After four other guides in two previous trips to Cuba we discovered Gio. We were limited in our first tour with Gio to one day but quickly discovered what a wonderful guide he is. We were searching for an experience of the local Cuban lifestyle and culture. We wanted the behind the scenes view of the Cuban way of life that is not available on the scripted tours. With Gio’s tour you not only see the highlights of Cuba but gain the insight into the history, life, and cultural traditions. After the one day with Gio we knew we had to return to Cuba for an extended trip with him.

Gio is truly concerned about his client’s Cuban experience and will tailor a tour to meet the desires of his clients. Gio is an exceptional guide and person. He is very fascinating, captivating, and extremely knowledgeable. Gio has an outstanding personality and seems to know everyone in Trinidad. It is clear how much Gio loves Cuban history, people, and his quest for knowledge. 

Gio worked with us on planning our eight-day return trip to Cuba. He arranged our Cuban transportation and various places to stay (Casas) in Trinidad, Remedios, and Santa Clara. Through Gio’s efforts we visited with people in their homes where generations continue to live. We were welcomed into Gio’s home and spent many hours with Gio’s family and friends. We met an international artist and visited her studio and home. We met a boxer, musician, farmer, and a retired botanist living in the rural mountains. We visited a hospital, a library, and local and government marketplaces. The list of what we saw and experienced over eight days goes on and on. With Gio we discovered the real Cuba and its history!

We left Cuba with a better understanding and appreciation for the country and its people. We also left with a lifetime experience. Gio is an exceptional person and tour guide. 

We will be returning next year to visit our Cuban friend Gio and to experience more beauty of Cuba.

ENGLISH: Even before I had met Gio in person, we had exchanged close to 50 messages, mostly me asking for advice and Gio happily responding. Gio organized a car for us to travel throughout western Cuba for 5 days and then hosted/guided us in Trinidad. Gio was terrifically informative, has had a fascinating life and was a fabulous guide. We spent three days with him in Trinidad, one touring the "valley of sugar mills" and the other described below:

The highlight, for me, was the day we spent visiting all of Gio's many relatives around Trinidad, being welcomed into their homes. Cousin Josue and his family served us coffee and rum while his adorable daughters drew us pictures and uncle Roman played guitar and sang. At another house, sister-in-law Pilar served frozen Guava juice and her husband showed off his fishing harpoon (and repeatedly made plans to take me fishing with him next year, undaunted by my protestations that I can barely swim). At another house 91 year old Blanca insisted that I guess how old she actually looked. At still another house Great Uncle Luis read to us from his own book of poems, which included a separate one about each of the 50 US states. He then composed a lovely poem about my wife, 2 boys and me. What a day!!!!

This was a wonderful and personal experience and Gio was terrific the whole day through, funny, joyful and chock-full of information.

ESPAÑOL: Incluso antes de conocer a Gio, lo había enviado más de 50 mensajes, principalmente yo pidiendo consejo y Gio respondiendo felizmente. Gio organizó un automóvil para que viajemos por el oeste de Cuba durante 5 días y luego nos alojó / guió en Trinidad dónde vive. Gio era muy informativo, y nos dió mucha información sobre el país. Pasamos tres días con él en Trinidad, uno recorriendo el "valle de los ingenios azucareros" y el otro, lo más destacado para mí, fue el día que pasamos visitando a todos los familiares de Gio en Trinidad, siendo recibidos en sus hogares. El primo Josue y su familia nos sirvieron café y ron mientras sus adorables hijas nos hacían dibujos y el tío Roman tocaba la guitarra y cantaba. En otra casa, la cuñada Pilar preparó un jugo de guayaba congelado y su esposo nos mostró su arpón de pesca (e hizo planes repetidamente para llevarme a pescar con él en el próximo año, sin desanimarse por mis protestas de que apenas sé nadar). En otra casa, Blanca, de 91 años, insistió en que yo adivine cuántos años tenía en realidad. En otra casa más, el tío Luis nos leyó su propio libro de poemas, que incluía uno dedicado a cada uno de los 50 estados de EE. UU. Luego compuso un poema encantador sobre mi esposa, 2 niños y yo. ¡¡¡¡Que dia!!!! Esta fue una experiencia maravillosa y personal y Gio estuvo fenomenal todo el día, divertido, alegre y lleno de información.

Street foto tour of Havana. Gio made a special trip to Havana for us. We wanted a different set of eyes with us in Havana.. He exceeded our expectations . His knowledge and being a Cuban  made a difference in how we saw the city, it’s people.. We were able to experience a more professional experience in Havana. We have used Gio before in Trinidad and that’s why we used his services again in Havana.. Totally professional..