Cuba – Havana Jazz Festival

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Festival

6 Days / 5 Nights

$5,195 Hotel / $3,995 Casas

Immerse yourself in one of the world's greatest jazz festivals! Explore the beauty of Havana & beyond.

The Experience

For so many, Cuba is synonymous with jazz, and this is never more evident than during the country’s famous Jazz Festival as the music dominates Havana from Teatro Nacional to colorful streets of Old Havana. The beauty of the five day event lies in the fact that the music is everywhere – creating the sense of one continuous song – as the notes blend together near seamlessly while you meander through the city.

Havana will be your hub for all things jazz, as well your home for duration of your stay. Explore Hemingway’s former home, Finca Vigía, the colorful art installations of Fusterlandia and a visit Havana’s famous Museum of Fine Arts. You will also experience the talent of the Habana Compas dance troupe, meet the children of the music center Muraleando, and explore Old Havana – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond Havana and its surrounding neighborhoods, spend one day in the gorgeous Viñales Valley. Perhaps Cuba’s most picturesque spot, explore tobacco farms and meet with farmers to learn about their life and work.

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A World Renowned Music Festival

Havana’s Jazz Festival is an unparalleled wonder in the world of music. Experience a full spectrum of musical styles including Afro-Cuban jazz, danzón, traditional trova, concert music, mambo, bolero, and more!

Cuba’s Iconic Jazz Festival Returns

The Havana Jazz Festival is Cuba’s most well-known music event featuring some of the most popular up and coming musicians from Cuba and around the world. Each year, dozens of local and internationally renowned jazz performers gather in the Cuban capital to collaborate, improvise, and jam. The people fill the lively city of Havana with music and dance for this six-day celebration.

You will have an all-access pass and guaranteed seating while attending the jazz festival, plus Discover Corps guests will be treated to a private rooftop jazz performance with cocktails before attending the opening ceremony. The jazz festival is held at night where you are free to roam about at your leisure, but you will find performers in every corner of the city this week. Walk through the streets of Havana and experience the sounds of jazz and salsa echo out of cafes and artwork adorns the century old buildings. The 2025 lineup has yet to be announced, but past performers have included popular artists such as Chucho Valdés, Daymé, Joe Lovano, Snarky Puppy, Charlie Haden, Roy Hargrove, and Telmary.

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Where You’ll Stay

For this customized jazz festival departure, you will be able to choose between two different lodging options. Opt for the 4-star Grand Aston along Havana’s iconic oceanfront malecon. One of Havana’s newest hotels, the Grand Aston is located in the heart of Havana and boasts some of the best views of the city. Relax in the rooftop swimming pool, take a break in the spa or simply take-in the sunset from the stunning vistas over Havana harbor.

If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in Cuba culture, opt to stay in casas particulares, or family owned bed & breakfasts. Families invest in making sure their houses are up to international quality standards, and they greet you with Cuban hospitality – but also give you the privacy and comfort you desire. While houses vary in style from eclectic to classical, they all provide a comfortable glimpse into Cuban life. Our portfolio of casas particulares are hand selected with prime locations that will put you right in heart of the action and have private bathrooms, air conditioning & a fresh breakfast each morning.

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Itinerary Overview

The journey begins in Havana with a private rooftop jazz performance, city tour and an all-access pass the colorful opening ceremony festivities. We’ll spend the following days exploring the history and culture of Cuba including Old Havana, the art installations of Fusterlandia, and a private performance from the renowned Habana Compas Jazz Company. We’ll also venture out to Hemingway’s former home and visit the iconic Bellas Artes Museum of Havana.

Cuban culture

Each night, be treated to the magic of the Havana Jazz Festival! On Day 4, we’ll head out to the Cuban countryside to experience the gorgeous Viñales Valley – home to traditional tobacco farmers and a slower pace of life. Finish the journey with a final night of the Jazz Festival along with a visit to the powerful social impact project of Muraleando.

Optional Post-Trip Extension

Discover Corps’ post-trip extensions allow you to extend your experience beyond the core itinerary and explore unique corners of the destination.

Traveler’s Journal

I can honestly say this was one of the most memorable travel experiences I have had. Our hotel was stunning, the performances were intimate and the group we had were just a fun crew of likeminded people. Our local tour leader went above and beyond to ensure that we were taken care of and had opportunities to experience the local culture, food, art & music.

Peter M.

Jazz Festival 2019 Alumni

Read More Discover Corps Reviews

Rating: 5/5 stars

Dates and Prices

Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and meals to make your experience hassle-free.

$5,195 Hotel Option

$3,995 Casa Option

  • Double Occupancy Price.
  • Single Room Supplement = $695 for the hotel option & $295 for the casa option. You are required to pay this SRS fee if we are unable to find you a suitable roommate.
  • There is an minimum age of 18 years old for this trip

What’s Included:

  • All-access passes to the jazz festival ($400 value), including full access to all activities, guaranteed seating, opening dinner and concert, a bag with souvenirs
  • 5 nights lodging in either the historic Grand Aston Hotel or casas particulares
  • 12 meals throughout the trip, including drinks
  • Pure bottled water while touring
  • Bilingual Cuban guide
  • Reliable in-country transportation with experienced drivers
  • $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • Trip literature and turnkey customer support from preparing for your trip to arrival back home
  • Legal documentation of your support for the Cuban people program

What’s Not Included:

  • International airfare
  • Cuban visa
  • Three dinners
  • Laundry service, room service, or phone calls

Dates

Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Questions? Schedule a personal travel consultation with one of our expert Travel Specialists.

2025 Dates

January 2025 Open for booking! Final dates will be confirmed in Fall 2024.

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Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More

Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.