Cubanisms - A Cultural Project

Fantastic experience: Dalida provided a truly unique and unforgettable Cuba experience through her company, Cubanisms. Every detail of our trip was thoughtfully tailored to exactly what we were hoping for—and then some. From the moment we arrived, Dalida made us feel completely comfortable and cared for, welcoming us not just as travelers, but as guests. Thanks to her expertise and connections, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in Cuba’s vibrant art scene, incredible music, and rich culture. Each experience felt authentic, meaningful, and personal. Dalida’s warmth, knowledge, and gracious hosting turned our trip into something far beyond a typical tour. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience all that Cuba has to offer.

Fantastic experience: What a fantastic time we had in January 2026 at the Havana Jazz Fest in Cuba. Yes, the country is open. Yes, the people are dancing. The secret is travel with Cubanisms under the direction of Dalida Pupo Barrios. My wife went in 2025, had such a good time I went in 2026. Viva Cuba!

Fantastic experience: A visit to Cuba with Cubanisms is like visiting your best friends. Dálida and Michael share the history, attractions and culture with equal enthusiasm for Cuba and for your enjoyment of it. Our group of seasoned travelers all agree : best trip ever. KVK

Fantastic experience: Traveling solo for work can be tough, but I was able to extend my trip to France with a couple of extra days in Paris, and Dalida made the experience absolutely perfect! I reached out to her, and she immediately secured me a spot in a charming, comfortable boutique hotel right in the city center. It was a wonderful, seamless booking process. She wasn't just organized—she was my fantastic guide! Dalida put together an incredible two-day itinerary tailored for my short window, and she personally joined me to see the sights. Her dedication and enthusiasm made the tour feel so special; it was a lovely mix of expert-level planning and genuine warmth. If you want a trip handled with both professionalism and heart, book with Dalida!

Fantastic experience: Si quieres guardar en tu memoria como un tesoro, un viaje a París, que siempre se sueña y en algún momento la vida te regala el privilegio de hacerlo. No dudes ni por un instante hacer la planificación con "Cubanisms". Cada mínimo detalle está perfectamente planeado. Vas a disfrutar a plenitud y puedo asegurar que en una semana te puedes llevar prácticamente las mejores experiencias de ese maravilloso sitio. Créeme luego vas a decir: allí estuve yo y te vendrán a la mente momentos de felicidad.

Fantastic experience: Nuestro viaje a París fue maravilloso Nuestra anfitriona Dálida nos preparó un itinerario personalizado de acuerdo a nuestros intereses para los dos días de nuestra estancia en París, muy organizado y completo. Pudimos aprovechar al máximo el tiempo y visitar lugares imperdibles. Nos asistió con la compra de tickets para las principales atracciones y nos dio excelentes recomendaciones sobre transporte y comida local. Todo estuvo perfectamente coordinado y adaptado a las necesidades de nuestra familia, lo que hizo que nuestra experiencia fuera fluída, auténtica e inolvidable. ¡Gracias, Dálida, por hacer de nuestro viaje a París algo realmente especial! Recomiendo 100% esta agencia y la compañía espectacular de Dálida. Regresaremos en otra ocasión para disfrutar de otros atractivos junto a ustedes!!! Muchas gracias por su acogida y compañía. Saludos y éxitos

Fantastic experience: Amazing Experience!!! Dalida y Michael hacen que París te arrope con esa calidez y gentileza únicos!!! Explorando sitios icónicos y otros que te hacen ver la ciudad luz en una perspectiva 360 de placer, descubrimiento, glamour, cercanía... De su mano la ciudad se muestra con todos sus matices y cautiva, tanto por el encanto natural parisino cómo por su inmejorable compañía. Que suerte tenerlos chivos!!! Ou revoir!!!!

Fantastic experience: My husband surprised me with a trip to Paris for our 25th wedding anniversary. He contacted Dalida Pupo Barrios and asked her to put together a two week itinerary with 10 nights in Paris and four nights in Reims (the Champagne area). Dalida furnished him with a wonderful and very detailed ten page typed itinerary outlining hotels, arranged transportation, lunch and dinner recommendations, as well as tickets for our tours of the sights. She personally contacted the three different hotels and relayed our needs in French as we do not speak the language. Our highlight at the end of our trip was a late lunch at Jules Verne on the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Her attention to detail was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend her services to anyone wishing a fabulous trip to France.

