The magazine
CommunityVol. II — 2026EN

Shak'Heart: stirring hearts, from Bogotá to Havana

A French company with two local teams in Bogotá and Havana. A portrait of Shak'Heart Travel & Events, and an honest look at two destinations — Colombia and Cuba — too often reduced to clichés.

Shak'Heart Travel & EventsAugust 12, 20269 min read
Read inFRENES

A French company, two local teams — in Bogotá and Havana. Shak'Heart Travel & Events runs trips to Colombia and Cuba with one simple conviction: to reveal the true nature of two destinations that are still little known and often fantasised about. “To stir hearts by revealing the soul of Colombia and Cuba.”

A French company, two local teams

Head office, in France, handles technical support, sales assistance, up-to-date information and team training — with no time difference to worry about. Prices guaranteed in euros (excluding domestic flights), payments to a French bank account to avoid banking fees, an Atout France licence, member of the Entreprises du Voyage, under European tourism law, a 24/7 emergency line.

On the ground, two dedicated teams of experienced French-speaking professionals — one in Havana (R-Evolution Cuba), one in Bogotá (R-Evolution Colombia) — handle operations and a 24/7 concierge and assistance service.

The Havana team (R-Evolution Cuba).
The Havana team.

Two destinations, two faces

In Colombia, it's the energy. In Cuba, it's the truth.

Colombia is energy: an almost musical vibration, a spontaneous generosity, that way Colombians have of turning every moment into a celebration, a smile, a splash of colour. A simple, contagious joy that reconnects travellers to something essential.

Cuba is truth: an island that doesn't cheat, that welcomes you with its history, its contrasts, its raw poetry. You travel there with your senses — the music spilling out of the streets, the improvised conversations, the lights of the Malecón at sunset.

Colombia, where imagination meets reality

Coffee isn't a drink. It's a religion.

Peace agreements signed, safe regions, professional guides, a French-speaking concierge service: today's Colombia is a revelation. The second most biodiverse country in the world, a blended culture, real encounters — growers, artisans, dancers. The guiding principle: “less but better”, a respectful eco-tourism.

The experiences, at a glance:

  • Cultural & historical — colonial cities, museums, traditional festivals.
  • Natural & revitalising — hiking, diving, hot springs, spa, hummingbird watching.
  • Human & immersive — coffee growers, potters, percussionists; respectful immersion with indigenous communities.
  • Sporty & sensory — paragliding, rafting, cycling, horse riding.
  • Culinary — a blended gastronomy, acclaimed chefs, exceptional rums.
  • Idyllic — the Rosario Islands, San Andrés, Providencia, Pacific beaches, deserts, volcanoes, hot springs.
Valentina in Cartagena, under the Colombian flag.
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

Cuba, vintage as a way of life (not an Instagram filter)

The Wi-Fi is slow, the happiness is fast.

A safe country, a very rich cultural and natural heritage, warm people, attractive prices. In Cuba, the vintage is real — cars, radios, everyday objects — and ingenuity is a religion. No Amazon, no Netflix… but they dance. You sometimes arrive stressed and leave with a rare inner peace.

The reality on the ground

Yes, Cuba is experiencing shortages (fuel, food) and power cuts. But that doesn't stop travellers from having an exceptional experience:

  • The private sector — paladares, hostals, casas particulares — adapts (generators, resourceful supply); private transport with a fuel reserve.
  • Individuals: we favour a vehicle with a private driver (the driver handles the fuel) rather than a rental alone.
  • Groups: the state carrier has its own fuel stocks dedicated to tourism.
  • Safety remains excellent, and the welcome intact — warm and sincere.

The daily presence of our concierge teams lets us anticipate, work around and secure every step.

Yanira, Maria and Rudy — the Havana team.
The Havana team, day to day.

A clear word on the flight situation

  • Air France & Iberia: temporary suspension.
  • Air Europa: operating normally.
  • Condor & Neos: maintaining their routes.
  • Options via Cancún, Santo Domingo or Panama as needed.

Why keep programming Cuba

Fewer crowds, so calmer sites and more exclusive experiences; a living, musical culture; untouched landscapes; a safe, memorable destination. And on the ground, a DMC that handles the unexpected: reliable accommodation, vetted drivers and guides, itineraries optimised for the real situation, 24/7 assistance.

Maria, Yanira, Oscar and Rudy — the Havana team.
The whole team, Havana.

An eco-responsible commitment

Eco-responsibility is carried on the ground by the local teams. In Colombia, support for the NGOs Green Apple and Amigos del Mar (protecting ecosystems, raising community awareness). For Cuba, a partnership with Solycuba, a Lyon-based NGO committed to helping orphanages and retirement homes (material support, educational projects, solidarity initiatives).

Maria, Shak'Heart Travel & Events.
Maria, Shak'Heart Travel & Events.

Two itinerary ideas

  • Colombia — 11 days / 9 nights, “an itinerary like a breath” : the cool of the Andes, the gentleness of the plantations, the creative warmth of Medellín, the salty breath of the Caribbean.
  • Cuba — 10 days / 8 nights, free and easy with a Spanish-speaking driver : between tobacco valleys, majestic mogotes and the architectural treasures of the island's finest colonial towns.
Two film sets, striking backdrops: your trip becomes the film your clients get to live as a preview.