Heart of Travel - Sacramento, California

Tanya J.

Absolutely loved our tour with Heart of Travel. We spent New Year's in Cuba (legally), while exploring this beautiful island, meeting so many wonderful people and really experiencing all Cuba had to offer. We brought donations of much needed items that were distributed by Heart of Travel and their team to those most in need. I can't wait to travel again with HoT, I loved everything about trip.

Jane R.

Our tour guide Cris and Heart of Travel trip to Costa Rica and Panama was a wonderful experience. We had the opportunity to not only see first hand nature and animals but also observe the culture, taste the food, swim in the ocean and meet the people who live, love and respect their community, nature and food. Definitely plan to go on another Heart of Travel tour soon.

Sara I.

It’s taken me a while to write this because, for once, I found myself at a loss for words—something rare for me as a writer. Heart of Travel has fundamentally shifted the way I see the world, travel, and even myself.

I literally take trips for a living as a writer, hosted by tourism boards, staying in top-tier hotels, experiencing destinations in curated ways. And yet, I would choose a Heart of Travel trip over any of them, any day. What they do can’t be replicated. They don’t just take you to a place—they take you to the heart of it (no pun intended), through its people, food, and scenery in a way no one else does.

My first trip with them was a private trip to Guatemala. Originally I just wanted one simple excursion, but Chelsea and her team put together a week-long itinerary with things for us to choose from, and we literally wanted to do it all and ended up doing a full week with them and it was one of my favorite trips. We spent an afternoon sipping coffee next to a volcano with Don José and his beautiful family, enjoyed a private farm-to-table meal in a chef's home that was more delicious than any Michelin-star restaurant I've ever been to, learned how to make a traditional Guatemalan cocktail in a speakeasy we never would have found ourselves. Experiences like that make Heart of Travel different. They create moments you feel.

That journey changed everything. I knew I had to travel with them again. And when I finally did, I realized something profound: in a world that desperately needs more connection, traveling in a group with a company like Heart is one of the most powerful ways to find it.

I've learned. I've connected. I've been transformed.

Reframing my relationship with death during Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, only to come back home to myself in ways I never expected. Sipping cacao, sharing stories, and bonding with women navigating different phases of life. Witnessing powerful Oaxacan women breaking norms through their food, their art, their resilience. And, for the first time in a long time, feeling the spark of my own creativity return.

Then there was Cuba—an experience unlike any other. The warmth and resilience of the Cuban people left an imprint on my heart. Walking through the streets, I saw a country of juxtapositions—crumbling Spanish colonial buildings beside pristine government-owned hotels, vintage cars still running thanks to ingenuity and resourcefulness. Despite challenges, the Cuban spirit is unshakable, reflected in its music, art, and daily life. It’s impossible to visit and not be changed.

Beyond the destinations, it’s the humans that make this company exceptional. Whether on a private or group trip, the guides are always there for anything you need, making every journey feel effortless and deeply personal. And the people they choose to be part of their team? They are some of the most inspiring, intriguing individuals I’ve ever met—each with a story that adds depth to the experience in ways I never expected.

Chelsea, Cris, Enma, Patry, Leo, Dylan, Selvyn, Miguel, Jocelyn - Gracias from the bottom of my heart. You've all changed my life, my view on the world, and I am so grateful our paths have crossed!

Heart of Travel doesn’t just take you places... it transforms the way you see and experience the world. I can’t recommend them enough.

Julia B.

Completed Día de Muertos 2024 with HOT in Oaxaca and I cannot say enough amazing things about this company. They care so much about all of their travelers and all of their experiences. The cultural immersion on this trip was truly phenomenal and all of the local providers/merchants/restaurants were phenomenal. I went on the trip not knowing a single person and left feeling like I had a little community!
The leaders truly take care to ensure that every individual’s needs are met and taken care of. My group leader, Cris, was absolutely phenomenal and my local guide, Miguel, was also incredible.
HOT truly plans every detail with care and precision. Just after 1 day I felt like I had already seen and done so much! I left Oaxaca wishing I had another month to spend! I would not trade this experience for anything.

Valerie A.

Dia de Los Muertos in Oaxaca was such an incredibly special experience. It was a beautiful way to honor my late parents and connect with my Mexican culture. The people, food, and traditions are so beautiful. We also visited several artisans, most of them female. It was lovely to support them and hear their brave stories. It was all very inspiring, and I can’t wait to go back!

Susie M.

I absolutely love Heart of Travel! I joined their trip to Guatemala in 2023 on a last-minute whim, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. The tours were thoughtfully curated, offering deep cultural insights and unique hands-on experiences—like designing my own piece of jewelry to take home. I was so impressed with how well the trip was organized that I’ve already signed up for their upcoming Ecuador and Galápagos adventure this month! If you're looking for a responsible tour company that prioritizes supporting local economies, small businesses, and cultural awareness, Heart of Travel is the perfect choice.

Ed

This is our third trip with Heart of Travel and each one has been excellent. Our trip to Cuba was phenomenal in that it was well organized and provided exposure to history, culture, food, and people. Activities were well planned and added to the sense of an immersive experience. Highly recommended!

Katie F.

Do it: book!!! This tour company is top notch and I had the time of my life. We ate at the best restaurants. We were exposed to so many different cultural activities. I am 100% booking again with Heart of Travel.