Cuba Photography Tour: La Ruta del Són
Discover the magic of photography with Buena Vista Photo Club! Join us to master your camera skills and share inspiring moments.
Expedition Highlights
Privilege to document and photography a boxing training, national sport in Cuba
Discover of the iconic sites and squares
Photography Session in Barrio Chino
Capitolio Area
Riding in an American car & discovery of the surroundings of Havana
Blue hour in Central Park
Sunset from Hotel Jasmin
Hike in Viñales’s tobacco field and visit of a farm
Horse Carriage Ride in Viñales Valley
Golden and blue hour photos in Trinidad
Visit of the palaces of Trinidad
Valle de los Ingenieros and Manaca Iznaga (Self Guided)
View all 60 photos
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 6 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Havana’s Old Town – Havana
- Arrival
- Reception at the airport with your guide
- Transfer from Havana Airport (José Martí) to Havana’s Old Town
- Hotel Check-In
- Tour Orientation
- First relax photo walk to get acquainted with the city
Havana’s Old Town – Havana
- Stroll and street and portrait photography in Havana Vieja
- Boxing training
- Discover of the iconic sites and squares
- Golden and Blue Hour shot in Havana
Havana Centro – Havana’s Old Town – Havana
- Morning walk in Paseo Del Prado
- Photography Session in Barrio Chino
- Havana Centro for a street photo session
- Capitolio Area
- Free Time
- Riding in an American car & discovery of the surroundings of Havana
- Blue hour in Central Park
Viñales
- Hotel Check Out
- Scenic Ride to Viñales
- Hotel Check-In
- Free Time
- Vinales Discovery Tour
- Sunset from Hotel Jasmin
Viñales
- Sunrise from a nice viewpoint
- Hike in Viñales’s tobacco field and visit of a farm
- Horse Carriage Ride in Viñales Valley
- Sunset from Hotel Jasmin
Trinidad – Cienfuegos
- Hotel Check Out
- Scenic Ride to Trinidad
- Stop Over in Cienfuegos
- Hotel Check-In
- first walk in Trinidad to discover the city
- Golden and blue hour photos in Trinidad
Havana’s Old Town – Trinidad
- Morning walk before breakfast to see the city waking up
- Visit of the palaces of Trinidad
- Street Photography and impromptu portraits
- Free Time
- Valle de los Ingenieros and Manaca Iznaga (Self Guided)
- Back in the center for more street photography with impromptu models
- Golden & Blue Hour shots
Trinidad – Havana Centro – Havana’s Old Town
- Journey to El Cubano
- Parque El Cubano Hike + Tocororo+ Javira Waterfall. Possibility to swim (Self Guided)
- Scenic Ride to Trinidad
- Free Time
- Free Solo Street Photography in Trinidad
- Photoshoot with a Horse Carriage
- Shooting from a High Vantage point of the city
- Street photos with impromptu models until sunset and blue hour
Havana’s Old Town – Havana
- Hotel Check Out
- Journey to Havana Centro
- Hotel Check-In
- Last walk in Havana Centro & Malecon
Havana Airport (José Martí) – Santiago de Cuba Airport (Antonio Maceo) – Santiago de Cuba
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer Havana Centro –> Havana Airport (José Martí)
- Flight Havana (José Martí) –> Santiago de Cuba Airport (Antonio Maceo)
- Transfer Santiago de Cuba Airport (Antonio Maceo) –> Santiago de Cuba Old Town
- Hotel Check-In
- Relaxing photo walk in Santiago de Cuba’s Old Town
Santiago de Cuba
- Morning photo walk through Santiago’s center – Calle Enramada and squares
- Exclusive photo session with a famous Santiago musician
- Documenting musicians in Santiago’s musical venues
- Free Time
- Photo walk in Tivoli neighborhood until sunset
- Live music evening in Calle Heredia
Santiago de Cuba – Cayo GranMa
- Afro-Cuban culture private show
- Walk along Santiago’s Malecón (Alameda)
- Transfer Santiago de Cuba –> Cayo Granma
- Interaction and portraits with a Cuban family in Cayo Granma
- Transfer Cayo Granma –> Santiago de Cuba
- Panoramic photo stop at El Morro Fortress
- Free Time
- Sunset over Santiago from a rooftop
- Live music evening at La Trova
Baracoa
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer Santiago de Cuba –> Baracoa
- Hotel Check-In
- Photo walk in Baracoa’s Old Town
- Sunset photo session over El Yunque
Baracoa
- Portrait session with Taino descendants in Baracoa
- Maguana Beach relax and snorkeling
Santiago de Cuba Airport (Antonio Maceo) – Havana Airport (José Martí) – Havana’s Old Town
- Hotel Check Out
- Transfer Baracoa –> Santiago de Cuba Airport (Antonio Maceo)
- Flight Santiago de Cuba Airport (Antonio Maceo) –> Havana (José Martí)
- Transfer from Havana Airport (José Martí) to Havana’s Old Town
- Hotel Check-In
- Last walk in Havana Centro & Malecon
Havana Airport (José Martí)
- Leisurely Morning
- Farewell Havana Ride
- End of the Adventure
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
In our journeys around the world, we are known for selecting the finest available accommodations, ensuring both comfort and unique experiences. However, in Cuba, we adhere closely to the “Support for Cuban People” license guidelines, which means we stay exclusively in privately owned guesthouses known as casas particulares. This choice allows us to support local entrepreneurs directly, immersing you deeper into the vibrant Cuban culture.
These guesthouses offer a unique charm, especially in iconic cities like Havana and Trinidad, where you’ll find beautifully restored colonial homes and hospitable families eager to share their way of life. In more rural areas, such as the serene valley of Viñales, options can be more modest and limited. However, the warmth and hospitality of our Cuban hosts, combined with the character of these local homes, create an atmosphere that quickly makes us forget any lack of conventional luxury.
