Experience the 40th Havana Jazz Festival
with Absolutely Cuba
Our Havana Jazz Festival tour is unlike any other. This tour is the ultimate VIP experience bringing jazz together with the music inspired by it and the music it inspires. If you are looking for an immersive, rich, vibrant music experience against the backdrop of the culture of Cuba, look no further. You are in the right place.
The Havana Jazz Festival is more than an event; it’s an iconic experience, a celebration of culture and music, the things that make up the heartbeat of Cuba. Join us for a week that seamlessly weaves Cuban culture, musical excellence, and artistic energy into a tapestry of unforgettable moments.
Indulge in the Magic of the Havana Jazz Festival with Absolutely Cuba
Imagine an electrifying evening in vibrant Havana, where friends gather, dressed to the nines, ready to savor a musical masterpiece, all in the heart of Cuba, where every moment is a celebration of authentic connections and incredible experiences!
Highlights of the Havana Jazz Festival x Absolutely Cuba Experience:
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Welcome to Havana! Enjoy a refreshing mojito as you settle into your boutique hotel accommodations
- Hosted by our Private Chef, savor a mouth-watering welcome dinner against the backdrop of the Havana skyline to the sounds of a live jazz band as you drink custom mojitos from your own mojito bar
- Explore the music and art of Havana with the expertise of a Cuban artist at your side
- Take in the far-flung parts of the city from the back seat of a convertible classic car
- Go behind the scenes of the most renowned musical venue in Havana: Fabrica de Arte Cubano
- Experience the Gran Teatro, professional home of the prima ballerina Alicia Alonso
- Enjoy the ultimate in retail indulgence with our EXCLUSIVE Absolutely Cuba Shopping Experience, where you’ll shop in style at local shops owned by Cubans and opened exclusively for you
- Discover the vibrant nightlife of Havana through the eyes of a local insider
- Enter the heart of Afro-Cuban culture and sway to the rhythms of the Afro beat at a musical experience cultivated just for you
- Our DJ is ready to spin the night away at a house party like no other!
- Beach day and seaside lunch for you to wind down after partying the night away
- The Grand Finale of the Jazz Festival is going to be one to remember ~ and you’ll be there!
- Join us as we take over one of Havana’s Most Renowned restaurants ~ delicious can’t even begin to describe the experience.
Sway to the rhythms of the Heart of Cuba
Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies and infectious rhythms of the Havana Jazz Festival. Held annually in the heart of Cuba’s capital, this world-renowned event brings together top jazz artists from around the globe for unforgettable performances against the backdrop of Havana’s iconic landmarks. From electrifying concerts to intimate jam sessions, experience the magic of jazz in one of the most culturally rich cities in the world. Join us for a celebration of music, culture, and the vibrant spirit of Havana.
Your Travel Package Includes:
- Gorgeous boutique hotel accommodations infused with Cuban charm for 8 days and 7 nights
- Welcome dinner prepared by our private chef ~ Eat to the sounds of a vibrant Cuban jazz band
- Walking and gallery tours of Old Havana
- Classic car tour of the capital city
- Behind-the-scenes tours of iconic venues ~ FAC & the Gran Teatro
- Afro-Cuban rhythms and culture experience
- Master the mojito: Sunset cocktails & mixology session
- Our EXCLUSIVE Havana nightlife experience
- Our EXCLUSIVE private shopping experience
- Our EXCLUSIVE vinyl & DJ house party
- A full day of relaxation on Cuba's stunning beaches
- A grand farewell dinner & paladar takeover
- Our private photographer to capture all of your glitz and glam moments
- Grand Finale of the 40th Edition of the Havana Jazz Plaza + two additional optional performances
- Most meals & countless cocktails!
&
Absolutely Cuba's Always Inclusions
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Breakfast daily
- Fully-staffed PREMIUM boutique hotel accommodations
- Queen/king, air-conditioned, wifi-enabled room with en suite bathroom
- A one-of-a-kind, custom itinerary EXCLUSIVELY created by Absolutely Cuba for the Havana Jazz Plaza experience
- All meal reservations
- Currency exchange
- English-speaking guides, casa staff and tour hosts
- Our in-destination management team, including your dedicated Absolutely Cuba concierge & photographer
- In-destination Destination Manager
Where You'll Stay
Luxury Boutique Hotel Accommodations
Experience luxury in Old Havana with Absolutely Cuba. Our accommodations offer a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Each room features a queen or king-sized bed and an en suite bathroom for your privacy and convenience.
