Due to the devastation that struck Eastern Cuba in early November, the trip to Santiago de Cuba has been cancelled and JazzArts Charlotte is now venturing to Havana, Cuba.
Havana, Cuba
January 24 – January 31, 2026
Journey to Cuba
Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba. The heart of La Habana Province, Havana
is the country’s main port and commercial center. It is the most populous city, the largest by
area, and the second largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region. Havana was
founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. It served as a springboard for the Spanish
conquest of the Americas, becoming a stopping point for Spanish galleons returning to Spain.
King Philip III of Spain granted Havana the title of capital in 1607. Walls and forts were
built to protect the city. The city is the seat of the Cuban government and various ministries,
and headquarters of businesses and over 100 diplomatic offices.
Contemporary Havana can essentially be described as three cities in one: Old Havana,
Vedado and the newer suburban districts. The city extends mostly westward and southward
from the bay, which is entered through a narrow inlet, and which divides into three main
Harbors: Marimelena, Guanabacoa and Antares. The Almendares River traverses the city from
south to north, entering the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay. The city attracts
over amillion tourists annually and experiences a tropical climate.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (subject to change!)
Day 1: Saturday, January 24 – Arrival in Havana
Arrive at José Martí International Airport and transfer to Hostal Lola Habana. After settling in,
enjoy an evening walk through Old Havana’s lively plazas and music-filled streets.
Dinner at La Guarida with a live jazz trio, followed by a brief overview of the Jazz Plaza program.
Evening: Optional night out in Old Havana.
Meals: Dinner
🛌 Sleep: Hostal Lola Habana
Day 2: Sunday, January 25 – Old Havana, Music Lecture & Live-Music Lunch
After breakfast, explore Old Havana’s historic plazas and UNESCO sites. A Cuban musicologist
leads a morning talk on the evolution of Cuban musical traditions. Enjoy lunch at a nearby
Old Havana paladar, accompanied by a private mini-concert by local musicians.
Continue to Callejón de Hamel for an afternoon immersed in rumba and Afro-Cuban street culture.
Evening: Concerts and events at Havana Jazz Plaza 2026
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
🛌 Sleep: Hostal Lola Habana
Day 3: Monday, January 26 – Dance Company & Rum + Cigar Tasting
After breakfast, enjoy free time or a guided cultural walk through Old Havana.
In the afternoon, experience a performance by Compass Dance Company, known for combining
contemporary movement with Cuban percussion. Later, participate in a rum and cigar tasting
led by Cuban experts, pairing premium rums with artisanal cigars.
Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Evening: Concerts and events at Havana Jazz Plaza 2026
Meals: Breakfast
🛌 Sleep: Hostal Lola Habana
Day 4: Tuesday, January 27 – Fine Arts Museum & Vedado
Begin the day with breakfast before visiting the National Museum of Fine Arts – Cuban Collection,
home to centuries of Cuban artistic expression. Lunch on your own at a paladar in Vedado, offering
Cuban fusion cuisine.Spend the afternoon exploring Vedado’s landmarks—Hotel Nacional, La Rampa,
and surrounding cultural sites—with optional conversation about the history of Cuban jazz.
Evening: Concerts and events at Havana Jazz Plaza 2026
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
🛌 Sleep: Hostal Lola Habana
Day 5: Wednesday, January 28 – Matanzas & Los Muñequitos
After breakfast, travel east to the city of Matanzas, the historic heart of Afro-Cuban rumba.
Visit the community home of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas for an up-close percussion experience
and a private rumba performance. Enjoy lunch at a local paladar overlooking the river or bay,
featuring regional dishes and seafood. Stroll through the city center to see Matanzas’ plazas,
bridges, and artistic spaces before returning to Havana.
Evening: Concerts and events at Havana Jazz Plaza 2026
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
🛌 Sleep: Hostal Lola Habana
Day 6: Thursday, January 29 – Salsa Lesson & Fábrica de Arte
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Casa del Son for a lively salsa lesson with
experienced instructors. Spend the late morning and early afternoon exploring Havana’s
markets, galleries, or hidden streets. Lunch is included at a paladar in Old Havana that
often features live acoustic music. Dinner on your own. Visit Fábrica de Arte Cubano
in the evening for a blend of live music, performance, and contemporary art.
Evening: Concerts and events at Havana Jazz Plaza 2026
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
🛌 Sleep: Hostal Lola Habana
Day 7: Friday, January 30 – Cultural Visits & Farewell Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy optional visits to artists’ studios, community projects, or further
exploration of Havana’s neighborhoods. Lunch on your own. Gather in the evening
for a farewell dinner at San Cristóbal, known for its atmospheric setting and live Cuban
music.
Evening: Final concerts and events at Havana Jazz Plaza 2026
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
🛌 Sleep: Hostal Lola Habana
Day 8: Saturday, January 31 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast
