Cuba Photo Tour
From pulsing Havana, to laid back Trinidad, Cuba exists in a time and space of its own, where it seems anything is possible. Join us on this 14 day Cuba photo tour, and bring history to life. This is Cuba. It is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Cuba Photo Tour – 14 Days
Join us on a 14-day photography tour down the western and central parts of Cuba to explore one of the world’s most intriguing and mysterious countries. For years Cuba was isolated from the rest of the world, it is the country that time forgot. But things are changing in Cuba and now is the time to see this spectacular country for yourself.
Our Cuba photo tour will take you on a loop from Havana through Cienfuegos, to Trinidad, and then back to Havana for your flight home, or for the workshop afterwards if you purchase the extension.
U.S. Citizens Welcome!
We have made it as simple as possible for U.S. citizens to legally travel to Cuba. Our photo tour of Cuba has been specifically designed to ensure that we meet all of the travel restrictions that are set by the U.S. Government. If you need help arranging your tourist license and visa for Cuba, we can help you with too (extra fees apply).
Where: Western & Central Cuba
Embark on a photographic journey through Cuba, a nation unparalleled in its rich history and vivid culture. This remarkable photography tour offers you the unique opportunity to capture the essence of Cuba through your lens.
Engage with the local populace, delve into their traditions, and seize the beauty of timeless classic cars and colonial architecture.
Our expertly guided adventure ensures you uncover the hidden gems of the “Pearl of the Antilles,” documenting the spirit of Cuba in every shot.
When: January 15 – January 28, 2025
For 14 days and 13 nights, starting and ending in Havana Cuba.
Who: 10 Photography enthusiasts
Join a small group of up to 10 photographers (spouses welcome as well) plus two photo leaders.
Total photography immersion, in a safe and relaxed environment, with experienced professional photographers, and an expert local guide providing lots of hands-on help.
What: 14-day photo tour of Cuba
A 14-day photo tour of Cuba, catering to photographing in the best locations at the best time of day for light. You will travel and learn in an informal small group setting, with a flexible schedule (including free time to explore) and customized photography tips and guidance in the field to match the group members. This tour is also perfect to bring non-photographers along as well. Although it is customized for photographers there is still a lot to be enjoyed even without a camera in hand.
Digital Photo Mentor, lead by Darlene Hildebrandt, traveling to Cuba in January 2020 was a most wonderful trip! Excellent photographic instruction, superb photo sites, walking tours, the best food and awesome cocktails! It was well organized and very fun! 6 cities inclusive which offered a thorough feel for Cuba! Highly recommend!!!
Zee McLeod
Cuba Tour 2020
Beginner? Pro photographer?
This tour is designed for all levels of photographers to get the most out of every experience at every site on our journey. Our small tour group allows personal access to your tour leader, professional photographer Darlene Hildebrandt.
Comfort and safety go hand-in-hand with fun and adventure as we travel and photograph this spectacular country.
Join us on our 14-day photography tour of Cuba: the world’s most popular tourist destination.
How much is this photo tour of Cuba?
This tour is designed to offer you both adventure and comfort.
While in Cuba, we will stay in local homes at Casa Particulars (authentic Cuban B&Bs). Your hosts go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable and you get to see daily life and interact with the locals this way. All of your meals are also included.
We also take care of little incidentals like bottled water daily, entrance fees for all attractions, and snacks on the transport for a smooth easy experience.
Price
Per Person: $6,195 USD
Single Supplement: $995 USD
Deposit: $895 USD
Extra Night Accommodation: $145 USD
Viñales Workshop Extension: $1895 USD
Single Supplement: $245 USD
* Does not include your flight or other travel to Cuba
Viñales Extension
Join us for an extended stay in the breathtaking Viñales, a place characterized by its majestic mountains and dramatic rocky formations.
We’ll have the opportunity to witness and capture the traditional agricultural practices, with a particular focus on tobacco farming.
Exploring the quaint farms and villages will further reveal the unique architectural styles, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the region.
Final Payment
The balance of your tour is due 90 days before departure.
