Cuba travel opens up a world of unforgettable experiences where vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and historical richness await at every turn. Whether you’re strolling through the colorful streets of Havana, exploring the lush tobacco fields of Viñales, or soaking up the sun on the pristine beaches of Varadero, Cuba offers something for every traveler.

Embarking on a journey to Cuba means immersing yourself in the island’s rich history, from the colonial architecture of Old Havana to the revolutionary landmarks that dot the countryside. Discover the stories behind the iconic Che Guevara murals, the grandeur of Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca in Santiago, and the revolutionary squares that tell tales of Cuba’s past.

Cuba’s natural beauty is as diverse as its cultural tapestry. There are opportunities for eco-adventures in the Sierra Maestra mountains, bird watching in the Ciénaga de Zapata wetlands, and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The island’s national parks and biosphere reserves offer pristine environments for hiking, snorkeling, and connecting with nature.

Cuban cuisine, with its mix of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, is a delight for food lovers. From street food stalls serving traditional ropa vieja to elegant paladares offering gourmet dining experiences, the flavors of Cuba are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Travel to Cuba also means experiencing its world-renowned music and arts scene. Attend a live jazz performance in Havana, join a salsa dancing class, or visit local art studios to see the creativity that thrives on the island.

Plan your Cuba travel with our guide to ensure a trip filled with rich cultural experiences, adventure, relaxation, and a deeper understanding of this unique Caribbean gem. With open arms, Cuba awaits to share its beauty, history, and warmth.

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Havana Jazz Festival 2027: Why Jazz Plaza Is One of the Best Times to Visit Cuba

May 8, 2026/in All posts, Music Festivals/by Yami Cabrera

Every January, Havana becomes one of the most important places in the world for Cuban jazz. The Havana Jazz Festival, also known as Jazz Plaza, brings together Cuban musicians, international artists, students, jazz lovers, travelers, and people who want to understand Cuba through music.

For anyone thinking about visiting Cuba in 2027, Jazz Plaza is one of the strongest reasons to go. It is not only a week of concerts. It is a moment when Havana’s music community becomes especially active, with performances, collaborations, late-night sessions, and musical encounters happening across the city.

The festival usually includes concerts in major theaters, smaller venue performances, international collaborations, tributes, workshops, and appearances by some of Cuba’s most respected musicians alongside younger artists. The result is a week where visitors can hear Cuban music in many different settings, from formal stages to more personal spaces where the exchange between musicians feels close and direct.

At a Glance: The Jazz Plaza Experience

Before we dive into the history and spirit of the event, here are the essential details for those planning to join the musical conversation in 2027:

The Dates: January 24 – 31, 2027.
The Setting: A true Havana takeover. The festival circuit has expanded to cover every corner of the city, from the grand, historic stages of Teatro Nacional and Teatro Martí to the intimate Teatro del Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. You’ll find the true heart of the festival at the Casa de la Cultura de Plaza—the birthplace of Jazz Plaza—while the energy extends into essential collateral events at spots like the Cesar Jazz Club, Club 23, and Café Abdala.
The Atmosphere: This is arguably the busiest musical week in Havana. You can expect a seamless blend of formal gala performances and spontaneous late-night jam sessions where the lines between legendary masters and rising students disappear.
The Climate: January offers some of the best weather of the year. With the humidity of summer replaced by the “cool” tropical season (averaging 78°F), it is the perfect time for neighborhood walks and open-air rhythms.
Planning Ahead: Because of the festival’s deep roots and growing international draw, we recommend securing your place on our Havana Jazz Festival Tour early to ensure access to the best venues and accommodations.

Why Jazz Plaza Matters

Jazz Plaza is important because Cuban music has never existed in isolation. Cuban musicians have shaped jazz, salsa, timba, classical music, film music, electronic music, and many other forms around the world. At the same time, Cuba continues to produce musicians with a deep sense of history, discipline, and creative freedom.

During the Havana Jazz Festival, that larger story becomes visible. Musicians who live in Cuba, musicians who live abroad, and artists from other countries come together in Havana. Some are internationally known, some are still emerging, and some are local artists who are central to Cuba’s music scene but less familiar to foreign audiences.

That mix is part of what makes Jazz Plaza different. The festival is not only about famous names. It is about the musical conversation that happens when different generations, styles, and experiences meet in the same city.

Cuban Jazz in Havana

Cuban jazz is rooted in serious training, but it is also shaped by daily life. Many Cuban musicians study from a young age, learning harmony, theory, ensemble playing, classical technique, percussion, and improvisation. At the same time, they grow up hearing rumba, son, timba, trova, religious music, dance music, and neighborhood music all around them.

That combination creates musicians who are technically strong but also highly responsive. They can read complex arrangements, improvise with confidence, move between genres, accompany dancers, lead bands, and adapt quickly to the energy of a room.

Hearing this music in Havana gives it another layer of meaning. You are not only hearing Cuban jazz as a finished product on stage. You are hearing it in the city where many of these artists trained, worked, struggled, collaborated, and developed their musical language.

More Than a Jazz Festival

The Havana Jazz Festival is a major event for jazz lovers, but it is not only for jazz experts. It is also for travelers who care about culture, history, people, and the feeling of being in a city when something important is happening.

During Jazz Plaza, Havana feels especially alive musically. You may hear a world-class pianist in a theater, a percussion-heavy group in a smaller venue, a young ensemble testing new ideas, or a late-night performance where musicians from different backgrounds meet on stage.

For musicians, the week can be inspiring. For non-musicians, it can still be powerful because the music gives you a way to understand Cuba beyond the usual images. You begin to see how much culture, education, resilience, humor, and community are carried through music.

Why Visit Cuba During Jazz Plaza

There are many good times to visit Cuba, but Jazz Plaza offers something specific. It is widely considered the busiest musical week in Havana, giving travelers a concentrated week of world-class live music while opening a window into Cuban society, creativity, and daily life.

