Espíritu Travel Reviews 

What a fantastic vacation, Espiritu Travel, made everything so easy and went over and beyond our expectations. Karen was fantastic , I could not recommend Her and the team at Espiritu any higher.. Fantastic will book again ..

My family (mom with two adult sons) enjoyed our trip to Cuba very much as a result of the excellent Espíritu planning, service and accommodations.

Karin, from Espíritu, developed an itinerary with written details were clear and very appreciated. The itinerary was flexible and accommodated our additional forays.

First and foremost, we want to commend Santy, our guide and Eliar, our driver. They were a phenomenal team – personable, knowledgeable, caring, and humorous. Their synchronicity with each other was amazing. Santy’s knowledge of Cuban history and culture whet our appetite for more and his familiarity with places of interest for our bi-generational group was perfect.

The three casas particulares that hosted us were lovely but very different. All were exceptionally clean and the breakfasts were delicious.

The Soroa orchid garden was magical and we were enamored with Jonelle at Casa Monolo!

We wish we’d had more time at Playa Larga and Girón. Had we known about the impersonal and unappealing-ness of the Varadero resort scene, we would have eliminated that and extended our time in Girón. Our hosts at Casa La Kabana were gracious and inquisitive. We wish we’d had more time with them to continue our interesting conversations about bi-racial families (theirs and ours).

Trinidad is an exceptional city in a gorgeous, natural region. There, we enjoyed the best meals of our stay, thanks to the collaboration between Santy and Eli. Our accommodations were spacious and clean but more impersonal than our earlier family stays.

We were underwhelmed by Melía Varadero. Perhaps “all inclusive” resorts just aren’t our thing, as they are rather soul-less. The showers were great! We did enjoy an amazing hour of snorkeling with bread-lured schools of snapper.

I want to conclude these remarks again, with platitudes for our guide Santy and his partnership with Eli our driver. They offered us an experience of Cuba and Cuban people that touched our hearts.

The trip was good. Very informative. Oscar was very attentive. The Cowboy guide who took us horseback riding was remarkable. The Best!!

Thanks for a well prepared agenda. Brenda

Very nice trip!
Trip was good! Living arrangements were good, and the food there was good.

Tour guide, Oscar was good and the drivers were good!

The experiences were Great!

Two negatives for me were, on Wednesday, the place where we stopped to eat, the service was poor. It took about 3 hours to get our food. They served the tour guide, and drivers, all the others there, except us. They served up last after all the new people who came in after us! It was so humiliating for us!. 2. All the information should be the same, weather on the website or distributed. The information on the website stated that lunch would be provided, I think on Thursday, and it was not. All in all it was a good tour and a Great experience! Thank you! Audrey

My wife and I had a wonderful 10 day trip ( 1 extra day in Havana) in February 2019. Fernando was our guide. We were the only 2 travelers for this tour and so it became a private tour. Fernando had excellent choices to dine and we enjoyed his company. Cuba is a warm and friendly country. Crime is almost non-existent. We remember the Cuban missile crisis and it was interesting to hear Cuba's side of history. Also Karin (Espiritu Travel owner) was always very responsive when I had any questions or concerns before we left on our journey.

Espiritu Travel provided a very worthwhile tour of Cuba and I would highly recommend the trip with a few caveats. I had a great opportunity to get to see Cuba up close and personal which included meeting our various tour guides and Casa hosts, all of whom were extremely open, friendly and helpful. It was very special to be able to visit Cuba in such an intimate way. Our trip enabled us to go way beyond the typical hotel accommodations and major attractions. It was very special and I will always have fond memories of our trip.
But to take this trip you need to be adaptable to what Cuba is all about. One of our casa's was lovely except it was a three story walk up in a small apartment building that was pretty run down. The unit we stayed in was very clean and our host was incredibly sweet. But our room had no chair to sit and there was no common area to rest up in. So be prepared for some adjustment from what American tourists are used to.
Cuba doesn't have many new vans and the one we traveled around in was not in the best condition. The roads are very rough so traveling was not the most comfortable experience. So be prepared for some "bumps" in the road. If you can deal with that and really want to see Cuba beyond a cruise ship excursion or a stay in the big hotel, go with Espiritu. They gave us good service, the guides and driver were very special, the information provided was excellent and everyone involved tried their best to make our trip a meaningful and enjoyable one. I recommend them for travelers who want to see the real Cuba but are a little adaptable.

