Welcome to Camera Odysseys
We are your next travel adventure!
Cultural immersion, exotic locations,
unique photographic moments
Cuba, March 7th to the 15th
Havana, Trinidad, Viñales
Our destinations are remote and exciting. But that's not the only reason they are fascinating. They’re also some of the most extraordinary places in the world – mysterious, romantic, exotic, and exquisitely beautiful – that are ideal for photo travel adventures.
Our destinations have been timeless, with very little change over the years. But they are endangered and will change dramatically as they embrace 21st century changes. That’s a key reason we help you experience, document, and share these fragile, anachronistic ways of life in faraway places while you still can.
Our workshop adventures go beyond capturing that magical image at the right moment. We talk about light, angles, composition, color, mood – all the components that make a great picture wherever you are. We discuss how your vision can create images unique to you. We work on how your personal aesthetic and interpretation can make a scenic moment in time into an extraordinary image. In short, we combine the art and science of photography to give you the skills and confidence to create your own portfolio of distinctive and personal work.
Travel like a journalist, live like a native and shoot like a professional!
This Is Cuba!
March 7th to the 15th
The Magic of Old Havana
Enjoy local music and culture with colorful Cuban dancers, musicians, boxers, and artists. Ride in vintage American cars and explore the charming backstreets of old Havana humming with music, energy, and Cuban cuisine. Meet artists and purchase their work directly from them.
Let’s Meet the Tobacco Farmers!
This trip includes one of our favorite remote places, giving you a travel adventure with a twist that no ordinary group could offer. In Cuba, we don’t just visit magnificent urban Havana, we travel to Viñales to meet some of the most famous tobacco growers and cigar makers in the world. Think of this experience as the equivalent of learning about great wines in Bordeaux and Burgundy.
Visit UNESCO Heritage Site, Trinidad
This photo-ready waterfront town on Cuba’s south coast is charming in its pure and simple style. Trinidad is known for its historical buildings and beauty, and is one of the best-preserved cities in the Caribbean from the time when the sugar trade was the main industry in the region.
Our Crew
Bruce Byers
You’ll find Bruce on the streets of the world, photographing people and places. He knows Cuba intimately and this will be his 25th trip to the island. Bruce designs trips to make sure you see and photograph the world in a unique way. He is passionate about Cuba and eager to share what makes this country and its amazing people so memorable. Over the course of the Cuban adventure, you will learn skills and perspectives from his informal photo workshop:
The difference between photography and pictures
Learn to see and capture images good enough for your walls at home.
How to take photographs that tell visually rich narratives
How to use design in photography through color, texture, light, perspective, and detail
How to craft your own unique visual voice
Carlos Rene Aguilera Tamayo
Our resident Cuban artist Carlos will travel with us to share the world of Cuban artists. A native of Santiago, he follows in the footsteps of his famous Cuban artist father, José Julián Aguilera Vicente. Engaging, charming, with a great sense of humor and worldwide sophistication, Carlos will be our window into life and culture of Cuba, assisting in your one-one-one conversations with some of the most talented working artists in Cuba today as well as all the people you will meet on your adventure.
Fees
All-inclusive 8 nights, 9 days: $5795 (double occupancy)
Singles: $575 supplement.
Deposit, $900, due Dec 10th 2024
Trip will go with 4 or more clients.
If using a credit card please add 5%. We take transfers and Venmo.
Trips can be extended. Call Bruce for details. Mobile: 917-992-1453
Please Note: Final schedule may vary from plan due to conditions on the ground. Please be prepared for the unexpected and be flexible! It’s an adventure.
What's Included
All meals
All ground transport in Cuba
Accommodations in a charming casa (bed and breakfast)
Entrance fees to all attractions included in the itinerary
What's NOT Included
Any pre-departure hotel in the US
Airfare to Havana.
Travel insurance. You need to get your own personal travel insurance for medical and trip cancellation.
Internet or communications costs in Cuba at a Havana hotel/internet facility
Incidental expenses, alcoholic beverages
Itinerary – March 7th to the 15th
March 7 - Arrive in Havana
Arrival at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport. Private transfer from the airport for lodging.
Check into local casa
Welcome rum reception
Walk the Malecon for stunning sunset photo opportunity
Opening dinner in a local café with music.
March 8 - Havana
Sunrise on the Malecon: fishermen, boats, tall ships, seascapes, local Havana residents go photograph
Breakfast served in your casa
Walk to the Capitol area of Havana. This walk will introduce you to the brilliant colors of Havana. The city will be alive with friendly Cubans and vintage American cars.
A city-wide tour in a vintage car to get an overall feel for Havana with surprising glimpses into the past.
Lunch in a café, complete with refreshing cold Cuban beer and terrific sandwiches.
Explore the beautiful plazas of old Havana
Photograph architectural icons from the 16th century
Sunset on the streets with vintage cars as backdrops
Dinner in a local cafe’
Evening walk in a new neighborhood (optional)
March 9 - We are off to Trinidad!
We head for the town of Trinidad, a waterfront UNESCO city on Cuba’s south coast known for its beauty and an historical importance. Trinidad is one of the best-preserved cities in the Caribbean from the time when the sugar trade was the main industry in the region.
Depart after breakfast at casa.
We will stop at a town to photograph and learn about local life.