Beyond the music, January is one of the best times to visit Cuba weather-wise. Because it is the “cool” season, you can enjoy walking the streets of Old Havana and attending outdoor performances comfortably without the intense humidity of the summer months.

In Havana, music is connected to the streets, the schools, the neighborhoods, and the private studios. This is why the festival matters even for those who aren’t dedicated jazz fans; the festival helps explain the country itself. It gives you a direct way to connect with Cuban culture through the people who continue to create it, all while enjoying some of the most pleasant weather of the year.

Who Should Go to the Havana Jazz Festival?

The Havana Jazz Festival is ideal for jazz lovers, musicians, music educators, cultural travelers, Cuba lovers, and anyone looking for a more meaningful way to visit Havana. You do not need to know every artist on the lineup to appreciate the experience.

The best approach is to come with curiosity. Some concerts may be polished and formal, while others may feel more spontaneous and experimental. Some moments will be about virtuosity, while others will be about conversation, rhythm, humor, and the shared language between musicians.

That variety is the strength of the festival. Jazz Plaza gives visitors a chance to hear Cuban music as something current, active, and still changing, not as a museum version of the past.

Join Havana Music Tours for Jazz Plaza 2027

Havana Music Tours will be leading our Havana Jazz Festival Tour 2027 from January 25 to February 1, 2027. The tour is designed for travelers who want to experience Jazz Plaza with context, guidance, and a deeper connection to Cuba’s music community.

This is not only a festival trip. Our tour also includes cultural activities, neighborhood walks, musician-led experiences, and time to understand Havana beyond the concert venues. We look at the city through music, but also through history, daily life, architecture, food, community, and the relationships that make Cuban culture so rich.

Our team is made up of musicians, musicologists, and local cultural guides. That perspective shapes the way we lead the tour. We help travelers understand what they are hearing, who they are meeting, and how the festival connects to the larger story of Cuban music and Cuban life.

For more information about dates, availability, and tour details, visit our Havana Jazz Festival Tour page.

Now is the Time to Go to Cuba

May 4, 2026/in All posts, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations/by chaz chambers

Over the past few days, I had the opportunity to be part of a conversation that reinforced something I’ve believed for a long time: now is the time to go to Cuba.

I was recently invited to speak at a forum hosted by the Cuban Embassy in Washington, D.C., focused on the future of U.S.–Cuba relations. It was a room filled with people thinking seriously about where things stand and where they might be going. Being included in that space gave me a clear view of the current moment, not just politically, but culturally.

While I’m not Cuban-American, my wife Yami is a Cuban musicologist, and over the past nine years, Cuba has become a central part of our lives and work. What we’ve built through Havana Music Tours has always been rooted in connection. That perspective shaped what I shared during that conversation.

I spoke about micro-economic tourism. Not tourism for the sake of checking off a destination, but the kind of travel that creates real exchange between people. What stood out most in that discussion was a shared understanding that music and direct human connection are playing a meaningful role in moving things forward between the U.S. and Cuba.

That is exactly what we’ve been building.

What Travel to Cuba Actually Supports

Havana Music Tours is no longer just a tour company. Over time, it has become part of a network that connects directly to Cuba’s growing private sector.

When you travel with us, you are supporting independent restaurant owners and their staff, small venues that are creating space for new music, and students in conservatories and community programs who represent the next generation of Cuban artists.

You are also connecting with individuals who are actively shaping the country’s cultural landscape today. Musicians, producers, and organizers like DJ Jigüe, the team at Guampara Music, Los Hermanos Abreu, and La Casa Producciones are not operating on the margins. They are building something real, often with limited resources, and that work is sustained in part through these exchanges.

For many of the people we work with, this is not supplemental income. It is part of how they support their families and continue their work.

The Reality of Travel: What It’s Actually Like on the Ground

There is a gap between how Cuba is often described in the news and what is actually happening on the ground.

Flights continue daily from cities like Miami and Tampa. Travel remains accessible and structured under existing regulations. From a safety standpoint, Cuba continues to be one of the more stable destinations in the region.

At the same time, there is a level of adaptation and innovation that is hard to fully capture without being there. Mechanics are modifying cars to run on alternative fuel sources. Solar energy is expanding quickly, with noticeable growth in renewable capacity over a short period of time. People are finding ways to solve problems with what is available.

I experienced this resilience in a very direct way during the pandemic, when I was living in Cuba while tourism shut down. What stood out was not just the difficulty of that period, but the way people showed up for each other. Neighbors checked in. Doctors went door to door. Systems adjusted in real time.

That experience created a level of trust and understanding that has stayed with me.

Why This Moment Matters

We are at a point where there is a clear openness on both sides to move forward through culture, music, and shared experience.

At the same time, there are real challenges on the ground, and those challenges make engagement more meaningful, not less.

What we continue to hear from our travelers reflects that. People come for the music, but they leave with something else. A sense that their presence had value. That the experience was not just enjoyable, but relevant.

Recent guests have described their trips as “an absolutely wonderful 9 days” and a “truly mind-blowing adventure in Cuba.” Those reactions are not just about performances or locations. They come from the relationships formed along the way.

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Travel with Purpose: Our New 2026 Humanitarian Programs

Over time, it became clear that travel alone is not always enough.

Through our nonprofit, the The CreatiVrole Project, we’ve developed a series of small-group humanitarian trips designed to support musicians and local communities in a more direct and structured way.

These trips are built around specific initiatives identified in advance. This includes delivering essential supplies, supporting music schools and independent artists, and spending time in communities where access to basic resources and equipment is limited.

Participants are not observing from a distance. You meet the people involved, see where support is going, and understand how it is used day to day.

Each program is operated by Havana Music Tours and still includes the cultural side of what we do. There is live music, time with artists, and space to experience Havana and other regions in a meaningful way. The difference is that these trips are intentionally structured to combine that access with clear, on-the-ground impact.

