fostered close links between the city and these two
Caribbean islands. In addition many of the French planters and merchants who fled Haiti following the
revolution in 1791 chose to settle in and around Santiago. The rich racial mixture has produced some of the
most exciting music, art and architecture in the Caribbean.
Visit the Museo de Arte Colonial which is said to be the oldest house in Cuba. It was built in 1516 as the home
of Cuba’s conqueror, Diego Velasquez. Along the second story runs a balcony built with a Moorish-style
wooden grille to shield its delicate aristocratic occupants from prying eyes. Each room shows a particular
period, demonstrating the development of Cuban material culture, featuring furniture, china, porcelain and
crystal. Originally, the ground floor contained the smelter where gold was turned into ingots before it was
shipped to Spain.
Stop next at the Casa Heredia, the birthplace of Santiago’s most famous poet, perhaps best known for his poem
“Ode to Niagara”. Continue on past the Jesuit Dolores College where Fidel Castro was educated as a youth,
one of the most profound intellectual influences in his life. A few minutes away is the Plaza Dolores, perhaps
Santiago’s most charming square surrounded by quaint colonial buildings. The final stop for the morning will
be at the Museo Emilio Bacardi, named after the expatriate and anti-Castro Bacardi rum family who was also
the mayor of Santiago. The museum houses, amongst other things, an important collection of Cuban colonial
paintings.
After lunch, drive to Basilica del Cobre which takes its name from the large copper mine that the Spanish
established in the mid-1500’s. The church – Cuba’s only basilica – is known for its offerings and as the shrine
to La Virgen de la Caridad (Virgin of Charity), patron saint of Cuba, to whom miraculous powers are ascribed.
In 1952, Hemingway dedicated his Nobel Prize for Literature to the Virgin although the medal is now in the
custody of the Archbishop of Santiago. Drive by the Caney Rum Factory, which was built in 1868 by the
Bacardi family and nationalized in 1959. The Cuban government continued to make rum under the Bacardi
name but Bacardi sued and won. Since, the rum produced from this factory has been sold as “Havana Club”.
Drive south of the city to visit the Morro Castle, which was originally built in 1640 to ward off pirate attacks.
Unfortunately, this effort failed and in 1662 the pirate Henry Morgan stormed it and then blew it up. A more
solid structure was begun in the late 18th century and this is what one sees today. From the battlements of the
Castle there is a spectacular view of the harbor and its bottleneck entrance. The interior of the castle houses the
Museo de la Pirateria, an exhibition of pirates during the colonial and modern eras.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant called El Morro set atop the cliffs with fabulous views along the coast.
Accommodations Hotel Casa Granda (B,L,D)
Saturday, May 18: Depart For Home
Return flight directly from Santiago to Miami. Connect with your hometown flight.
Gaucho Getaways Cuba
A 15-Night People-To-People Journey
May 3-18, 2012
Included:
• Roundtrip airfare on a charter flight from Miami to Havana, returning from Santiago.
• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary based on double occupancy
• All meals as listed in the program. One drink is included with lunch, and one with dinner. This can be a bottle of
water, a soda or beer or wine.
• Cocktails at the welcome and farewell dinner
• Chilled bottled water available on the coach
• Sightseeing and excursions as listed
• Transportation in a deluxe motor-coach with air-conditioning
• Services of a local Cuban guide
• Services of a Distant Horizons escort
• Honorarium provided to Cuban lecturers as noted in the itinerary
• A Cuban visa card which will be issued by Distant Horizons
• All gratuities
• Mandatory Health Insurance and evacuation required by the Cuban Government. This provides $25,000 worth of
medical coverage and $7,000 worth of medical transportation
Does Not Include
• Any items not listed.
• Departure tax of approximately $30 to be paid on departure from Santiago
• Flight from your hometown to Miami. For your convenience, tour operator Distant Horizons can arrange for
your flight from your gateway city to Miami, at additional cost. Currently, though subject to change, a red-eye
from LAX is available; or guests may desire to depart for Miami on May 3 and spend the night in Miami. OFAC
approves flights from the USA to Cuba 30 days prior to departure so all exact times are tentative until then.
Flights from Miami are being used since neither our departure city in Cuba nor the length of this program align
with the LAX flight schedule.