NOTE: It’s worth mentioning here about the food in Cuba. You may have heard that the food there isn’t very good, but you need to consider the source. People that go to the all-inclusive resorts in Varadero have a very different experience to what you will get with our tour! They have limited access to spices and things in Cuba but the food is fresh, locally grown, is usually organic, and is always made with love.
Do you love to travel?
Are you are as obsessed with travel and photography as we are?
Then you need to join us in Cuba, the country that time forgot, for a cultural and historical experience you will not want to miss. Not only will you improve your photography through the support of our expert teachers, but you can rest assured that you will travel to some of the best locations Cuba has to offer photographers.
Have been on 2 tours and heading for my third this Nov to Thailand, the groups are small and action packed and the only thing you need to look after is yourself. Do yourself a favour and book a tour you won’t regret it!!!!
Garth Helland
Nicaragua, India
The Best Light
This photography tour to Cuba was curated by our expert team of tour leaders along with our local guides to ensure each day we are always photographing in the best light possible.
Over the 14 days, you will not only learn about lighting but also how to overcome any challenging lighting situations you may face.
Expect classic cars in Havana, Colonial architecture in Trinidad, and everything in between.
The Best Locations
This is not your average tour of Cuba, we are going to take you beyond Havana and out into the picturesque Cuban countryside.
Let us take you beyond the tourist trail deep into the heart of authentic Cuba. This is a side many tourists may miss.
What we offer is a custom designed photo tour, created by a photographer, for photography enthusiasts.
US Citizens
On this tour, we will have a full itinerary of both educational and cultural activities that will offer support to the Cuban people.
That means it fits for the “People to People” travel license, and we will handle everything for you.
We will assist you with the documentation and process of ensuring your travel is compliant.
Just leave everything to us (a fee of $85 applies for this service) and we will make sure everything is handled for you to join the tour.
Experience Authentic Cuba
Disconnect from the world and step back in time to colorful Cuba.
Cuba is a cultural melting pot, filled with art, music, dance, and some of the warmest people you will ever meet. They love to have their photo taken, especially kids.
It is easy to visit Cuba and only scratch the surface of this fascinating country. Well, not on this tour. We are going to take you beyond the tourist trail and begin to peel back the layers. We will be interacting with locals, and getting to experience a country that has experienced little change over the past 50 years… and we aren’t just talking about the classic cars!
One-on-One Access to Tour Leader
Beginner? Pro photographer? This tour is designed for all skill levels of photographers.
By keeping our tour groups small you will have more one-to-one access to your tour leader. This means you can improve your images no matter where you are on your photography journey.
We have specially-designed our Cuba tour as a small group experience. You’ll have plenty of room to find just the right light and direct as many questions as you need to towards your experienced tour leader.
We will only be accepting a maximum of 10 photo tour guests.
Total Photography Immersion
If you like photo vacations with an emphasis on improving your camera skills, then this photo tour to Cuba is for you. Immersing yourself on a photo tour in Cuba will allow you to dedicate and focus your time on taking better images. On this tour, we will offer you a supportive environment to maximize your learning opportunities.
Because of the small group size, we are able to create a more unique experience than other large group tours. Each tour is customized based on the group dynamic, needs, and skill level.
Soak up the Culture in Sizzling Havana
You may have read the guidebooks, seen it on TV, or even in the news, but nothing can prepare you for your first taste of Havana. From the moment you arrive, you will be amazed by just how much life there is in this city.
Where crumbling buildings, longing for a fresh coat of paint, sit next to architectural treasures left over from Cuba’s glory days. In Havana, every street holds a story waiting to be told.
Experience life in a city not driven by advertisements, or the pressures of modern society. Few cities in the world have the allure of Havana.
Havana’s infectious rhythm will be with you long after you leave.
Marvel at the Colonial Architecture in Trinidad
Experience the clash of time and culture in Trinidad.
Where else in the world can you ride down the street in a 1950’s classic car, while admiring the 1850’s architecture, all while soaking up the Caribbean vibes?