Upcoming Humanitarian Programs

We are beginning with two focused programs in 2026:

Eastern Soundscape Brigade
Santiago de Cuba & Guantánamo
July 5–10, 2026

This program focuses on supporting music communities in eastern Cuba. Efforts include solar infrastructure for rehearsal spaces, instrument delivery to music schools, and collaboration with son and changüí groups.

-> Learn More

Rumba Corridor Brigade
Matanzas & Havana
September 14–19, 2026

This trip centers on supporting rumba cultural institutions. It includes providing equipment for folkloric education programs, supporting community spaces, and documenting traditional performance practices.

-> Learn More

Looking Ahead

If you’ve been considering going to Cuba, this is a moment worth paying attention to.

Whether through cultural travel or more direct humanitarian engagement, there are real opportunities to connect, support, and understand what is happening on the ground in a way that goes beyond headlines.

We’ll continue doing what we’ve always done, building relationships, supporting our community, and creating spaces where music and culture bring people together.

If you have questions, want to talk through logistics, or simply want a clearer picture of what travel to Cuba looks like right now, contact us, we’re always open to a conversation.

What’s New in Cuba: Our Work and Travel News

March 4, 2026/in All posts, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations/by chaz chambers

Dear Music Traveler Friends,

We just concluded our Havana Salsa Fest Tour yesterday, and I want to share a direct update with you.

Over the past couple of months, Cuba has been at the center of intense headlines.

Fuel pressure, diplomatic tension, uncertainty. We have followed every development closely while remaining in daily contact with our team and family in Havana. Most importantly, we have just completed a full program on the ground.

We are prepared. We are operating. And we are confident in our ability to continue responsibly.

Conditions in Cuba are not simple. There are economic pressures and logistical realities that Cubans navigate every day. What is also true is that the private sector we work with, including guides, musicians, dance instructors, drivers, restaurant owners, and casa owners, continues to function and adapt.

We maintain layered operational plans for transportation and logistics, and on the tour that just concluded, everything ran smoothly under our primary arrangements.

With nine years of experience operating in Cuba, including through the pandemic, we know how to adapt when necessary. Right now, we are fully capable of continuing.

We are also seeing signs that the broader environment may be shifting in a positive direction. OFAC has authorized U.S. companies to sell fuel to Cuba’s private sector. That is significant and directly impacts the kinds of small businesses we collaborate with. There are credible reports of high-level discussions between U.S. and Cuban officials regarding economic reform and sanctions relief. The tone appears to be moving toward negotiation rather than escalation.

The U.S. State Department advisory remains at Level 2. Authorized travel categories remain intact. Airports are operating. The legal framework for cultural travel has not changed.

Beyond policy and logistics, this is about people.

The Cuban people need tourism right now. The slowdown caused by negative headlines has had a real impact on independent musicians, restaurant owners, drivers, artists, and families who rely on visitor income. Our work has always been about building bridges between people, creating cultural exchange, and fostering solidarity through music and shared experience.

We also received a new five-star TripAdvisor review from the Salsa Festival tour that just ended. It reflects exactly what we experienced on the ground.

We believe this is a meaningful moment to show up responsibly and intentionally.

Upcoming programs include:

• VIP Music Tour: April 16th-22nd, 2026

• Cuban Jazz and Rumba Tour: April 29th-May 4th, 2026

• Private and customized journeys available year-round

Beginning with this message, every new booking will include a $100 per person donation to our nonprofit, The CreatiVrole Project. These funds will go directly toward humanitarian support and creative community assistance in Cuba, including families with children and elders who need resources.

If you have been considering Cuba, we are here to answer your questions honestly and directly.

With respect and confidence,

Chaz Chambers

Founder & Director

Havana Music Tours & Musical Getaways

The trip of a lifetime (Guest Testimonial)

“… I’m writing this review the morning after I returned home from the trip. I feel like I’ve left some very good friends behind – friends I didn’t have a week ago. And when I go back, which I am already beginning to plan for, it will be with this group of people. I could not have wanted anything more”. Read more.

– Joseph, Havana Salsa Festival Tour 2026

A personal update on Cuba and our work there

February 2, 2026/in All posts, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations/by chaz chambers

Dear Music Traveler Friends,

I want to take a moment to speak plainly and directly, as the founder of Havana Music Tours, about what’s happening right now and why so many of the headlines about Cuba feel unsettling. A lot of people are reading alarming articles, seeing strong language tied to U.S. politics, and understandably wondering whether travel to Cuba is still safe, responsible, or even possible. Those questions are valid, and you deserve clear, detailed answers rather than sound bites.

Let me start with what we know firsthand. We just completed our Havana Jazz Festival tour successfully, and we currently still have clients, collaborators, and staff on the ground in Cuba. The festival took place as planned. Concerts happened. Transportation worked. Restaurants were open. Musicians showed up, rehearsed, performed, and were paid. This is not theoretical for us or based on secondhand reporting. This is our daily operational reality.

Havana Jazz Fest 2026 - Havana Music Tours IMG_0712

Havana Jazz Festival Tour 2026 – Havana Music Tours (January 2026)

It is true that Cuba is dealing with ongoing energy challenges, and we are seeing more frequent power outages in Havana than in past years. That is not new, and it is something we have been navigating for a long time. We plan for it intentionally. We use hotels, casas, restaurants, and music venues that have backup generators. Many private businesses in Havana already operate this way as a normal part of life. Because of that, our tours continue to run smoothly and professionally, even when there are outages elsewhere in the city.

There has also been a great deal of misinformation circulating about fuel and oil supplies, including claims that Cuba has been suddenly cut off. That is not what we are seeing. Mexico has publicly reaffirmed its support for Cuba, including continued shipments of fuel and humanitarian supplies, and Cuba continues to receive energy support from other international partners as well. The situation is difficult, but it is not a sudden collapse, and it is not preventing us from operating tours responsibly.

