Vedado and Beyond Photo Tour 2027

The Tour: Architectural Photography in Havana

This tour is joined by architect Ayleen Robainas Barcia, a heritage specialist with the Office of the Historian of Havana since 1996 and President of the Technical Heritage Commission of UNAICC. Ayleen guides the group through the historical development of the city’s architecture, building by building. Participants also meet Madeleine Menéndez and Néstor Martí, one of our tour leaders, co-authors of “El Vedado, tradición y modernidad en la arquitectura habanera.” Photo sessions take place at iconic buildings throughout Vedado and the city’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center — colonial, eclectic, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and modernist architecture. The tour also includes visits to young architects’ studios and a workshop producing the handcrafted hydraulic tiles used in Havana’s restoration, with an optional Cuban cigar and rum tasting. 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.

Before You Join This Tour

All participants are expected to have a genuine interest in photography and to work with a camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or equivalent). This tour goes beyond mobile phone photography — all participants will be photographers sharing a common purpose and rhythm.

Havana is a welcoming city for photographers. Throughout the entire week, you will be guided by local professional photographers who know the city intimately and work daily in the same neighborhoods where we photograph. You will never be left alone, and assistance and translation are provided at all times.

The experience involves daily walking at a comfortable pace, with frequent stops to photograph, observe, and discuss images. A reasonable level of mobility and physical condition is required, as walking is an essential part of exploring Havana visually and authentically.

This tour is limited to a small group of photographers, allowing for personalized guidance, constructive feedback, and meaningful photographic interaction. The focus is on slowing down, observing carefully, and building a coherent visual narrative rather than rushing from place to place.

By joining this photo tour, you agree to approach the experience with curiosity, respect for local culture, and a collaborative spirit with fellow photographers and guides.

Rooms, Companions and Pricing

Every photographer has a private room. The participant price is USD 3,800, with no single supplement.

If you’re traveling with a non-photographer companion, they’re welcome to join for USD 3,200 and share your room, with access to most of the week’s activities — school and dance company visits, architects’ studios, artist talks, and exhibitions. During dedicated street photography walks, companions follow an independent guided itinerary, rejoining the group afterward. Companions join the group for the closing evening and presentation, though their images are not included in the closing video, and photography instruction, technical support, and image reviews are reserved for participants. Companions are registered under their participant’s booking.

If both travelers are photographers, each registers as a participant at the full participant rate and has a private room, with the same access, guided sessions and image reviews, and both are included in the closing video. Two photographers traveling together who prefer to share a room may do so by requesting it at registration.

Fitness & Skill Level

Open to all photography levels. Expect long, active days on your feet with moderate walking through the city. Comfortable clothing and footwear are essential — 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. This tour is built around architectural photography — tripods are welcome, and specialized lenses such as tilt-shift are especially useful for capturing buildings with accurate perspective. 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

February 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” OFAC-authorized travel category 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Vedado and Beyond Photo Tour?

February 20–27, 2027, in Havana, Cuba (7 nights).

How much does it cost?

USD 3,800 per participant (photographer), with a private room. A non-photographer companion is USD 3,200 and shares the participant’s room. To register, a USD 400 deposit is required; the remaining balance is due before the tour.

Is there a single supplement?

No. Each photographer has a private room. Two photographers traveling together may share a room if they request it at registration.

What will we photograph?

Iconic buildings in Vedado and the UNESCO World Heritage historic center — colonial, eclectic, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and modernist architecture — plus visits to young architects’ studios and a workshop producing handcrafted hydraulic tiles.

Who guides the tour?

Local professional photographers, together with architect Ayleen Robainas Barcia, a heritage specialist with the Office of the Historian of Havana, who guides the group through the history of the city’s architecture.

Do I need a tripod or special lenses?

Tripods are welcome, and specialized lenses such as tilt-shift are especially useful, but neither is required. Bring no more than two camera bodies.

How big is the group?

A maximum of 7 photographers, plus any non-photographer companions they bring.

Which meals are included?

Breakfast at your accommodation and the welcome and farewell dinners. All other meals are at your own expense.

Do I need a visa and insurance?

Yes. A Cuban e-Visa and travel medical insurance valid in Cuba are required, and neither is included. See Travel Requirements above.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

It is open to all photography levels, but you should work with a camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or equivalent), not just a mobile phone.