SANTIAGO CUBA ADVENTURE
EXPERIENCE MUSIC, ART, DANCE.
Photograph Cuban culture.
February 16th to 25th, 2024
This trip will run on the eastern end of the island. Santiago, the sugar farms, the Santiago Rum, the town of Baraoca and artist along the way.
SMALL GROUP ADVANTAGE
The trip provides a unique opportunity for participants to express their creativity in photography and/or art. It is designed for a small group of artists and photographers. Although an exciting itinerary is planned, the small group will enable us to deviate from the itinerary to be flexible, spontaneous and indulge individual passions.
While each day will provide opportunities for both artists and photographers, participants are free to choose among the activities based on their personal interests. Bring your camera and some art supplies. You will not only visit Cuban artists in their studios, walk the street with your camera with Bruce,
Art guidance will be provided by Carlos Aguilera where you will also be able to work with him in his studio on monotypes, collagraphs, collages or other media of your choice.
Once you sign up for the trip you will be contacted to discuss your particular areas of interest.
Your adventure starts the moment we land.
We will stay in a CASA, which is a private home. Each room will have queen beds and its own private bathroom. Breakfast each day will be served by your casa. Water will be supplied.
This is a trip that will let you be a native. We will spend a night in Baracoa on the east end of the island. Boracoa is the first city of Cuba. We will capture the history, culture, and meet the people and artist.
Bruce Byers, Professional Photographer
Photographic guidance and expertise will be provided by Bruce Byers, a professional photographer on his 30th trip to Cuba. Bruce designs the trips to make sure you’ll never see, or photograph, the world quite the same way again. He will be with us on the streets, photographing people and the architecture of Cuba. He will help you to:
See with your eyes and capture with your camera.
Develop a “Street Style” for shooting on the streets
Become comfortable with your equipment
Understand the difference between creating an image and taking a snapshot.
Work in a Cuban studio. Carlos Aguilera, Cuban Artist
The Artist that desire to work in Carlos studio will set up plans with Carlos.
Art guidance will be provided by Carlos Aguilera. Carlos is a renowned Cuban painter and printmaker and will be available to provide instruction as well as one on one consultation. Carlos will host those who love printmaking as well as other media in his newly renovated print-making studio.
Born in Santiago, his father was a famous Cuban artist. Carlos will also be our local guide, ready to introduce us not only to the world of Cuban art, but also the life and culture of Cuba.
What is happening with travel to Cuba?
Can we go to Cuba? YES
Camera Odysseys has traveled to Cuba for the past 14 years. We have great friends and connections to make your trip a once in a life time. Camera Odysseys is Licensed to bring groups into Cuba under the:
See what our clients are saying: Testimonials
This is a special trip where you can stay as long or as short as you want.
Just ask Bruce for prices.
February 16th -25th 2024 Santiago Cuba
Trip starts in Santiago
All Inclusive from Santiago
Price $5675 (double occupancy)
$525 additional for single room
If using a credit card please add 5%. We take transfers and Venmo.
Deposit of $900
10 days and 9 nights
Early sign up $100 off discount by Dec 20th 2023
Cuba today is ever changing. The plans I have listed below can change by the day. All I can say after 30 visits is to go with the flow because great adventures are around every corner.
Feb 16th Santiago
Early mornings we will be on the streets with the sunrise.
We will walk the streets of a 500 year old town, getting involved in the culture and life.
Day to arrive and get settled into your casa
Feb 17th Streets of Santiago
Early morning photo walk
Breakfast
explore the streets
Visit coffee plantation
Dinner Night walk
Feb 18th Head to Baracoa
Early departure for Baracoa. On the east coast. The first city of Cuba.
Stop along the way for photo opts.
Sugar fields, Local farmers
Sugar factories, Palm plantations
Arrive Baracoa early afternoon
Explore town, Sunset shoot
Dinner local cafe’ Night walks
Feb 19th Streets of Baracoa
Early sunrise location shoot
Breakfast at casa
Photographs on the street
Home visits
We will have a tour of the city to artist studios and learn from the locals.
Lunch with local artist
Return to the streets for more exploration.
Dinner with local music
Night walks for those willing
Feb 20th
Travel back to Santiago.
Stop along the road for lunch
Stop at houses and farms to create
Dinner in Santiago
Feb 21st
Streets of Santiago. Bruce will walk the streets
boxers
Lunch
Meet up with the rum masters
Artist
Explore music and homes of the city
Feb 22nd
Streets of Santiago. Bruce will walk the streets with the photographers.
Dancers
Lunch
Morro castle visit
Island visit
dinner with music
night walks
Feb 23rd
Streets of Santiago. Bruce will walk the streets with the photographers.
Tobacco
Lunch
walk the streets
Artist
Explore music and homes of the city
Feb 24th
Work with Bruce on the street
Revisit areas of the city to explore
artist
home visits
Sunset at city square. Dinner Night walk
Feb 25th Final day
This day will be determined by the participants as to what they want to do in line with what they have been working on with Bruce and Carlos. Either more work in the studio or photography on the streets…Or
One Idea can be:
This will be a day of local artist just outside Santiago. Great for portraits and landscapes.
Early departure to Artists community for great art, music, and local friends.
Talk, photograph, and work with the artist.
Dinner pig roast with music
Return to Santiago
Night is on your own
Farewell dinner at local cafe’ with music
Feb 26th
Fly home to the USA (or stay ask Bruce)
What's Included:
All meals
All ground transport in Cuba
Accommodations in Casa (bed and breakfast) including breakfast
Double occupancy: (Single $425 supplement)
Entrance fees to attractions listed on itinerary
What's NOT included:
Alcoholic beverages
Visa to Cuba, you buy it at the airport in the USA
Airfare to Santiago, Trip starts in Santiago Cuba
Accommodations at if starting off point is in US, Miami
Travel insurance. You need to get your own personal travel insurance for medical and trip cancellation.
Ground transport at starting off point in US
Internet or communications costs in Cuba
Note: Final schedule may deviate from plan due to conditions on the ground.
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."
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 can’t be brought back as of now. 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 will travel with Camera Odysseys
Camera Odysseys can take care of this for you.
You can also buy it at your last airport out of the USA to Cuba.
VACCINATIONS:
None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. Bring cash to cover your stay. The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over 5,000 USD. Travelers should note that the Government of Cuba charges a 10 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..
