7 Inspiring Women Who Hail From Cuba

Cuba has a unique history and there have been lots of influential women that have changed its course. Here is a roundup of some of the most inspiring women from the Caribbean island.

Alicia Alonso

Cuba has become something of a force on the global ballet scene, and the country’s prominence is, to some extent, thanks to the efforts of Alicia Alonso. The former dancer has run the Cuban National Ballet for decades, propelling the dance community to greater and greater heights. She is revered across the island to this day.

Idania del Rio

Yoani Sanchez

Journalism in Cuba is tightly controlled, and deviating from the official line can land you in hot water. Independent journalist Yoani Sanchez set up news site 14ymedio to give Cubans an alternative news source, and it’s well worth following her on Twitter for updates from the ground.

Dissident Cuban journalist Yoani Sánchez

Yanelys Perez

A rising star in the Cuban fashion world, Perez is known for making minimalist swimsuits in bright colours. Despite the difficulties of running a fashion business under the trade embargo, Perez continues to live on the island while her name becomes increasingly well-known around the world.

Dayme Arocena

Singer Arocena combines her Afro-Cuban ancestry through songs with lyrics in Yoruba, Spanish, and English. She has taken her brand of neo-soul around the world on tour, and has become a bright light in the Cuban music scene.

Ana Betancourt

Born into a wealthy family in 1832, Betancourt nonetheless dedicated her life to advancing women’s rights and took a prominent role in the fight for independence from Spain. She was captured by imperialist forces in 1871 and taken to Spain to live in exile until she died in 1901. Today she is known as a national heroine in Cuba and is commemorated by the Order of Ana Betancourt medal, awarded to women who display great revolutionary merit.

Mireya Luis

Born in 1967, Luis went on to become one of the best female volleyball stars in Cuban history. Despite being only 5’7″ tall, her incredible vertical leap of 11 feet made her a formidable opponent. She went on to win multiple awards at continental, world, and Olympic championships.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.