The colors of Cuba will engulf you. The people will embrace you with their friendship. Trinidad and Havana will show you their history. This is a once in a lifetime experience to learn, grow in a unique country that you do not want to miss.
Can we go to Cuba? YES
We hope travel will be back in line and safe.
Camera Odysseys has traveled to Cuba for the past 10 years. We have great friends and connections to make your trip a once in a lifetime. The USA travel restrictions only effect the cruise ships and some planes from the USA.
Camera Odysseys is Licensed to bring groups into Cuba under the:
“Support for the Cuban people”
No further permission from OFAC is required to engage in transactions by a person who meets all criteria in a general license.
For those just interested in the experience of Cuba and an interest in taking better photographs this trip will get you involved with all aspects of Cuban life and culture. The places we will go are off the beaten path at the right time of day.
The lush colors of Cuba will inspire you to create. The friendly locals and rich culture will embrace you with its kindness, music and art. We’ll travel the island from the busy city, to a private farm, all while being transported to the stone streets of the past. Have lunch with a notable Cuban artist in a working studio, stand in one of the most famous boxing gyms in the world, and capture that right hook. Photograph a blaze of colors of Spanish Dancers set against 16th century architecture. These are just a few moments of a trip that will capture your imagination.
Bruce Byers, Professional photographer
Will be with us on the streets, photographing people and the architecture of Cuba. This will be his 20th trip. Bruce makes sure the trips are designed to make sure you’ll never see, or photograph, the world quite the same way again. I’m very excited about our upcoming trips, and I think you will be as well.
Carlos Aguilera, Cuban Artist
Our Cuban Artist will also be with us to introduce us to the world of Cuban artist.
The streets will be alive with color, music and dance while you travel under the experienced guidance of professional photographer Bruce Byers. He is always looking to be in the right place at the right time. Being a lover of photography or just a traveler that loves adventure, this is a trip for you. Bruce will be there to help and guide you to see and create in the wonderful places we visit and the people to meet. This trip is for lovers of photography at all levels. ( yes even your iPhone )
Havana to Trinidad Photographic Adventure
Nov 28th to Dec 5th, 2020
Adventure starts in Havana, Cuba
Workshop cost $3750 All inclusive
$350 for single room * call for special deals.
Day 1: Nov. 28 ( Saturday )
Arrival at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport. Private transfer from the airport for Havana.
Check into local casas
Walk the Malecon for sunset with camera and welcome rum
Welcome dinner in a local café with local music.
Dinner will be group dinners
There are many things that can be arranged for after dinner entertainment with music and dance.
Each night there will be a night time photo walk for those who care to join.
Havana has endless surprises around every corner. Bring many cards for your camera.
There are many evening music and club options that you can choose form.
Day 2: Nov. 29th ( Sunday )
Sunrise photo walk before the town wakes up.
Each morning there will be a sunrise photo walk for those who care to join.
8:30 am Breakfast served in Casas
Morning: Walk to the Capitol area of Havana.
This walk will introduce you to the colors of Havana. The city will be alive and the colorful old cars will be running. We will board a double decker bus to get an over all feel for the city and give you a glimpse into the past.
Lunch: The Art Pub
This Café was put together by a Cuban photographer. They serve cold beer and great Cubans.
Afternoon Photo Walk into the square of Old Havana
Dinner: at the Art Factory, a great place for art, photograph, music and mixed media.
Day 3: Nov. 30th ( Monday )
We head for the town of: Trinidad, a water front UNESCO city on Cuba’s south coast known for its beauty and historical importance. Trinidad is one of the best-preserved cities in the Caribbean from the time when the sugar trade was the main industry in the region.
We will stop at a local farm to experience and photograph local life.
Bruce will conduct a portrait workshop on site.
Lunch: On the road
Arrive Trinidad early afternoon to explore the streets
Rooftop for sunset and Rum tasting
Dinner: Local restaurant with music
Evening night walk and music in the square
Day 4: Dec. 1 th (Tuesday)
Walk the streets at sunrise
Breakfast: 8:30 at your casa
Walk the city visiting the town square and streets in between.
Visit local artist studios for lunch and art.
Sunrise town walk
Explore the city
Visit local artist galleries
Lunch: Hill top restaurant (great view of the town)
Early afternoon, we will head back to Havana
On the way back to Havana we will stop in the countryside and sugar cane fields.
Dinner: In Old Havana
Day 5: Dec. 2th (Wednesday)
Lets go Boxing ( photographing the boxers )
Sunrise on The Malecon: of Havana always has an interesting turn of events with the fishermen, old ships and great light, if you up for it.
After breakfast and by 10:30 we will arrive at : Gimnasio de Boxeo Trejo, boxing gym. The best of Cuba will show off their skills and create photos with you.
Lunch at an Artist studio. Working studio with music and great art
Early afternoon:
Ride in the old cars to visit El Cristo de La Habana (The Havana’s statue of Christ) ending up at Moro Castle to photograph it's 16th to 18th century walls and canons.
