What an incredible whirlwind of an experience in Havana, Cuba! Wonderful people, beautiful architecture, rich culture, complex history, and fantastic food – for consumption......and thought. Almaz Journeys used their connections to set up fascinating exchanges based on our interests, and really took care of every last detail, so we could relax and enjoy our trip to the fullest.

My people-to-people exchange in Cuba with Almaz Journeys exceeded my wildest expectations. We started in Havana, ventured west to Viñales, and then ventured east to Trinidad, Baracoa, & Santiago de Cuba. The country is breathtaking, and its souls are welcoming and real. Never once did I experience anything contrived. Perhaps the highlight was Santiago's carnival, an extra-lenten tradition that dates back to the 1600s. Almaz Journeys made all of this possible by bringing you up close and then seamlessly disappearing so that you can thrive and learn on your own.

Amazing trip with Almaz Journeys! The experience was totally different than expected....Cuba is hardly "stuck in the 50's" – the Cuba we experienced feels optimistic and alive with energy and hope. Almaz Journeys designed a people-to-people exchange that included a fairly diverse cross-section of what is available to do in Cuba- we cruised the streets in vintage convertibles, dined at delicious restaurants, met with local artists, hiked through the forest and swam under waterfalls. We wanted a people-to-people exchange that combined culture, art, music, some politics and a bit of bit of hiking – Almaz Journeys didn’t disappoint!

Almaz Journeys opened my eyes to Peru in ways I never realized were possible. We experienced some of the best of Lima's food and culture scene and then spent time in both the well-visited and off-the-beaten path parts of the Sacred Valley. Mostly the trip was memorable because of the dedication Joe and team showed to making my trip special and enjoyable. I can't wait to experience a Cuba trip with them!