Guide #60922
Not only was I raised in Miami but I'm also a real estate agent so I'm familiar with every crevice and corner of the Magic City. My family had a travel agency so I know the tourism industry well and know exactly what world travelers are looking for when they visit a new city. I LOVE Miami as well as sharing my passion for it with tourists. By the time I was 18, I was planning and escorting tours of 50-75 guests all over the world. I know firsthand exactly what world travelers expect out of a tour and from their guide, a first class experience that imparts a lot of local information while having an exciting time with a knowledgeable and fun local. I have a rapport with every store and restaurant along Calle Ocho in Little Havana, and in South Beach, I know where the bodies are buried. Literally. I know where ghosts like to haunt and the best watering holes to hear the tales of Al Capone and the Cocaine Cowboys. On a more personal note, I moved to NYC when I was 24. While being there for 30 years, I got married, had two boys who are now men, I was the managing editor of a magazine, the executive director of a chamber of commerce, wrote a sitcom pilot for the FOX network, produced a documentary for PBS, published my own newsletter for the Cuban exile community, was featured in a book about successful Latinas, gave many keynote speeches and served on many business panels. I moved back ten years ago to take care of my aging mother and now on top of selling houses and taking tourists all over Miami, I teach yoga classes at LA Fitness, paint pop art that sells at exhibitions and love to cook exciting recipes from scratch. Interestingly enough, I'm the great granddaughter of Cuba's second president, Jose Miguel Gomez, and grandniece to the island nation's seventh president, Miguel Mariano Gomez, so the tours of Little Havana are extremely personal for me. I would LOVE to show you around my beautiful city! :) I was born into a family whose business was a travel agency. I am licensed and insured so I can drive guests around Miami. I used to give keynote speeches in New York City to large business groups. Real State Agent. None.
Miami

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59 reviews
Our family (ages 13-90) loved this tour! Maria has an incredible background and shares the history of Cuba, the resilience of Cubans and their many contributions to the US. She is very enthusiastic and relatable to all ages. Don’t miss this special tour!
This Little Havana tour was out of this world amazing--one of those experiences that sticks with you long after it is over! From the moment we arrived, it felt like being dropped straight into the heart and soul of Miami! Maria was phenomenal: knowledgeable, funny, and clearly in love with the area. Every story about the music, food, and the people added another layer of...
We had a 3 hour block of time between airport arrival and hotel check in. We've done a tour with Maria in the past and loved it, so we thought what the heck....let's see some more with her. We did an ala carte tour and saw quite a few more things, including extended time in Little Havana. Best "airport shuttle" ever! :-) Thanks, Maria!
Maria is fabulous. She has photos to pull the entire Cuban history together. We learned so much while having fun. You can't get a better tour or guide in Little Havana.