“I met the sweetest girl during my time in Cuba, and told her that I loved her dress. The next day she gifted it to me and insisted that I accepted it!
The Cuban people do not have much. In fact, there is a huge food and supply shortage here, electricity cuts out throughout the day, the currency fluctuates often and there is now three different types in circulation. It often takes over a year for packages to arrive. So this single kind gesture meant so much more!
The Cuban people may not have much, but they are the kindest, happiest, and most generous people that I have ever met! Things will only change through education and raising awareness about the situation here. Miles traveled and countless conversations will change your perception of a country. Slow down, listen to the stories of the local people. I promise, these experiences will change you. Maybe then, we can all change the world.”
Gretchen’s story:
At the age of 8, Gretchen had the opportunity to visit the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of Cuba. She had no idea what people were doing there but was instantly drawn to a very colorful mural that was in the lobby of that place.
It was a painting that recreated encounters between various cultures. In the background are emblematic places of each country and its people. What stuck out the most were men and women who were dressed in suits and beautiful dresses, carrying briefcases and going about their busy work days.
That painting inspired her, for whatever reason, she wanted to be one of those people. She wanted to learn a new language to communicate with the world, she wanted to become successful like those women in the painting and share her smile and warmth with the rest of the world.
At the age of 18, when she finished her pre-university studies, she enrolled at the La Salle school in Mexico. There, she learned the English language and took sociology classes. It allowed her to not only understand basic human interactions, but also helped her to get to know herself, become a better human being, learn to control her emotions, and to learn to find solutions for all difficult situations through excellent communication skills. At the age of 20, while waiting to hear the results of a job interview, she remembered that painting that inspired her when she was 8 years old. She had no doubt then, that it would be her first step in the business world. It was at that moment that she realized that she had to learn and be disciplined to find her path to success.
Now she is a proud 30 year old Cuban native, living in Havana, with a degree in English, and diploma in Marketing, Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment. Through hard work, passion, and discipline, she was able to climb the ladder to achieve her goals and start her own business and develop her personal brand and travel company.
Travel by Gretchenca is a private group that aims to provide professional and personalized VIP service to travelers, allowing customers to feel safe and confident.
“We work with passion and dedication. Cuba is a country with a lot of natural beauty. Our culture has its roots from our African and Spanish ancestors and its history holds incredible emotions that you can live by visiting this beautiful island and its exceptional places.
Famous for its Mojitos, the cradle of the Daiquirí, Cuban coffee, salsa classes, Creole food, music, fun, Jazz nights in beautiful restaurants with terrace, incredible views, all this and more! We show ourselves to the world with the Cubania that characterizes us. We will show you a society made of us, you will be able to know what our life and our customs are like if you decide to travel with us. In the midst of the crisis that our country is going through, we show you an island full of charms and above all a source of energy that will make you feel alive.
“Welcome to Cuba!”
Her Itinerary:
Gretchen has several years of experience as a guide and is partnering with 2 drivers with over 20 years of experience. She will take care of organizing your trip to Cuba directly.
Your trip is scheduled privately according to your preferences!
They will handle booking:
Circuits throughout multiple cities in Cuba and the best local food recommendations
Your rental house with excellent prices per night in beautiful apartments from Havana to Trinidad.
Create a personalized itinerary to the destinations that you want to enjoy.
Cities Of Focus :
Let us know which you would like to
include in your itinerary.
Havana: Welcome visit to Havana on the day of arrival. Old car tour through the main avenues of the city. City trip visiting the most famous destinations to learn about the history of Havana in the 50s. You will have the opportunity to enjoy stops in time to take pictures.
Tour Option in Havana - (Let us know your interests and we will structure a tour around what you want to see/do)
Havana’s heartbeat: A tour of the historical center of the city.
Classic Car Mechanic: Learn about the mechanics to keep Cuba’s classic cars running.
Food Tour: A walking tour through the busy streets of Havana to try all local favorites.
Art Tour: Visit 2 studios and Bella’s Artes to see the artwork that captures the heart and soul of the Cuban people.
Afro Cuban Religion Tour: Learn about African cults and religions that enrich all aspects of Cuba’s social, cultural, and everyday life.
Cannon Fire Ceremony At El Morro: Held each night before 9 pm at the La Cabana Fortress. It is a tradition for locals to visit from all parts of Cuba.
Fusterlandia: Visit the western suburbs of Havana that is inspired by the Catalan Architect, Antonio Gaudi.
A day at the beach: Travel to the beach on the western side of Havana.
Tropocana a Paradise Under the Stars: Watch a Vegas-style Caberet show inspired by popular Cuban dances.
Includes as a courtesy:
Refreshing drink in the forest of Havana
Specialized customer service in any local experience you have an interest in, let us know!
Visit the famous Hotel Nacional de Cuba, where you can enjoy a coffee in the hotel garden with a beautiful view of the Habanero Malecón.
Viñales: The land of tobacco, coffee and the special local rum, Guayabita del Pinar.
Varadero: If you are a lover of the sea, this is your opportunity to spend time in one of the most visited places in Cuba, known for its beautiful beaches and considered among the most beautiful in the world.
El Nicho: An enclave of the Topes de Collantes Natural Park. It’s name comes from a beautiful waterfall of crystal clear waters on the Hanabanilla River, in Cuba. You can take a refreshing swim in the many natural pools that you will find, such as the poceta de los enamorados. In addition, there are numerous caves that are waiting for you to discover them.
Trinidad: For those who love architecture, this is the right place and the right time they will love to stay. Trinidad is a city in central Cuba, known for its ancient colonial city and cobblestone streets. The main neo-baroque square, Plaza Mayor, is surrounded by large colonial buildings. The Romantic Museum, in the restored mansion of the Brunet Palace, and the Museum of Colonial Architecture exhibit relics from the era of sugar production in the city. The Church of the Blessed Sacrament is a 19th-century cathedral with a vaulted sky and carved altars.
What is guaranteed:
Comfort on your trips
Airport pick-up service that includes welcome, gift courtesy of Travel by Gretchenca’s team.
Transfer to the destination (hotel/rental house) with luggage loading service.