Great skyline of Havana and the Malecon.
Return to the Malecon for sunset and music.
Dinner: at local cafe'
Night photo walks. (optional)
Day 6: Dec 3 th (Thursday)
Early Morning
Flamenco Dancers in the Havana Cathedral Square. These great dancers will make it easy for you to create images with them with a once in a life time backdrops of 15th century buildings. This is always a lively shoot. Learn to dance also.
Breakfast in a local cafe'
We will be joined by one of the teachers from Old Havana Restoration School and Workshop to talk about the restoration of Old Havana and for those that want to can take a tour of the school that is putting Havana back together. We will be allowed to photograph the students and their work.
Visit Taller experimental de Grafica, a famous printmakers workshop to watch, photograph and talk with the Cuban artist as they create their work.
Lunch at local neighborhood Paladar El Reconejo
The Old Square has one of just 7 commercial Camera Obscura in the world. It is a great way to step inside a camera and see Havana live. After which we will photograph visit the other great square of old Havana. San Francisco has a great church tower for full city shots.
Other places to visit. We can put short trips together for those that want to go.
Optional Travel to Havana's Fusterlandia
Optional Travel to the Hemingway House
Sunset we will be at the Malecon.
Dinner: Local cafe’
Day 7: Dec 4th (Friday)
Sunrise either Malecon or streets
This is the day to revisit locations you loved
The group will get to choose where to revisit or explore
Explore neighborhoods outside Old Havana
Photograph in peoples homes
Photograph inside some of the old building being restored
Lunch with artist or Art Pub or other Cuban cafés
Walk the squares of Old Havana
Ride the local ferry to a fishing village. This village in on the other side of the harbor and will be gone soon as the harbor is being rebuilt.
Sunset on Malecon
Music and drinks at the Hotel National
Farewell Dinner
Day 8: Dec 5 th (Saturday)
Time to head home.
What's Included:
All meals.
All ground transport in Cuba
Accommodations DOUBLE OCCUPANCY in Casas (bed and breakfast) including breakfast. Singles is a $350 supplement.
Visa to Cuba
Medical insurance in Cuba (This is not travel cancellation insurance)
Entrance fees to attractions listed on itinerary.
What's NOT included:
Flights to Havana, Cuba
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance
Internet or communications costs in Cuba
Tips for tour leaders, local guides, wait staff, and chambermaids
Luggage check in costs-please check with your particular airline for allowances
Note: Final schedule may deviate from plan due to conditions on the ground.
Please be flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba
What do I need to bring with me?
You will need your passport and a visa (Camera Odysseys will take care of this) for entry into Cuba. Once there, shopping for essential items like toiletries is nearly impossible. You must bring anything you will need, including all medications. You will also need enough cash to last throughout your trip, since most American credit and debit cards are not accepted in Cuba, traveler’s checks are not accepted, and ATM cards issued by a U.S. bank cannot be used. I always say " You can always bring the USA cash home, you can't get more once there."
· CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. Bring some cash. The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over 5,000 USD. Travelers should note that the Government of Cuba charges a 10 to 13.75 percent fee for all U.S. dollar cash conversions; this does not apply to electronic transactions or cash conversions in other currencies.
Camera Odysseys will exchange money for you..
We suggest you bring about $600 in cash. The only items that are bought, are music, art and cigars. You will need cash for personal items and tips to the guides. You can always bring the cash home; you just cannot get it in Cuba.
What should I leave at home?
Walkie talkies, satellite phones, and GPS devices are not allowed, and should be left at home. There is no phone service for U.S. cell phones in Cuba. Plan to be without internet for the duration of your trip—it is available in some Cuban hotels for a fee, but it is slow and unreliable. We will have a Cuban phone with us if there is a need to call the USA.
What is Cuban food like?
Cuban cuisine varies widely depending on the season, location, and market prices—and is limited by what’s available to the Cuban people. Thus, it includes staples like rice, beans, chicken, fish, pork, plantains, and root vegetables. As seasonings are hard to come by, we invite you to bring packaged spices, for your own use and to give to locals as gifts.
What can I bring back from Cuba?
U.S. Customs rules surrounding Cuban souvenirs are similar to those for other countries. Since late last year, the limits on the number or value of Cuban cigars and alcohol have been eased, so you can bring back as much as you want. We also recommend Cuban coffee and art as a lasting memory of your adventure.
Is Cuba safe?
Yes, American tourists are safe throughout Cuba, though we always recommend using common sense. Please see your Final Documents for more detailed information.
Quick Facts
PASSPORT VALIDITY:
Must be valid at time of entry. You need 6 months on the passport. USA requirement.
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
Two pages are required for entry/exit stamps
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
Tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited. You must obtain a license from the Department of Treasury or your travel must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel. See ENTRY, EXIT & VISA REQUIREMENTS below.
Camera Odysseys will take care of this for you.
VACCINATIONS:
None