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 Viรฑales, 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 Ciรฉnaga 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.

Tag Archive for: Cuba Travel

The newest U.S. travel regulations to Cuba (Updated May 2023)

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New update as of May 2nd, 2023

In the summer of 2022, the Biden administration reauthorized the Group People-to-People travel license with OFAC. As well as Professional research and meetings. These licenses are the perfect solutions for a diverse Cuba trip connecting people with Cuba from the United States. People to People travel is possible under the auspice of a tour company (like us) or other sponsoring organization.

However, travelers can continue to travel to Support the Cuban people as individuals and without a tour group. We offer a range of various tours and experiences that both Support the Cuban people and offer an authentic people-to-people exchange. We also can help with Itinerary Design.

 

Gracias,

Chaz Chambers

 

New update as of June 4th, 2019

OFAC, The treasury department has issued new travel rules for traveling to Cuba. This included eliminating one of the 12 licenses called “Educational People to People Group Travel.” Keep in mind that all of the other travel licenses, such as Support for the Cuban people, Professional Research and Meetings, Journalism, and much more are still allowed.

Havana Music Tours will continue to operate under the Support for the Cuban people, and Professional Research and Meetings General Licenses. These licenses are already qualified under our current tour structure. When we travel to Cuba we prefer to stay in privately owned homes and villas called Casa Particulares. Staying in these homes is just one way of supporting the Cuban people, we also work with many musicians, local tour guides, and paladares (private restaurants) to ensure that the use of Tour money goes into the hands of the Cuban people and their families.

 

Sincerely,

Chaz Chambers (founder and director of Havana Music Tours)

 

—June 2017

Dear Travelers,

We are constantly eyeing the changes with Cuba and U.S, and we still firmly believe that Cuba is a very safe place to travel. In fact, Cuba has some of the lowest crime rates in all of Latin America. Havana Music Tours remains dedicated to showcasing the vast amounts of cultural in the music, dance, and art scenes around Cuba. We believe it is important to maintain a positive relationship with our close neighbors. The Cuban people are some of the nicest and most hospitableย people I have ever met. The musicianship and way of living in Cuba is something that I believe everyone should see in their lifetime.

On June 16th, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an order to the Treasury Department to re-write the travel regulations to Cuba. As of Today, November 8th, 2017, they have officially enacted the new rules. The basics: You can still go to Cuba. The dirty details: it can get more complicated. People to people/educational travel licenses are now limited to traveling in groups with a U.S. based representative. Good news for reading this because Havana Music Tours remains authorized under the OFAC general licenses to be your official tour guides to Cuba. The Treasury Department also released a list of Cubanย military entities that U.S. citizens and businesses are prohibited from having financial transactions with. There are a lot of hotels on this list, and in fact, most of the hotels are considered to be affiliated with a branch of the Cuban military. We continue our recommendation of staying in “Casa Particulars,” which are basically “Bed and Breakfast style” – shared housing with a Cubanย family. There are still a few hotels that are authorized by OFAC, and even options for entire houses and condos to be rented. Please email us if you have any questions: info@havanamusictours.com

Please understand the full requirements for each license. We are not attorneys and are not offering legal advice

 

Thanks for all of your continued support,

Chaz Chambers (Owner)