I would recommend this trip - Uncovering Cuba - to anyone who is interested in getting an insider's view of what it's like to live in Cuba (a bit austere, limited freedom, good education, limited access to products and lacking the infrastructure that we take for granted in the states) and what the Cuban people are like (warm hearted to the core, some satisfied while others frustrated and bursting to get out to see the world, welcoming, and all eager to help you see their country).
Espiritu arranged a well planned and executed trip and populated it with the most terrific, knowledgeable and personal guides and drivers - Yillian and Michael, that's you. In fact, I think Yillian, the guide, was the best part!
Espiritu was clear in warning that this is not your typical luxury vacation with American amenities, but the homes we stayed in were clean and breakfasts tasty. If this fits your style and interests, this is your trip.

Espíritu travel planned a great trip to Cuba. It covered the mountains, forests, beaches and towns. The casa particulares were all very comfortable, clean and inviting.Our guide Yilian was very knowledgeable and open to answering all questions we asked in a very thoughtful manner. Our driver Michael was professional and a dapper dresser. We felt safe in his hands. The small group of 6 was manageable and comfortable. I highly recommend this company.

This is late in coming as my husband and I r just now recuperating from severe colds due to the very cold weather that welcomed us back to New York. Our much anticipated trip to Cuba more than exceeded our expectations. It was indeed an unforgettable experience. Many thank yous and appreciation to Eiser Mojica Roque, our guide and driver throughout our stay. Not only was he an excellent source of information, but he also became a friend, making sure that we were well taken cared for by everyone we came in touch with. We will always remember his friendliness, cordiality, caring and warmth. All the B&B’s we stayed in were very comfortable, clean and accommodating. Breakfasts at all of them were delicious. Owners and or employees were friendly, cordial, eager to share anecdotes, experiences, etc. We had great food while in Cuba. All the paladares visited were very good and quite reasonable. Mario, our city guide in Trinidad was an extremely knowledgeable and very educated individual who gave us a very detailed, concise description of this beautiful colonial city. We thank him and also our very nice Cienaga guide. (Sorry I forgot his name). He was also very verse and super enthusiastic about the ecological wonders we were witnessing. We definitely acquired new knowledge through his very clear and detailed lecture. We were able to visit and thoroughly enjoyed all the music venues suggested by Karin. We also thank her very much because due to her flexibility, we were able to modify our tour to include Santa Clara and visit Che Guevara’s monument. All in all, hands down, we recommend Espiritu Tours if you want to visit Cuba. It really is the only way to go if you want to experience Cuba more closely and intimately. Once again, thank you Espiritu Tours for making these old folks’ dream come true.

The people make the country, and the company, great!
Karin responded to all of our many requests for information, and compiled an excellent tour. Carlos made time to come see us, listen, and both helped us contact and reassure family after the tornado.
Yillian was fun, thorough, knowledgeable and professional as our fearless guide.
Michael was professional, insightful, knowledgeable, and graceful as our wonderful driver.
WHAT A TEAM!

I had a wonderful time. Out guide, Adriana, could not have been better! She went out of her way to help our group in many ways. The only negative was Buena Vista Social Club, I would skip that.

Every exquisite detail of our trip was meticulously researched, planned and coordinated by Karin, CEO of Espiritu Travel, and expertly implemented by Mario, our Cuban guide/driver/ friend.

We have always been independent travelers, and this was our first ever “organized”, private tour. So we weren’t sure what to expect from our lengthy road trip through Cuba. Well, it exceeded in every way! Upon our return to the USA, we realized we could never have done it on our own - no matter how well we might have prepared and planned. Karin’s itinerary included sites and places we had always hoped to experience, plus sites and places a first-time visitor would never have realized existed - but for her vast knowledge of Cuba’s hidden secrets and treasures. She selected clean, comfortable, pleasant Casa Particulares - all within easy walking distance from the heart of each city we visited, and all with hosts who welcomed us as friends. Her advice about sightseeing on our own when time allowed, and her tips for travelers in a Socialist country could not have been more relevant or helpful. Nothing was left to chance or prepared haphazardly - from the selection of excellent English-speaking local City guides, to museums’ hours of operation, to suggestions for free time activities and bus schedules for our (more-or-less) independent excursion to Vinales. I can’t thank you enough, Karin.

Once in Cuba, Mario saw to it that we experienced a carefree, safe, and informed holiday. When he picked us up at Havana airport arrivals , he assured us that he would be “ on call” for us whenever and however we needed him. And he was! Every day, in every way, for over 2 weeks of travel. He went far beyond driver/guide. He entertained and informed us. He watched over us like our own sons would. He has a sense of self and sense of humor much like my husband’s and they got along like brothers from different mothers! Along our route, he went out of his way to point out some of his personal favorite spots, ocean views and impressive lookouts. Or to buy us exotic fruit and sweet local treats he thought we’d enjoy. He amazed us with his historical and cultural knowledge and willingness to share it all with us. We (especially my husband) bombarded him with questions and comments that should have taxed his patience. But all we ever noticed was his accommodating nature. He never complained if we requested a slight revision in schedule or an unexpected stop along our road trip. He truly was “ there” for us!

There’s so much more I could say about this amazing adventure and the two people who made it possible. I’ll just conclude by commenting that of all the places, worldwide, we have been fortunate enough to explore throughout the years, this Cuban experience has been our favorite and most memorable. If you are considering a trip to Cuba, you won’t be disappointed if you book it with Espiritu.

I had a great experience in Cuba with Espiritu Travel. My guide was exceptional with her knowledge of Cuban history and culture. We developed a friendship which I hope will continue long after the memories have faded. The accommodation were clean and comfortable and the hosts pleasant and very flexible with breakfast hours, etc. The local guides knew their subject and were interesting and entertaining. Karin who helped organize my trip in the US was very patient and helpful. All in all, I would recommend this company to anyone who wants to experience Cuba.

From the first time we called Karin to the very last minute in Havana, Espiritu travel went above and beyond to make us comfortable and happy. Our tour guide Tai was amazing. She took care of our every need, answered every question, she was patient, funny and warm. We also loved our driver Francisco. Thanks to Espiritu travel, we loved our trip, and can't wait to go back. Thank you Karin.

I HIGHLY recommend traveling with Espiritu Travel if you want to have a truly memorable experience in Cuba. I spent many months planning the trip for my organization directly with their CEO, and she was incredibly accommodating to the needs of our group and and our specific interest in Cuban art. She was very well organized and informative, and made all of the arrangements for us with our hotel, restaurant reservations, and excursions.

Our tour guides were equally as fantastic. They were so knowledgable and willing to share with us so much about life in Cuba. We had an unusually large sized group, and they were amazing at keeping all of us engaged and having fun. Request Carlos or Luis as your guides if you can!

You will have a great experience and be well taken care of if you choose to travel with Espiritu Travel.

Our guide in Cuba, Eiser Monica Roque, was totally awesome from the moment we landed til departure. When we asked for recommendations, dinner, explanations, changes to the itinerary, there was never any challenges. I was a little taken back by the accommodations, the houses listed were not the houses we stayed in, however, the owners and staff was were very gracious, and Eiser made sure that all our needs were satisfied. Everyone should see Cuba, and let Eiser be your guide!

We had an absolutely fantastic, phenomenal experience in Cuba through Espiritu. It really could not have gone more perfectly. Karin, the owner based in the US, has a great understanding of Cuba and begins the process with a suggested itinerary and then worked with us on any customization we wanted. She was extremely responsive all throughout the planning process.

My wife and I normally do all our planning on our own, but given the nature of the US relationship with Cuba, we thought it better to have more guidance on this adventure. It proved to be a great decision. Our family of five had a private tour guide from Espiritu named Oscar who was great fun to be with, and showed us both the "real" Cuba and the more tourism-centric Cuba. We learned so much from him about the culture, the history, and the people of Cuba. He has a great sense of humor and really connected with our kids (ages 23, 21, and 16) in addition to my wife and me.

When we traveled to places outside of Havana, Oscar came with us but passed us onto local tour guides for specific activities or tours where the local guides had more knowledge or experience. Oscar, and Espiritu's hired driver (Carlos) were on time every time and completely flexible regarding however much time we wanted to spend in any location.

What was also really nice is that we had time on our own. On some days, the guided portion of our visit would end at noon, or mid-afternoon, or late afternoon, and we then had the remainder of the day to wander on our own as a family, have dinner, and listen to music somewhere in the evening.

The trip exceeded all our expectations. The excursions gave us great insight into life in Cuba.
Our tour guide, Santi, was personable, extremely well prepared, knowledgeable, and made the entire trip very pleasurable.

I highly recommend the Havana trip exactly the way it was planned for my family.

Great trip. Very educational. Our guide Adriana and driver Jordy were excellent. I would highly recommend Espiritu

It was an amazing experience. Well organized and planned. Our guide Santy was outstanding- he elevated the whole experience on another level.