The Art and Soul of Cuba

A cultural adventure with David Julian for photographers and avid travelers

December 4-12, 2025
with an optional 3-day extension to Trinidad

Join me to experience and photograph the real, authentic Cuba.

For seven years, we have been fully licensed to travel in Cuba using the OFAC category "support for the Cuban people."

Cuba is unlike any other nation. Its rich history, resilient people, and artistic legacy make it truly unique. We explore its vibrant colors, historic elegance, and daily life in cities and villages.

Authentic cultural exchanges offer endless opportunities to photograph a rich cross-section of culture authentically. Guided daily by Dave’s Cuban friends, we journey on foot and by private van or restored vintage cars from Old Havana to rural Vinales and Trinidad.

Night in the streets of Centro Havana

We travel on foot, by van, bicycle taxis, and ferry, led by my bilingual guides and me. We stay in a comfortable Havana hotel and Casas Particulars for a truly authentic cultural experience that also supports the Cuban people. Cuba’s regional cuisine offers delicious meals for all diets that are largely farm-to-table and always organic.

We welcome the adventurous traveler who is passionate about experiencing cultural adventures in unique places. We offer expert guidance in capturing authentic moments with any camera, including smartphones. Rather than staging scenes, we focus on real visual storytelling—observing, connecting, and responding to life as it unfolds.

With a small group size, Dave, his Cuban guides, and friends provide daily guidance to help you build a stunning portfolio, capturing street life, dancers, musicians, classic cars, and Cuba’s golden light.

Join us for an unforgettable Cuban adventure!

”Hola DJ! We’re finally back from Cuba and are elated over the entire experience. Your leadership, knowledge, and amazing friends gave us endless opportunities and thousands of new images to delve into. I’ve been all over the globe, and this was one of the most fruitful tours I’ve done. I’d return with you when you go East to Oriente. Let me know!” — Charles K, Lexington

“I appreciate how Dave organizes destination workshops because of his cultural sensitivity and keen interest in understanding people. He offers insights through background information while emphasizing the importance of exploring and discovering ourselves.” — Karen B, Los Angeles

“We just returned from our third Cuba trip, our first with Dave Julian. We quickly admired his travel style, connections, and knowledge of Cuba's hidden treasures. Compared to our previous journeys with Nat Geo and others, Dave's itinerary and interactions with locals felt the most genuine, adventurous, and most generous, letting us see the real Cuba." — Denny R, Seattle.

Why Choose Us?

View More Testimonials

What's Included?

Details...

Tuition Costs

$6295 : 9 days inclusive

Group Size

Max of 8 participants

Physical Requirements

City Walking + Rural Trails

What To Bring

Gear, Clothing, Etc.

Los Mogotes Mountains, Viñales Valley

Itinerary Outline:

Main Workshop Tour:

Day 00 - December 3* - Early Arrival to Havana/HAV {recommended)

Day 01 - December 4 - Havana / Afternoon orientation meeting

Day 02 - December 5 - Havana

Day 03 - December 6 - Havana

Day 04 - December 7 - Pinar Del Rio & VIñales Valley

Day 05 - December 8 - VIñales

Day 06 - December 9 - VIñales > Havana

Day 07 - December 10 - Havana & Playa de Este

Day 08 - December 11 - Havana & Regla

Day 09 - December 12 - Havana/HAV Airport > Home (unless staying overnight for our extension)

Extension to Cienfuegos and Trinidad, Central Cuba:

Day 10 - December 12 - Havana > Cienfuegos > Trinindad

Day 11 - December 13 - Trinidad Region

Day 12 - December 14 - Trinidad Region

Day 13 - December 15 - Trinidad > Santa Clara Airport ** > Home

** If going on our Extension to Cienfuegos and Trinidad, plan to return to the US from Santa Clara (SNU). See 'Travel Logistics' below.

* Consider arriving today, a day early, to allow for flight delays or to rest, stroll, and relax. We can also provide a guide if requested well in advance.