Much of the current anxiety seems tied to political rhetoric coming out of Washington, particularly statements from President Donald Trump. Whether people agree with his approach or not, we have seen this pattern before. Trump often uses strong public language, pressure, and threats as part of a negotiating strategy. We’ve watched this play out in multiple countries over the years. What matters to us is not rhetoric, but policy and reality. Right now, flights between the United States and Cuba continue to operate normally. Major U.S. airlines, including American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta, are still flying in and out of Cuba. There have been no new U.S. rules issued that prohibit authorized travel.

It is also important to point out that the U.S. Department of State currently maintains a Level 2 travel advisory for Cuba, which is the same advisory level applied to many widely traveled countries in Europe, including France and Italy. If there were serious or imminent concerns for American travelers, we would expect to see that advisory escalate. We are not seeing that.

At the same time, Cuba itself has made its position clear. Just last night, Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement (You can use a browser translator, if needed) reaffirming its willingness to cooperate with the United States on issues such as security, financial transparency, and regional stability, and explicitly expressing openness to respectful dialogue and technical cooperation. That is not the language of isolation or imminent confrontation. From our own long-standing relationships with Cuban diplomatic staff in the United States, including senior officials at the Cuban Embassy, we know that dialogue and negotiation have always been on the table.

There has also been speculation about extreme scenarios like a naval blockade or military escalation. Former U.S. diplomats and policy experts, including individuals with direct experience in U.S.–Cuba relations, have explained clearly how unlikely those scenarios are. A blockade of an island the size of Cuba would be extraordinarily resource-intensive, politically costly, and impossible to implement quietly. We are not seeing operational signs that point in that direction.

Beyond geopolitics, there is a human reality that often gets lost in the noise. Cuba needs responsible, ethical tourism now more than ever. The musicians, artists, drivers, guides, hosts, and small business owners we work with depend directly on this work to support their families. Over the past few years, Cuba’s private sector has grown significantly, and many people rely on cultural and educational travel to survive. When we show up thoughtfully and legally, we are not ignoring hardship. We are helping people endure it.

In that same spirit, we are very close to officially launching the site for our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CreatiVrole Project. This organization will focus on humanitarian support and aid, including future humanitarian trips that we expect to begin later this year. We believe cultural exchange, ethical tourism, and direct humanitarian support should reinforce one another, not exist in isolation. Please reach out if you would like info to make an early donation.

I know the headlines are intense right now. I know the tone can feel nonstop and overwhelming. But when we look past rhetoric and focus on facts, policy, and lived experience, what we see is that Cuba travel remains possible, tours are operating, and the Cuban people continue to welcome visitors with resilience, warmth, and generosity.

We take safety seriously. We take transparency seriously. And if conditions were to change in a meaningful way, you would hear it from us immediately. Based on everything we are seeing right now, we remain confident in continuing our work in Cuba.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for engaging thoughtfully with what’s happening. If you’d like to see what this looks like in real time, our recent Havana Jazz Festival coverage is available on our Instagram, and I also shared a personal post on Facebook about how Cuban institutions and people showed up to support our group during an unexpected flooding situation this past weekend.

As always, I’m here to talk.

Warmly,

Chaz Chambers

Founder & Director

Havana Music Tours & Musical Getaways

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Jazz Plaza 2026: A Week of World-Class Jazz in Havana

November 13, 2025/in All posts, Music Festivals/by Daniela Materano

Every January, Havana becomes the heart of Latin jazz. The Jazz Plaza Festival 2026, taking place January 25 – February 1, 2026, brings together some of the world’s finest jazz musicians with Cuba’s legendary performers for a packed week of music, culture, and connection. This year marks a major expansion as the Havana Jazz Festival 2026 reaches new cities, including Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara, and, for the first time, Holguín.

For travelers heading to the event, Havana Music Tours has been the trusted guide for years, helping music lovers experience the festival and the people at the heart of Cuba’s jazz scene. In this post, we’ll cover the festival highlights and break down exactly what our guided tour includes.

Festival Highlights: A Week of World-Class Jazz in Cuba

The 2026 edition of Jazz Plaza Festival promises to be the most ambitious yet. With over 70 international artists confirmed from the United States, Brazil, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, the festival showcases the global reach of jazz while celebrating its deep Cuban roots. Top Cuban jazz musicians, including Roberto Fonseca, Ernán López-Nussa, Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera, Frank Fernández, Harold López-Nussa, Jorge Reyes, Dayramir González, Rolando Luna, Rodney Barreto, Oliver Valdés, Alejandro Falcón, Marialy Pacheco, Yilian Cañizares, will perform alongside international headliners at iconic venues like Teatro Nacional, Fábrica de Arte Cubano, Teatro Martí, and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Jazz Plaza stands out because it weaves together jazz with traditional Cuban music forms like rumba, son, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. It’s a true cultural celebration where improvisation meets tradition, legendary performers share stages with emerging talents, and every concert tells the story of Cuba’s musical evolution. Live music in Havana during festival week fills not just theaters but also intimate clubs, outdoor plazas, and neighborhood peñas, creating an atmosphere that pulses with creative energy.

Confirmed Havana Jazz Fest Concerts & Highlights for 2026

While the full schedule is still emerging, the festival has confirmed an incredible list of special concerts in Havana. Here are some of the must-see concerts:

Opening Concert: A special performance by maestro Frank Fernández with music students.
Closing Concert: The festival will close with a performance by the one and only Roberto Fonseca.
“De la Habana a Montreux”: A must-see concert featuring Cuban winners from the Montreux Jazz Festival, including Marialy Pacheco, Yilian Cañizares, Rolando Luna, Jorge Luis Pacheco, and Harold López-Nussa.
International Headliners: Don’t miss US pianist Aaron Goldberg , a performance by Arturo O’farrill , and the Black Alley Band (USA) and JoGo Project (USA).
Top Cuban Acts: The Casa de la Cultura de Plaza will host superstars like Alain Pérez, Havana D’ Primera, and Issac Delgado.
Dance & Jazz: Showing the festival’s blend of arts, the acclaimed Mal Paso Dance Company will perform.
Special Tributes: The festival will honor several legends, including a tribute to Sosabravo’s 95th Anniversary with the National Symphony Orchestra , a 75th Anniversary celebration for Conjunto Roberto Faz , and a tribute to Conjunto Arsenio Rodríguez led by Dayramir González.
Anniversary Celebration: The legendary group Síntesis will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a special concert.

