• Partnerships For The Goals

Learn Spanish & Local Adventure

location
1 - 1 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Continue learning Spanish from a beautiful countryside location, Viñales - tobacco plantations and unique limestone mountains and caves make this a UNESCO World Heritage destination
  • Daily adventure activities to explore and enjoy including; horseride and hiking exploration of valley including tobacco plantations to learn about curing and cigar making processes
  • 7 nights accommodation, breakfast & lunch (mainly organic produce) in a Casa Particulare plus transportation from/to Old Habana as required

Highlights

  • Continue learning Spanish from a beautiful countryside location, Viñales - tobacco plantations and unique limestone mountains and caves make this a UNESCO World Heritage destination
  • Daily adventure activities to explore and enjoy including; horseride and hiking exploration of valley including tobacco plantations to learn about curing and cigar making processes
  • 7 nights accommodation, breakfast & lunch (mainly organic produce) in a Casa Particulare plus transportation from/to Old Habana as required
  • Program support 24/7 to answer questions and help maximise your time during your stay
  • Great value package starting 3rd Sunday each month BUT can be combined with Habana based programs to make into a 3+ week all Cuban adventure!

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    One week learning Spanish and exploring Viñales Valley – bursting with tobacco plantations, traditional farming, unique limestone mountains. Horse, bike, hike adventure!

    Go back in time and taste the flavor of the traditional Cuban lifestyle in the beautiful town of Viñales. This rural town still uses horse power to cultivate their plantations, such as the world famous Cuban tobacco fields used to hand roll cigars. The perfect contrast to Havana, you'll enjoy the ...

    About the program

    Go back in time and taste the flavor of the traditional Cuban lifestyle in the beautiful town of Viñales. This rural town still uses horse power to cultivate their plantations, such as the world famous Cuban tobacco fields used to hand roll cigars. The perfect contrast to Havana, you'll enjoy the fresh air and natural world in Viñales, visiting the stunning UNESCO heritage status limestone mountains and tobacco drying houses.

    This is a one week program starting 3rd Sunday of every month. After your Spanish lessons, we partake in several activities, such as hiking, horse-riding and cycling through some of the most wonderful landscapes in Cuba.

    Can be taken as a stand-alone program or as an extension to other of our programs, followed by a third week in Viñales! The program starts and finishes in Viñales, but transportation from Old Havana can be arranged direct to your Casa Particulare in Viñales departing after breakfast Sunday morning and arriving lunchtime. As usual there is a ‘welcome camino’ to familiarize yourself with the neighbourhood and various services. Very quickly you will sense a totally different atmosphere and pace to the chaotic energy of Habana.

    This is farming country and the horse is used to get around town and used to work the rust coloured tobacco fields. The town itself is very pretty nestled in a valley surrounded by distinctive limestone mountains. The main square is lively during the evenings with an outdoor ‘Casa de Musica’ being the central hub for nightlife.

    Typical day

    Accommodation is shared rooms in a family run Casa Particulare. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day and features locally grown produce – usually organic. Monday to Friday Spanish lessons continue in the mornings. After lunch there are daily activities, listed below, to help you enjoy and ...

    Typical day

    Accommodation is shared rooms in a family run Casa Particulare. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day and features locally grown produce – usually organic. Monday to Friday Spanish lessons continue in the mornings. After lunch there are daily activities, listed below, to help you enjoy and explore this beautiful part of the country.

    Spanish Lessons
    Monday to Friday’s intensive Spanish lessons take place shortly after breakfast. Your teacher is licensed and on day one you receive a short test followed by a discussion to establish your level and objectives (OR if doing this as a ‘follow on’ program, teacher in Havana will prepare continuation classes in Viñales). Lessons take the format of 3 x 45 minute lessons each morning, with 15 minute breaks to refresh, making approximately 3 hours of Spanish lessons each day – 15 hours per week. Lessons are held from 09:00 sharp, Monday to Friday at your Casa.


