Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions About Travelling In Cuba? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! We have quite a few single travelers that love to join group tours. It is a great way to see the best of Cuba and meet some great people. We highly recommend solo travelers to join group-based tours.
Yes, we do! If you prefer to have your own group and book a private tour we can build it around your group size and schedule. Whether it is just one person or 25 or more people, we can help. Please email us and we would be happy to get everything started. [email protected]
We like to travel solo sometimes too! Depending on the place and event that can be a really fun option. We believe that a group tour in Cuba is essential. Our music tour integrates a lot of artistic culture in Cuba, and part of that culture is to be social. Each music event we go to will be a blast, and you are going to want to talk and be around other music lovers. Our tours are unique because we focus on the best musical events in Cuba. Some bonus benefits when touring with us are that you get primary reservations and some personalized interactions with professional musicians in Cuba.
Yes, there will be plenty of free time. Most tours have a regular schedule during the day and an optional evening schedule. The evening's schedule is usually for all of the musical events. The most impressive musical acts and clubs typically ramp up in the late evenings. Some are rather late (midnight or later), but totally worth it! For example, with the 6-day tour, we include your first dinner with the entire group, but the rest of your dinners and evening times are left to enjoy to yourself or with your group. This is great if a couple wants to break away and have a romantic evening. But also feel free to link up with your tour leader or local guides and experience their recommendations. We can definitely help you select and make reservations at some of the best restaurants in Cuba.
Yes, you definitely can! In fact, our tour is the best and a legal way for American citizens to see Cuba. We are authorized by the United States Treasury Department's general licensing to give group-based tours to Cuba. Each of our tour dates features a U.S. citizen as a tour leader. For custom tours, you must also still have an American tour leader. For any other questions on the legalities and requirements for U.S. Citizens traveling to Cuba please email us and we will be happy to answer any of your questions. [email protected]
Yes, you are required to purchase a Tourist Card to travel to Cuba. This is a requirement for any tourist or foreigner wanting to travel to Cuba. Most airlines will offer this at your last departing airport before leaving for Cuba. We DO NOT include this in your tour price. The price typically ranges from $50 to $100. There are special requirements for some Cuban Americans, depending on when and if you were born in Cuba. Please email us at [email protected] for more information.
Casa Particulars are individual homes that usually include a local Cuban host. We believe this is the best way to have a great cultural experience in Cuba. We give you multiple choices and each one is unique. We will not book any accommodations that you are not satisfied with. The Casa accommodations are included in your tour price. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, please contact us and we can discuss your options and difference in pricing.
The short answer is typically no. Only certain hotels accept credit cards. Most all restaurants, coffee shops, museums, music venues, etc accept only cash. Cuba has two currencies CUP (Cuban Pesos) and CUC (Convertible Cuban Pesos). CUP is primarily for local Cubans and CUC is for tourists, etc. If you are traveling from America we highly recommend exchanging your U.S. Dollars for Euros before departing to Cuba. The U.S. Dollar has a 10% exchange penalty in Cuba due to financial sanctions. Euros do not have any sanctions, but there will be a small exchange fee. If you have any questions about this please contact us at [email protected]
Absolutely! We include one music or dance lesson on your tour, and it is preferred that you have your instrument of choice with you to study with... Assuming you have a smaller instrument like a guitar or trumpet... However, we do not recommend bringing larger instruments like drum sets, etc. Bigger instruments will be very difficult with flights and customs, etc. You will be subject to whatever your selected airline's policies and fees are for musical instruments.
There are not any requirements to dress formally on our tours. There will be a group dinner night where we see members of Buena Vista Social Club and you can feel free to bring your elegant clothing. Dressing up to go out in Cuba is culturally acceptable, but not required. Be yourself and do what you like!
No, your medical insurance not valid in Cuba. Medical insurance is universal in Cuba and they extend this to tourists for a small fee. Most airlines will include Cuban health insurance in your flight fare. This is not an upcharge, but rather a miscellaneous fee when you book your flight. We will help to make sure all of this is covered before you depart.
We include most of your expenses in the tour price. One dinner is included, but you will be responsible for most of your dinners in Cuba. We recommend bringing an average of $50 USD per day. If you plan on buying cigars and a lot of souvenirs, be sure to account for that in your budget. For example, boxes of authentic cigars can cost hundreds of dollars.
No, we will be accompanied by a bilingual tour guide during itinerary events. It always helps to know the language of where you travel to, but in this case, our tour guides have you covered.
Yes, we make sure that each place we eat at is fully aware of each person's dietary restrictions. Please let us know your dietary restrictions when you book your tour.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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I had just returned from Cuba and the Havana Jazz Festival when the snows began. What better opportunity to reflect on a truly fabulous trip. Not only did Chaz and... read more 
- We booked a 6-day tour with Havana Music Tours to attend the Havana Jazz Festival in January 2020. The group went out to listen to music every evening and... read more
- My husband and I just returned from an absolutely amazing 4-day custom tour with Havana Music Tours. Chaz and his fiancée were the epitome of professionalism and warmth. They paid... read more
- Our visit to the 2022 Havana Jazz Festival with Havana Music Tours was a wonderful experience. Tour director Chaz Chambers and his Cuban wife, Yamilka, looked after all arrangements in... read more
- A delightful, well paced trip. Lots of music at varying levels and venues, but well balanced with delicious meals and diverse cultural experiences. We were cared for by thoughtful... read more
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