Jazz Plaza stands out because it weaves together jazz with traditional Cuban music forms like rumba, son, and danzón. It’s a true cultural celebration where improvisation meets tradition, legendary performers share stages with emerging talents, and every concert tells the story of Cuba’s musical evolution.

What Our Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour Includes

Havana Music Tours doesn’t just get you to the festival; we get you right to the heart of it. Our Havana Jazz Plaza Tour (January 26th-February 2nd, 2026) is designed for travelers who want more than a seat at a concert. We focus on an authentic experience, guiding you every step of the way.

Premier Concert Access: We secure VIP and reserved seating at the festival’s premier performances, ensuring you experience the best of Jazz in Cuba without the stress of navigating ticket systems or language barriers.
Guided Cultural Experiences: Beyond the main stage, we take you inside Cuba’s living music culture. Visit legendary venues where Cuban jazz was born, attend intimate jam sessions with local musicians, and explore historical sites that shaped the sounds you’ll hear at the festival.
Boutique Accommodations & Private Transport: Stay in carefully selected accommodations that reflect Havana’s character and charm. Our private transportation means you’ll move comfortably between venues, neighborhoods, and cultural experiences.
Meet the Musicians: A unique part of our tours is the direct access to Cuban jazz musicians and festival performers. Share conversations, ask questions, and gain insights that transform performances from entertainment into understanding.
Expert Local Support: Our team includes local guides, musicians, and cultural liaisons who know Havana’s music scene intimately. They’ll provide insider access, make introductions, and ensure every detail runs smoothly.
Legal Compliance for U.S. Travelers: All our tours operate under full OFAC licensing compliance, so American travelers can participate with complete confidence and peace of mind.

Why Join Havana Music Tours for Jazz Plaza 2026

For over four decades, the Jazz Plaza Festival has been Cuba’s premier platform for jazz excellence. The 2026 edition is shaping up to be particularly exciting, with a world-class lineup of international artists and unmissable local collaborations. As cultural travel to Cuba continues to draw sophisticated travelers seeking authentic artistic experiences, this festival stands apart as a true meeting point of cultures, generations, and musical traditions.

The logistics of traveling to Cuba for the festival can be complex, including venue changes, language barriers, transportation between cities, and understanding the cultural context, all require local knowledge. That’s where we come in. Havana Music Tours handles every detail so you can focus entirely on the music, the people, and the experience. With years of festival experience and deep relationships within Cuba’s music community, we don’t just attend Jazz Plaza, we live it, and we invite you to join us.

Join Us in Havana This January

Spaces for our Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour 2026 are limited and filling quickly. This is your opportunity to experience one of the world’s great music festivals with expert guidance, authentic cultural access, and the camaraderie of fellow music lovers.

Book Your Spot on the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour →

Let the music of Cuba move you. We’ll see you in Havana.

Best Time to Visit Havana for Music: A Musician’s Guide to Planning Your Trip

August 8, 2025/in All posts/by Yami Cabrera

Havana is a city where every corner carries a melody. From traditional son and rumba to modern jazz, salsa, and timba, music flows through plazas, clubs, and living rooms. If you are deciding the best time to visit Havana for music, a little planning before you arrive will make your trip even more rewarding.

Time Your Visit for the Music You Want Most

One of the biggest draws for music lovers is the Havana Jazz Festival, held every January. The festival fills theaters, clubs, and open-air plazas with performances from some of Cuba’s most respected musicians alongside international artists. Tickets can be hard to secure, and schedules are often released late, so many travelers choose to arrange their trip through a guided music experience. This way, the logistics, festival access, and local connections are handled, leaving more time to focus on the music.

If your trip falls outside jazz festival week, there’s still an impressive lineup throughout the cooler months from November to April. For many travelers, this is the best time to visit Havana for music, from the Havana Salsa Festival in late February or early March, to ongoing rumba gatherings, intimate jazz events, and other special performances. Even without a major festival, there’s almost always something worth planning your nights around.

Decide on Your Musical Priorities

Havana’s music scene is diverse and spread across neighborhoods. Some travelers plan their days around live jazz clubs, while others seek out traditional music patios, late-night timba shows, or private percussion lessons. Deciding what excites you most will help shape your itinerary and influence where you stay. Vedado offers access to major theaters and arts spaces, while Centro Habana brings you closer to spontaneous street-level performances.

Build Connections Before You Arrive

Some of the most memorable moments happen away from the main stages, at rehearsals, in private homes, or in late-night gatherings that aren’t on any public schedule. These spaces often open up through personal connections. Traveling with someone who knows the musicians and the unlisted venues, like our team at Havana Music Tours, can lead you to experiences that visitors rarely find on their own.

Leave Space for the Unexpected

Schedules in Havana tend to be flexible. A concert might start later than planned, or a band could switch venues with little notice. Leaving some open time allows you to follow tips from locals, stumble upon an unplanned street performance, or accept a spontaneous invitation to a jam session. These unplanned moments often become the highlights of a trip.

Prepare the Practical Details Early

For travelers from the United States, it is important to make sure your trip complies with current travel regulations. Many visitors travel under the “Support for the Cuban People” category, which encourages direct engagement with local communities. Sorting out flights, accommodations, and a general itinerary in advance will keep your focus on enjoying the trip once you are there.