    Horseback Finca & Tobacco Tour
    Each day Monday to Friday an activity has been scheduled to help you enjoy and explore the town and countryside. These include finca & tobacco tour on horseback! The best way to explore the valley and lush plantations is as the local formers do; on horseback. This is a gentle trot through the countryside to take in the scenery and traditional farming techniques. We stop at one of the distinctive tobacco drying houses and learn more about this famous crop – and the processes involved in cultivating tobacco, drying/curing and finally how to roll a cigar. We then continue to the spectacular ‘Mirador’ viewing point before returning home late afternoon (if you prefer, this activity can be taken as a walking tour – without the horse!).

    Valley of Silence
    This time we enjoy exploring the valley on foot. Learning more about the various crops cultivated here including sugar cane – a refreshing cane juice helps energise us along the way. As we walk your local guide will help you understand how people live here, some of the challenges and the importance of agriculture and tourism to create a balanced and sustainable economy.

    Sunrise & Prehistory Mural
    This morning we have a particularly early start as we aim to catch a spectacular sunrise with a local community, Los Acuáticos. We enjoy stories about the history – and mythology – of this community. After a coffee or fruit juice we continue to the famous ‘prehistory mural’ – actually an art piece created in the 60’s and often hyped but nonetheless a popular attraction and the location itself is very special.

    Back to our Casa ready for breakfast… and Spanish classes. As the afternoon is free any sleepy heads can enjoy a well-earned siesta!

    Bicy tour to Indian Cave
    This time we hop on bicycles and head out of town and explore one of the many limestone caves that make Viñales so distinctive. Some of these caves were used as shelters for indigenous peoples and used as hideouts for runaway slaves. There is also a cave that doubles as a nightclub!

    Today we take a boat trip to admire one of the most extensive cave formations with distinctive mineral and limestone formations.

    Viñales village & Botantical Gardens
    Our final activity during this busy week is to learn more about the evolution of the town, different construction techniques and pointers to her future. We also learn more about the indigenous flora at the beautifully manicured botantical gardens.

    Free-time activities

    Each day we have arranged an activity to help you explore and enjoy Viñales BUT there will still be free time to head off and enjoy hiking, running, horseriding, cycling, swimming, dancing in this super friendly town and surrounding countryside. Your Program Manager will be available 24/7 to help ...

    Free-time activities

    Each day we have arranged an activity to help you explore and enjoy Viñales BUT there will still be free time to head off and enjoy hiking, running, horseriding, cycling, swimming, dancing in this super friendly town and surrounding countryside. Your Program Manager will be available 24/7 to help you with ideas and support to make your time here very special.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Open mind and spirit of adventure!

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 16:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Corazon Cuba

    Program includes 7 nights accommodation, breakfast & lunch, 'welcome camino' on arrival, Spanish lessons each morning and afternoon activities described every day Monday to Friday to help you maximise your time. Start date 3rd Sunday of each month BUT welcome to arrive early and pay for extra night bed & breakfast as required. 

    Can be taken as a standalone program or 'follow on'/extension week to Habana programs. Transport can be arranged from Old Habana direct to your homestay in Viñales.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation for solo traveller is single sex shared rooms in a family run Casa Particulare (max 3 pax per room). Friends or couples booking together are automatically 'upgraded' to a private room with en suite/private bathroom. Family rooms can also be provided as required. Breakfast and lunch are provided each day and features locally grown produce – usually organic. Monday to Friday Spanish lessons continue in the usual format 3 x 45 minute lessons from 09:00-11:45. After lunch there are daily activities, as described, to help you enjoy and explore this beautiful part of the country.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast & lunch provided.


    We cater for food preferences.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Jose Marti International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) in Havana. We assist you to find cheap flights to Cuba. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Cuba provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Cuba you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Cuba. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Program start is 3rd Sunday of EVERY month and includes 7 nights. This program can be taken as a stand-alone program OR a ‘follow on program’/'extension week'.

    For example, why not start your Cuban adventure in Habana on the 1st Sunday of each month where we have two 2 week program options available [Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture OR Learn Spanish & Volunteer], then continue to Viñales for a third week doing this program? What better way to get an all round view of Cuba than a three week program starting with two weeks in Habana followed by a week in Viñales!

