Experience Cuban Culture
100% legal trips.
20 years of experience.
Access to the best of Cuba.
About ECC
Cuba is a tropical island steeped in drama, history, and rich tastes but has been hidden behind a political barrier for half a century. Behind that wall, you’ll find the pulsing heart of Cuban culture…warm smiles, salsa and jazz, rum, cigars, garlic roasted pork and more!
With two decades of travel experience in Cuba, the team at ECC brings you unparalleled access to the very best the country offers. As your trusted authority on compliant and legal trips, we handle all the intricate details to ensure your journey is seamless. Our mission is to enable you to fully embrace Cuba's rich culture, support local communities, and relish authentic experiences. Rest easy knowing that ECC has expertly managed licensing, curated exceptional dining options, and secured access to exclusive events. Furthermore, we'll be by your side throughout your trip, making every moment stress-free and enjoyable. That's our commitment.
How It Works: ECC’s 3 Step Process
Provide Your Trip Info
Tell us 1- how many people are traveling to Cuba, 2- when you would like to travel and 3- for how many days.
Get Your Discounted Trip Offer
ECC will assign you a trip coordinator, email you a proposed trip itinerary and a TRAVEL COUPON worth up to $300 OFF a regular priced trip.
Just Pay A Deposit
Simply pay the ultra low trip deposit to lock in your 10% savings and RESERVE your Cuba Trip Experience!
GET Your 10% OFF Trip Offer!
Simply fill out the 3 questions on the form
Available Trips - Reserve Your Spot Today
2023
November 15 - November 19, 2023 (4 or 5 day trips FULL)
December 8 - December 12, 2023 (4 or 5 day trips AVAILABLE)
2024
January 31 - February 5 (4, 5 or 6 day trips AVAILABLE)
February 20 - February 25 (4, 5 or 6 day trips AVAILABLE)
March 19 - March 24 (4, 5 or 6 day trips AVAILABLE)
April 16 - April 21 (4, 5 or 6 day trips AVAILABLE)
- Next Steps -
A personal ECC Trip Coordinator will follow up with your personal Cuba itinerary and your custom trip pricing with up to 10% OFF (up to a $300 value) the regular price of an ECC Cuba Trip Package.
* ECC is licensed by the United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to organize and conduct authorized group travel to Cuba. These trips engage participants in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba. LEARN MORE
What You Get With ECC Trips
Once you land in Cuba, ECC will provide most of what you require. All of our Custom Trip Packages Include:
20 Years of Travel Experience to Cuba - Access to the best restaurants, hotels, activities, and local Cuban people!
All Ground Transportation while on the island (Buses, Taxis, Classic American Cars).
An Expert ECC (English & Spanish Speaking) Trip Leader accompanies your trip and is with you every step of the way. Our trip leaders will show you the sites, answer your questions, negotiate purchases, and solve any issues you may have.
Required Treasury Department Documentation and Administration. WIth over 10 years of bringing American groups to Cuba, ECC is the authority on Cuba Travel Regulations. So let us handle the compliance and itinerary so you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime!
All Tips and Gratuities throughout your trip (hotels, transportation, tour guides, etc.).
A Personal Concierge Travel Planner to help you every step of the way. From creating your itinerary, to assisting your airplane reservations, to answering all your Cuba travel questions - our dedicated team will be by your side. That’s the personal touch ECC prides itself upon.
Addition to our Private Facebook Group that includes the ECC Founder, an ECC Travel Coordinator, and other ECC travel guests so you can get instant answers to your travel planning questions, Cuba questions, as well as meet your fellow trip companions prior to meeting in Havana!
In addition, each trip includes the following depending on your length of stay:
4 Days/3 Nights
3 Nights of Accommodations Included - The Hotel Nacional is our preferred lodging
8 Meals (3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners) - We know the best restaurants so you get the best food on the island
The Custom Tours & Activities on Your Personalized Itinerary inlcuding:
2 expert led tours
1 performances/shows
1 FREE afternoon (discover art, shopping, or relax)
Couples Price = was $2,477
Singles Price = was $2,560
Click “INQUIRE” to GET your offer!
5 Days/4 Nights
4 Nights of Accommodations Included - The Hotel Nacional is our preferred lodging
11 Meals (4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners) - We know the best restaurants so you get the best food on the island
The Custom Tours & Activities on Your Personalized Itinerary inlcuding:
3 expert led tours
2 performances/shows
1 FREE afternoon (discover art, shopping, or relax)
Couples Price = was $2,892
Singles Price = was $3,002
Click “INQUIRE” to GET your offer!
6 Days/5 Nights
5 Nights of Accomodations Included - The Hotel Nacional is our preferred lodging
14 Meals (5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners) - We know the best restaurants so you get the best food on the island
The Custom Tours & Activities on Your Personalized Itinerary inlcuding:
4 expert led tours
2 performances/shows
2 FREE afternoons (discover art, shopping, or relax)
Couples Price = was $3,297
Singles Price = was $3,444
Click “INQUIRE” to GET your offer!
