Camaguey, Holguin, Gibara and Santiago de Cuba

2024

$3950 per person

Limited to eight guests

Come join us as we return to eastern Cuba, affectionally known as el oriente de Cuba! We envision this “second time in” an extension of our East Cuba exploratory series. The greatest drivers (and cars) in Cuba will take us off the beaten path to capture the “other side” of Cuba.

Get lost in Camaguey where no two streets run parallel. Shoot the colors and feel the beat of Holguin. Refine photography skills in a Gibara, a remote fishing village with few tourists, a bold coast, and the best fresh seafood. Conclude in the vibrant Afro-Cuban revolutionary city of Santiago de Cuba. It doesn’t get better than this!

Your journey includes:

• $450 voucher from meet up city (location TBD) to Cuba

• Accommodations at airport hotel in meet up city (location TBD) Tuesday, January 20th

• All accommodations for ten days, nine nights in Camaguey, Holguin, Gibara and Santiago de Cuba

• All meals and two adult beverages per meal in Cuba.

• Photography instruction, assignments and coaching before, during and after workshop

• Pre-trip private consultation

• Photography review sessions

• All entrance fees

This trip does not include:

• Flight to and from meet up city from client locale.

• Excess luggage fees

• Meals at meet up city (location TBD)

ITINERARY SUMMARY:

Day 1: Arrive in Meet Up City (location TBD) January 20th

Day 2: Flight to Camaguey January 21st

Day 3: Camaguey January 22nd

Day 4: The City of Holguin January 23rd

Day 5: Gibara, Province of Holguin January 24th

Day 6: Gibara, Province of Holguin January 25th

Day 7: Gibara, Province of Holguin January 26th

Day 8: Santiago de Cuba January 27th

Day 9: Santiago de Cuba January 28th

Day 10: Depart from Santiago de Cuba January 29th

OVERVIEW:

Camaguey~

“There is pride to be Cuban, there is Privilege to be Camagueyan.”

A city twice the size of Havana with a fraction of the population, this unique Cuban city exudes an air of independence and strength. We’ll stay in the center of town which will give us the freedom to explore on in small groups and together.

One can’t help but to take note of the towering churches, fifteen to be exact, each with its own unique story both architecturally and historically. In a land where religion has been frowned upon for fifty years, here, the “small and fragile flock" managed to survive.

No two streets run parallel nor do any two streets meet a a right-angle making Camaguey an excellent place to get lost! This was done intentionally to disorient pirates and plunderers of the 17th century. These colorful “mazes” are buzzing with locals on the way to market, artisans, children laughing, flower stalls and street venders.

Tired of walking? Sit in one of the many parks, like the Parque Ignacio Agramonte where at 6PM, the youth color guard, dressed in campesino garb lower the flag with pomp and circumstance.

Holguin~

There’s an artsy vibe, a proud undercurrent and even dancing in the streets in this Cuban town. It is the home to Cuban TV, radio and even a music conservatory. This “city of parks” beckons the explorer to come closer and discover more.

We’ll walk the “back street” suburbs to meet friendly locals and document a day in their lives.

For those looking for a panoramic view and some exercise, the 465 steps to the top of a “Hill of the Cross” (Loma de la Cruz) for sunrise will surely be a terrific way to start the day.

Gibara~

When Christopher Columbus landed in the northern part of Holguin province, near Gibara, he declared it “the most beautiful land human eyes had ever seen”.

One night is not enough time to spend in this quiet laid back colonial fishing village. A dream for the street, architecture and landscape photographer. We will settle in and relax, wander, and capture the fading shades against the rich Caribbean colors.

We will wake up with the fishermen, play dominoes with the locals, shoot stunning seascapes as well as hone our night photography skills in Gibara.

Santiago de Cuba~

We’ll switch gears as we roll into Santiago de Cuba, the cultural capital and birthplace of the Cuban revolution and Bacardi Rum. Here the Afro-Caribbean energy is so electric, you may find yourself dancing up and down the hilly streets.

The Revolution Plaza is both ominous and impressive with a dramatic monument of the 19th venture war hero, General Maceo on horseback surrounded by massive machetes rising from the grass. Certainly a site to see and challenge to shoot.

We’ll drive six miles out of town just before the golden hour to the Castillo de San Pedro del Morro, a massive fort built during the time of the Spanish colonization in Cuba. It took sixty five years to build this remarkable structure overlooking the Caribbean Sea and it became a UNESCO heritage site in the 1980’s.

What will be most memorable about this journey is yet to be known. The gems to be discovered are not on a map or written in an itinerary but will unfold as we follow the light and make our way through this fascinating swath of Cuba.

*Your Cuba Travel will make every attempt to adhere to the general plan above. Should circumstances change, we have the right to make proper modifications that will benefit “you” our guest.

Travel authorized by license through the Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that authorizes registered guests of our programs to legally travel to Cuba to participate and engage in a full time schedule of authorized exchange activities in Cuba, which will involve meaningful interaction between travelers and people in Cuba.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Your trip includes photography instruction and coaching with Laura Gingerich. She will support, guide and challenge you!

Upon registration, you will receive photography resources, a packing list and traveler questionnaires. Eli, Jordan, and Laura will be available by phone, email or text to answer all your questions. Their contact information is below.

All photography levels welcome. The only requirement is the willingness to learn and ability to focus.

DEPOSIT

A $750 deposit is required at the time of booking to guarantee your reservation, which will be applied towards the cost of your tour. Deposits are generally non-refundable, except in rare cases when we cannot confirm all components of a booking at the purchase price. In the event that the trip must be post-poned due to Covid closures, your funds will be transfered to a later date of travel.

FINAL PAYMENT

The balance must be paid in full 90 days prior to departure.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT AND PACK YOUR BAGS!

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PHOTOGRAPHY INSTRUCTOR

Laura Lynn Gingerich

Laura L. Gingerich is an award winning freelance photographer and educator specializing in the documentation of mission and relief worldwide. She is known for “having an eye for beauty in the midst of chaos” from her work in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Haiti, Pakistan, West Bank and India. Her images from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon and the West Bank were portrayed in the powerful exhibit "Crossing the Line, A Journey through Islam". She provides images that speak for website development, capital campaigns and documentation as well.

When Laura is not on assignment, she loves sharing her knowledge by leading photography workshops that inspire and motivate beginners to advanced level enthusiasts. She does this throughout the world, having led dozens of photography workshops to Cuba, Italy, France, throughout the United States and soon she will lead several in Spain. "Laura is more than a photographer, her moving images from around the world are a result of her grit, talent and compassion."

Email: stoptime325@gmail.com

Website: https://lauralynn.smugmug.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1timestopper

Phone: 910-690-8395