Jazz Plaza, one of Latin America’s premier jazz festivals, as you’ve never experienced it — through a lens. Backstage access, musician sessions, photography in legendary venues, and the irreplaceable energy of Havana.

The Tour

This tour is joined by Gretel Garlobo, the festival’s general producer, who opens the week with a welcome talk on Cuba’s jazz scene today and joins the group for visits to some of the festival’s most significant concerts. Participants also meet the festival’s founder and celebrated jazz musician Bobby Carcassés, along with other prominent musicians, and gain access to rehearsal sessions. The tour also includes visits to ballet schools, street photography walks through Havana, a trip to Playa Baracoa, a picturesque fishing village near the city, and Cojímar, the village that inspired writer Ernest Hemingway, along with visits to the historic center restored by the Office of the Historian. An optional Cuban cigar and rum tasting rounds out the cultural program. On the final evening, participants hand over a personal selection of their week’s images, which are compiled into a closing video presentation — followed by a farewell dinner.

Fitness & Skill Level

Open to all photography levels. Expect long, active days on your feet with moderate walking through the city, theaters, and rehearsal spaces. Havana’s heat and humidity call for a reasonable level of physical comfort with walking and standing for extended periods.

Camera Gear

Bring no more than two camera bodies. The week combines street photography with theater and stage photography during concerts, so come prepared for fast, low-light shooting — flash and tripods are not permitted during performances and rehearsals. Bring your own laptop and any editing software you normally work with. Internet access in Cuba is limited, and a VPN may be necessary for some services — it’s best to prepare for this in advance rather than count on a reliable connection during the trip.

What to Pack

January in Havana is our winter season — cooler and more comfortable than summer, though the sun can still be strong during the day. Lightweight, breathable clothing works best for daily shooting, with a light layer for the evenings. Cold fronts are common this time of year, so pack something warmer for those occasions. Don’t forget any personal medication, a flashlight, and extra camera batteries and chargers.

Travel Requirements

This tour operates under the “Support for the Cuban People” and “People-to-People” OFAC-authorized travel categories for U.S. citizens. All travelers to Cuba are currently required to obtain a Cuban e-Visa before arrival — we recommend confirming the current application process close to your travel dates, as entry requirements have changed in recent years. Travel medical insurance valid in Cuba is also mandatory for entry.