Cuba's Reins on Visitors Loosen: Wildland Adventures Adds New 11- and 7-Day Itineraries

SEATTLE - Aug. 3, 2016 - PRLog -- Americans since 2011 have been permitted to visit Cuba under the US government's highly regulated People-to-People program. Ever since the first tour groups arrived on the shores of the Caribbean's largest island, restrictions have tended to keep American visitors under tight rein.

However, as attitudes at home toward the embargo continue to soften and Cuba itself feels more comfortable in its role of host to curious Americans, the reins are loosening. Adventure travel pioneer, Wildland Adventures (http://www.wildland.com/), is now delighted to fold Cuba into the company's 30-year anniversary portfolio while making the most of new-found opportunities to explore beyond the bounds of the island's iconic highlights such as Havana.

"We've done the research to really explore Cuba and to feature more outlying communities and natural reserves that only recently began receiving Americans. Our two brand-new itineraries support fledgling community-based ecotourism initiatives with opportunities for more intimate and authentic cultural exchanges for our travelers," said Kurt Kutay, Wildland Adventure's (http://www.wildland.com/) CEO and President.

An 11-day Captivating Cuba Coast to Coasttour ventures into regions not noticeably impacted by tourism. Company founders Kurt and Anne Kutay will accompany the first departure set for Nov. 27, 2016. The per person, double, rate is from $5,950. This itinerary offers scheduled departures into May 2018. The trip begins with flights from Miami to Havana and returns to Miami from Santiago de Cuba, the musical epicenter of the island. See: http://www.wildland.com/trips/caribbean/cuba/captivating-cuba-coast-to-coast/overview.aspx

Havana and the Heartland of Cuba is a seven-day itinerary focusing on lesser known and impressively distinctive UNESCO-designated small towns and nature reserves. This trip begins and ends in Havana with roundtrip flights from Miami. Departures are scheduled from early May 2017 through December 2018. The per person rate, double, is from $3,995. See: http://www.wildland.com/trips/caribbean/cuba/havana-and-the-heartland-of-cuba/overview.aspx

International air is not included in these rates (currently set at $550 RT subject to change).

So Why Cuba Now? Kutay offers these insights for prospective travelers:

- Visitors to Cuba who engage in People-to-People tours now enjoy greater opportunities to plan more diverse itineraries fostering individual one-on-one interactions with Cubans from all walks of life.

- New, individual, People-to-People visas open doors for visitors to participate in expanded custom, private (guided) small group travel.

- Wildland Adventures is now able to bring its authentic and intimate style of travel to Cuba thanks to the improved infrastructure of small, distinctive accommodations including historic boutique hotels and private casas particulares minimizing time in larger hotels.

- The remote Cuban countryside and small rural towns are beginning to receive guests who seek the less developed and more traditional side of Cuba beyond the popular tourist enclaves of Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad.

- More of Cuba's national parks and nature reserves are opening up for hiking, bird and wildlife viewing, along with greater opportunities for active adventures.

- Soon to come will be regular commercial flights providing reliable service and a greater range of flight schedules and same-day connections from major US cities.

For more information on the new Cuba programs as well as all of Wildland Adventures' worldwide offerings, availability and reservations call1-800-345-4453 or email info@wildland.com. Visit http://www.wildland.com/.

Wildland Adventures

Kurt Kutay, Founding CEO/President, and Anne Kutay, Vice-President, established Wildland Adventures (http://www.wildland.com/) in 1986. As active managing directors they are continuously refining and evolving their Wild Style of travel. The 'Wild Style' is based on an ethic of sincerity, compassion and understanding that breaks down barriers of separation to build lasting intercultural, interpersonal, and environmental bonds designed to enhance rather than exploit the people and places where they travel. Rated by National Geographic Adventure as the #1 Best 'Do-it-all' Outfitter on Earth (http://www.wildland.com/wildnews/10000210/wa_wildnews.aspx) and Fodor's as one of the World's Best Tour Specialists (http://www.fodors.com/news/story_5415.html), Wildland Adventures offers more than 150 unique itineraries on seven continents in 45 countries.

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