The City and Province of Camagëy are located in the center of Cuba. It is the largest province and the third-largest city in Cuba, with a population of approximately 330,000. The city’s colonial character exudes an old-world charm and has a reputation for its arts culture as well as being an important economic hub for the region. Large tracts of flat land surround the city, and in these fields, cattle are raised or sugar cane is harvested. A horse-drawn railroad from the north coast to Camagüey began operation in 1836 and still maintains local railroad service. Camagüey has been an essential hub to the Cuban Central Railroad since its creation in 1900. Connecting the eastern and western parts of the country, the Railroad still maintains a large yard in Camagüey today.

Rumor has it that the curved and angled streets in the oldest parts of the city were used to confuse and defeat pirates and invaders. A little orientation is needed, but the streets and plazas are magical for walking. If one learns a couple of landmarks of the city’s skyline or the numerous plazas and parks, it is easy to figure out one’s way. There is a pedestrian street called La República that ends at the old train station, which is now a railroad museum. When the opportunity presents itself, you can look in or enter some of the colonial courtyards where rainwater is still collected in “tinajones,’ large earthenware jars. Dance companies, whether classical ballet, modern, or folkloric, are active in the city, and the Ballet of Camaguey is renowned. On Friday evenings, a rhumba circulates through the streets and neighborhoods.

The river (stream) Hatibonico bisects the city, dividing the old town from the sports complex. Camagüey is a big sports town, and located beside the baseball stadium are facilities for track and field and boxing. The Plaza de la Revolución is adjacent and under a large canopy of trees are the zoo and the Casino Campestre. On weekends and evenings, families and couples can be found throughout these parks. Not far away is the bustling produce market where the Camagüeanos buy fresh produce and meat.

Northwest of the city is the town of Jaronu, where the American Sugar Refining Company (of which Domino is one of it’s many subsidiaries) built a state-of-the-art refinery and a town to accompany it in the 1920s. The mill is still operating at a limited capacity, and while many of the original brick buildings have suffered from the ravages of time, a few stand as testaments to the original enterprise. The nearby town of La Gloria was conceived and built by defeated Confederates from the American Civil War who tried to bring their slaves and way of life to restart their lives in Cuba. It was a dream never fully realized. Working back towards Camagüey, but on the north coast, is the port of Nuevitas, which is home to a large power plant and a partially built cement plant that serves as a sad reminder of an international deal gone wrong. Residents of the town still ride a local train with rickety wooden seats and passengers carrying any item you can imagine to and from Camagüey and a handful of whistle-stops along the way. At the mouth of the Bay of Nuevitas lies La Boca, a narrow entrance that opens onto the Atlantic, featuring broad sand beaches and the resorts of Santa Lucia.

Participants will be responsible for the cost of their flight to Camagüey. Flights in and out of Camagüey’s Ignacio Agramonte Airport arrive from and depart to Miami. Once you arrive in Camagüey and are greeted by the EyeCuba crew, you will have minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Covered by your fee are: Lodging for the week will be in a private hotel situated on one of the city’s historic plazas in the oldest part of the city. All breakfasts, as well as five lunches and dinners, are included. A few meals are open for you to explore or enjoy in the hotel, where the chef is renowned for his culinary artistry. All your transportation in Cuba is covered, as well as all location, entrance fees, and most tips.

While this is a privately organized trip, sometimes a spot becomes available due to cancellations. To inquire, please send an email to [email protected] stating which trip you are interested in joining. We will contact you with particulars and send you a registration form with details. We will tentatively hold your spot until we receive a deposit of $1500, and your place will be reserved.

This is a private trip with closed enrollment; however, a waiting list is available for any open spots (8-10 participants).