See Detailed Itineraries

Workshop Tuition

Dates: December 4-12—The small group size is typically 6 to 8 travelers. This trip requires a minimum of five travelers.
Price: $6295- A complete 9-day Workshop that includes double-occupancy lodging and all itinerary-based meals. ***

Single hotel room supplement adds $600 (main) and $250 (extension) and is based on availability at the time of registration.

Trip Extension: December 12-15 - Requires a minimum of 3 travelers to run.
Price: Email Dave - A separate trip via Cienfuegos to colonial Trinidad on the south coast. You fly home from Santa Clara (SNU), not Havana.

Deposit to register for this workshop tour is $1000. If you are adding our extension, please let us know at Registration.
- The final balance is due by August 31st. Space is very limited, and we usually sell out quickly, so we advise registering now.
- Cancellation policy is below.

*** If a current or recent student of Dave's UW Photography course, ask him about a time-limited tuition discount.

Non-photographers do not receive lower tuition because all the workshop's provided services costs are independent of activites.

Please read this completely, as there are some important details.

1

Email Dave to be sure we still have space.

2

Once confirmed, please register ASAP using this Registration Form via AltruVistas

3

Payments are made once AltruVistas receives your registration.

4

For additional assistance: Email Dave for inquiries relating specifically to the itinerary, travel, photo-related, and preparations.
Or for inquiries relating to registration/documents/extension or lodging, Email AltruVistas .

5

To complete your booking after paying your deposit, you will need a valid passport dated at least 6 months past the tour's end dates. Final payment invoiced 60 days before departure or in October.
AltruVistas will send a confirmation welcome once you complete your registration.
Once registration is fully confirmed, book your round-trip airfare to Miami or* and purchase appropriate trip insurance. If you are staying on for our Extension, remember to book your return flight to the US from Santa Clara, not Havana.
Refundable or Credit-capable airfare is helpful in case you need to cancel or we must due to rare low enrollment.
Please email AltruVistas with your domestic and international flights once you have them.
Purchase your Cuban Tourist Visa (See 'Travel Logistics' below)
We advise travelers to arrive at least one day early (Day 0) to allow for any flight delays and to adapt to the local weather and ET time zone.
We are happy to arrange extra night(s) accommodations if you let us know at the time of or ASAP following registration.

* As of this writing, American and United Airlines also have flights to Cuba from other US cities; Miami being the most common. You may choose other airlines, so long as your flight arrives in time.

See "Getting There" section in FAQs below.

FAQs: Legal | Included | Logistics | Traveling | Insurance | Expectations | Experience | Money | Physical Reqs | Packing | Cancellation

• 100% LEGAL TRAVEL TO CUBA: Our OFAC category: "Support for the Cuban People" • Each day, we are committed to “Support for the Cuban People” under the General License 31 CFR § 515.574. Our itinerary is a full-time schedule that enhances contact with the Cuban people and results in meaningful interactions between ourselves and individuals in Cuba. We never stay at any property on the CPA List to the extent prohibited by § 515.210. Our accommodations are authorized Cuban hotels or private residences (Casa Particular). We only eat at privately-owned Cuban restaurants (Paladares), and we only shop at privately owned stores run by self-employed Cubans. • We also support Cuban entrepreneurs launching their privately-owned businesses.

• IS THIS A TOUR OR A WORKSHOP? >IT IS BOTH: With a small group, we can travel to many locations, dine well, learn, meet locals, converse, and exchange memorable connections. In a Workshop, we teach how to make better photographs using the best light at each location and subject. We offer early morning shoots and night shoots as well. This is a photographic adventure designed to combine your quest for learning and cultural travel.

• INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED: INCLUDED: • Pre-trip group meeting via Zoom for logistics • All lodgings at a Hotel and Cuban Casa BnBs. • Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners mentioned in itineray. (actual numbers may change as the trip develops) > All destination transportation by deluxe van, and a small ferry when visiting Regla • A meeting is required at our hotel in Havana once all travelers arrive. A presentation to get oriented, inspired, and learn what’s next. • Daily location and photographic guidance as indicated in the itinerary. • Money exchange assistance from USD to Pesos in Cuba. • Snacks, local fruits, and bottled water are available throughout the workshop. • By request, Dave reviews participants’ pre-selected images during downtime. • Post-trip photo sharing Zoom is scheduled once back home. NOT INCLUDED • Airfare. • Transport from/to Airports beyond the workshop dates, unless pre-arranged in writing with AltruVistas. • Trip and travel insurance, airlift, or any other insurance. Please buy the level of insurance that meets your goals. • Credit Card payment surcharges • Cuban Tourist Visa • Alcoholic beverages beyond complimentary • Activity fees or others (meals, shopping, etc) that are not mentioned in the itinerary. • Personal health needs, such as meds, SPF lotions, bug repellent, etc. • Trip Extension tuition and any related personal expenses.

• TRAVEL LOGISTICS — MUST READ: 1. CURRENT PASSPORT valid for at least 6 months beyond tour end date. 2. CUBAN TOURIST VISA: Apply for your electronic E-Visa for Cuba. Cuba no longer issues physical tourist cards. To apply for the Cuban e-Visa, you need a valid passport and an email address to receive the electronic visa. Upon success and payment you will receive a code (eVisa) in your email box. Go to: eVisa: https://visacuba.com . This option is $55 3. D’VIAJEROS Cuban Health and Customs Declaration form: • The D’Viajeros form must be completed within 7 days prior to your departure and not before! • https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio • Select English from pull-down menu if you don’t speak Spanish. • You will need your passport and your flight arrival information, and add the Hostal Buen Viaje for the lodging name. • The travel reason is tourism. • For the currency parts, put nothing to declare and ignore the additional questions for customs, as you are not bringing anything to sell. • !! Do not list your gifts, personal gear, or photo gear, but do keep a written inventory of photo/mobile gear you are bringing into Cuba.. • You can apply for your Dviajeros form without the visa, but now there is a place for the E-visa number. 4. Consider arriving a day earlier in case of flight delays or to acclimate and relax. 4. Furnish your flight information to AltruVistas at least 30 days before travel so we can prepare for your arrival. 5. Our required orientation meeting will happen on Day 1, October 4. Plan to be present as this meeting will be very informative for the duration of our trip. -------- 6. PRE-TRIP ZOOM MEETING: Once we have a final headcount, we will email you a Poll to choose an optimal date/Time to Zoom together.

• GETTING THERE and HOME • Main workshop: Book tickets to fly a round trip to Havana from Miami or another US departure city. If going onward with our Extension, you return home from Avoid connections of less than 1.5 hours and use only carry-on luggage for far easier travel unless bringing many gift items. • We transfer you to and from the Airport. • Extension: Book air one-way to Havana, as your return from Santa Clara (SNU), not Havana (see map). AltruVistas can assist if need be.

• TRAVEL and HEALTH INSURANCE: Be sure you have up-to-date US travel and personal health insurance. Our airfare to Cuba includes basic Cuban Health Insurance. For travel insurance, please purchase a plan through World Nomads, Allianz, Travelex, etc., when purchasing airfare. We answer questions via email or during our Zoom.

• EXPECTATIONS, EXPERIENCE and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS EXPECTATIONS: • Our travelers should have curiosity, a spirit for small-group adventure, and an understanding that you may not always find the same comfort conditions as when at home. We work hard to prepare, keep you informed and comfortable, and earn your trust. • Experience Cuba on its own terms, and you will be rewarded with an unparalleled life experience. Travelers love our style, and we think you will, too. EXPERIENCE: • No matter what level of experience you arrive with, Dave will improve your ability to capture your travels. • Non-photographers are always welcome! Dave also teaches how to make excellent photographs using a smartphone. See examples at: https://tinyurl.com/2c9wtwfe. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Participants should be in good enough physical condition to walk unaided on uneven surfaces and board transportation without dedicated assistance. • If you are prone to heat exhaustion, road nausea, or knee issues, please bring whatever supplements or aids that will best support your health.

