Cuba: A Photographic Journey

with INSTRUCTOR Roni Chastain

This photography workshop is $4,350 per person for 11 days & 10 nights in Viñales, Havana, Trinidad, and Bay of Pigs, Cuba.

The package price is based on double occupancy in the rooms. The single room supplement is an additional $200.

Simply put, Cuba is like no other place on earth. The spellbinding history from the early Caribbean-Spanish explorers to the mid- twentieth century reads like a legendary novel. Life for the Cuban people changed dramatically in the 1960’s. It’s as if the country was placed in a time capsule for fifty years and suddenly emerged, opening the doors to all who wish to explore. One can certainly feel the complexities of Cuba’s history and the strength of those who call it their home. The music makes you dance and the arts convey the struggles and triumphs. The ranchers are as rugged as the untouched land and the cigars are worth the trip alone. Cuba is absolutely fascinating.

Roni would like to welcome you to this special photography workshop! We plan to challenge you to slow down, think, observe, anticipate and feel each and every shot. Our days will be full of photographic opportunities, instruction and discussion as we experience a very unique look into the heart and soul of Cuba.

Your Trip Includes:

11 days & 10 nights in Viñales, Havana, Trinidad, and Bay of Pigs, Cuba.
Photography coaching, tips, tutorials and lessons.
Round trip airfare from Port of Departure in Florida or Home Airport* (*additional fees may apply, this decision is made based on price with guest approval)
Cuban visa processing and fee (There is an additional fee for Cuban born travelers).
Medical insurance while visiting Cuba.
Ground transportation within Cuba. Vintage American Cars.
All accommodations while visiting Cuba (Private Bed & Breakfast with air conditioned rooms).
Entrance fees when applicable.
Experienced tour guides (English, Spanish, Portuguese and French speaking are available).
All meals are included (with two “mixed” National drinks at dinner). Due to the nature of this photography tour, some lunches may be light and “on the go”. Cuba has no fast food restaurants so we will do our best to keep the photographers happy and well fed while out in the field. Please advise us about any restrictions or food allergies.
All restaurant gratuities.

Not Included:

Baggage fees or overage.
Lodging in Florida port of departure.
Activities outside the tour itinerary.
Travel insurance, which is highly recommended for all travelers.
Tips and Drinks outside of those included in package.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival in Havana

Arrival in Havana

Bienvenido a Cuba! Upon your arrival and clearing customs you will be warmly welcomed by the Your Cuba Travel team.

After settling into your homes, we will get to know each other over an early dinner and discuss the days to follow. We will then top the day off and begin our photography adventure in central Havana. (Street/Night Photography)

DAY 2: Havana

Sunrise at Malecon. The Malecon, the five mile seawall separating Havana from the ocean, is unquestionably the symbol of the city. The wall is also the place for people to fish, sit and dream and has been an inspiration to musicians, painters, photographers, and poets.

We will meander through Old Havana to Plaza de la Cathedral and enjoy breakfast at “Esto no es un Cafe”.

After breakfast we move to the central part of Havana here you are part of a unique experience including architecture, linens and inside lighting. Always a wonderful surprise for our photography aficionados.

Return to the homes for a light lunch, recharging of the batteries and equipment change prior to returning to the city.

Cemetery Colon or Calle Hammel with the ballerinas (either day #2 or #5)

Tonight, a special rooftop experience at La Guarida.

Jazz Underground – the sounds of local and international renowned Jazz artists for your enjoyment.

DAY 3: Havana-Viñales

Head west to Viñales, a valley rich in natural beauty, breathtaking views and land of the Cuban cigar and cowboy. On the way we will stop for some great photography and even better espresso!

Upon arrival, you will have time to settle into your homes and get acquainted with this colorful village. Later, you may opt to walk or drive up the hill to Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso for more wonderful photography as the sun sets followed by a traditional dinner.

DAY 4: Viñales

Sunrise/morning photography. Wake up with the cowboys and farmers as we walk along a quiet road flanked by tobacco fields and farms. A great time to hone your photography skills while capturing authentic Cuba.

By 9:30AM we will certainly be ready for breakfast together at El Campesino.

The worlds’ best cigars come from this region we will spend time with our friends at the tobacco farm, learn how the Cuban’s roll and enjoy a cigar if you are so inclined!