* What’s not included in ECC’s prices: Airfare, Travel Visa, additional alcohol at meals, and souveniers/gifts.
Itinerary: 4 Days/3 Nights
An Island steeped in history and tradition, Cuba has captured the imagination of Americans from Ernest Hemingway to today’s travelers. It is a land of natural beauty, smiling faces, powerful aromas and tastes.
By following the rules and guidance of our governments*, ECC has the rare opportunity to both experience and share our cultures while providing support to the Cuban people. Come take the journey and see this special place while we are able.
Day 1: Arrival
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2/5 Low
Once you arrive in beautiful Havana, you will be comfortably escorted via a private tour coach to your lodgings at the historic Hotel Nacional to settle in and freshen up.
This 1930’s historic hotel was the setting of the infamous “Mob Conference” that convened in 1946 and provided the inspiration for the Cuba scenes from “The Godfather Part II”.
Our arrival dinner will be held at Havana’s most famous private restaurant, La Guarida where you will sample the best of cuban cuisine on the island.
You will be able to enjoy conversation with ECC’s founder during dinner, after dinner, or both.
After a long day, we will return to the hotel for a mojito on the patio or turn in for a much deserved rest.
Day 2: History/Context
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 4/5 Active
The day will begin with a traditional Cuban breakfast at the hotel.
Following breakfast we will make our way to Old Havana and the Museum of the Revolution to see Fidel’s Boat ‘Granma’ and some remnants of the Bay of Pigs invasion.
From the museum, we will walk to Central Park and the 1950’s American cars which will take us on a driving tour to see the further flung monuments and sites of Havana.
Lunch and conversation about what we have experienced so far will be enjoyed in one of Old Havana’s newer paladars.
After lunch we will walk through the historic plazas with opportunities to take photos and experience some of the sites of what makes Old Havana an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This includes but is not limited to the Cathedral Square, Old Plaza, and some of Ernest Hemingway’s (“Papa”) old haunts.
One can enjoy a Daiquiri in El Floridita or a Mojito in the Bogedita del Medio as Papa used to.
We will return to our hotel to relax and then have a Cuban dinner at a Paladar in Old Havana.
After dinner, our group can walk to a local Jazz Club across the street from our hotel and enjoy some rum and music from talented local Cuban musicians.
Day 3: Havana Culture
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 3/5 MODERATE
After a hearty Cuban breakfast we will venture out to one of Havana’s operational cigar factories for a guided tour.
You will learn the process for making Habanos cigars and have an opportunity to try and purchase authentic Cuban cigars.
After the factory tour, we will enjoy lunch followed by a free afternoon. ECC guides will be available to help you find addresses and transportation to whatever interests you in Havana including the arts and crafts market, shops selling items of interest to you, museums, and more.
We will gather again at the hotel to go to dinner at the world renown El Aljibe, a restaurant with an indulgent traditional cuban cuisine.
After dinner you will be treated to a fantastic Cuban Cabaret show made famous in Havana in the 1950’s for its music, dancing, and energy that is quintessential Cuban culture.
Day 4: Departure
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2/5 Low
Breakfast at the hotel followed by briefing by ECC staff and private transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Buen viaje!
Check out a recent ECC Trip
Cuba Trips as low as JUST $500 per Day!
* ECC is licensed by the United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to organize and conduct authorized group travel to Cuba. These trips engage participants in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba. LEARN MORE
100% Legal Cuba Travel
“IT IS ILLEGAL FOR AMERICANS TO TRAVEL TO CUBA WITHOUT A TREASURY DEPARTMENT LICENSE “
Rest assured, when you travel with Experience Cuban Culture, you are traveling under our auspices. Meaning you are fully licensed through the United States Department of the Treasury and can legally visit Cuba.
Your custom itinerary while in Cuba is completely assured by the team at Experience Cuban Culture and we provide you with all the official documents that will ensure the legality of your trip.
The team at ECC works to keep track of changes in both US and Cuban laws to ensure that we are always current and so are you!
So relax. Let the experienced team at ECC take care of the logistics and licensing so you can focus on having the Cuban experience of a lifetime!
Meet The Founder
Colin Ganley began traveling to Cuba as a Journalist over a decade ago. He founded ECC with the goal of offering in-depth travel for Americans to Cuba. He is regularly invited to Cuba to lecture and judge competitions of sommeliers and Cuban cigar experts at the Habanos Festival.
Since founding the company, ECC has brought hundreds of Americans to Cuba for trips as varied as fishing tournaments, tobacco grower seminars and cultural/architectural explorations.
Colin holds an MSc. from the London School of Economics and Political Science in Economic History. He is a member of Oxford University (St. Antony's College) and has been nominated for the Habanos Man of the Year. He is the author of the book Le Snob: Cigars.
