Testimonials

What our community has to say about thier time with us

An authentic, earthy + creative travel experience that throws you deep inside Cuba's cultural landscape from the inside out... Otros Ojos is a magical enclave designed to show travel aficionados Cuba's most radical creative community featuring world class painters, writers, musicians + more. Beautiful, creative completely off-the-beaten path travel experience unlike anything I've ever done before.

- Molly Rosen Guy | New York, NY

The most amazing cultural immersion travel that I've ever experienced.

- Julie ConNell | bend, OR

You should really just go. There is not nearly enough space here to describe the joy I experienced during my time in Havana with Otros Ojos. It was by far the richest, most joyful, and most vibrant travel experience I've ever had: a very deep dive in a very short amount of time into the art, music, food, culture, community, and color of Cuba. Each day overflowed with incredible experiences while - at the very same time - each day also felt languorous, laid-back, and restorative, a magic I've never experienced elsewhere, a magic that happens as a result of hosts Kay and Norberto pouring their heart and soul into creating experiences that are truly magical and memorable. I hope to return, again and again.

- Karen Terrell | Brekenridge, CO

If you want an insider experience of the contemporary cultural landscape in Havana, Kay and Norberto offer an incredible journey! From private lectures and dinners in Cuba's most renowned artists' homes to live concerts on their front porch under the stars, there is no better way to see Cuba.

- Danica Wilcox | Mallorca, Spain

Culture is the lifeblood of Cuba and with Kay & Norberto, you are carried right to the hearts of it. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail make the days and nights flow without the need to spend precious time making arrangements yet there's also the flexibility to do what you wish on your own. The whole vibe is relaxed, stimulating, and above all, Fun! In a word, GO! The Cuban people are the friendliest I have encountered anywhere, and I've been around. You will want to return.

- Mitzi Pratt | New York, Ny & Martha’s VineYard, MA

Almost a year later, still thinking about what an incredible, strange, inspiring experience this trip was. Kay and Norberto's generosity and group itinerary created an environment where we not only made a connection with Cuba, its artists and its history, but also with our local hosts and fellow travelers. Getting to stay in a casa particular with such wonderful, open, engaging hosts was such a reward. Most mornings we chatted with them over coffee and breakfast about the struggle/beauty of life in Cuba as artists, mothers, citizens. Those types of conversations persisted at the Turquoise House, at gallery visits, group meals. As a bonus, we also got to know the Cuban cuisine, swim in the ocean, get impromptu dance lessons at 2am (optional), and smoke a hand-rolled cigar after riding a horse into a majestic tobacco valley at sunset. These are very good things. The memories and relationships we established while bouncing around Havana and into the Cuban countryside were the best kind of souvenir. Thanks Kay & Norberto for the eye-opening journey!

- Dan Barth | LOS ANGELES, CA

Initially reluctant to take on a country that seemed too fraught with complications for a short trip, I am now, thanks in large part to my experience with Otros Ojos, eager to return. Kay and Norberto opened doors that would otherwise have remained unknown and inaccessible to those unfamiliar with the arts and music scenes in Havana. With a distinct warm and personable touch, this pair paved paths for our group to enchanting galleries, phenomenal music encounters, thought-provoking theatre and superb restaurants. My eyes have been opened to a culture that has warmed my heart- these are a people who truly enjoy each day. They seem to revel in their vibrant music and celebrate family and friends. I am grateful for the rich insider perspective of Kay and Norberto and highly recommend seeing Cuba through their learned eyes!

- Ann Pingoud | New Haven, CT

Otros Ojos opens a window for any visitor to experience authenticity and alternative-to-tour-book experiences in Havana. Live in and explore Havana's neighborhoods, engage in long conversations with Habanos and lose yourself in a foreign yet unbelievable welcoming culture. My wife and I traveled with another couple for 4 nights and had an unforgettable trip thanks to Kay and Norberto. Even now I still find my mind wandering from time to time back to the food, music, dance and art of Havana. Thank you Otros Ojos!!

- Jason Friedland | Philadelphia, PA

This trip was an amazing experience! My husband and I travel all over the world, but this was the first time that we truly felt immersed in a culture and community. Kay and Norberto opened the doors to their Havana world and took us on an adventure filled with art, music food and conversation. Our trip was four days of pure magic!!!

- Katy Friedland | Philadelphia, PA

Otros Ojos! Thank you for such an incredible trip! Your hospitality, warmth, impeccable details and love of Cuba, art, music, culture, food and sharing of love and knowledge is unmatched! It was a trip of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to get back.

- Pam Darrow | Oakland, CA

This was a simply wonderful trip. It was totally authentic and all time was spent in special places with cuban artists and musicians and no time in places filled with tourists. We returned home with a genuine knowledge about the arts and music in Havana as well as the current life situation for living in Havana. All in all a wonderful time filled with joy.

- Heidy Braverman | San Francisco, CA

My experience with Otros Ojos was truly unforgettable. They provided us with such a unique and privileged access to the Havana art scene and took us to breathtaking places for beautiful food and drink . So much of what we saw I could never have accessed on my own. I left Cuba in awe of the daring risks that contemporary artists there are taking, and was moved to tears on more than one occasion. Overall, my time with OTROS OJOS, Kay and Norberto was an absolute blast paired with such a moving experience. I left feeling very connected to the Cuban people, to the reality or their lives and work, and with a huge appreciation of the food, culture and challenges of the island.

