July 23: Miami International Airport Hotel
One of the leaders will stay at the hotel with students who arrive the day before departure. If you have reserved and paid for a hotel room, we will send you an email two weeks prior to departure with details about the hotel reservation and instructions on how to meet your leader.
July 24: Departure Day, Miami to Havana
Group Meeting:
At 5:30 AM, meet your group leader and fellow students in the lobby of the Miami International Airport Hotel (outside of security) in Concourse E of the Miami International Airport (MIA). This is the official start of your Putney summer!
Group Flight:
The group will fly on World Atlantic Airlines flight #8426 departing Miami (MIA) at 9:30 AM, arriving in Havana, Cuba (HAV), at 10:30 AM local time (one hour en route).
July 24 – 29: Havana
Our residence in Havana is situated on the ocean in Havana’s residential Miramar neighborhood, within striking distance to many of the city’s barrios. During the day, students explore Havana with their workshop groups, working in teams with the guidance of their Putney instructors and Cuban amigos. The whole group takes several day trips areas both within Havana and outside the city to visit a sustainable organic farm, a dance studio working with disabled youth, an international school of film, a renowned musician’s studio, area beaches, among other sites.
July 30 – August 1: Trinidad
Travel by bus to the colonial town of Trinidad, a UNESCO world heritage site, nestled into the Escambray mountains with views of the southern coast. Together with another Putney student, stay in private homes hosted by Cuban families. Snorkel in limestone cenotes, hike to a waterfall in nearby Topes de Collantes National Park, visit the Bay of Pigs and historic Cienfuegos, and dance salsa with locals in the town’s central square. Continue projects with your workshop group as you explore Trinidad and environs.
August 2 & 3: Playa Larga
Stay in bungalows located on pristine Playa Larga. Explore during the day as you swim, boat, snorkel, kayak, or hike. Take time to focus on your final workshop projects.
August 4 & 5: Havana
Return to our residence in Havana for the final two nights of the program. Focus on your final workshop projects and continued exploration of Havana. Present your work to the full group and Cuban friends at a farewell dinner.
August 6: Return Day, Havana to Miami
Group Flight:
The group will fly on World Atlantic Airlines flight #8427 from Havana, Cuba (HAV), returning to the International Arrivals Area of Miami International Airport (MIA) at 11:45 AM (one hour en route).