Experience the Heart and Soul of Cuba through a Unique People-to-People Experience
February 13 - 21, 2025
Crumbling mansions… vintage cars… drive-thru theaters… Cuba is a time capsule of what was once a glamorous getaway for the world’s elite now stuck in time thanks to 50 years of trade embargos.
Despite its forbidden allure, Cuba is not impossible to visit.
We’re thrilled to offer you the rare opportunity to not just visit Cuba, but truly experience it—with stunning photography and unique, insider access.
By meeting the U.S. Treasury Department’s requirements for entry, we make it easy for you to explore without worrying about visas or paperwork (we handle that for you).
And unlike the typical rushed bus tours, our itinerary ensures you’ll have ample time to immerse yourself in Cuba’s rich history, culture, and charm and return with great photos.
When you travel with Focused Escapes, all you need to do is show up. We leverage our expertise and local connections to craft a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience for you rich with photography and high-quality cuisine.
“Cuba is nothing like other Caribbean islands. If you appreciate culture and history, you will love the experience.” — Rita L.
“You will enter Cuba with romanticized ideals of a country lost in time, but leave with eyes open, forever changed.” — Marissa W.
Day 1, FEBRUARY 13– V.I.P. Arrival and accommodation check-in
Just a short hop by plane from south Florida, Havana is one of the most culturally rich urban centers in the world. Its glorious colonial past is evident in its spectacular architecture - castles, cathedrals, mansions, and museums.
In this city, history is treasured and culture is celebrated. Exuberant music and dance spill out into the streets, clubs, and restaurants.
Due to the U.S. trade embargo, Cuban people are known for their ingenuity. They can (and absolutely must!) make anything and everything work from old radios to cars. It’s a trip back in time to the 1950s where old 1950 cars cruise the streets, drive-in theatres still exist and Soviet buses are used for public transportation.
You’ll schedule your flight to fly into Havana International Airport (HAV) and check into our accommodations. We’ll have someone there to help you through customs and border control. You don’t need to do it alone.
American Airlines, Copa, Delta and even Southwest have service into Cuba and sometimes you need to book your flight directly through their website in order to get a ticket.
Most flights arrive in the morning or early afternoon so you’ll have the rest of the day to relax by the pool with a mojito. You don’t need to arrive any earlier than this.
You’ll meet up with the rest of the group at 8pm for dinner together in Old Town Havana.
Single travelers as well as couples or friends traveling together are welcome on this tour.
Meals: Lunch is on your own, dinner is included.
Day 2, FEBRUARY 14 – Photography tour and cooking class
Old Havana is a photographer’s dream with it’s many and varied art installations, graffiti walls and abandoned buildings. Even if all you have is the camera on your phone, you’ll love our insider access to the best places to take pictures.
Our photography team on the ground has old black and white film cameras from the mid-20th century you can borrow and try on your own if you want. (Yes, they still work!) Just bring your own film because it can’t be purchased in Cuba.
We have a place you can develop this film, too. Past groups have enjoyed seeing the old dark rooms and learning to process film images. We think this is a special treat even for non-photographers. It’s a chance to use old gear with black and white film in streets set to 1950s backdrops.
Lunch is a cooking class where you’ll get an expert lesson in how to make an authentic Cuban mojito. Then it’s back to the hotel to rest up before dinner which is a local spot known for their amazing fruit daiquiris.
Most alcoholic drinks can be made without alcohol when requested.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3, FEBRUARY 15- Art and Dancing
Cuban salsa dancing is really called “casino” because that’s where it mostly took place.
You’ll start today with a group lesson that’s more like a laid-back workshop that even non-dancers and group-shy people can appreciate.
In the afternoon we’ll visit two local artists to learn more about their work and Cuban art. This is an important piece of Cuban history and charm. A stop at the Cuban Fine Arts Museum can also be included if you feel up for it.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner included.
Day 4, FEBRUARY 16 - Architecture, cars and cigars!
It’s what’s under the surface in Cuba that you’ll find yourself appreciating most.
Today, a professional guide will lead you through the city streets to the most interesting old architecture. It’s a special way to learn about Cuba without sitting in a lecture hall.
In the late afternoon, we’ve reserved classic cars to take us around the city and pose for some cool photo opps.
Dinner tonight is at a truly magical spot overlooking Havana where the food is some of the best in Cuba. After dinner you can head to the roof where we’ll learn how to pair rum and Cuban cigars - two of Cuba’s most well-known vices.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner + rum and cigars.
Day 5, FEBRUARY 17 – Cienfuegos to Trinidad
After four days in Old Havana, we’ll make our way to Trinidad with a stop half way in Cienfuegos.
Lunch is at a beautiful seafood restaurant. Dinner is at a local cafe when we arrive.
Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6, FEBRUARY 18 - Trinidad
Your morning is free to check out local shops and pottery.
