Is this Legal for American citizens?

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Yes! Since we avoid financial transactions with Cuban state and military entities and carry out a full schedule of aid and contact with Cuban civil society, we fit under the general license category of "Support for the Cuban People."

How does the currency work?

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Currently (2025), and this is subject to change, the official exchange rate is 24 Cuban Pesos to 1 USD. However, the informal exchange rate hovers about 300 Cuban Pesos to 1 USD. It's complicated, and the history of currency in the recent past in Cuba is a fascinated topic. We'll discuss this amply during orientation. Check cards and credit cards that draw on United States banks are not accepted in Cuba and cannot be used to withdraw cash. Spending money should be brought in cash. I will consult with you on how much you should bring.

What sort of lodging will I have?

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Travelers will stay in what are known as "casa particulars," or private homes. In Havana, we will stay in a large independent apartment in the neighborhood known as Habana Vieja (Old Havana). Each couple or individual will have their own air conditioned room and bathroom. Keep in mind, Cuban electrical  infrastructure has been precarious over the last few years (for reasons will dig into later) and in Havana you might experience the occasional blackout. These are rare in Havana, but more common in rural areas and provincial cities.

How will I be able to communicate while in Cuba?

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Our lodging will have wifi access. In some locations, you will only need the network name and password to sign on. In other cases you will sign on using a scratch card that provides either one or five hours of internet access. These cost about one USD per hour of access. 

Most major U.S cell carriers work in Cuba, but these are best used sparingly, since the cost is not included in most international plans.