Our dedicated staff ensures a personalized experience, catering to your needs throughout your stay. With accommodations exclusively reserved for our guests, enjoy privacy and tranquility in the heart of Old Havana.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Old Havana with Absolutely Cuba as your guide. Explore the vibrant streets and create unforgettable memories, knowing you have a comfortable retreat to return to at the end of each day.
Our dedicated staff ensures a personalized experience, catering to your needs throughout your stay. With accommodations exclusively reserved for our guests, you can enjoy privacy and tranquility during your time in Old Havana.
Every property we select features:
- Centrally-located convenience in the heart of Old Havana, our accommodations place you at the epicenter of Cuba’s vibrant culture and history..
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout your stay, so you'll be able to share your adventures with friends and family.
- Air conditioning & climate control so you can keep cool and comfortable when you come in from the Cuban heat
- Timeless colonial charm blending classic colonial architecture with modern comforts and modern luxury
- Attentive service from our dedicated staff - they will cater to your every need, ensuring a truly comfortable experience
- Your own exclusive haven allowing you to experience true exclusivity, ensuring your privacy and tranquility.
- Instagram-worthy spaces where every corner is thoughtfully curated, allowing you to capture and share even more of your beautiful experience
Pictured: Typical accommodations for tours arranged and executed by Absolutely Cuba
Frequently Asked Questions
This is easily the question we get asked most often…and the answer is a loud YES! Travel to Cuba is governed by 12 categories of travel established by OFAC. Travel by most travelers is covered by the category ‘Support of the Cuban People’ which mandates that itineraries of American travelers demonstrate a full-time schedule of meaningful engagement with the Cuban people. Every itinerary created by Absolutely Cuba is not only legally compliant, but we make sure that your time on the island is meaningful, engaging and entirely immersive and authentic.
Every person traveling to Cuba must purchase a tourist visa prior to arriving on the island. This visa can be purchased in advance of departure, via mail or at the airport. When you travel with Absolutely Cuba, we include your visa in your travel package.
Absolutely not! Several major carriers fly directly to Cuba from the United States. It’s never been easier to travel to this beautiful island.
In Havana, USD is accepted almost everywhere. More often than not, however, the change you get will be in CUP (Cuba’s national currency) at a rate decided by the location of purchase. Though you cannot exchange USD for CUP in the US prior to departure, once you arrive in Havana, Absolutely Cuba can arrange for our in destination concierge to help you exchange your USD at the best possible rate.
Credit cards issued by US-based banks cannot be used in Cuba.
Cuba is the safest island in the Caribbean and you can absolutely travel alone. However, as with any destination, exercising good travel sense and maintaining awareness of your surroundings is key to having a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Unfortunately, many parts of Cuba are not ADA friendly. Between the cobblestone streets and the ever-present disrepair, strolls when one has a mobility issue can be a challenge. Additionally, our tours do have a decent amount of walking and some of our accommodations require walking up stairs to enter. The best way to see if one of our trips is right for you is to email Absolutely Cuba at hola@absolutelycuba.com. We are more than happy to provide the information to help you decide if this trip is the right one for you.
Cuba is a year-round destination. It’s always a good time to travel to Cuba!
ABOUT OUR FOUNDER:
My name is Danielle Linares and I am the founder and owner of Absolutely Cuba, a travel concierge service for people traveling to the island of Cuba.
Over nearly a decade, through several short- and long-term visits to the island, I have immersed myself in all aspects of Cuban culture. At Absolutely Cuba we believe in imagining your itinerary through the lens of a local — not a tourist perspective.
We curate authentic, immersive, and memorable experiences that reflect the true essence of the island, through an Afro-Cuban lens.
The motivation behind my work is to inspire people to see beyond what’s possible for their lives, through lush travel experiences, like I had the first time I went to Cuba.
I have the travel pedigree and expertise to answer your questions and make sure that you have everything you need to make Cuba a profitable destination for your travel company. I use my insight, connections and insider knowledge about Cuba to show you the many travel possibilities for your clients looking to travel to the island.