Fantastic experience: I recently returned from a week in Paris, and I was able to fully enjoy this vast and complex city thanks to Dalida and Cubanisms, her travel cultural project. I was able to relax and make the most of my short visit to the world's most cosmopolitan city. Navigating into the city from the airport can be daunting, and without the driver she arranged, I would have wasted time and energy trying to figure out transportation into Paris. Most importantly, Dalida had selected a boutique hotel (built in 1638) for my stay, which was charming. The staff was wonderful and the location allowed me to walk everywhere. The art galleries, cafes and scenic overlooks along the Seine provided perfect opportunities for people watching, one of my favorite past times. I comfortably walked to the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame cathedral and the ticket Dalida arranged for me to tour the Louvre was greatly appreciated. In the evenings, I enjoyed fabulous French cuisine in intimate restaurants, all of which were pre-selected from Dalida's curated list. Using the Metro allowed me to get around like a true Parisian, and I received clear instructions on navigating the underground rail system without missed stops of getting confused. My visit was a wonderful whirlwind of French culture, all thanks to Dalida and Cubanisms. Matt Mayes in Florida

Fantastic experience: Cubanisms is truly a cultural project and worth hiring if you are interested in visiting and exploring all that the country has to offer--- The island's natural beauty (not yet spoiled by over development), it's famed music, salsa, organic meals at private/family owned restaurants, and most of all the warm-hearted and welcoming people. Dalida, who is a native of Cuban now living in Paris with her jazz musician husband, is a consummate travel professional and will take care of your every need. Through her many years of experience, she has developed connections to private professional drivers, private restaurant owners and a host of other professionals. She will organize everything from accommodations, tours, VIP entry to jazz events, meals at the best restaurants, etc. Moreover, through a personalized approach (eg, dinners and dance parties hosted by her close friends) she provides something entirely unique to the experience, which you won't find with other tour operators. Further, if you are discouraged from a Cuba trip because of the bad press about resources, that is understandable-- I almost didn't go because of the barrage a negative news. Keep in mind, there are two sides to these reports. Yes, Cuba is resource deprived, wi-fi is intermittent, and there aren't chain retail stores on every corner to satisfy your every need and desire. (Think of buying coconut water to drink from the shell at a local stand, instead of bottled water! Yum!!) Too, there is indeed much need for repair of infrastructure outside of Old Havana (Note: Old Havana has been impeccably restored, btw!). However, this, in a way, is the beauty of the Cuba's inner soul. People have struggled and have over time learned to make do with much less. Food isn't wasted. There are no traffic jams (few people own cars). You don't see kids and adults walking around with EarPods and eyeballs glued to a screen. There is no violent crime, nor rampant homelessness. There is no upper-middle class or ultra rich tech- or finance-elite living luxuriously well, while the 95% of the population struggles. So, yes, relative to a rich nation, they are all very, very much struggling economically. But they are *all* doing so together, and doing so while not having lost their collective souls to overconsumption and a barrage of media addictions. Truly, it was a refreshing trip to the past, back to a simpler time. As you consider this trip also keep in mind that tourism is an important source of income for the country. It goes a long way to supporting Cuban families. (Dalida also accepts donations for school children.) I'm glad I went and you will be too! Just be sure to pack a different set of expectations, lots of patience and an open heart to accept the outpouring of kindness and love from those you meet.

Fantastic experience: Dalida is an excellent guide. I feel we got to experience the authentic Cuba. We were immersed in its history and culture and pride. It was eye opening. Dalida was our complete partner, always available and ready to assist. What she arranged for us (excursions, tours, home parties, nature environments) was just what I hoped for on the trip. I fully recommend Cubanisms to all travelers (as opposed to “tourists”) heading to the island.

