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Visit Cuba for the Jazz Plaza Festival, January 2026 – VIP Festival Pass included (7 or 10 night trip)

Join Us for the 41st Jazz Plaza International Festival in Cuba! January 2026
Experience the Magic of Cuban Culture & World-Class Jazz
Get ready for an unforgettable journey to Cuba as we celebrate the 40th edition of the Jazz Plaza International Festival. Founded by the legendary Bobby Carcassés and currently presided over by the world-renowned Chucho Valdés, this festival is a gathering of some of the most extraordinary jazz musicians from around the globe. For one incredible week, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and soulful melodies that make this event a must-attend for jazz enthusiasts.
Discover Cuba Beyond the Music
Our exclusive trip is designed to give you an authentic taste of Cuban culture. You'll interact with local musicians and artists, explore the rich history and traditions of Havana, and enjoy VIP access to all festival concerts and activities, complete with reserved seating. To make this adventure even more special, you can extend your stay to visit the picturesque towns of Trinidad, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, and the stunning South of Matanzas. Opt for our 10-night package, and you'll experience half of this enchanting island.
Highlights of Your Trip:
- Sunday, January 25th: Arrive in Havana and enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers.
- Monday, January 26th: Explore Havana’s diverse neighborhoods, from the historical Centro Habana to the elegant Vedado and Miramar districts.
- Tuesday, January 27th: Take a walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and delve into its rich history and architecture.
- Wednesday, January 28th: Visit Viñales, the heartland of Cuba's tobacco plantations, and learn about the art of cigar-making in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Thursday, January 29th: Tour Ernest Hemingway’s home and discover the legacy he left on the island after two decades of residence.
- Friday, January 30th: Relax on the stunning Varadero Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine sand, and explore the charming local town.
- Saturday, February 31st: Uncover the stories behind Havana’s most iconic symbols on a comprehensive city tour.
- Sunday, February 1st: Departure day, or begin your extended journey to Trinidad, with a stop in Santa Clara to learn about its revolutionary history.
- Monday, February 2nd: Explore Trinidad, one of the first towns founded in Cuba, and visit the ancient Sugar Cane Mills.
- Tuesday, February 3rd: Return to Havana via the South of the island, with stops in the French-founded city of Cienfuegos and the historic Bay of Pigs.
- Wednesday, February 4th: Departure day.

What's Included in Your Package:
- VIP Festival Pass and Festival Program
- Comprehensive Documentation and Visa Support for US Visitors
- Detailed Daily Itinerary & Activity Guide
- Airport Transfers (Pickup and Drop-off)
- Accommodations in Cuban Casas & Apartments (Airbnb)
- Breakfast
- One Authentic Cuban Meal Per Day, Catering to All Dietary Preferences
- Expert-Led Guided Tours
- Custom Google Map with Key Locations & Recommendations
Why Choose Us?
Our tailored itinerary ensures compliance with US travel regulations under the "Support for the Cuban People" visa category. Enjoy a seamless travel experience with all the essential details covered, from accommodation in local homes for an immersive cultural experience to a thoughtfully curated itinerary that takes you deep into the heart of Cuba.
Book Your Spot Today!
Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on this unique opportunity to combine your love of jazz with an enriching cultural experience in Cuba. Get in touch with us for more details and let us answer any questions you may have. We look forward to sharing this fantastic musical adventure with you!
INTERESTED IN JOINING US?
Get in touch for more details cubanisms2016@gmail.com
HIGHLIGHT, Michael will be performing again at the Jazz Plaza, stay tuned for updated information about his performances there.
Previous performances of Michael at the Jazz Plaza Festival,
- Special guest for Janio Abreu & Victor Goines, DVD "Nuestra Herencia Musical" (Jazz Plaza 2018)
- Michael McClintock & Cubanisms (Jazz Plaza 2019)
- Michael McClintock & Mireya Ramos (Latin Grammy Winner) Videos coming soon (Jazz Plaza 2024)
REVIEWS
EXCELLENT Based on 24 reviews Posted on Flavia CostaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Traveling solo for work can be tough, but I was able to extend my trip to France with a couple of extra days in Paris, and Dalida made the experience absolutely perfect! I reached out to her, and she immediately secured me a spot in a charming, comfortable boutique hotel right in the city center. It was a wonderful, seamless booking process. She wasn't just organized—she was my fantastic guide! Dalida put together an incredible two-day itinerary tailored for my short window, and she personally joined me to see the sights. Her dedication and enthusiasm made the tour feel so special; it was a lovely mix of expert-level planning and genuine warmth. If you want a trip handled with both professionalism and heart, book with Dalida!Posted on Madelaine CruzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Si quieres guardar en tu memoria como un tesoro, un viaje a París, que siempre se sueña y en algún momento la vida te regala el privilegio de hacerlo. No dudes ni por un instante hacer la planificación con "Cubanisms". Cada mínimo detalle está perfectamente planeado. Vas a disfrutar a plenitud y puedo asegurar que en una semana te puedes llevar prácticamente las mejores experiencias de ese maravilloso sitio. Créeme luego vas a decir: allí estuve yo y te vendrán a la mente momentos de felicidad.Posted on Mónica ChanfrauTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nuestro viaje a París fue maravilloso🤩 Nuestra anfitriona Dálida nos preparó un itinerario personalizado de acuerdo a nuestros intereses para los dos días de nuestra estancia en París, muy organizado y completo. Pudimos aprovechar al máximo el tiempo y visitar lugares imperdibles. Nos asistió con la compra de tickets para las principales atracciones y nos dio excelentes recomendaciones sobre transporte y comida local. Todo estuvo perfectamente coordinado y adaptado a las necesidades de nuestra familia, lo que hizo que nuestra experiencia fuera fluída, auténtica e inolvidable. ¡Gracias, Dálida, por hacer de nuestro viaje a París algo realmente especial! 