A free afternoon to visit the town center, take a rest, connect to Wi-Fi, charge batteries and/or work on photography.

Dinner in the local community this evening.

DAY 5: Viñales-Havana

Depart from Viñales to Havana

On our return stop by Bauta to visit the home of our lead driver and his family. Be part of a very unique experience, as this family opens their home to us.

Lunch along the way.

Colon Cemetery one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the Caribbean.

Onward! We arrive in Havana late afternoon. This evening, we will get together for a friendly critique session, photography discussion and pizza at Nuria’s house.

DAY 6: Havana-Cojimar-Havana

Immediately after breakfast early visit to the Ballet School, a very unique behind the scenes experience this morning.

We travel to the east side of Havana to the town of Cojimar, the small fishing village that is best known for the inspiration behind Ernest Hemingway’s, "The Old Man and the Sea". Here, we will have the opportunity to photograph an old village and have a unique culinary experience.

Experience and enjoy an interactive cooking and mixology lesson. Together, we will shoot while learning how to cook a very special Cuban dish. Enjoy the fruits of your labor at lunch today! Happy Cooking at El Ajiaco.

Boca de Jaruco

Street photography in Havana and dinner at Dandy’s.

DAY 7: Havana-Trinidad

Depart for Trinidad towards the Escambray Mountains with a stop in the land of the real Cuban Cowboy, Guachinango. We will be served lunch on the ranch and enjoy great photo opts.

Settle in, evening photo walk and dinner.

DAY 8: Trinidad

Trinidad is an historic colonial town, much of which is an UNESCO heritage since 1988. It’s an easy place to walk the cobblestone streets, explore, shop, eat, learn and shoot. There’s music around every corner and as mentioned, it is a great place to find art, linens, jewelry and leather goods.

We will have a buffet of options before debriefing on rooftop Casa Osmary, followed by dinner.

DAY 9: Trinidad-Bay of Pigs

This morning we travel to the area of Bay of Pigs, the Zapata region of the country. Here time has stopped, the community where we will stay for the next two evenings is quiet and welcoming, the children still play in the streets, and the locals are out and about welcoming its guests.

For those that wish to enjoy the beach and relaxation this is the region to do it in.

DAY 10: Bay of Pigs

Very early tour of the flora and fauna, along with beautiful bird watching and other reptiles with a local guide. The scenery is quiet and beautifully situated among lush landscapes.

This afternoon continued exploration of this region referred to by many as a time-capsule.

Day 11: Bay of Pigs-Havana

Early departures today heading back to the USA

* Your Cuba Travel will make every attempt to adhere to the itinerary as planned above. Should circumstances change, we have the right to make proper modifications that will benefit you our guest.

Travel authorized by license through the Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that authorizes registered guests of our programs to legally travel to Cuba to participate and engage in a full time schedule of authorized exchange activities in Cuba, which will involve meaningful interaction between travelers and people in Cuba.

Photography:

Your trip includes photography instruction and coaching with Roni Chastain. She will support, guide and challenge you!

Upon registration, you will receive photography resources, a packing list and traveler questionnaires. A private Facebook Group page will be set up as a tool to answer questions. Not a Facebook user? No problem. Eli, Jordan, and Roni will be available by phone, email or text to answer all your questions. Contact information below.

All photography levels welcome. The only requirement is the willingness to learn and ability to focus.

Deposit

A $750 deposit is required at the time of booking to guarantee your reservation, which will be applied towards the cost of your tour. Deposits are generally non-refundable, except in rare cases when we cannot confirm all components of a booking at the purchase price.

Final Payment

The balance must be paid in full 90 days prior to departure.

Reserve your spot and Pack Your Bags!

Book Now

PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTOR

Roni Chastain

Roni Chastain is a long time photographer & graduate of the New York Institute of Photography. She has photographed professional nursing organizations & conferences. Her photos have been used by American Academy of Pediatrics & published in several books. Her images have been in Juried art shows on Long Island.

For 10 years she was the Organizer for the Long Island Photography Meetup, with over 260 members. She arranged for photo shoots in the Tri-State region. Many were private photography tours. She loves to share her experience with photography & photoshop skills.

Roni previously co-lead a photo tour in Cuba, January 2020. She is excited to be doing this again.

Email: ronimeetup@gmail.com Website: ronichas.zenfolio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronichas/ Phone: 516-578-1367