To experience is to learn, so join me as I share with you the Cuba I know and love through my eyes! Not only will this trip provide you with unique opportunities for street photography, portraits, and landscape photography, but we will engage in a full-time schedule of activities that support the Cuban people that will allow you to engage directly with Cuban individuals to learn more about Cuban culture, society, and history.
Check Itinerary Below
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Check Itinerary Below 〰️
Some of the highlights of the trip are described below.
Day 1. April 13 / Night in Havana
Arrive to Havana
Reception at the airport and transportation, in classic cars, to the place where you will be staying. You will stay in private homes in the Old Havana area, a fascinating downtown area for street photography. Before dinner we will have our orientation meeting and we will meet the local Cuban photographer who will be working with us throughout the trip.
Welcoming dinner at Antojos. This is one of the trending restaurants in the city. The ingredients are always fresh and organic. The decoration is fabulous. After dinner we will make a night walk back home through the neighborhood.
Day 2. April 14 / Night in Havana
Adult Puppet Show
This is going to be the perfect opportunity to experience theater photography. The La Proa Guiñol Theater company will offer us a private performance with puppets for adults. You will be able to take photos during the show, and after the show is over, the actors, actresses, and puppets will pose for us. You will also have the opportunity to speak with them about their life in Cuba and the challenges of working in the theater.
Lunch at Ajiaco Café in Cojímar. This will not be just a lunch, but this will be an experience with authentic Cuban food and, spoiler alert, you will learn how to make the restaurant’s special Mojito.
Private Concert. Before dinner we will attend a presentation by young musicians. This will be another good opportunity to take portraits, take some concert photos, and to learn about the life of a Cuban artist.
Dinner at El del Frente. This restaurant has been, since its creation, among the most popular in Havana. Its creativity in cocktails is one of its strong points.
Day 3. April 15 / Night in Havana
Fine Art Museum. This will be our chance to have a close encounter with Cuban art. Guided by a local art historian, we will make a tour of the Cuban collection that brings together artists from the beginning of the 20th century up to the 1980's. This is an excellent opportunity to understand Cuban culture and influences in art.
Lunch at El Asturianito. This has been, without a doubt, one of the best Cuban family restaurants. El Asturianito has been open since the 1990's and its menu reflects Cuban culinary culture.
Dinner at my family´s home. This night I am going to share with you part of my life. We will have dinner at the house where my family lives in Cuba. You will be able to learn first-hand how a Cuban family lives and you will be able to walk through Lawton, one of the most iconic traditional neighborhoods in Havana.
Day 4. April 16 / Night in Havana
Afrocuban religion tour. Guided by a Cuban expert of Afro-Cuban culture and religion, we will visit houses of worship from two different branches of this religion in Centro Habana. We will walk through the inner streets of this neighborhood and experience an unforgettable dance presentation with Afro-Cuban music.
Lunch at La Carreta. This is one of the most famous Havana restaurants of all time. It offers authentic delicious food from the countryside.
Rum and Cigar Tasting. Enjoy the experience of pairing a good rum with a good cigar hosted by a champion cigar sommelier in her home.
Dinner at Habana 61. This restaurant offers modern cuisine of excellent quality. It is cozy and well designed. I'm sure you will enjoy dining here.
Day 5. April 17 / Night in Viñales
Trip to Viñales.
This morning, we will depart early for our 3 hour trip to Viñales, a small town in the province of Pinar del Río famous for its spectacular landscapes dominated by the Mogotes, limestone rock formations covered in vegetation and with numerous caves.
Lunch in Viñales.
After having lunch and settling into our rooms, we will go for a walk through the town. This is an excellent opportunity to take photos of authentic peasant village life and to engage with Cubans who live outside the cities.
A full roast pig for dinner! Yes, this will be epic.
Day 6. April 18 / Night in Havana
Horse-car tour to Viñales Valley
Adventure in carts pulled by horses to the Valley. This morning, we will visit a farm where tobacco is planted. We will learn how to roll a cigar and walk to a natural viewpoint towards the valley. This will be a perfect opportunity to take portraits and landscapes.
Lunch in Viñales. After lunch we will drive back to Havana.
Farewell dinner at Al Carbón. This is one of the best restaurants in the city. Here, the grill is the protagonist. The decoration is fabulous, and the food is delicious!
Day 7. April 19 / Departure
**While we make every effort to make the itinerary as accurate as possible, it should be considered as an approximate schedule of activities rather than a rigid schedule of events. Trip itineraries are subject to revision due to weather, government restrictions, and other reasons beyond our control. We retain the right to make changes to the published itinerary whenever conditions warrant, or if it is necessary for the comfort or safety of the trip.
What is Included:
· All transportation in Cuba including airport transfers and daily transportation in old-fashioned cars.
· All accommodations (the price is based on single occupancy.)
· All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinners). Lunch and dinners include two drinks. Tips included.
· Bottled water each day
· Daily English-speaking Cuban guide. Other English-speaking Cuban guides as required for various tours.
· Entrance fees for locations included in the trip (other locations to be paid on your own)
What is Not Included:
· Air transportation from the United States
· Cuban entry visa (to be purchased from airlines)
· Travel insurance (recommended)
· Additional drinks not included in the trip, souvenirs, incidentals, etc.
· Tips for drivers