Colin personally oversees the creation of Cuba trip itineraries and often accompanies travelers with ECC.
“My goal with ECC is that every customer has exceptional travel experience, builds a better understanding of the Cuban people and culture, and is 100% legally compliant with all US requirements.”
- Colin Ganley
Watch Mr. Ganley detail the benefits of ECC!
The Lodgings
The Hotel Nacional de Cuba
The magnificent Hotel Nacional in Havana, Cuba is the epitome of grandeur and luxury in the Caribbean. Nestled in the heart of this historic city, the Hotel Nacional stands as a testament to Cuba's vibrant culture and rich history, offering an exceptional experience for those seeking a remarkable stay.
From the moment you step foot onto the property, Hotel Nacional emits an air of timeless elegance. The architecture, showcasing a blend of Neoclassical and Art Deco styles, transports guests to a bygone era. As you wander through the meticulously designed interiors, adorned with opulent furnishings and delicate Cuban art, you'll discover the intrigue and charm that resonates within the walls.
Situated on a privileged spot overlooking the shimmering waters of the Havana Malecón, Hotel Nacional boasts captivating views of the ocean and the sprawling city.
Take a leisurely stroll along the scenic promenade or unwind on the hotel's charming terrace, reveling in the enchanting sights that surround you. With its central location, the hotel offers easy access to the vibrant streets of Havana, where you can immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms of Cuban music and explore the city's UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Hotel Nacional has been a cornerstone of Cuban history since its inception in 1930, welcoming an illustrious array of international celebrities, politicians, and cultural icons. Walking through its hallways, adorned with captivating photographs and memorabilia from its illustrious past, you'll feel a connection to the countless luminaries who have graced its halls. This storied hotel has played an instrumental role in shaping Cuba's cultural landscape.
With the hotel’s vibrant ambiance, lush gardens, sparkling swimming pool, attentive and friendly staff, and serene atmosphere…
The Hotel Nacional is the perfect oasis for clients of Experience Cuban Culture!
ECC On A Mission
Discover Cuba and Support the Local Cuban People
At Experience Cuban Culture, we understand that many prospective clients have concerns about how their travel might impact the local dynamics in Cuba. It's a common question: Do ECC trips support Communism or the Cuban Regime?
Our answer is clear: ECC trips operate strictly under the guidelines of The US Treasury Department License, specifically the category "Support for the Cuban People." This means that when you choose to travel with ECC, your trip is designed to empower and uplift local Cuban communities, not the government or military.
We are proud to assure you that the US dollars you spend while in Cuba through ECC go directly to support local Cuban citizens. We do this by collaborating with private businesses, restaurants, chefs, and artists who are working tirelessly to build their own businesses and create better lives for themselves and their families. Your trip with ECC allows you to play a part in this incredible mission.
When you travel under the auspices of ECC, you enable us to tip these private citizens generously, often exceeding their Cuban wages. These tips provide them with the means to access essential resources, including clothing, food, and educational opportunities for their children.
Our mission at Experience Cuban Culture is rooted in sharing our abundance with our Cuban neighbors located just 90 miles south of Florida. We believe in the power of cultural exchange and the positive impact it can have on local communities. By joining an ECC trip, you are not only embarking on a remarkable journey but also contributing to the betterment of Cuban lives.
With ECC, you'll experience Cuba in a way that supports the Cuban people and fosters genuine connections with the local community. Join us and be a part of this meaningful cultural exchange.
Welcome to Experience Cuban Culture, where your journey becomes an opportunity for positive change!
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
10 Years and Over 600+ Delighted Travelers
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David G.
“It’s been a dream of mine for many years to visit Cuba. ECC helped me make a dream come true and allowed me to get to know the people, the culture, and the magic that is Cuba in a way I never could have on my own.”
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Jennie Q.
“I loved traveling with ECC. I didn’t have to worry about licensing or logistics. I just had to show up and ECC took care of the rest. Getting to know the Cuban people was a highlight I won’t forget.”
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Jeff M.
“As a cigar store owner, I continue to bring my customers on trips with ECC because hands down they provide access to the best of Cuba. ECC takes care of all the work and I get to have truly great time with my customers”
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Jessica H.
“The level of service ECC provided exceeded all expectations. The guides were extremely informative. Our hotel was outstanding. The food and meals were delicious. All I had to do was enjoy myself. I highly recommend ECC to anyone interested in visiting Cuba”
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Skip M.
“Colin and the ECC team do a phenomenal job. They created a fun and friendly atmosphere for all the folks on my trip to get to know one another, explore Cuba together, and create lasting friendships even after the trip was over. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
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Andrea W.
“The beauty of ECC is that they were able to custom tailor an itinerary to the needs of my university group. ECC listened to what was important to my students and created a unique trip that reinforced what they were studying in the classroom.”
