What is happening with travel to Cuba?
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 life time. The USA travel restrictions only effect the cruise ships 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.
Travel from the 16th century port city of Havana
to the town of Trinidad in the south with even older history.
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 15th 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. Bruce will be on hand to lead the travelers throughout the streets and culture of Cuba. He has been leading workshops to Cuba (20 trips) and many other places around the world. Bruce designs the trips to make sure you’ll never see, or photograph, the world quite the same way again. He is very excited about our upcoming trips, and thinks you will be as well.
Over the course of the trip you will learn:
The difference between photography and storytelling.
Anyone can take a photograph but not all photographs tell visually rich stories.
The use of design in photography through color, texture, light, perspective and detail.
To craft your own unique visual voice.
Carlos Aguilera, Cuban Artist
Our Cuban Artist will also be with us to introduce us to the world of Cuban artist. A great artist and a friend, introduces us to artist of all media.
The timeless quality of Cuba has barely changed, but the fact is, Cuba will, for better and for worse, embrace the 21st century in the near future. That’s why it's so significant for us to document and share these fragile, Cuban anachronistic ways of life in this rare place while we still can. And we'd like to invite you to join us on this exciting adventure.
See what our clients are saying: Testimonials
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Havana to Trinidad Photographic Adventure
November 30th to December 7th 2019
Workshop cost $2400
{ Includes two dinners and all breakfast }
Accommodations DOUBLE OCCUPANCY in Casas
(bed and breakfast) including breakfast.
$300 for single supplement.
Photography workshop starts in Havana, Cuba
Call Bruce to book this trip 917-992-1453
Dinner will be group dinners
First night dinner and last night dinner included
All breakfast served in Casa
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 with local Cubans for those who care to join.
Day 1: Nov 30th (Saturday ) Trip starts in Havana, Cuba
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 included
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: Dec 1st ( 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: will be in a local café with music
Day 3: Dec 2nd (Monday)
We head for the town of: Trinidad, a water front UNESCO city on Cuba’s south coast known for its beauty and an 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 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 3rd (Tuesday)
Sunrise town walk
Breakfast: 8:30 in your casa
Walk the city visiting the town square and streets
Visit local artist studios.
Explore the city
Lunch: Hill top restaurant (great view of the town)
Early afternoon, we will head back to Havana
Dinner: In Old Havana
Day 5: Dec 4th (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 15th 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 5th (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.
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 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: at the Art Factory, a great place for art, photograph, music and mixed media.
Day 7: Dec 6th (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 and music at La Guarida Included
Day 8: Dec 7th (Saturday)
Time to head home or stay longer
Call Bruce for details: 917-992-1453
What's Included:
Includes two dinners and all breakfast
All ground transport in Cuba
Accommodations DOUBLE OCCUPANCY in Casas (bed and breakfast) including breakfast. Singles are a $300 supplement.
Medical insurance in Cuba (Note this is not travel cancellation insurance)
Entrance fees to attractions listed on itinerary.
What's NOT included:
Flights to Havana, Cuba
Visa to Cuba, buy it at last airport you leave from the USA.
Just Includes two dinners and all breakfast
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."
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
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..