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Casas particulares – homestays

Casas Particulares

A unique way to get to know the real Cuba: stay in one of these atmospheric and often historic family homes, offering a similar type of accommodation to a Bed & Breakfast.

The homestay concept in Cuba is not dissimilar to that of the bed and breakfast in the UK, except that generally all meals can be taken in the house. The hearty home-made food on offer can often represent the most attractive dining option in town.

But what really differentiates Cuban homestays is, of course, their unique character and the insight they offer into ordinary life in Cuba. Run by a family or couple, casas particulares are restricted to a small number of guest rooms, making the experience very much one of being a guest in a private home. The level of interaction can depend on the owners and of course the guests, but it is sure to offer a more intimate portrait of Cuba than a stay in an ordinary hotel.

The houses themselves can often be extremely charming, occupying historic buildings or bedecked with antique furniture (this being Cuba, it is kept for practical use rather than ornamentation!). Rooms are rudimentary but homely and comfortable with en suite facilities.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • "Vivian and Pablo made us feel welcome, and looked after us well. Yonelkis served us dinner and breakfast, and was a lovely and very friendly man. The location was superb."

    CB, Swindon Jun 2015
  • "Very comfortable and clean and located right in the heart of old Trinidad. It felt more like a small hotel than a home stay as the whole building was converted…

    SKF, Edinburgh Jul 2015
  • Basita was an incredibly kind lady, who offered us her home and service from the start to end of our stay. The first night's dinner was included at a nearby…

    CW, Bishop's stortford Dec 2016
  • "Lovely extended family with lots of local contacts for guides, taxis etc."

    LD, Beaconsfield Feb 2014
  • Vinales Homesay - Basita's Houses: Basita and her husband Jose were more than welcoming and couldn't do enough to make us feel at home.  Delicious food cooked by Basita and…

    PG, London Dec 2016
  • A charming casa in a beautiful location. Our hosts could not have been more helpful and accommodating. The food was plentiful and delicious .

    HH, London Nov 2015
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Our Expert's Opinion

Jamie
Jamie Swan - Product & Marketing

Jamie backpacked across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil before joining us; he has a degree in politics and is also a keen sportsman..

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Bartolome, Galápagos

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    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

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    Charlotte Daubeney - Travel Expert

    Charlotte's fascination with Latin America began with a family holiday to Belize. She went on to study Spanish in school and at university before spending a year living in Santiago, Chile.

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    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

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