In the late afternoon, we’ll do a photo walk with a professional photographer to get great pictures of the most colorful buildings and interesting streets as the sun goes down.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7, FEBRUARY 19 – Day in the Mountains
This morning we’ll drive up to the Escambray mountains to the starting point of a short walk through the tropical natural park of Topes de Collantes, to visit a local rural home.
There’s plenty of opportunity to learn about the different types of flora/ fauna but the high point is to spend time with this delightful couple who live remotely and mostly off grid — cooking over charcoal and making their own coffee.
Make sure to come prepared for a swim in a mountain waterfall nearby after a delicious home-cooked meal.
For those who do not wish to (or are unable to go), you may choose to stay at the hotel or be dropped off at a restaurant and guest house near where you can have lunch and relax.
We’ll return to Trinidad and you have the option to visit the beach at Playa Ancon.
Dinner this evening is at a charming restaurant just off the main square.
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8, FEBRUARY 20 - Havana
Savor a last breakfast before departure back to Havana. Depending on departure time, we’ll stop en route for lunch or continue through and have lunch on arrival.
You’ll have free time (the rest of the afternoon) in Havana and one final meal together before saying adios!
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9, FEBRUARY 21 - Depart
Most flights depart in the early morning. Your guide will set up departure transfers for you based on your flight schedule.
Meals - Breakfast
We cover every aspect of this trip (except your flight) so you only need to worry about enjoying Cuba….
✓ Visa
✓ Gratuities
✓ Transportation
✓ Assistance with currency
✓ A legal itinerary for US authorities that supports the Cuban people
✓ Nearly every meal + plenty of mojitos
We’ve thought of everything and prepare everything so all you have to do is sign up and show up! We even tell you what to pack.
Beginner photographers welcome!
This is a travel tour built for people who like to come home with great pictures. It includes extended times in each location and the itinerary gets us in all the right places in the right light.
There are no photo skill or gear prerequisites. DSLRs, point and shoot cameras, iPhones and travelers without cameras or other smartphones are all welcome.
FAQs
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We've done as much as we can to make this trip and itinerary as easy as possible. From the time you land in Havana until the time you depart you are accompanied by at least one person.
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Yes, you can. Cuba has multiple visa classes that are permitted by the US government for US citizens. One of these classes is the "Support for the Cuban people" visa. We work to ensure our itineraries meet the qualifications of this visa.
Part of our mission for every tour is that we support local communities as much as possible. This means using boutique hotels, local small businesses, and local guides.
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This is a personal decision that you will need to make. We're happy to speak with you about your condition but the reality is Cuba faces a severe shortage of medical supplies.
If you get sick or hurt, we may or may not be able to get you the supplies you need. The doctors in Cuba are some of the best in the world, and Cuban doctors are one of the countries biggest exports. However, they don't always have the physical items needed especially in emergency situations.
If you already know you have medical needs you will need to bring everything you need (and then some as it will be very difficult to get). You also should have repatriation insurance and medical evacuation insurance should you need to be transported.
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Cuba may put you a little on edge because of the exteriors of buildings and infrastructure. While crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing definetley occur we felt extremely safe.
In general people were welcoming and friendly. You may have people that ask you for "regalas' or gifts this is because it is common for visitors to bring things to give people.
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Every day Cubans face rationing however all of the places we visit have plenty available. You may notice that some things get repetitive (though we do our best to avoid this). It's just the reality of what is available in Cuba.
We try as often as possible to serve meals familiy style (i.e. everyone has their own plate but we share the dishes and you take how much you would like). This is to cut down on food waste wherever possible.
Some of the staple foods include fish and seafood, ropa vieja (a slow cooked beef) tropical fruits and items like plantains and yucca.
You will want to stick to only bottled water which we have available at all times while in Cuba.
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Cuba is dealing with inflation issues like most countries in the world right now. However, this also means the US dollar goes much further. We're able to stay in boutique properties with great service for a very reasonable price.
If you want to save even more the price of your tour drops to XXXX when you share a room with a friend or spouse.
Want even more savings? Refer someone to our tours (any tour) and when they book and travel with us you get a $250 credit.
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Tipping is included in the price of this tour. You may need small amounts of additional money to cover things like baggage porters, paid toilets and any extras.
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Our last trip to Cuba was a mystery trip so no one in our group knew where they were going. Cuba can be a challenging destination. You need ot be prepared for things to sometimes not work. This might mean there's a power cut or the restaurant might only have a few choices. Being surrounded by a group of people who embraced this part of travel made the experience even more meaningful.
This trip is for people who want to have an experience that can't be had anywhere else !
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Our standard cancellation policy applies to this trip. We do have payment options available and
are happy to discuss this with you.
Activity Level: Medium
If you are a healthy adult who can walk or shop for at least an hour, and you can handle 1-2 flights of stairs, you can likely do this tour.
We walk 1-2 miles at a time on city streets and through cobbled alleyways. Our hotel and some restaurants have stairs without elevators.
There’s a hike (and even a swim) on one day on uneven paths and up/down at least one large hill. You can always opt out of an activity if you’re not feeling well or you just want rest. We encourage you to monitor your own personal limits.