Lunch on the road.
Arrive Trinidad early afternoon to explore the street life.
Rooftop sunset gathering and rum tasting.
Dinner at local restaurant with music.
Evening walk and music in the square (optional).
March 10 – The Streets of Trinidad
Sunrise walk
Breakfast in your casa
Walk the city visiting the town square and colorful streets.
Early afternoon, return to Havana. We will visit the countryside and sugarcane fields.
We will travel through the town of Santa Clara on the way back to Havana.
Dinner at a local café.
March 11 - Havana, Boxers, Artists and Moro Castle
Sunrise on the Malecon
Visit to Gimnasio de Boxeo Trejo. This boxing gym is famous for coaching young Cuban boxers who will show off their physical skills and sit for portraits.
Lunch at an artist’s studio with music and great art to see and purchase.
Ride in vintage cars to visit El Cristo de La Habana (Havana’s monumental statue of Christ) and a stop at Moro Castle to photograph its 16th-18th century-old walls, canons and a great skyline of Havana and the Malecon.
Return to the Malecon by local ferry for sunset and music.
Dinner at a local café.
Evening photo walk in another old Havana neighborhood. (optional).
March 12 – Havana, Dancers, Restoration and Artists
Flamenco Dancers in the Havana Cathedral Square. These great dancers will make it easy for you to create images with them with a once in a life time backdrops of 16th century buildings. This is always a lively shoot.
Breakfast in a local cafe'
We will be joined by one of the master teachers from Old Havana Restoration School and Workshop to talk about the restoration of Old Havana and for those that want to can take a tour of the school that is putting Havana back together. We will be allowed to photograph the students and their work.
Visit Taller experimental de Grafica, a famous printmakers workshop to watch, photograph and talk with the Cuban artist as they create their work.
Lunch at local neighborhood Paladar
The Old Square has one of just seven commercial Camera Obscuras in the world. It is a great way to step inside a camera and see Havana live.
A walk through some of the great squares of old Havana. San Francisco has a great church tower for full city shots.
Optional Travel to the Hemingway House
Sunset on the Malecon.
Dinner at the Art Factory, a great place for art, photography, music and mixed media.
March 13 - Viñales and the Tobacco Farms
Early departure in private bus for scenic drive to the tobacco region of Viñales
Lunch with a local farmer at his home.
Visit to local tobacco farms offering unique photo opps.
Visits to capture the beauty of the local landscape
Meet a local artist
Return to Havana.
March 14 - Havana
Day on your own to explore
We will plan this day together to let people revisit place they have found.
night out at Art venue
Night walks with Bruce
March 15 - Havana
Time to head home Or stay Ask bruce before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba
Yes! Camera Odysseys has traveled to Cuba for the past 15 years. We have great friends and connections to make your trip a once in a lifetime adventure. Camera Odysseys is licensed to bring groups into Cuba under the auspices of “Support for the Cuban people.”
Is Cuba safe?
Cuba is completely safe, and the local residents are friendly and curious about visitors. It is safe to walk the streets alone at night (although we recommend walking with a buddy or two), and the country is welcoming. The Cubans depend on tourism, so they are open to visitors.
Is there internet and cell service?
There are several hotspots in Havana where you can access the internet, but US phone service is not available. Texts are operational as is email with a hotspot, however US carriers will charge significant roaming charges for texts. We have a private hotspot available for our guests to text/email
What do I need to bring with me?
You will need your passport and a visa (Camera Odysseys will take care of this) for entry into Cuba. Once there, shopping for essential items like toiletries is nearly impossible. You must bring anything you will need, including all medications. You will also need enough cash to last throughout your trip. American credit and debit cards, traveler’s checks and ATM cards issued by a U.S. bank cannot be used in Cuba. We say, "You can always bring US cash home, but you can't get more once you’re there."
What should I leave at home?
Walkie talkies, satellite phones, and GPS devices are not allowed. There is no phone service for US cellphones in Cuba. Plan to be without internet for the duration of your trip—it is available in some Cuban hotels for a fee, but it is slow and unreliable. We will have a Cuban phone with us if there is a need to call the States.
What is Cuban food like?
Cuban cuisine varies widely depending on the season, location, and market prices—and is limited by what’s available to the Cuban people. That said, it includes staples like rice, beans, chicken, fish, pork, plantains, and root vegetables. As seasonings are hard to come by, we invite you to bring packaged spices, for your own use and to give to locals as gifts.
What can I bring back from Cuba?
US Customs rules surrounding Cuban souvenirs are similar to those for other countries. Since late last year, no rum or cigars can be imported into the USA. How things will change by the trip.
Quick Travel Facts
Passports must be valid at time of entry. ( 6 months at least )
You need two lank passport pages for entry/exit stamps
A tourist visa is required. Camera Odysseys to get one for you or you can get through your airlines or connection airport to Havana.
Tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited. Camera Odysseys is licensed to for travel under “Support of the Cuban People.”
You must have proof of all your Covid Vaccinations
The Cuban government requires that travelers declare any cash amounts over $5,000 US. Travelers should note that the Government of Cuba charges a 10% fee for all U.S. dollar cash conversions; this does not apply to electronic transactions or cash conversions in other currencies. Camera Odysseys will exchange money for you.