Espíritu Travel Reviews 

We have traveled quite a bit around the USA, Canada, South Africa, Europe and the Virgin Islands. With exception of South Africa, we have not used guides/drivers and prefer to do it ourselves. However, there is NO WAY we could have done such a rewarding deep dive into Cuba in eight days without the exceptional guide and driver we got through Espiritu. Our trip was amazing in every way -- culturally, historically, politically -- and with a laser focus on the local and the authentic such that we would never have been able to replicate it on our own. Our guides added tremendous value through their inside knowledge, candid responses to our questions about life in a communist country, and winning personalities. Adriana was the best!!! She is smart, bilingual, personable, candid, and as conversational as we wanted to be (and perceptive enough to respect silence). She is a 100% get it done young woman that all four in our group truly liked as a person and respected as a professional. And our driver Os Mani (sp?) was great!!! He was easy to be with and drove us expertly to our major destinations, which involved some rough roads. I was skeptical but quickly became a complete convert to the benefit of traveling this way!
Money is hard to come by and credit cards are not recognized or accepted - anywhere. Be forewarned: When you get the opportunity to exchange in Cuba, get plenty, store it in a money belt under your shirt and take out what you need for each day. Lines are LONG, banks close unexpectedly, and some of our $20 bills were rejected due to being worn or having an ink smudge or tiny tear.
Our trip to Cuba allowed us to get to know and support locals. Since the death of Fidel Castro in 2016, more little private businesses, such as restaurants and bed/breakfasts are popping up. With Espiritu, our holiday featured staying in the homes of Cuban people where they received payment instead of government owned/operated hotels. Our accommodations were comfortable, clean, air conditioned, and had a mini-bar in our room. The families prepared us breakfast. We also went to small private restaurants, often on ground floor of people's homes, instead of government owned/operated bars and restaurants. In Cuba, the government owns and runs everything! But there is now a budding of private enterprises by private citizens, which we supported. I highly recommend Espiritu Travel!!!

My husband and I had an outstanding vacation in Cuba. Karin, CEO at Espiritu Travel, helped me to plan a custom 12-day trip that included all of the things we wanted to do. She selected casa particulares that were top notch. We were fortunate to have Eiser as our guide/driver. Our vehicle was a very comfortable 2016 Ssangyong Korando SUV. In summary I highly recommend Espiritu.

We had wonderful trip in Cuba. Enjoyed to be with Cuban people and learned a lot of cultural and history of Cuba. The most unforgettable things were Cuban music and old cars and building structures in Cuba.

All Casas we lived were all beautiful, well arranged, clean, comfortable and with very good and large breakfasts. The hosts are very friendly and willing to provide any help they can, making our trip in Cuba smoothly.

Just remind people to Cuba to take with you mosquito and bug repellent.

Espiritu Travel provided us with the perfect journey to Cuba! Not only was Karin responsive, informative, and helpful with our many questions before we left, but everything she planned and promised us was achieved while we were away. Our guides were all wonderful - informed, friendly Cubans who were eager to make us feel the spirit of their country. They could not do enough for us, and we feel as if they are now our friends. We cannot say enough positive things about Espiritu! This was a wonderful experience!

The trip was great. Our guides were knowledgeable, engaged, thoughtful. Over the course of just a few days we forged a strong connection to Cuba and the people of Havana. Definitely recommend to others looking for a "behind the scenes" experience and access to out of the way life in Havana.

We had a custom itinerary that was perfect for our group of 6. Oscar, our lead guide grew to know exactly what we enjoyed and made certain we were always well taken care of. Javier provided a wonderful night life experience. We had the best time and would highly recommend this trip and the hosts to all! Thank you Espiritu!

I loved the trip Espiritu planned for us. Everything was perfect and the pre-trip suggestions on what to bring, changing money, etc. were all SUPER HELPFUL!! We'll use Espiritu again for sure!!

From the moment we exited customs and saw the smiling face of our guide Adriana holding the Espiritu travel sign our trip was a success. I can’t imagine entering the throng of people trying to get you into a taxi or change money without Adriana at our side holding our hand all the way.

The Casa of Marie was the next welcoming mat. Marie’s house was so clean & friendly and a refuge after a day of flying. The a/c was a welcome luxury.

As we hit the street for a self-guided dinner we discovered to be careful of people trying to get you into “their” restaurant and buy them a drink.

The breakfasts provided by Maria & staff were an amazing way to start our day.

As a gay couple we felt safe in the streets although we did not hold hands. We discovered drag at Las Vegas Club and jazz plus many other clubs.

We visited the Belview Art Café where Adriana also works. This café is close to John Lennon Park and is a must see.

We stayed only in Havana and it was easy to fill each day with sites. We went to Fusterlandia two times and bought some art work there. Pictures cannot do this place justice.

Talking to Adriana, other guides & taxi drivers about the history & evolution of Cuba was a major highlight of our adventure.

For us the total disconnect from email, cell & TV made this trip a total success.

Thank-you Karin & Espiritu Travel for providing such a wonderful experience.

Karin was extremely responsive and patient as we planned the trip. Our in-country guide, Thais, was extremely professional and knowledgeable. Right away she made us feel welcomed and went out of her way to ensure we enjoyed our experience. Our drivers (Pedro and Ivan) arrived on time and their cars were well-maintained and comfortable. I highly recommend Espíritu Travel!