The medical facilities in Cuba exist, and the doctors are really good. In fact, they have the largest number of doctors per capita in the world. However, supplies are limited due to trade embargos with the U.S.
Travel insurance is recommended and your airline usually allows extra checked bags so that you can bring supplies to locals. We recommend stopping at your local pharmacy’s clearance section and bringing Band-Aids and often-used medicines to drop off at clinics and hospitals when you arrive (or in case you need it).
If you have health conditions or concerns please speak with us before booking.
If you’d prefer to book this as a private tour so you can move at your own pace, go here: Private Tours.
Hassle-free price: $6,297/$5,697
Most other tours will tell you the price of their trip is $4,500 and then on top of that you’re expected to pay for all your meals, activities, visa and gratuities. But here at Focused Escapes, we like to be upfront about your cost.
After all, your U.S. ATM and credit cards will not work in Cuba so it’s a real hassle to travel with cash.
Our hassle-free price covers everything except your flight!
And here’s what you get for it that other tours can’t offer:
Smaller groups
Extra time in the most photogenic places guided by local photographers
Real luxury accommodations (without tons of stairs)
Your own room!! (No forced room shares.)
Amazing and varied food with alcohol
More culture
No waiting for strangers to get on and off a bus
No reaching in your pocket every hour for another tip or activity fee
Your airport transfers are handled and included
Your visas and all necessary paperwork are included (health forms are on your own and sometimes required by your airline when you check in for your flight. We can’t control this.)
Unlike standard all-inclusive experiences, this trip includes ALL of your activities, all your amazing meals, most alcoholic drinks, top-class guides, and all your gratuities!!
Plus, single rooms are available for all guests at no extra charge!!
If you’d like to book with a partner or friend and share a room, you’ll both save $500 and pay just $5,697.
*Your Gratuities/Tips (and most of your alcohol) Are Included
Your fee includes nearly all your meals, drinks (including mojitos), activities, guide and driver, as well as accommodations and entrance fees. We also pay all of your gratuities.
On the arrival and departure day there may be a meal or two that you’ll need to cover depending on your flight time. Most of our meals include 1-2 drinks which can be water, soda, beer, wine, mixed drink, coffee or tea.
Other items not included are any incidentals such as laundry, souvenirs or mini-bar charges.
A deposit is due at the time of registration. The balance is due in two equal payments 30 and 60 days after your deposit.
Beautiful, accessible accommodations…
Cuba offers some wonderfully decorated, charming hotels, and we’ve chosen the best for your stay.
While it can be challenging to find places without stairs or with reliable air conditioning, we prioritize these features to ensure accessibility and your comfort.
Our accommodations are primarily one- to two-story properties in excellent locations, with convenient access, and a touch of Cuban charm.
Your registration includes:
8 nights in luxury accommodations (no forced room shares)
Pre-trip guidance including what to expect, what to pack, travel tips, and more
Transportation throughout the trip - arrival through departure — including your airport pick up and drop off
V.I.P. airport meet and greet so you don’t have to navigate the system by yourself
Black and white photography experience
Open-top, 1950s car ride with hidden stops in Havana
Home visit in the mountains of southern Cuba and a waterfall hike
Cuban cooking and cocktail class
Rum and cigar pairing
Casino dance class
Your travel visa issuance and all its handling
Gratuities for our guides, meals and hotels
Your registration fee does NOT include:
Your roundtrip international flight. The airport code for your arrival and departure is HAV (Havana International Airport).
International travel and/or health insurance (highly recommended)
Equipment—you must bring your own camera and accessories (e.g. memory cards, tripod, etc.)
Covid-related expenses
Any other incidentals or purchases you may want to make along the way
Our Commitment to Affordability
We pledge to offer expeditions at the best possible price.
We create tours for travelers, not tourists. Folks who want unique experience they wouldn’t likely find on their own. And we strive to make each and every expedition better than the last.
Many other tour companies use a simple formula, designed to shuffle tourists from one place to the next. They’ll use the same itinerary year after year, without making modifications. And that’s not who we are.
To keep our prices low, and our itineraries fresh, we stay on top of the trends, deals, and best-value opportunities that we can get our hands on. Often times $2,000-$3,000 less than what you’ll find elsewhere!
Want to make this a private/custom trip?
Get Details Here
The Focused Escapes ADVANTAGE
Local photographers.
We still see everything required under the People to People visa. But with an eye to the most photogenic stuff and a guide to take us to his favorite places for good photos.
Less fluff.
No boring lectures. No jam-packed schedules with days and days of driving. We cut more than 1/3 of the driving out of this itinerary by avoiding tourist traps.
Luxurious accommodation.
In well-located areas so we don’t have to drive far for the best pictures. Very few hotels (if any) have elevators or AC. Our places are hand picked to minimize stairs, walking to sites and they have AC.
Flexibility
It's just us. No strangers. We control our schedule. We make changes based on our wants/needs.