Fantastic experience: I cannot say enough good things about Dalida and Cubanisms! For our 2 week Cuba trip, we chose a "solo trip" type, meaning Dalida helped us with our itinerary, trip prep, and anything like car service from the airport, but we were on our own to roam and explore whatever, whenever, always feeling comfort in knowing she and her friends were a message away if needed. We rented one of her apartments in Central Habana, and the family that "manages" them for her not only kept them clean and comfortable, but were helpful with everything from SIM cards, money exchanging, tour guiding, history telling, and just made us feel like true friends even sharing a couple meals with us! They even offered us the use of their own apartment just outside of the central neighborhood for our salsa and flamenco lessons. Being from Cuba, Dalida had contacts all over that were available and ready to make our visit everything we wanted! We were fortunate to be able to join a 3-day portion of her "guided tour" that happened to occur during the same time period, and enjoyed not having to think about the when, where, and how of all the logistics, tours, museums, meals, etc. "Guided" or "solo", I highly recommend going through Cubanisms if you are thinking about going to Cuba!

Fantastic experience: For me, our trip was a leaning experience. Our itinerary included a dive into culture, architecture, history, dance, beaches, the countryside, food, coffee, rum, and LOTS of music. I had so many questions about Cuba and found the people we met were very open to talking to us about their ideas and experiences. Dalida planned the trip with careful attention to detail from start to finish, including well chosen accommodations and expert pacing. Plus, she has a dynamite personality! I found Cubanisms to be a trustworthy niche small group travel organization and I highly recommend it!

Fantastic experience: it was grand

Fantastic experience: If you’re thinking of visiting Cuba, highly recommend booking through Cubanisms. Dálida crafted a personalized itinerary during the Plaza Jazz Festival that allowed us to truly experience this gorgeous, diamond-in-the-rough place. Accommodations were clean & comfortable. The food was fresh & delicious. The people are so kind & generous—even to a non-Spanish speaking gringa like me! Dálida gives you a true perspective of the country as someone who has lived through many key moments in history. I have travelled all over the world, & Cuba truly stole my heart as one of my favorite trips. ❤️

Fantastic experience: I found Cubanisms to be very helpful in their services and it helped making my first time in visiting Havana a smooth process. They helped walk me through on what I would need to have ready in going to Havana as well as what I would need while visiting. Dalida was always available to help and patient as well. If you are going to Cuba and need help in your accommodations I highly recommend Cubanisms.

Fantastic experience: My partner and I had the pleasure of visiting Cuba in January 2024, thanks to the incredible planning by Dálida. She crafted our itinerary and introduced us to local Cubans who enriched our experience. We had the chance to play Cuban music and learn Cuban dance styles like rumba and casino from local teachers. After the lessons, they encouraged us to practice our moves at iconic gatherings like the historic Patio Areito EGREM and El Callejón de Hamel. Though we felt a bit out of place as foreigners, the community welcomed us warmly. Dálida’s thoughtful planning and connections truly made our trip unforgettable.

Fantastic experience: Had a really great time seeing Cuba through Cubanisms. The itinerary was well thought out and included a wide range of experiences that soak you into the Cuban land, culture, and history. The meals were delicious and the accommodations were comfortable.

Fantastic experience: My husband, Josh, and myself, went to Cuba in 2017 with Cubanisms. Our guide, Carla, and our driver, Osmany, met us at the airport and took care of us the whole trip. We stayed 8 days and 7 nights and the price was very reasonable. The accommodations were great, we stayed in apartments or houses rented out by locals. At one location we even had neighbors fix our breakfast. During our trip, we visited Havana, Matanzas, Varadero, Cienaga de Zapata, Soroa, and Vinales Las Terrazas. Basically, locations on the west side of the island. The trip included visits to the old Spanish fort in Havana, a botanical garden, the National Hotel, Giron Beach Museum (Bay of Pigs), a tabaco farm, and of course a beach. We got a good look at the culture and values of the Cuban people, and of course, tried a lot of excellent Cuban cuisine. We returned with some amazing souvenirs including Cuban rum, cigars, and coffee. This was 100% a great trip that I would recommend to anyone.