Let the Anticipation Grow

Before your trip, spend time exploring Cuban music. Listen to recordings, watch concert footage, and read about the history behind the styles you’ll hear. By the time you arrive, the songs will already feel familiar, and the connections you make will be deeper.

At Havana Music Tours, we design musician-led experiences that connect you with Havana’s music from the inside. Whether it’s aligning your visit with a major festival or creating a private, year-round itinerary, our goal is to help you experience Cuba’s music in ways that feel genuine, personal, and unforgettable.

Cuba’s Tourism Ban for U.S. Travelers Explained: What It Really Means for Your Travel in 2025

July 1, 2025/in All posts, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations/by Yami Cabrera

This article provides the latest information about legal travel to Cuba for U.S. travelers as of July 2025. However, U.S.-Cuba policies are evolving, and new announcements continue to create questions. We will update this blog as needed and share further information in our Travel Updates & Regulations section, where you can always find the latest news and resources.

There’s been a lot of confusion this week after President Trump released a new Cuba policy update — officially called NSPM-5. Social media and some news outlets have made it sound like traveling to Cuba is suddenly off-limits again for U.S. citizens.

Let’s set the record straight:

You can still legally travel to Cuba as a U.S. traveler. Nothing significant has changed about that.

The Truth About the U.S. Tourism Ban to Cuba — It’s Not New

First, it’s important to understand the terminology. When people say there’s a “tourism ban” to Cuba, they aren’t talking about a total ban on travel — they’re referring to a long-standing U.S. policy that prohibits pure tourism for U.S. travelers.

In fact, the tourism ban has been in place for over 60 years, dating back to the early 1960s. It’s not new. It applies no matter who is in the White House — Republican, Democrat, or otherwise.

But that does not mean U.S. travelers cannot visit Cuba. It simply means you can’t go for a typical beach vacation with no legal reason.

How Legal Travel to Cuba Works for U.S. Travelers

Instead of unrestricted tourism, U.S. travelers visit Cuba under what’s called authorized travel categories, regulated by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These categories ensure your trip has a legal purpose that aligns with U.S. regulations.

There are 12 authorized travel categories, including:

✔️ Educational activities
✔️ Support for the Cuban people
✔️ Professional research and meetings
✔️ Humanitarian projects
✔️ Religious activities

At Havana Music Tours, we specifically operate under the Support for the Cuban People category — one of the most viable and durable options for U.S. travelers. This category encourages meaningful exchanges with Cuban entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, and other members of Cuba’s growing private sector.

While Group People-to-People Educational Activities was another popular category for cultural tours like ours, it has historically been more vulnerable to political changes. In fact, during his previous term, President Trump eliminated that category, and President Biden later restored it. With Trump’s recent announcement indicating plans to revoke Biden’s Cuba policies, Group People-to-People travel could be restricted again in the near future.

That’s why we focus on Support for the Cuban People, which remains a legal, stable way to experience Cuba, even as administrations change.

What Did Trump’s New Cuba Policy Actually Change?

On June 30, 2025, the Trump administration released NSPM-5, outlining updated U.S. policy toward Cuba. Understandably, this sparked concern and confusion, especially for U.S. travelers.

So what does it really mean?

The long-standing tourism ban remains, but that’s been in place for decades.
The 12 authorized travel categories, including Support for the Cuban People, are still in place, for now.
But Trump has clearly stated his intention to reverse President Biden’s Cuba travel policies, which could affect certain categories.

This latest policy primarily focuses on tightening sanctions against the Cuban government and military-linked businesses, similar to previous Trump-era measures. It does not eliminate the existing legal pathways for U.S. travelers to visit Cuba under OFAC licenses.

Avoid the Confusion — Travel the Right Way

Unfortunately, misinformation often spreads quickly, especially online. We’ve seen social media posts and commentaries incorrectly claiming:

🚫 “Americans can’t travel to Cuba anymore” — False.
🚫 “The tourism ban means no more Cuba trips” — Misleading.
🚫 “You can just go under the radar” — Risky and illegal.

Here’s the reality: If you attempt to visit Cuba outside of the authorized categories, you could face serious consequences, including frozen bank accounts, steep OFAC fines, and complications with your U.S. legal status if you’re not yet a citizen.

The safest, simplest option? Travel with a reputable organization like Havana Music Tours that ensures your trip is compliant, educational, and fully documented.

How We Ensure Legal, Meaningful Travel to Cuba

Our tours are designed to comply with U.S. regulations while providing unforgettable, authentic cultural experiences. We focus on:

Educational exchanges with Cuban musicians and artists
Supporting private Cuban entrepreneurs and cultural projects
Staying in privately-owned accommodations, not government hotels
Creating real connections that support Cuban civil society

We handle the logistics, documentation, and compliance details — so you can enjoy the music, culture, and beauty of Cuba with peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Still Travel to Cuba as a U.S. Citizen

Despite the headlines, Cuba remains open to U.S. travelers — just not for unrestricted tourism. The rules have been in place for decades, and they continue to allow legal, educational, and cultural travel under OFAC guidelines.

At Havana Music Tours, we’ve been guiding travelers through this process for years, ensuring every trip is both legal and impactful.

If you’re curious about how it works or want to join an upcoming music tour, contact us here. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you experience Cuba — the right way.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Travelers are encouraged to consult official U.S. government resources or an attorney regarding Cuba travel regulations.

Yes, U.S. Travelers Can Still go to Cuba in 2025—Here’s What You Need to Know

June 14, 2025/in All posts, Cuba Travel Updates and Regulations/by Yami Cabrera

This article provides the latest information about legal travel to Cuba for U.S. travelers as of June 2025. However, U.S.-Cuba policies are evolving, and new announcements continue to create questions. We will update this blog as needed and share further information in our Travel Updates & Regulations section, where you can always find the latest news and resources.

If you’re planning a trip to Cuba or thinking about joining one of our cultural tours, here’s the truth:
YES—U.S. Travelers can still go to Cuba in 2025, legally. The new proclamation signed by President Trump on June 4, 2025, does not ban U.S. citizens or residents from visiting Cuba.

