Cuba

[Paul Jenkin]

My wife and I are sizing up a holiday to Cuba later this year - probably October / November time.

We live in the UK and we're looking for an extensive tour of the island with plenty of opportunities to (a) shout "stop" and get out / take some time shooting the local villages / people / scenery and (b) time in the towns / places of interest to mix with the locals and eat / drink in the non-touristy places.

If we can get ontp a group of about 6-8, that would be great as we DON'T want to be on some 52-seater coach just pulling up to some statue, get out, take photo, get back on board and head for the next tourist trap.

Ideally, we'd like to tour for 10-11 days and have 3-4 days somewhere like Varadero to chill out / do some snorkelling before heading home.

I'll probably take a couple of 35mm bodies and a selection of primes (20mm to 180mm) or maybe my Mamiya 7 + 43, 65 and 150mm lenses.

Anyone done anything like this? I'd be grateful for any tips - places to visit / avoid, best time of year (i.e. out of wet / hurricane season) and any good tour companies that might be worth contacting.

Thank you. Paul.

 

[Pete B]

I think october is hurricane season. Go earlier in the year
Pete

 

[macfiend]

I'll be there in September with three friends doing the exact same thing 😀
PM me your e-mail and I'll send you links and info for places to stay, eat (mingle with locals) and see. A lot of off the beaten path locations too.

Regards,

John

 

[ooze]

We did a two week trip in September with the main stops as Havana, Vinales, Trinidad and Varadero.

We hired a car in Havana and drove around on our own. Fantastic country, great people. You will need a day or two to acclimatize, physically and mentally. Just go light and enjoy. And most importantly, learn some Spanish!

 

[Joao]

Take plenty of colour film and be ready for strong light. I've been there in June and had a great time.

Cubans are very friendly and helpful, with the possible exception of the guides at the National Museum in Havana: each room has its own guide /keeper and each one of them will try to charge you for each thing they show you. Rather unpleasant dialogues if you refuse them money...

Interesting to see the "one-minute photographers" near the Capitolio building in Havana - taking and developing portraits in a short time and inside a very limited space. Their cameras are outstanding !!!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[k__43]

We've been there in may 2011 .. we spend time in Havanna, Vinales, Trinidad and on Cayo Coco (which is much nicer that Varadero when you want to finish your holidays relaxing on the beach, less people .. we stayed there for the last 3 days and drove back to Havana for our return).

We rented a car there (also in Havana), I think this is the best way.

Be prepared to get penetrated by lots of people that want to show you the best place, bar or restaurant (in return for a little donation) or want to sell you **** like fake Cohibas. You'll learn to shout "¡No!" in their face quite fast.
Bring soap or disinfecting hygiene fluid .. the hotels are ok, but restaurants outside of havana or roadhouses have often the worst toilets, no water etc.

I still loved Cuba!


here some shots:
http://500px.com/Kay_K