Fantastic experience: Highly recommend. The itinerary was diverse. It included a good mix of fun, great mixed music, educational, historic, cultural and big and small venues. On land transportation was comfortable and safe. Housing was clean, spacious simple. We stayed at 2 bed and breakfast locations. The food was good and there was no concern about the quality. My travel friend and I joined a diverse group, 3 others, who all enjoyed stimulating conversations among ourselves and with the Cubans we met during our travels. Dalida our guide did all of the arrangements mostly with her personal trusted experienced drivers and presenters. She speaks English flawlessly. She is smart. She knows the book and human history and politics and can answer the hard questions about why things work the way they do. She is kind, funny, patient. I have traveled lots and used Gadventures, Tauck, OAS and independently. I’m glad we had a guide in Cuba and I wouldn’t have wanted to be in a group bigger than 8.Do it!

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend a tour of Cuba with Dálida and Michael. It was one of the best trips we've ever taken, if not the best. The history and scenery were fascinating and the hospitality was amazing. One of the best meals we've ever eaten was at a family's house in the countryside off the grid. Go if you can!

Fantastic experience: It was absolutely amazing experience Dalida went above and beyond to accommodate us and is very professional. I had so much fun lots of laughs, anything we needed she made sure we got it i could come back to cuba again and again and again!!!!! And highly recommend cubanisms to visit cuba!!!!! Thank u Dalida for the amazing experience havana has stolen my heart!!!!! Erica Johnson September 4th-11th,2019

Fantastic experience: Despite the special care required in order to travel to Cuba I experienced absolutely no hiccups in my trip to Havana & around the island, thanks to Dalida's attention to detail & vast knowledge of the region, culture, & people. I was able to simply relax, explore, & focus my attention on what the island had to offer, without concern for the logistics associated with traveling to the region. The trip was a truly eye-opening experience that will remain with me as a major highlight. It was culturally enriching, & is highly recommended. The Cubanisms tour left me feeling as though I had received a glimpse of the REAL Cuba!

Fantastic experience: I would agree with Marilyn's review (above). Havana is like an old european city set in the middle of the caribbean. Dalida personalizes the tour to enrich the experience leaving you with a much better understanding of Cuba and its people

Fantastic experience: We traveled to Cuba with Dali and Michael in the winter of 2017 and the experience was absolutely wonderful. Dali took care of all of the arrangements and bookings at the B&B’s and they were very nice. The food was great and the people of Cuba couldn’t be nicer. It is by far our most favorite Caribbean vacation, and much cheaper and we were there for 19 days. You have to get out into the countryside where the REAL Cuba is. Havana is nice, but going to Cienfuegos, Vinales (tobacco/cigar country), and seeing the colonial city of Trinidad was absolutely unforgettable. Tours to Cuba with Cubanisms are highly recommended. The time to go is NOW, when people still think it is hard to visit there. IT IS NOT. It’s easy, especially with Dali.

Fantastic experience: We went last November, and had an amazing time. Dálida had planned out a two week itinerary with us, and even switched it around when we thought our daughter might be able to join us for part of the trip. We wanted to see not just the tourist hot-spots, but to get out into the countryside and see what rural life was like as well. While we can’t credit her for the double rainbow over Havana we got to enjoy while eating breakfast one day, she did surprise us with plenty of other treats. We loved the special meals at farms, at an old coffee plantation and in towns, the musical entertainment in different settings, the welcoming Cuban people and so much more. We are already talking about our next trip! You will long remember your trip and the chance for an amazing experience so close to our own borders. Don’t put it off.

Fantastic experience: A trip to Cuba with Cubanisms is truly a people to people experience - staying in the houses of Cubans, eating meals in their homes, visiting with a small farm family. We learned about recent history from the people who lived through it. And we visited some of the most beautiful old cities. Music, music, music - it's everywhere. And if you like beaches, there are beauties, many off the beaten path. The food is wonderful, even for a vegetarian. I've traveled to Cuba with Cubanisms twice and am already hoping to return. It's a fantastic experience and a chance to meet such wonderful people.