• MONEY, TIPPING, and GIFTING CUBANS • MONEY: Due to the US Treasury’s embargo, you cannot use Credit Cards or ATMs in Cuba. Nada. Bring enough cash, and it MUST be in crisp, clean bills. Once in Havana, we will exchange some of your USD into Cuban Pesos at the best possible off-market rates. I carry $1 bills daily for occasional gift handouts, and the other sizes are for exchanging for Pesos. Our lodgings have in-room money safes if you want to use them. (More on this during our Zoom meeting). • TIPPING: When dining out, you can tip as usual. 10-15% is standard. Late in the tour, Dave gathers travelers' tips that he passes along to our guides and drivers at the end of the tour. Please anticipate and reserve some USD for this. (More on this during our Zoom meeting). • GIFTING: It is an excellent gesture to bring gift items to Cubans we meet or the Non-Profit orgs we have built relationships with. We have a Google Spreadsheet (linked below) that allows our travelers to choose items from different gift categories, and bring those along with them to Cuba in their carry-on or if need be, checked luggage. Retail tags and unnessesary packaging should first be removed.

• COMMUNICATIONS IN CUBA: We use the ‘What’s App’ app via Wifi to communicate during the workshop. It is also a free way to keep in touch with those back home when on WiFi. • At the time of this writing, there are few, if any, SIMS that will work on American cell phones. More on that in the Zoom. Wifi can be limited, so we advise travelers to plan on minimal communication with folks at home. We can assist with special communication needs.

• PACKING TIPS: • We love Simple! We’ve learned that the more stuff, the more decisions to make, and weight to carry. Pack with organization, and know that we often visit several locations per day. • Whatever camera you bring will be fine so long as you know how it functions. I can often help with unfamiliar settings, but bring the manual just in case! Mine is a searchable PDF on my phone. • See our expanded Gear and Packing Recommendations section.

• CANCELLATIONS: • Our Cancellation policy includes the following fees and cut-off periods: In case of any events occurring beyond our control that negatively affect travelers’ ability to participate in the tour, the non-refundable deposit can be credited towards a future David Julian Cuba tour. • The final balance is due by August 1st, and is non-refundable within 45 days of departure.

Gear and Packing Recommendations

Daily gear:*

Lightweight clothing for tropical conditions, and a pullover and rain poncho or light rain jacket. Ponchos work well for covering gear.
Sneakers, or sturdy sandals like my all-time faves, the quick-drying waterproof KEEN H2: Men's Women's
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho. Anything that can cover your camera bag is best.
Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, sun hat or cap, and a bandana for wiping camera or hands.
Snack bars if you get hungry on the go-between meals. I do!
Insect repellent. Natrapel with Picardin® works great for me, but some like the citronella, herbal lemongrass and eucalyptus formulas.
Headlamp or LED flashlight for walking nights. For those doing any night photography, a RED LED headlamp or penlight is best.
Those with adverse responses to heat should bring electrolyte or hydrating products. If prone to road nausea, please bring Bonine (non-drowsy), Ginger, and maybe a wrist-pressure nausea bracelet.

Photography gear:

A digital camera you know how to use. I sometimes bring a backup body or use my iPhone Pro as a casual backup cam.
LENSES: If you shoot primes, bring a Wide, Normal, and small portrait Telephoto; but all-in-one travel zooms can be super handy instead.
You can optionally rent gear at Lensrentals.com. Always pay for the insurance.
I use K&F anti-static UV filters for every lens, so I'm never cleaning moisture or grit off lens elements or risking an impact on my lens.
I use these awesome LensPens and lens cloths frequently.
I have switched to 64 or 128gb Prograde Gold SD cards. They are fast and were recommended to me by Fujifilm's tech team.
Extra batteries and charger. Charge all batteries before the trip!
To avoid delays or held-back checked luggage, All Lithium batteries must be packed together in carry-on luggage.
Fit all in one photo bag with a name tag with your email address.
I use a Brother® label maker, to label my gear, even SD cards. It makes water-resistant labels up to four lines and stores label text.
Download the offline Google Map for Cuba in its entirety or by region, or use Gaia GPS or another offline Map app.
Consider a lightweight, fast-charging USB PowerBank for recharging a phone when we travel distances between towns.
Unfortunately, drones are not allowed into Cuba and will be confiscated at Cuba customs.

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