Trinidad is one of Cuba’s most popular cities for visitors, thanks to its incredible and well preserved Colonial architecture. In 1988 UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site which has helped the city to preserve its beauty and allowed them to do much-needed restoration work.
The city was originally founded upon the wealth of the sugarcane plantation owners who built themselves lavish colorful homes and places of worship. Many of which have been turned into museums and restaurants waiting to be explored.
It is the perfect backdrop for street photography enthusiasts.
Embrace the Laid Back Caribbean Vibes
Whatever your political views, there is a lot to admire in the Cuban way of life!
In Cuba, everything slows down, just a little.
You won’t have constant access to the internet or some of the modern day conveniences that you are used to. Which, believe us, isn’t necessarily a bad thing!
Without so many distractions to pull your focus you will have even more time to take in your surroundings and capture some of that Cuban magic with your camera.
Cuba is Waiting – There’s no Time to Waste
When you return home from Cuba and begin to look through your images, you’ll recall stories from the trip and be amazed at all you saw and experienced.
Not only will you come back with cutting-edge photo tips and tricks, some new friends, incredible memories, but of course, you will also have hundreds of stunning photos to share with your friends and family!
Join us for a Photography Vacation in Cuba 2025
Learn more about this photography tour and book your spot for 2025
Your Tour Leader
Darlene Hildebrandt
Your tour leader for this photo tour of Cuba is Darlene Hildebrandt. Darlene is the creator of Digital Photo Mentor, a photography teacher, tour leader, traveler, and a cat owner.
She has over 30 years of experience as a professional photographer, has been teaching since 2011 and has led over 12 photo tours and 20 photography workshops. See all the current photo tours she leads here.
Darlene is a Fuji user but speaks almost all other photography languages. Whatever your skill level and experience, she can help you unlock the next level and take better photos.
FAQ’s about this Cuba Photography Vacation
Although for most locations there will be some walking involved, these will be short and easy even when we are in remote regions. So if you are in good health and fitness level, you will be fine. But this tour is NOT recommended for people with mobility issues (for example bad knees) as elevators are not readily available in Cuba in some places. Expect to have to sometimes climb 3 or 4 sets of stairs to your room.
The tour starts and ends in Havana. José Martí International Airport is denominated as HAV airport code. Book your flights accordingly.
You may have heard that the food in Cuba isn’t very good, but you need to consider the source. People that go to the all-inclusive resorts in Varadero have a very different experience to what you will get with our tour! They have limited access to spices and things in Cuba but the food is fresh, locally grown, is usually organic, and is always made with love. Some of my favorite meals ever when traveling were in Cuba!
If you request to share a room and we cannot match you with a roommate you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. We do our best to pair everyone up but due to gender mismatches or uneven numbers, we may not always have equal numbers of males or females. But you can certainly ask a friend to come along as well to share with you.
Cuba is pretty safe, our itinerary focuses on safe areas and you can rest assured we have outlined the itinerary as such. There is also safety in numbers so just by going with a group you’ll be more secure than traveling alone.
We encourage all skill levels to join us on this tour. It is not about what you know it’s about doing photography together, enjoying the adventure, and learning a few things along the way. Whatever your level you can get some tips from the tour leader. We do however recommend you have a basic level of knowledge and experience using your camera (don’t go on a tour with a brand new camera you don’t know yet). You don’t even have to be a photographer, but can come along and appreciate the relaxed pace of this tour.
All travelers arriving in Cuba must present a passport that is valid for at least six months from the time entering the country.
Americans traveling to Cuba need a Cuban Tourist Card (“Tarjeta del Turista”), which is often referred to as a “Cuban Visa”. The Tourist Card is valid for 30 days and can be extended for 30 additional days. These usually cost $50-$100.
Our tours are custom-designed specifically with photographers in mind, allowing for the best possible photographic opportunities.
However, they are an amazing way for any non-photographers to see a new country as well, just in a slower manner. In general, we cover less ground and do fewer things but we spend more time at each of the most interesting places and go deeper.
All travel enthusiasts are welcome to join our tours, and all the activities (like a photo shoot at sunrise) are optional, so you can sit any of them out if you wish.