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Cuba

Intro to Photography in Cuba — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 6 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Grab your camera and travel back in time to capture the historic architecture of Havana and explore some of Cuba’s most picturesque places. Explore Cuban history, the island’s historical relationship with your home country, and the future of diplomatic relations as it becomes more accessible. Return home with a visual story to share, refined skills, and lots of inspiration.

Learn more about Photography Tours with Rustic Pathways.

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Cuba!

Arrive into Jose Marti International Airport in Havana (HAV) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the guesthouse and settle in, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Unpack your bags and photography gear and meet your Rustic photo guides. Head down to the Malecón near Habana Vieja in the afternoon where you will capture local city life along the seawall and a spectacular sunset. Experience your first Cuban dinner at one of Havana’s new independently operated paladares.
2

Capture Iconic Habana Vieja

Start the day with a workshop and share your previous day’s photos. Learn techniques from skilled photographer guides designed to help you refine your craft and perfect your skills. Explore Habana Vieja’s iconic plazas, colonial architecture, and forgotten alleyways.
3

Explore Trinidad

Welcome to Trinidad, one of Cuba’s most picturesque colonial towns. Marvel at the stunning bay and French-inspired architecture and plazas in Cienfuegos, the “Pearl of the South." Stroll down the cobblestone streets, taking in sights of horse-drawn carriages and colorful facades. Lose yourself to the rhythm of salsa as you listen to a live music performance at the Casa de la Música.
4

Workshop with Local Photo Guide

Participate in a walking photo tour of Trinidad before a workshop and exchange with a local photography guide. After working up a sweat on a short hike to the Javira Waterfall in Parque El Cubano, head down to the beach at Playa Ancón, one of Cuba’s best southern beaches and catch the sunset as it cascades over the Sierra del Escambray. Join your group for a mid-trip discussion where you will begin to reflect on what you’ve experienced and learned so far.
5

Snorkel in the Bay of Pigs

Head back to Havana as you travel along the Bay of Pigs, making stops at Punta Perdiz for lunch. Put your camera down and change into your swimsuit to snorkel at one of the area’s premier diving sites. Tour Havana’s vanguard art and entertainment venue, Fabrica de Arte Cubano.
6

Discover the Valle de Viñales

Venture through the Valle de Viñales, one of Cuba’s most picturesque and breathtaking natural protected areas. Explore the valley and its many mogotes and learn about the traditional agricultural techniques used in the region.
7

Classic Car Tour Through Havana

Wake up at dawn to capture the sunrise over the mogotes in the Valle de Viñales. Make your way back to Havana where you’ll visit the Museo de la Revolución, followed by a city tour in an antique American classic. Barter for souvenirs in the local market before visiting the Hotel Nacional in Vedado and presenting your photos to the rest of the group. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
8

¡Adiós, Cuba!

Say goodbye to your new friends and to beautiful Havana on your way home. Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Cuba

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
Cuba offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not Included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Cuba Americas Photography
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