Overview
Discover the vibrant heart of Cuba through our meticulously crafted tour, designed especially for photography enthusiasts and amateurs alike. Immerse yourself in a journey that seamlessly blends street photography, iconic sites, and unique opportunities to engage with Cuban impromptu models all set to the captivating rhythms of Cuban music. Enjoy ample free time to explore the streets at your own pace, capturing the essence of Cuban life through your lens. Embrace the flexibility of our Remote Expedition tour, which allows you to dive into the spontaneous spirit of Cuban culture and connect with the welcoming locals. This adventure is not just about capturing moments; it's about becoming part of them. Our commitment to ethical travel ensures that this tour is 100% compliant with the "Support for Cuban People" category. Experience authentic Cuban hospitality by staying in guest houses, traveling in comfortable private transportation, and dining in charming local restaurants. We also encourage you to bring gifts for the Cuban people, a gesture of goodwill that fosters deeper connections and enriches your travel experience.
- Day 1: Bienvenidos a Cuba!
- Day 2: Havana Old Town
- Day 3: Havana Centro & Surroundings
- Day 4: Havana to Viñales
- Day 5: Viñales
- Day 6: Viñales – Cienfuegos – Trinidad
- Day 7: Trinidad
- Day 8: Trinidad
- Day 9: Trinidad - Havana
- Day 10: Havana
Trip Details
Country
- Cuba
Group Size
- 8 Travelers Max
Tour Highlights
- The Amazingly Kind & Welcoming People of Cuba!
- Private shooting with old American Cars in Havana
- Live Street Photography Workshop
- Afro-Cuban Music & Street Dance
- The Beautiful Rural Tobacco Region of Viñales
- Magnificent Spanish & French Colonial Architecture
What to expect
- Travel Style: All of the highlights, Quality Over Quantity Tours, a 70% photography and 30% Cultural Immersion
- Transportation: Transportation in confortable Vehicles
- Dining Options: Authentic Local Cuisine for Lunch and Upscale Dining Experiences in the Evening
- Physical Rating: Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Next Departures
- Mar 12th, 2025
- Mar 15th, 2026
Thematics
- Highlights
Itinerary
Bienvenidos a Cuba!
Arrival day
Meeting with Tristan at the airport and transfert to your Guest House
Meeting and tour presentation
First relax photo walk to get acquainted with the city
Meeting Dinner in the center
Havana Old Town
Stroll and street and portrait photography in Havana Vieja
Privilege to document a boxing training, national sport in Cuba
Lunch in a charming restaurant
Discover of the iconic sites and squares
Street photography and me...
Havana Centro & Surroundings
8am Morning walk in Paseo Del Prado
9am Chinese quarter
10am Havana Centro for a street photo session
11am Capitolio Area
1:30pm Free Time
3:30pm Riding in an American car & discovery of the surroundings of Havana
6pm Bl...
Havana to Viñales
8:30am Departure to Viñales
12:30pm Lunch in a charming restaurant
2pm Check-in at the Guest House and rest
3:30pm Viñales Discovery tour
5pm Sunset from Hotel Jasmin
6:30pm Dinner
Viñales
6am Sunrise from a nice viewpoint
7:00am Walk ecological herbolistic walk Viñales’s field
9am Visit of a Tobacco farm
10:30am Break (or optional walk to los Acuaticos hills for a lunch – 2hours)
12:30pm Head to a charmin...
Viñales – Cienfuegos – Trinidad
8am departure from Viñales Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site
Lunch on the road
13:30pm Stop in Cienfuegos for a walk in its main square and boulevard.
3:30pm Check-in
4:30pm first walk in Trinidad to discover th...
Trinidad
7am Morning walk before breakfast to see the city waking up.
8am Breakfast
9am Visit of the palaces of the city
10am Photo shooting with a musicien and Street Photography
12:30pm Lunch
13:30pm Break
3pm Car ride to Manac...
Trinidad
8:30am Departure to El Cubano Park for a morning hike and photography ”
10am Arrival Javira Waterfall. Possibility to swim
11am Return by the same way and photograph the Tocororo, national bird of Cuba
12am Lunch followe...
Trinidad - Havana
– 9am Return to Havana.
– 11am Lunch on the road
– 2pm Check-in
– 3pm Break
– Photo walk in Havana Centro & Malecon or free time for solo street photography
– 6pm Cocktail on a Rooftop with one of the best view of the ci...
Havana
– 8:30am Free Morning Optional photo review or editing session with Tristan
– Transfer to the airport
Hotels
Hotel Parque Central
Luxury Hotel | $$$$
Iberostar Parque Central offers an outdoor pool and a spa center in downtown Havana, in a Spanish colonial building. Guests can enjoy 3 restaurants and 2 bars.Some rooms have a terrace or balcony. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and slippers. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is provided. The front desk is open 24 hours a day. There are business and fitness facilities at the property. José Martí International Airport is 16 km away. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from popular destinations such as Bar Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio.
Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad
Luxury Hotel | $$$$
Do you aim to discover the real soul of the places you visit? Iberostar Grand Trinidad offers unbeatable cultural heritage in the heart of one of Cuba’s most extraordinary cities. This iconic building, restored and refurbished by Iberostar, is the first 5-star hotel that features a 5-fork restaurant in Trinidad. Its interior design has kept the natural elegance of the building, but also provides modern services and spacious rooms. Our distinguished offer here is comprehensive, with personalised services and special features like the Fumoir, where you can discover the different aromas of Cuban cigars.
Hotel Los Jazmines
Resort | $$
The hotel Los Jazmines rests on the top of a hill with the most beautiful setting overlooking the Viñales Valley thanks to the natural beauty of its surroundings. It has a restaurant with a panoramic view of the Viñales Valley, barbecue, safety box, shop, events room, bureau of sale of excursions, massage, daytime entertainment, night club. It counts with 70 air-conditioned rooms with balcony, safety box, satellite TV, shop, Internet and wifi service, parking lot, nurse’s office, terrace, swimming pool.
Gallery
Price Details
Included
- Meals indicated in the program
- Accommodation in first class hotels
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles
- Tour leader and English speaking guide
- Local guides specialized in the region
- Entrance Fees
- Local transportation
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
Not Included
- International flights
- Additional drinks and meals
- Medical insurance
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Tips
Minimum Deposit
- 50 %
Price Breakdown
Payment Options
- Credit Card (+2.5% fee)
- Paypal (+2.9% fee)
- Wire Transfer (no fees)
Practical Information
Cuba, the largest Caribbean island, is known for its cultural richness, breathtaking beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Its capital, Havana, enchants with its vintage charm, manifested in classic cars and colonial architecture.
Country Facts
Official Name: Republic of Cuba
Location: Caribbean
Time Zone: Cuba Standard Time (GMT-4)
Capital: Havana
Population: Approx. 11.2 million
Official Language: Spanish
Government: Socialist Republic
Economy: Centralized planning, state enterprise system
Regions at a Glance
The major regions in Cuba include Havana, its bustling capital filled with vintage charm, Santiago de Cuba with its rich musical tradition, the verdant valley of Viñales, and Varadero known for its picturesque beaches.
Tourist Attractions
Havana's old town, UNESCO World Heritage Site
The pristine beaches of Varadero
The tobacco fields and limestone hills of Viñales Valley
Trinidad, a beautifully preserved Spanish colonial town
Money Matters
Cuban Peso (CUP) for locals and Convertible Peso (CUC) for tourists. Major credit cards (except those tied to US banks) are accepted in larger cities, though cash is king in rural areas.
Packing List
Lightweight, breathable clothing. Comfortable footwear for city walking. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for sun protection. Waterproof gear for rainy season.
Culture
Cuba's rich culture is influenced by its indigenous, African, and Spanish roots. It is known for its music (particularly salsa), cigars, rum, and baseball.
Accommodation
Options range from budget "casas particulares" (private homes) to luxury resorts. Safety is generally good, but solo female travelers should take usual precautions.
Visa Requirements
Passport valid for six months after your departure. Tourist Card (visa) which can be purchased from Cuban embassies or authorized airlines. Visit the Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry website for more information.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Emergency: 106
Ambulance: 104
Fire: 105
Police: 106
Cultural Etiquette
Cuban laws are strict, particularly with respect to drug offenses. It's essential to respect local customs, especially not photographing military or police installations or personnel.
Electricity, Plugs, and Voltage
110V, American-style flat two-pin plugs. An adapter is needed for other plug types.
Climate
Tropical climate year-round with a rainy season from May to October. Lightweight, breathable clothing recommended. Raincoat or umbrella useful in rainy season.
Public Transportation
Public transportation includes buses and trains, but they're often crowded and unreliable. Private taxis and car hire are available but can be expensive.
Language Spoken
Primary language: Spanish
English is understood in tourist areas, less so in rural areas.
Sustainability Tips
Avoid littering, respect local customs and cultures, support local businesses. Avoid supporting businesses linked to human rights violations.
Useful Apps & Websites
Google Maps for navigation
XE for currency conversion
Duolingo for learning Spanish phrases
Cuba, with its unique charm and rich culture, promises an unforgettable travel experience. Remember to respect local customs, enjoy the local cuisine and music, and above all, take the time to interact with the warm and welcoming Cuban people.