    Price includes ‘welcome camino’, 7 nights accommodation, breakfast & lunch plus 15 intensive Spanish lessons and activities described above.

    Cost of extra night – accommodation & breakfast USD 35

    Transfer to Viñales from Old Havana – each way USD 35

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week 474€
    Average fees 474€/week

    Program fees

    474€ per week 1 - 1 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    1 - 1 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Corazon Cuba during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Corazon Cuba

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (26 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2014

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Tim

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    A unique blend of learning Spanish, culture & dance, and volunteer projects. Amazing things are happening in Cuba right now - it starts in La Habana.

    Meet your organization

    Join one of our amazing life affirming travel experiences in Cuba or Guatemala

    Who we are?

    We are a small organisation who have worked together for 20 years delivering fun and life affirming travel experiences in a variety of countries. Our experienced leadership team, led by Leonel & Leandro in Cuba and Tim in the office, together with our local team love what we do - and our clients do too!

    What we do?

    Adventure travel, cultural immersion, gap year/life affirming travel to exciting Spanish speaking destinations. Outdoor adventure and cultural immersion - including volunteering and the legacy our clients leave - are what motivate us.

    Where we work?

    We currently have operations in Cuba (Habana, Viñales & Trinidad since 2014 ) and Guatemala (Antigua & Monterrico since 2017 - see Monterrico Adventure). Habana is one of the safest cities on the planet and Cubans super friendly and well educated.

    Our mission/vision

    Our job is to invigorate, excite and connect our clients to the amazing world we live in - and help set your inner compass for life!

    Our goals

    In Cuba our goal is to to help you connect with Cuban people, understand their culture and history and turbo charge your Spanish language tuition.

    Who are we looking for?

    Our programs are for over 18's but families or supervised younger persons - including groups - are most welcome (no upper age limit!). There are no fitness or other entry requirements. Our only criteria is an open mind and spirit of adventure! Our clients are a diverse mix of ages and nationalities which is great.

    Our programs comply with travel restrictions for US citizens - see SUPPORT THE CUBAN PEOPLE (contact us for more information about the rules).

    Why choose us?

    We offer amazing value and 24/7 program support to help maximise your time in Cuba. We love what we do - and our clients do too!

    26 reviews · rating4.7

    Nimah Ahmed rating4.6

    2023 at Learn Spanish & Local Adventure

    I just got back home from Cuba and was really sad to leave. I had such a good time and met some really great people. Tim, the program coordinator and Leo, the owner/manager of the hostel and program in Havana were both extremely helpful and organized. They will help you with anything you need. I ...
    Lenka Kubesova rating5

    2024 at Learn Spanish & Support the Locals

    Just came back home from my two weeks Cuban experience / volunteering and learning Spanish and I’m still buzzing while feeling sad that it’s over. I thought two weeks is gonna be enough but unfortunately time went a way too fast so I’d definitely recommend coming for longer period of ...
    elizabeth smith rating5

    2023 at Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture

    i met a lot of fascinating fellow volunteers and really enjoyed the classes, food and activities.It was very easy to get around havana even without use of a cell phone. a weekend trip to vinales was ...
    When I decided that I would like to travel to Cuba, I did not know where to start or what the best way to go about it was. Corazon Cuba presented the opportunity to live amongst a mix of people from all over the world, yet also spend lots of time with the most friendly Cubans who work in the casa ...
    Patricia rating5

    2023 at Learn Spanish, Dance & Culture

    It was my first trip outside of Europe and by myself. I'm currently 28 years old and I never took a time off to travel and discover the world. This year I decided to travel to Cuba. My cousin went to Cuba three years ago and told me about the wonderful experience she had. I searched the internet for ...
    Corozon is perfect for the solo traveller with ages ranging from 20 to 70! Spanish lessons in small classes with amazing teachers. Beautiful terrace classroom, right in the hostel. Delicious meals that are vegetarian friendly. Dance classes are close by with fabulous Cuban teachers! Group evenings ...

    Location

    Americas > Caribbean > Cuba > Viñales

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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Voluntourism  >  Volunteer and Travel in Cuba
    Contact Tim
      Good response rate
    English

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