Let’s break it down:

What the New “Travel Ban” Really Is

The June 2025 proclamation is not a ban on American citizens visiting other countries.
It is a ban on certain foreign nationals entering the United States.

Specifically, it suspends entry into the U.S. for citizens of 19 countries, including Cuba, under certain nonimmigrant visa categories (such as B-1/B-2 tourist visas and student visas). It targets foreign nationals from those countries, not Americans.

To be clear:

This new rule does not stop Americans from flying to Cuba.
It does not restrict U.S. airlines or Cuba-bound tours.
It does not affect U.S. passports or Cuba travel categories authorized by the U.S. government.

Americans Can Still Travel to Cuba—Legally

U.S. citizens can still travel to Cuba under one of the 12 approved categories of travel established by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The most popular and practical for independent travelers and small groups is “Support for the Cuban People.”

That’s the license category under which most of our Cuba tours operate.

To comply with the rules, your trip must involve a full-time schedule of meaningful interactions with local Cubans, such as staying in privately owned accommodations (casas particulares), attending performances by independent musicians, dining at local restaurants (paladares), and more. That’s exactly what we do on our tours.

Why Is Cuba on the List—And Why It Still Doesn’t Affect Your Trip

Cuba was included in the recent proclamation along with several other countries, but many experts and travelers view this inclusion as more political than practical. The U.S. continues to label Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism”—a designation that is widely criticized and not reflective of the reality on the ground.

But again, this proclamation is about who is allowed to come into the U.S., not who is allowed to leave the U.S. to travel abroad.

Unless you’re a Cuban citizen applying for a new U.S. tourist or student visa, this policy does not affect you.

What This Means for Your Cuba Trip

If you’re a U.S. citizen or resident:

You can still legally travel to Cuba in 2025
Our tours operate under a “Support for the Cuban People” general license, still valid under U.S. law as of July 2025
You will need a Cuba Tourist Card, which serves as a visa for entry into Cuba
While we don’t issue the Tourist Card ourselves, we’ll guide you through the simple process of getting one—most travelers obtain it easily through the airline or a trusted third-party provider
Your trip remains fully legal and compliant with current U.S. regulations, as long as you engage in meaningful cultural interactions, which is exactly what our tours are built around.

Learn more about Cuba Travel Licenses for Americans here.

Why This Matters—and Why You Should Still Go

Travel to Cuba isn’t just legal—it’s meaningful.

At a time when misinformation and restrictions are increasing, choosing to visit Cuba the right way is a powerful act of connection. It supports local musicians, artists, small business owners, and independent guides—people who rely on cultural exchange and tourism to thrive.

We’ve spent years building close relationships with Cuba’s music community. Our tours offer more than sightseeing. You’ll experience:

Private performances by world-class Cuban musicians
One-on-one exchanges with artists, dancers, and historians
Time in Havana’s jazz clubs, recording studios, and street scenes most tourists never get to see
Authentic, ethical travel that supports real people—not state-run entities

Whether you’re visiting for the legendary Havana Jazz Festival or joining one of our curated music and culture Cuba tours, your trip is part of something bigger: sustaining creativity, sharing culture, and building bridges—one rhythm at a time.

Bottom Line

Don’t let the headlines scare you.

This new proclamation does not stop Americans from going to Cuba. It restricts certain foreign nationals from entering the U.S.—it has nothing to do with your ability to visit Cuba legally.

So if you’ve been dreaming about the music, culture, and rhythm of Cuba, now’s a great time to go, with confidence.

Explore responsibly. Travel legally. Support the Cuban people.

Travel Impressions: Havana Salsa Festival

January 8, 2025/in All posts, Cuban Culture, Music Festivals, Uncategorized/by chaz chambers

Looking Back, Looking Ahead at the Havana Salsa Festival

As the final notes of the 2024 Havana Salsa Festival fade into a cherished memory, the anticipation for 2025 swells. Joining the Salsa Festival Tour with Havana Music Tours transformed the festival from just an event into a shared experience, a celebration of culture, and a reminder of why we’re so drawn to Havana’s music and dance.

If you weren’t part of the tour, let me paint the picture: an entire city humming with energy, where every street corner seemed to hold a story, every venue a stage, and every beat a call to move.

Havana: Where Music Lives

Havana is a contradiction that works: timeless and alive, weathered yet luminous. The city breathes music. Walk its streets, and you’ll hear the unmistakable pulse of Cuban Son or catch the sway of an impromptu salsa performance. It’s impossible to ignore Havana’s connection to its musical past—an epicenter of innovation in the mid-20th century that shaped the global identity of salsa and Afro-Cuban rhythms.

This is the city of Arsenio Rodríguez, Benny Moré, and Celia Cruz. Their influence lingers, infusing every corner with authenticity and a kind of magic that can’t be imitated. The festival draws on this heritage, not as nostalgia but as a living, evolving celebration of what makes Havana unique.

A Journey Through the Music of the Havana Salsa Festival

The 2024 festival unfolded as more than a lineup of events—it was an opportunity to live and breathe Cuban music. Through Havana Music Tours, every day felt like a collaboration between the city and its visitors, a carefully balanced mix of learning, exploration, and play.

We joined local dancers in intimate workshops, learning rueda de casino steps under the high ceilings of a colonial-era house. Each session was a dialogue, with teachers and students sharing not just moves but the energy and joy that define Cuban dance.

One afternoon, we stepped into a very cultural neighborhood, Cayo Hueso, to meet practitioners of Afro-Cuban traditions. Through their music and movements, we were brought into the intricate world of the orishas, gaining a deeper understanding of the rhythms that anchor salsa’s rich percussive foundation.

The walking tours were just as memorable. With guides who seemed to know Havana like an old friend, we wandered historic neighborhoods while hearing about the musicians who shaped the city. A tucked-away club here, an old recording studio there—each stop added another layer to our understanding of Cuban music’s roots.

