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Traveling during a pandemic is not for the faint of heart, but Chaz and crew made us feel totally safe and cared for throughout our trip for the Havana JazzPlaza.... read more Our family of four, including 2 young adults, all enjoyed it very much. We had a real opportunity to not only listen to but also interact with Cuban jazz musicians as well as to learn about Cuban Art and Culture. Favorite experiences included a walking tour focused on Afro-Cuban religions with outstanding local guide Elias, trip to a local musical conservatory to see and hear the talented next-generation, and the fabulous paladars and local restaurants. The Cuban People are currently undergoing severe economic hardship, and it is always important to be flexible as a traveler to minor inconveniences (occasional power outages, unavailable menu items). Chaz and the other guides Yami, Zach, Miguel, Ernesto and Alejandro, always made sure we were well taken care of, including arranging car pick-up when we wanted to eat out or visit a place independently. Their intimate knowledge of the Cuban people and the logistics of how to negotiate the trip in the midst of a pandemic were very appreciated. If you want to experience Cuban music, culture, art, and food, we highly recommend Havana Music Tours
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 professional and proactive way. They curated an outstanding selection of concerts, informal performances, and visits to musical institutions. Before and after the festival, when no performances were scheduled, they arranged private performances by musicians of their acquaintance, for example an afternoon tour of the "Afro-Cuban Religious Experience" through shrines scattered around Central Havana and a visit to a recording studio to hear a local band rehearse.
Because US government rules do not allow Americans to stay in Cuban hotels, Chaz found housing for us in a series private homes, essentially BnBs, all of them clean and comfortable with ample breakfasts. Most of our other meals were included in the tour: they turned into festive occasions at some of Havana's best restaurants. We traveled around Havana and the nearby countryside in comfortable buses with tourism guides provided by a Cuban government agency.
Chaz and Yami also looked after airport arrivals and departures, Covid testing, money exchange, and record keeping for the US government. Almost everything went smoothly, and when inevitable problems arose (e.g. a delay in Covid testing at the airport), Chaz and Yamilka dealt with them quickly and successfully.
The best thing about Havana Music Tours was the people. Chaz, Yamilka, their assistants Zack and Miguel, tour guides Alejandro and Ernesto, even the bus drivers -- everyone was friendly, attentive, knowledgeable and really, really nice. As well, our fellow tourists turned out to be excellent company, with a variety of ages, backgrounds and musical interests.
We look forward to the next Havana Jazz Festival.
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 leadership and guides, all immersed in music themselves. I continue to learn more and more about the rich tapestry that is Cuba. GO!
I went to Cuba with Chaz Chambers and his company Havana Music Tours, from the beginning I was immersed in the Cuban culture it was wonderful! We stayed at a... read more lovely casa with breakfast made every morning, we got to explore old Havana, it was filled with the most delicious food!
My husband and I spent 5 nights in Havana on the VIP music tour with Chaz. It was incredible! Everything was scheduled and taken care of for us- our meals,... read more our transportation, tour guides, and best of all- tickets every night to amazing live music. We know that Chaz and his