Traveling across Cuba is never the same experience twice, but this recent journey was something truly special. What began as a private tour for just two guests quickly grew into a complex and immersive adventure that stretched across the entire island. It took the coordination of my entire team to make it happen, and looking back, I couldn’t be prouder of what we experienced together.
Our journey began in Havana, a city I know so well, but one that always has something new to offer. We took a day trip to Viñales, where we explored the lush green valleys and learned about Cuban agriculture, including the famous tobacco fields. Another day took us to Matanzas, where we met with the Grammy Award-winning group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. Their drumming, their dance, and their stories brought Afro-Cuban culture to life.
We moved on to Playa Larga, where we explored nature and relaxed on stunning beaches. A highlight was visiting Korimakao, a unique community art project founded in 1992 that blends music, dance, and visual arts to inspire the local community. In Trinidad, we connected with Las Tonadas Trinitarias, a folkloric group that keeps Cuba’s musical traditions alive.
An unexpected challenge met us on the road—a wildfire ahead. At first, it seemed manageable, but when the rain began and the wind shifted, the smoke grew thick and visibility dropped. It was a tense moment, but we made it through safely.
We spent a brief night in Camagüey before pushing on to Santiago de Cuba, a city where music is a way of life. Our first night there, we saw authentic son music and rumba—two sides of Cuba’s rhythmic soul. We also visited El Cobre, a sacred site deeply connected to Afro-Cuban religion and spirituality.
From Santiago, we traveled to Guantánamo City, where we witnessed changüí music at the Casa del Changüí, and finally saw the UNESCO-recognized Tumba Francesa, a tradition I had waited nearly eight years to experience. In Baracoa, we found ourselves surrounded by stunning nature, visiting a chocolate farm and learning about the roots of Kiribá y Nengón, a precursor to changüí and son music.
The trip ended back in Santiago, just in time for the National Day of Son. It was the perfect conclusion to a journey that had shown us so many sides of Cuba—its rhythms, its people, its stories. For me, after eight years of leading music-themed tours, this was one of the most in-depth and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.
Looking ahead, Havana Music Tours is planning to offer this all-over Cuba tour as an annual experience, open for anyone who wants to dive deep into Cuban culture. We’re also launching a new Son Route Tour, exploring the evolution of Cuban music from Kiribá y Nengón to changüí and son, culminating in the International Son Festival in Santiago de Cuba.
For those who love music, culture, and adventure—Cuba is always waiting, and there’s always something new to discover.