• Excess luggage charges which are strictly enforced in Miami. Please note airlines are currently allowing one free
check-in luggage but are considering charging for luggage in 2012. So far no decision has been reached on this.
What to Expect:
Please note that travel to Cuba is controlled by The Cuban Assets Control Regulations, which are enforced by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury and affect all U.S. citizens and permanent residents wherever they are located.
Regulations require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed in order to engage in any travel-related
transactions pursuant to travel to, from, and within Cuba. The UCSB Alumni Association has been issued a specific
license for this program pursuant to section 515.565(b)(2) of the regulations. Our license expires in August, 2012.
Our program has been carefully constructed to offer participants an opportunity to meet with a number of Cubans
as well as to learn more about this country. A full-time educational exchange program has been planned and
participants are expected to be part of each group activity. Meals have been arranged in a variety of restaurants
including some of the newly re-opened private restaurants known as “paladars.” We will be using comfortable 40seat buses with air-conditioning and microphones. Roads are good in Cuba.
Upon registration, you will be receiving a packet of information addressing topics such as currency, visas and what
to bring. Please note for now that it is not possible to use a US credit card in Cuba and that visas will be issued
prior to departure. Your passport will not be required to issue a visa.
Upon registration the UCSB Alumni Association will also provide, pursuant to the regulations, a written statement on
its letter stationery that cites the number of the UCSB Alumni Association license, and provides notification to each
participant of his or her recordkeeping responsibilities as a traveler under the license. OFAC may require the
submission of a report from the Licensee or any individual travelers concerning the activities undertaken pursuant to
the license.
Cuba: A 15-Night People To People Itinerary – Registration Form
May 3-18, 2012
$6,095 per person, based on double occupancy from Miami
Gaucho Getaways
UCSB Alumni Association * UC Santa Barbara * Santa Barbara, CA 93106-1120
805-893-4611 (P)
805-893-4918 (F)
Enclosed is my/our deposit for $______($500.00 per person) for ____ person/s for Cuba: 15 Days. I/we
understand the final payment is due, payable by check, on or no later than February 8, 2012.
Registration can be made with a check payable to Distant Horizons.
Mail deposits to Gaucho Getaways.
Final payment shall be made by check and mailed to tour operator.
Passport Name _______________________________Birth Date__________Gender ____UCSB Grad Yr______
Passport Name _______________________________Birth Date__________Gender ____UCSB Grad Yr______
Address____________________________________________________________________________________
City_________________________________________State____ZIP___________________________________
Home Ph. (______)__________________________Cell Ph. (______) __________________________________
E-mail __________________________________________Name(s) for Badges__________________________
 I/we will make my/our own air/hotel arrangements roundtrip to Miami.
 I/we request assistance with the roundtrip air and possible overnight in Miami from ______________
 Please call me/us to discuss my/our air options including business class upgrade RT LAX-MIA
 Sharing room with _____________________  I desire a single & will pay $790 single supplement.
Reservations subject to availability. Reservations to be paid in full to Distant Horizons by February 8, 2012.
Reservations received after this date must be accompanied by payment in full.
MEMBERSHIP Participants must be a current member of the UCSB Alumni Association, the UCSB Affiliates,
UCSB Support Group, or a member of another UC Alumni Association. Members may bring a spouse and
children less than 16 years of age or a member may bring one guest on a trip. Annual dues are $75 which is nonrefundable and non-transferable. Dues shall be paid at the time of tour registration, separate from tour deposit fee.
 I am not a UCSB Alumni Association member. Enclosed is $75 check to the UCSB Alumni Association.
 Charge my membership to  MASTERCARD  VISA.
Expires________/________Card #_____________________________________________Code:__________
Signature as it appears on credit card _________________________________________________________
Name of Cardholder______________________________________________________________________
 I/We have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions for the trip as described in the brochure. I/We also
acknowledge signatures will be required on UCSB Alumni Association Waiver and Responsibility Statement before
final documents are issued.
Signature:_______________________________________________________ Date:______________________
Signature:_______________________________________________________ Date:______________________
Please note: Any payment to Distant Horizons constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out
herein, including but not limited to the Cancellation terms. Distant Horizons CST 2046776-10
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Reservations and Payments:
Reservations for a tour require a deposit of $500 per person and an application form signed by the participant. Full balance of the trip cost is due
upon receipt of final invoice no later than February 8, 2012.