Since I had never been to Cuba before I did a lot of research. What ultimately made me choose Espiritu was Karin herself. No matter how many times I contacted her she was a true professional. She answered every question and every concern (I had). If I emailed her she responded quickly. By the time I finally booked my trip/tour she made me feel like a friend.

I chose the HELLO CUBA TOUR to celebrate my Birthday.

From the minute Carlos picked me up at the Airport to when we hugged and said goodbye it was an adventure!!!

Carlos is a fantastic guide with a personality to match!!! He knows EVERYONE in Havana and I do mean everyone; that is not an exaggeration.

As I explained to Karin he took care of every detail. I couldn’t have been more impressed with my Vacation.

I am already planning my next visit.

Karin and Carlos,

Thank you again.

~ Holly

After longing to go to Cuba for many years I am SO thrilled that I chose Espiritu(Karin you are awesome!). Thank you Karin for all your valuable knowledge and assistance preparing for "Havana Imagined 2018." Thank you to Jim O'Donnell and Carlos for making it the trip of a lifetime. I know people say that about travel sometimes. This trip really was. My host at Casa Ydalmis, Julio, is a gem and my accommodations were lovely.
The entire week I was in Cuba there was not one shortfall with any of the activities, our group of photographers became like family, Carlos showed us things that I never would have had the opportunity to experience were it not for all the careful planning and attentiveness to detail provide by all involved both in the US and in Cuba. Jim O' Donnell made sure we all had plenty of time to capture the images we wanted, gave useful advice and feedback and thus we could share our work each day. I will be returning next year. It is impossible for me to even write an appropriate and thorough review and I know I am gushing. One word, "GO!"

We did a three-day Havana tour with Espiritu and they were excellent. They told us there would be no more than 6 people on the trip but it turned out to be just us, which was amazing - our own guide for three days. And they take such good care of you, driving you all day, explaining so much to you. We loved staying at the casa particular and getting to experience just a bit more of the real Cuba. I have already recommended Espiritu to friends interested in seeing Cuba and would absolutely book with them again.

Everything they promised they delivered at a top-notch level. Prep was most helpful in getting us ready.

This was definitely an adventure, but we would do it again!

Everything went seamlessly on our trip to Cuba through Espirtu!

The accommodations exceeded our expectations and we could not ask for a better host in Julio. Our guide, Gillian, was also fantastic. She was friendly and knowledgeable and gave us a true taste of Havana.

I would recommend booking through Espirtu to Cuba to anyone!

We had a fabulous trip to Cuba thanks to Espiritu Travel. Our guide, Thais greeted us with a warm hug at the airport and treated us like a family member for the entire trip. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the country's history and the life of the people and was not afraid to also provide an honest opinion. The itinerary was spot on, hitting all the popular tourist destinations as well as showing us other fascinating areas of Cuba. We highly recommend Espiritu Travel!!!

My wife and I spent 5 wonderful days in Cuba with Yilian as our guide and Rafael as our driver. We spent several days in Havana and an overnight trip out to Vinales, a national park.

We would recommend Espiritu to anyone who wants to explore Cuba close-up with a knowledgeable guide and far away from the tour buses. The accommodations were all excellent and we were able to modify the itinerary to suit our needs as we went.

Cuba is changing fast! Go see it now!

My spouse and I travel frequently, and we usually go it alone, meaning we research a place, make all the arrangements, and go for it. For Cuba, we booked with Espiritu Travel, and we could NOT be happier about that decision. From the moment our guide Carlos met us at the airport to the moment he dropped us back off, we had a seamless experience and got to truly experience a Cuba we would have been unable to know without insider help. Carlos was absolutely amazing. His English was great, and helped me practice my Spanish as well. He showed us neighborhoods in Old Havana and introduced us to the way Cubans truly live. Everyone was so kind to us. We came to really love Havana. Carlos also drove us to the beach on our free day, and we got to hang out with all the locals celebrating the last weekend before school starting. Vinales was so beautiful. We are already plotting when we can come back and how much more we want to see of Cuba. Karin was really helpful with all the arrangements. We opted to do a hike instead of horseback riding, and she was very accommodating. We loved our host at the Casa Particular. We had some great "Spanglish" conversations getting to know each other, and breakfast each day was so lovely. I really cannot say enough good things about Cuba, the Cuban people, the arrangements, the itinerary, or our guide. We fell in love and WILL be back (next time with the kids). Thanks Espiritu Travel for an amazing adventure.

Karin was amazing in help us prepare for our 2 day tour of cuba ! We took a cruise into Havanna and Espirtu was there to pick us up. I have to say the tour was made even more special because our guide was so incredible
Thais -She wanted to make sure our tour was exactly what we imagined and she delivered. Thais was a walking encyclopedia no matter where we went or what we saw she knew the history and details which truly made the trip !! Seeing the rations and local market is something we will never forget. We also visited a local bar which was incredible and we got to have a true Cuban experience. The trip was a once in a lifetime experience - which was made possible by Espiritu tours and Thais our wonderful guide and now friend !

Our trip to Cuba was very well organized by Espiritu Travel. There were interesting activities planned for us each day and there was also flexibility to include other things we wanted to do. The casas we stayed in were very nice and the breakfasts they served were spectacular! Our hosts were so friendly and treated us like family. The guides were wonderful; very patient and willing to go above and beyond. They explained all about the culture, economy, and politics of the country.
We would highly recommend Espiritu travel for your trip!