Nights That Never Ended

Evenings were a celebration. Every night, we found ourselves at Havana’s best concerts at the Havana Salsa Festival stage—close enough to see the musicians’ expressions and feel the crowd’s energy.

Legends like Los Van Van and Havana D’Primera commanded the stage with the kind of mastery that makes you want to dance until the morning. With VIP access, we skipped the lines and walked into tailor-made experiences. It wasn’t just about the music but about being there, sharing the night with locals who welcomed us like family.

Food as Part of the Experience

Between the music and the dancing, there was the food. Each meal felt like an extension of the festival—Cuban cuisine at its finest served in settings as thoughtfully chosen as the songs in a setlist.

From succulent ropa vieja to refreshing mojitos, every meal was an adventure. One evening, we savored fresh seafood with a view of the Malecón; another night, we dined in a paladar tucked away in a 19th-century mansion. The guides’ expertise extended beyond music to include food, ensuring every bite was as memorable as every beat.

The Heart of It All

What stood out most in 2024 wasn’t just the music, the dancing, or even Havana’s undeniable charm. It was the connection—the way strangers became friends, and the city seemed to open its arms and say, “Welcome.”

As we look forward to the 2025 Havana Salsa Festival, it’s more than an invitation; it’s a chance to be part of something truly special. See why Havana is a city like no other. Let’s celebrate, learn, and share a moment in time that we’ll carry with us long after the music fades.

For more information about our Havana Salsa Festival Tour, please get in touch with us or visit our tour page.

Essential Donations for Cuba: Supporting Cuban Families

January 3, 2025/in All posts, Cuba Travel Checklist, Cuban Culture/by Yami Cabrera

Cuba is a nation rich in culture, community, and resilience. However, many families face daily challenges accessing basic necessities, from food and hygiene supplies to practical tools for modern living. While many other essentials and medicines are needed in Cuba, this list focuses on Essential Donations that are easy to buy and transport. If you want to donate more specific medicines or items, please contact us for guidance.

Providing these essential donations can help support Cuban families and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Havana Music Tours believes in the power of music to unite cultures and foster understanding. By supporting Cuban families, we strengthen the bonds that connect us all. Our commitment to social causes reflects our deep respect for the Cuban community, ensuring every traveler contributes positively to their journey.

Food and Nutrition Supplies

Access to nourishing food is critical for families, especially those with young children or older members. Here are some high-demand items that can provide much-needed sustenance:

Powdered Milk: A versatile and lightweight staple for all ages.
Baby Formula: Essential for infants to ensure proper growth and development.
Protein Bars: A convenient, high-energy snack for busy families.
Dried Fruits and Nuts: Nutritious and long-lasting, these are perfect for supplemental nutrition.
Canned Meats or Fish (with easy-open tabs): A source of protein that’s easy to store and use.
Instant Rice: Quick to prepare and a staple in Cuban households.
Angel Hair Pasta: Lightweight and fast-cooking, ideal for families with limited resources.
Powdered Soup Mixes: Easy to transport and prepare, providing warmth and nutrition.
Instant Mashed Potatoes: A comfort food that’s easy to make.
Peanut Butter Packets or Nut Butter Sachets: Portable, calorie-dense, and nutrient-rich.

Medical and Hygiene Supplies

Access to basic medical and hygiene products is critical for maintaining health and dignity. These items are always in demand:

Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Acetaminophen (bulk packs): These are essential pain relief for all ages, including baby-friendly Tylenol for the youngest family members.
Electrolyte Powders (like Liquid IV): Crucial for staying hydrated in Cuba’s warm climate.
Basic First Aid Kits: Bandages, antiseptics, and other essentials for minor injuries.
Feminine Hygiene Products: Pads or tampons to ensure dignity and comfort.
Diapers and Baby Wipes: Lifesavers for families with young children.
Small Tissue Paper Packets: Practical and portable for everyday use.

Power and Practical Tools

With intermittent power in some areas, practical tools can greatly improve daily life. These items are particularly helpful:

Solar Lanterns: Reliable and eco-friendly lighting for homes and emergencies.
Rechargeable Battery Packs and Power Banks for Phones: Essential for staying connected.
Small Flashlights and LED Headlamps: Lightweight and useful for any situation.
Portable Solar Panels: A sustainable power source for small devices.
Solar or Battery USB Fans: Vital for comfort in Cuba’s tropical climate.

Additional Useful Donations for Cuba

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that make the biggest difference:

•Reusable Shopping Bags: Perfect for carrying donated goods and reducing plastic waste.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re traveling to Cuba, donating from afar, or spreading awareness, every contribution counts. Here’s how you can support:

1. Bring Supplies: If you’re visiting Cuba, pack some items in your luggage. Even a small amount can make a big difference to a local family.

2. Donate Funds: If you cannot bring physical items, monetary donations can help purchase these essentials locally.

3. Partner with Us: At Havana Music Tours, we work directly with communities in need. Contact us to learn how you can contribute to ongoing initiatives.

Why Your Donations for Cuba Matters

Every item you donate has a direct impact. From providing a child with proper nutrition to helping a family cope with power outages, your contributions create meaningful change.

Together, we can support Cuban families and ensure they have the necessary resources to thrive. Let’s work as a global community to bring hope, comfort, and practical help where it’s needed most.

For more information on how you can get involved, contact us at Havana Music Tours. Let’s make a difference together.

Would you like us to share your story of giving? Please send us your experience, and let’s celebrate the power of collective action to support Cuban families.

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Below are some pictures from our RELIEF BRIGADE to Eastern Cuba in November 2024 after Hurricane Oscar affected the area. Our team raised enough money to buy items like the ones mentioned before to bring to the most affected areas, such as San Antonio and Imias. We also used the cash to buy other essentials on the island that are hard to transport by plane.

Cuba Travel