Tour Price Includes:
Hotel Accommodations: In 4-star or best available based on two persons sharing a twin room. Distant Horizons reserves the right to substitute
hotels for those named in the brochure when necessary. Distant Horizons will do all possible for single participants to satisfy requests to share
rooms. On occasions when it is not possible, the single room supplement will apply. If Distant Horizons or assigns you a roommate and your
roommate cancels or changes their mind about sharing a room, you will be liable for the single room supplement.
Meals: American breakfast (B), lunches (L) and dinners (D) are included as specified in the itinerary.
All Land Travel Listed: Including one group airport transfer upon arrival in Havana and departure from Havana, entrance fees to monuments,
local guides and special activities as quoted in the itinerary. All gratuities and taxes are included, except the $30 airport departure tax due in
Havana.
Baggage: One average size suitcase, not exceeding 44 pounds or 20 kilos is allowed. In addition, one carry-on bag is allowed.
Visas: Visas are required for U.S. citizens visiting Cuba, and these are easily obtained through Distant Horizons.
Tour Price Does Not Include:
Charges for domestic air into and from Miami, passport fees, visa fees, visa service fee, meals not listed, airport transfers if not arriving
with the group, drinks with included meals other than water, excess luggage charges, insurance of any kind, laundry charges, individual
tour transfers for individual arrival and departure at transfer points, and items of a purely personal nature.
Tour cost is based on rates of currency exchange at time of printing (September 2011) and is subject to change with or without previous
notice. If there is a price increase prior to the day of departure in the basic costs, such increases may be passed on to the participant.
Deviations: Distant Horizons is very happy to make any special land or air arrangements.
Cancellations
Distant Horizons and the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association reserve the right to cancel any tour prior to departure
for any reason, including insufficient number of participants, and to decline to accept or retain any person as a participant at any time.
Should this happen, refunds will be made without obligation, although we cannot be held responsible for any additional costs already
incurred by participants.
The tour price is based on a number of people traveling together. If bookings fall below the minimum required, passengers will be advised
of additional costs for that departure date.
If a participant cancels, the following refunds will be available upon written notice of cancellation to Distant Horizons.
Notice more than 90 days prior to departure: a refund less a $250 cancellation charge.
Notice between 90 days and 60 days prior to departure: a refund less 50% of trip price.
Notice between 60 days and 30 days prior to departure: a refund less 75% of trip price.
No refund shall be issued if cancellation is received less than 30 days prior to departure date.
No refunds shall be issued after the tour has commenced. No refunds shall be issued for occasional missed meals, sightseeing tours or any
unused services.
Areas of the World We Travel To
Some of the countries we offer trips to have State Department Warnings. Warnings and Public Announcements are frequently changed by
the State Department and it is the responsibility of the traveler to keep themselves updated. We recommend that you check the State
Department web-site at travel.state.gov for up-to-date information about the countries you are interested in.
Air Carriers Contract
The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time tour members are on board their
planes or conveyances. The passage contract in use by the airline concerned when the ticket is issued shall constitute the sole contract
between the airline and the purchaser of these tickets and/or the passenger.
Responsibility
Distant Horizons and the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association act only in the capacity of agents for the hotels,
airlines, bus companies, railroads, ship lines or owners or contractors providing accommodations, transportation or other services. As a
result, all coupons, receipts or tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the supplier. By acceptance of tour
membership, the participant agrees that neither Distant Horizons nor the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association nor
any of their subsidiaries shall become liable or responsible for personal injury, damage to persons or property, loss, delay or irregularity
caused by persons not controlled by it, such as (without limitation) airlines, bus and shipping companies, suppliers of accommodations or
other services, or resulting from any acts of God, defects in vehicles, strikes, wars, whether declared or otherwise, civil disturbances,
medical or customs regulations, acts of terrorism, epidemics or government restrictions. Distant Horizons and the University of California,
Santa Barbara Alumni Association cannot be held responsible for unfavorable weather or closure of access routes due to bad weather
conditions. Distant Horizons and the University of California, Santa Barbara Alumni Association are not responsible for any additional
expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the participant as a result of the above mentioned causes.
Tour participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of these terms and conditions and signifies acceptance of, and consents to, all of the terms and
conditions set forth herein, on behalf of any participants they may act for and for themselves when registering for, or making payments on, this tour.