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additional information
All bookings are accepted by Absolutely Cuba as agent for the travel Suppliers on your itinerary. Separate Supplier terms and conditions will apply to your booking and purchase of travel-related goods and services that you select, and you understand and agree to abide by the terms and conditions of purchase imposed by any Supplier on an itinerary you have approved. As a condition of booking, you must provide information requested by Absolutely Cuba along with your initial payment. Absolutely Cuba reserves the right to cancel your booking and all services and retain all related cancellation fees if your information is incomplete or inaccurate. Travel and payments are governed by Absolutely Cuba’s Terms & Conditions.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
• AIRFARE
• TRAVEL INSURANCE
• COVID TESTS, AS REQUIRED, FOR ENTRY & EXIT
• PRE- AND POST-STAYS
• MEALS NOT INDICATED
• TRANSPORTATION NOT INDICATED
• TOURIST VISAS
• OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
• ANY PERSONAL EXPENSES
BILLING:
Once your deposit has been made you can relax knowing that your future payments will be made automatically. We have set up a convenient payment plan that has evenly divided the cost of the trip over the next five months. Your initial deposit is due at the time of booking, and your future payments will be charged according to the schedule you see on your invoice. This is a service we provide for your convenience and at no extra cost to you.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
The unexpected is always a possibility. Losing money due to a cancelled vacation doesn’t have to be. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your travels. We cannot stress this enough.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Travel documents, itineraries and travel instructions will be sent via email 30 days or earlier prior to travel.
CHANGE OF INFORMATION
Every guest is responsible for notifying Absolutely Cuba of any changes to their information, including but not limited to phone number, address and/or email address. Absolutely Cuba will not be held liable for client’s failure to receive information or notification due to faulty or missing information.
You MUST purchase your own flight to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana no later than November 15, 2022. The airport code for Havana is HAV. Our accommodations are 30 minutes from the airport.
Once your flight has been purchased, ENTER YOUR FLIGHT INFORMATION HERE. This will ensure a smooth transfer from the airport to your casa accommodations.
ARRIVAL TO CUBA
Please be mindful of your arrival time to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. Those arriving prior to 4 p.m. on October 5, 2023 will be entitled to pick-up and transfer from the airport.
MISCELLANEOUS
Not all parts of Cuba will afford you the familiar standards of Western culture, i.e., air conditioning, wifi or cultural norms. Especially in Cuba, a country like no other, this is part of the experience.
There will be parts of your trip where you will be “unplugged” and without access to technology. This is not a “lay on the beach” trip, but you will have the opportunity for leisure, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture of Cuba, as it comes to you.
ENTRY TO CUBA
Beginning November 15, 2021, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS, the testing mandate has been removed. Effective April 6 2022, the vaccine mandate to enter has been removed. You may still be given a PCR test on arrival in Cuba.
All travelers are required to complete a Health Declaration (Declaracíon Jurada de Sanidad) online before travel.
From December 1, 2020, all air tickets will have a sanitary fee of $30 included to cover the cost of various provisions associated with health and safety on the island.
Every traveler traveling with Absolutely Cuba is required to purchase Cuban health insurance. Cuban health insurance is not included in your package. Cost: approximately $30USD.
SCREENING AND QUARANTINE
At the discretion of the Cuban government, arriving tourists may be given a PCR test on arrival and may be subject to quarantine. Any costs related to additional testing and/or quarantine will be paid at the traveler’s expense.
If you are selected for testing and your first PCR test is positive, you will be transported to a state-run hospital or medical center. Arrangements will be made by the Ministry of Public Health.
Once discharged, the costs of the hospital or clinic stay are paid by you in cash. The cost of a hospital stay is roughly estimated at $300USD per day.
CUBA: FOR YOUR INFORMATION
OFAC COMPLIANCE
All itineraries created and executed by Destination by Danielle d/b/a Absolutely Cuba (“Absolutely Cuba”) are compliant with OFAC regulations. Our itineraries provide a a full-time schedule of experiences focused on meaningful engagement with the Cuban people.All U.S. Citizens must travel under one of 12 authorized categories. Your trip falls under the category “Support of the Cuban People”. PLEASE NOTE: By law, you are required to keep your itinerary on file for five (5) years.
PASSPORT VALIDITY
Your passport must be valid for at least SIX (6) months after your departure date from Cuba. Please be sure to verify your passport’s validity. Refunds will not be issued due to inability to travel.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Some electrical items with heavy power consumption may be confiscated on entry to Cuba. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are also subject to import requirements and may be confiscated. Confiscated items are normally returned on departure.Mobile telephones, tablets and laptops can be taken to Cuba, but any inbuilt GPS should be disconnected or disabled. For more information on Cuban customs regulations, including a list of prohibited and regulated items, visit the Cuban Customs Administration website.Cuban regulations allow a maximum of two pieces of checked in luggage per person, each to a maximum weight of 32kgs. Passengers should confirm their luggage allowance, which may be more restrictive than this, and excess baggage charges with their airline.
RELEVANT LINKS:
ABSOLUTELY CUBA TERMS & CONDITIONS