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
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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 de Indias (Colombia).
Valentina, in 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.

Maria and the Havana team, a window open over the city's rooftops.
Maria and the Havana team, a window open over the city's rooftops.

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.
Yanira, Maria and Rudy, the Havana team.

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.
Maria, Yanira, Oscar and Rudy, the Havana team.

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.