Please note that due to high demand, many of the most charming and sought-after casas particulares tend to get booked well in advance. To ensure we secure the best accommodations for you, we recommend confirming your booking as early as possible. This allows us to reserve the finest options, enhancing your experience with the comfort and authenticity that make our journeys in Cuba so unforgettable.
Chacon 160
Havana
5 nights · Hotel Boutique
Hostal Buena Vista Viñales
Viñales
2 nights · Guest House
Casa Colonial Torrado 1830
Trinidad
3 nights · Guest House
Hotel Casa San Felix Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba
3 nights · Luxury Hotel
Chacon 160
Hotel Boutique | $$
High comfort, private bathroom, minibar and Internet access. The Chacón 160 hostel, with 4 rooms in total, is located in the heart of Old Havana in a 2-story colonial house built in 1890, completely remodeled for modern and elegant décor. Restaurants, bars and historic sites abound in its surroundings to complement your stay.
Hostal Buena Vista Viñales
Guest House | $$$ | Altitude: 210m (689 ft)
Hostal Buena Vista in Viñales, Cuba, stands as a serene retreat amidst the lush landscapes of the Viñales Valley. This charming guesthouse, with its warm, inviting atmosphere, is a perfect embodiment of the tranquility and natural beauty of the region. Each room, comfortable and well-appointed, offers stunning views of the surrounding mogotes (limestone hills) and verdant fields, providing guests with a constant connection to the breathtaking scenery. The hostal's spacious veranda is an ideal spot for sipping a local coffee or a mojito while soaking in the panoramic vistas and the peaceful rhythm of countryside life. Located just a short distance from the center of Viñales, Hostal Buena Vista is an excellent base for exploring the area's unique geological formations, traditional tobacco farms, and rich cultural heritage. It's a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a genuine, relaxing Cuban experience in one of the island's most picturesque regions.
Casa Colonial Torrado 1830
Guest House | $$$
Casa Colonial Torrado 1830, a jewel nestled in the enchanting town of Trinidad, Cuba, is a delightful escape into the past. This meticulously preserved colonial house, dating back to the early 19th century, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. The moment you step through its doors, you're transported to a bygone era, with each room telling a story through its antique furnishings and traditional Cuban décor. The inner courtyard, a serene oasis, invites guests to relax under a canopy of stars, surrounded by the gentle whispers of history. Located within walking distance of Trinidad's UNESCO World Heritage sites, vibrant markets, and cobblestone streets, Casa Colonial Torrado 1830 is the perfect base for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience, coupled with the warm, personalized touch of Cuban hospitality.
Hotel Casa San Felix Santiago de Cuba
Luxury Hotel | $$$ | Altitude: 30m (98 ft)
Hotel Casa San Felix in Santiago de Cuba stands as a hidden gem in the city's tapestry of culture and history. This quaint, welcoming establishment captures the essence of Cuban hospitality, offering a serene and intimate setting amidst the bustling streets of Santiago. Each room, a cozy haven of comfort, is thoughtfully designed with a blend of traditional Cuban decor and modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay for every guest. The rooftop terrace is a particular highlight, offering a panoramic view of the city's skyline, where the hues of the sunset mingle with the historic silhouettes of Santiago. Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful yet centrally located accommodation, Casa San Felix not only provides a comfortable stay but also an immersive experience into the local lifestyle and charm of Santiago de Cuba.
Guest House in Baracoa (casa particular)
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 3.895 EUR (243 EUR/day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 3.395 EUR (212 EUR/day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 2.895 EUR (181 EUR/day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 2.795 EUR (175 EUR/day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Chacon 160 — 5 nights · Hotel Boutique
- Hostal Buena Vista Viñales — 2 nights · Guest House
- Casa Colonial Torrado 1830 — 3 nights · Guest House
- Hotel Casa San Felix Santiago de Cuba — 3 nights · Luxury Hotel
- Guest House in Baracoa (casa particular) — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van), as well as Local Taxi
- Domestic flights
- Meals indicated in the program: 15 breakfasts, 12 lunchs, 15 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Lunch on Arrival day, day 3, day 5 and Departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Tourist Card
- Additional drinks and meals
- Medical insurance
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Tips
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (1.799 EUR approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
- Please note: Due to U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba, payment options such as Stripe, PayPal, and Wise are not available for this tour. Regular bank transfer might not work either.
Second Participant Discount
- Travelling with a companion who isn't a photographer? Their per-person price is reduced by 350 EUR.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Where does your investment go?
A transparent look at how your bespoke itinerary is funded.
A few kind words
Colorful photography tour in Cuba
We had a wonderful tour in Cuba with Tristan. He knows the island very well and can spot perfect photo opportunities. He is also a great and patient teacher, and spares no effort to make the traveler's experience memorable.
Thank you, Tristan, for this new experience by your side
Thank you, Tristan, for this new experience by your side. Cuba is truly a world of its own that is worth discovering. Thank you for all the wonderful encounters, for your patience, and for the valuable advice :-)
Traveling with you is always the best.
Hope to see you very soon.
Excellent Travel & Photography Guide
Tristan created a wonderful cultural experience for us over a 10 day visit to Cuba. From a photography perspective, he had researched people and locations to insure the best model, in the most cuban environment in the best light. Although we were focused on photography, he rounded out the tour with opportunities to experience the history (visit to old sugar plantation), the land (visit to a farm with oxen and a hike to waterfall), and the food (experiencing local food and drink in beautiful settings). I would highly recommend Tristan as a guide. We are already planning our next trip with him.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.