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.

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.

As the tour takes place during the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival, several evenings will naturally be dedicated to photographing live music, concerts, and the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the city — always integrated into the overall rhythm of the week and balanced with daytime activities.

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.

Traveling with a Companion?

If you’re traveling with a non-photographer companion, they’re welcome to join at the same rate, 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 also receive full VIP festival access, just like the group. 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. If both travelers are photographers, you’re both welcome as full participants — same access, same guided sessions, same image reviews, and both included in the closing video. Since accommodation is arranged in double-occupancy rooms, please let us know at registration whether you’d like to share a room or need separate rooms.

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.