- Daniel Preble | Chicago, IL

I can not speak more highly of my experience with Otros Ojos. I went on a group trip in February 2019. Kay and Norberto, the owners and operators, provided an amazing, intimate insiders' view into the beauty of Cuban culture, particularly the music, art and food. Their local connections, warmth and knowledge created such an authentic experience, that I went back a second time. My time with them and our fellow, like-minded travelers was truly transformative. I have travelled extensively over the years with my family and friends and this trip with Otros Ojos was one of my all time favorites. Their company pulls you into the fabric and allure of Cuba in a unique, meaningful way in which you will walk away not just learning about this beautiful country but much more deeply about yourself as well.

- Isabel Schultz | Evanston, IL

A trip of a lifetime! There is not a day that has gone by since our February adventure with Otros Ojos that I don't find myself day dreaming about our amazing experiences. The energy of this place is life altering - it seems as if you have been transported to another time and dimension - enabling you to immerse yourself in the here and now of the people, place, and culture in front of you instead of the many distractions that is our norm in today's world. Traveling with Otros Ojos enabled us to touch the local culture and experience Cuba from their eyes. Not at one time did I feel like a tourist, and I don't even speak Spanish! You meet Norberto and Kay's neighbors, friends, fellow artists and musicians, eat at their favorite restaurants, go to their neighborhood concerts and dance clubs. They also have great suggestions as well if you just want to go off and explore on your own a bit. It's hard to capture how much this experience meant to me in words. I can just say that anytime I think of my time in Cuba, a huge smile comes across my face as well as tears to my eyes. I can't wait to go back, Cuba is now a part of me! Gracias!

- Dana Fetters | Evanston, IL

Cuba is much more than original colonial architecture and nostalgia stirred by a fleet of autos from the 50’s or a ride through the city in a 1957 Impala Convertible! I have travelled around the world, but going to Cuba with Otros Ojos was a true discovery experience. Otros Ojos will help you discover the real culture and music of Cuba, new never before experienced rhythms and colors that cause your body to involuntarily to move to the beat, new sounds that fill your head as your cares of the day disappear! They introduced us to the musicians, artists, chefs of Cuba, and the people of Cuba who are filled with an infectious joy. Let Otros Ojos show you the real Cuba, the music, the art, the food, and the people, that make Cuba an unforgettable experience, and your memories will beckon you to return again and again.

- Bill Elsbury | Palm Springs, CA

Visiting Cuba with Otros Ojos gives an opportunity to experience the culture in an authentic and fun way. Besides being wonderful people, Kay and Noberto provide a unique access to places that only connected residents know about. I personally enjoyed the amazing art we got to see in private studios and a fantastic concert that was attended by enthusiastic local fans.

- CORRINE Marcus | BURLiNGAME, CA

I cannot thank you enough for the time and attention you spent making our time in Cuba really spectacular. I felt we had a true insider's look to arts and music, dining and community. While we ate well, and I tried dancing, my favorite moments were sitting and talking about life in Cuba with you and your friends. It is your knowledge and love that made it all so enchanting. Thank you for a memorable trip.

- SarAH buder | NEW HAVEN, CT

Otros Ojos wove together a Cuban experience that was unlike any other. In three days, we enjoyed wonderful dinners in tucked away corners of La Habana, drinks on the porch of Kay and Norberto’s magical home, live music, talks and connections with so much of their community, drinks and lively conversations on rooftops, and personal connections with artists. The small group of likeminded travelers we were with led to such a special group dynamic and made the trip even more meaningful. You couldn’t be in better hands for an eye-opening and local experience of Cuba.

- Meredith Allen | San Francisco, CA

My time in Cuba with Otros Ojos was fantastic. I’m an avid traveler and love exploring new places so had high expectations for my time in Cuba. I was not disappointed! The ability to see the country through that of a local, find gems of restaurants, bars and artists that you would never find as a normal tourist, and walk away really feeling like you experienced the culture is the ultimate prize when traveling. Mission accomplished. Thank you to Kay, Norberto & the amazing Otros Ojos team!

- Missy Dolski | New York, NY

Finding Otros Ojos was an amazing stroke of luck. With Kay and Norberto's expert guidance, we got to experience life in Cuba for the past 40 years, engage with active artists and musicians, find off the beaten path restaurants and shops, and immerse ourselves in this amazing culture. Being there sparked an intense curiosity about the place which has lasted far beyond the trip - we've immersed ourselves in Cuban music and history and food. We can't wait for our next visit!

- Shani & ERiK Harmon | CHicago, IL

Traveling with Otros Ojos in Cuba was an unparalleled experience. Kay and Norberto are informed, intelligent, creative and educated. The know Cuba in such a deep and interesting way. Their perspectives and the communities they connected us to were so varied and important. Prepare to be treated not only like an honored guest, but like family. This was such a unique chance to know the generous hospitality of the Cuban people and to become acquainted with many special aspects of this beautiful island country.

- Joan Pingoud | Guilford, CT

We had a wonderful time traveling with Otros Ojos during our first trip to Cuba. When we travel, we look for ways to get to know a place beyond the tourist traps. That’s what Kay and Norberto provided. We went music venues and restaurants we never would have found on our own and got to know their wonderful community of artists and musicians. They also provided all of the necessary information to make logistical planning easy. We had an incredible time and hope to go back soon.