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NATIONAL SYMBOLS

Anthem

Its words and music were written by the patriot Pedro (Perucho) Figueredo. It was sung as an inspirational song and war cry for the first time on October 20, 1868 in the township of Bayamo, in eastern Cuba, and was later adopted as Cuba's national anthem.

“Al combate corred, bayameses
Que la Patria os contempla orgullosa
No temáis una muerte gloriosa
Que morir por la Patria, es vivir.

En cadenas vivir es vivir
En afrenta y oprobio sumidos,
Del clarín escuchad el sonido
A las armas, valientes, corred”.

English Translation:

To combat, people of Bayamo
For the homeland looks proudly at you.
Do not fear a glorious death,
Because to die for the country is to live.

To live in chains is to live
In dishonor and ignominy,
Hear the clarion's call;
Hasten, brave ones, to battle!

Flag

The Cuban flag was created by Miguel Teurbe Tolón in 1849. His design incorporates three blue stripes representing the three old divisions of the island (western, central and eastern), two white stripes represent the strength of the independent ideal, and the red triangle symbolizes equality, fraternity and freedom, as well as the blood shed in the island's struggle for independence. Finally, the white star is meant to symbolize freedom and independence.

The flag was briefly hoisted in 1850 at Cardenas but was not officially adopted until May 20, 1902.

Coat of Arms

The National coat of arms represents the island of Cuba. It is shaped like a pointed leather shield, and divided into three sections. In the chief, a key charging a blue sea between two rocks, symbolizing Cuba’s geographical position as the key to the Gulf of Mexico, with a bright rising sun in the background, which represents the rising new republic. The lower left section shows three blue stripes representing the division of the island during the colonial days. In the right section, a Cuban country scene is dominated by a royal palm tree - the symbol of the unbreakable character of the Cuban people.

A Phrygian cap or liberty cap is located at the top, as a crown symbolizing liberty, with a sole star on it standing for independence.

The shield is supported by an oak branch on one side and a laurel wreath on the other. The oak branch symbolizes the strength of the nation; and the laurel wreath: honor and glory.

Bird

The Tocororo or the Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus). This bird is endemic to the island. Its plumage is the same colors as the Cuban flag (red, blue and white).

Tree

The Royal Palm (Roystonea regia). It is a familiar element of the Cuban landscape and symbolizes the unbreakable character of the Cuban people.

Flower

The White Mariposa or White Butterfly Jasmine (Hedychium Coronarium). Cuban women during the wars for independence against Spain used this flower to pass messages to the battelefields. It represents purity, rebelliousness and independence. It flourishes in humidity. It can be found in the wild along river banks and lagoons but is also a favorite garden flower due to its exquisite scent.

US Cuba Legal Travel

In terms of visiting Cuba, legal travel from the USA has been all but impossible for over half a century. Right now, however, a rare alteration in travel regulations made by former US President Barack Obama offers US citizens the opportunity to go to Cuba under the General License for Educational Activities, Support for the Cuban People, Professional Research, among others.

After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR Part 515) on June 9, 2022, all 12 categories of legal Cuba travel remain unaffected; except for the Individual People-to-people General License for Cuba travel which has been ended (the Group People-to-people General License) has been re-authorized though.

The future of travel from the US to Cuba is uncertain, and right now, US travelers still have the chance to go to Cuba legally for Professional Research, Support for the Cuban People, Professional Meetings, Religious Activities, and other venues.

Learn More

Cuba Themed Tours

If you’ve got an idea of which style of trip will suit you best, take a look at our different trip themes below, as there’s something to suit everyone. Not only are there themed tours to fit any budget and interest, each Authentic Cuba Travel® experience immerses you in the authentic Cuba so hard to explore while just staying in full packed beach resorts.

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Festival Tours

Our festival tours give travelers VIP access to all venues and happenings of Cuba’s famous international events such as the Havana Jazz Festival, Book Fair, Ballet Festival and others.

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Study Tours

Through peer to peer interaction, our Cuba Study Tours® transcend ordinary tourism by immersing American students in the local culture, history, politics, music and contemporary arts.

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Cultural Tours

Cuba Pathfinder® is your gateway to discover the unique Cuban cultural heritage, a set of traditions & memories not showcased in museums but much alive & thriving.

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Architecture Tours

An architectural passage through Cuba’s best preserved colonial cities and unique architectural heritage, our architecture tours visit all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba.

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Photography Tours

Capturing stirring pictures of authentic Cuban destinations it is not the only mission of our photography tours. Capture the essence of the Cuban culture and the kindness of its people.

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Educational Tours

Our educational tours represents a great opportunity for K-12 teachers, university & college professors to explore Cuba’s education system while exploring colonial cities, towns and villages.

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Nature Tours

An odyssey into Cuba's tropical paradise, our nature & bird watching tours gain access to the most pristine natural sites, from UNESCO Biosphere Reserves to National Parks.

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Jewish Tours

A journey into the Jewish history in Cuba, our tours will strengthen the ties between Cuban Jewish communities and North American Jews. All while visiting 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

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Sports Tours

What sets our sports tours apart are the private exchanges with players, coaches & staff as well as sports journalists & personalities. Then you have best seats at the games!

CUBA TOUR FINDER

Select your authentic Cuba trip from over 70 Cuba tours in seconds. Sort by departure date, price, destination and even Cuba travel theme.

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Memberships & Affiliations

Logo IATA, International Air Transport Association
Logo TICO, Travel Industry Council of Ontario
Logo ACTA, Association of Canadian Travel Agents
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Bella Travel Group Ltd. (Federal Corporation number: 765324-7) owns and operates the following registered trademarks: Authentic Cuba Travel® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA975677 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA997988 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5498353 | Cuba Study Tours, Make Cuba Your Classroom® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5833051.

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Discounts

Authentic Cuba Travel® offers travelers a $100 referral discount per person in all our Cuba tours to make it more affordable for friends and families travelling together.

Couples traveling together automatically get a $200 discount ($100 per person).

You will also receive a $100 discount per each person that joins you on the trip. Invite 1 friend to join you and pay $100 less. Invite 2 friends and pay $200 less. Invite 3, and pay $300 less, and so on.

The people that travel with you will be grateful as they will also get an additional $100 per person discount.

For example, if you invite 8 people to join in, you will receive an $800 discount. Your friends also receive a $100 discount per person, for a total group discount of $1,600.

If you happen to recruit 2 more travelers, for a total of 10 people besides you, you will receive a complimentary ground package! Yes, if you are able to recruit 10 travelers, you will pay nothing, cero, nada for your ground package!