🌟 Recomiendo 100% esta agencia y la compañía espectacular de Dálida. Regresaremos en otra ocasión para disfrutar de otros atractivos junto a ustedes!!! Muchas gracias por su acogida y compañía. Saludos y éxitos🤗Posted on Jarold Yujannes Iglesias ManresaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing Experience!!! Dalida y Michael hacen que París te arrope con esa calidez y gentileza únicos!!! Explorando sitios icónicos y otros que te hacen ver la ciudad luz en una perspectiva 360 de placer, descubrimiento, glamour, cercanía... De su mano la ciudad se muestra con todos sus matices y cautiva, tanto por el encanto natural parisino cómo por su inmejorable compañía. Que suerte tenerlos chivos!!! Ou revoir!!!!Posted on Patricia ErnstTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband surprised me with a trip to Paris for our 25th wedding anniversary. He contacted Dalida Pupo Barrios and asked her to put together a two week itinerary with 10 nights in Paris and four nights in Reims (the Champagne area). Dalida furnished him with a wonderful and very detailed ten page typed itinerary outlining hotels, arranged transportation, lunch and dinner recommendations, as well as tickets for our tours of the sights. She personally contacted the three different hotels and relayed our needs in French as we do not speak the language. Our highlight at the end of our trip was a late lunch at Jules Verne on the second level of the Eiffel Tower. Her attention to detail was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend her services to anyone wishing a fabulous trip to France.Posted on matthew mayesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently returned from a week in Paris, and I was able to fully enjoy this vast and complex city thanks to Dalida and Cubanisms, her travel cultural project. I was able to relax and make the most of my short visit to the world's most cosmopolitan city. Navigating into the city from the airport can be daunting, and without the driver she arranged, I would have wasted time and energy trying to figure out transportation into Paris. Most importantly, Dalida had selected a boutique hotel (built in 1638) for my stay, which was charming. The staff was wonderful and the location allowed me to walk everywhere. The art galleries, cafes and scenic overlooks along the Seine provided perfect opportunities for people watching, one of my favorite past times. I comfortably walked to the Louvre Museum, Notre Dame cathedral and the ticket Dalida arranged for me to tour the Louvre was greatly appreciated. In the evenings, I enjoyed fabulous French cuisine in intimate restaurants, all of which were pre-selected from Dalida's curated list. Using the Metro allowed me to get around like a true Parisian, and I received clear instructions on navigating the underground rail system without missed stops of getting confused. My visit was a wonderful whirlwind of French culture, all thanks to Dalida and Cubanisms. Matt Mayes in FloridaPosted on Sandra TurnerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cubanisms is truly a cultural project and worth hiring if you are interested in visiting and exploring all that the country has to offer--- The island's natural beauty (not yet spoiled by over development), it's famed music, salsa, organic meals at private/family owned restaurants, and most of all the warm-hearted and welcoming people. Dalida, who is a native of Cuban now living in Paris with her jazz musician husband, is a consummate travel professional and will take care of your every need. Through her many years of experience, she has developed connections to private professional drivers, private restaurant owners and a host of other professionals. She will organize everything from accommodations, tours, VIP entry to jazz events, meals at the best restaurants, etc. Moreover, through a personalized approach (eg, dinners and dance parties hosted by her close friends) she provides something entirely unique to the experience, which you won't find with other tour operators. Further, if you are discouraged from a Cuba trip because of the bad press about resources, that is understandable-- I almost didn't go because of the barrage a negative news. Keep in mind, there are two sides to these reports. Yes, Cuba is resource deprived, wi-fi is intermittent, and there aren't chain retail stores on every corner to satisfy your every need and desire. (Think of buying coconut water to drink from the shell at a local stand, instead of bottled water! Yum!!) Too, there is indeed much need for repair of infrastructure outside of Old Havana (Note: Old Havana has been impeccably restored, btw!). However, this, in a way, is the beauty of the Cuba's inner soul. People have struggled and have over time learned to make do with much less. Food isn't wasted. There are no traffic jams (few people own cars). You don't see kids and adults walking around with EarPods and eyeballs glued to a screen. There is no violent crime, nor rampant homelessness. There is no upper-middle class or ultra rich tech- or finance-elite living luxuriously well, while the 95% of the population struggles. So, yes, relative to a rich nation, they are all very, very much struggling economically. But they are *all* doing so together, and doing so while not having lost their collective souls to overconsumption and a barrage of media addictions. Truly, it was a refreshing trip to the past, back to a simpler time. As you consider this trip also keep in mind that tourism is an important source of income for the country. It goes a long way to supporting Cuban families. (Dalida also accepts donations for school children.) I'm glad I went and you will be too! Just be sure to pack a different set of expectations, lots of patience and an open heart to accept the outpouring of kindness and love from those you meet.Posted on Rebecca SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dalida is an excellent guide. I feel we got to experience the authentic Cuba. We were immersed in its history and culture and pride. It was eye opening. Dalida was our complete partner, always available and ready to assist. What she arranged for us (excursions, tours, home parties, nature environments) was just what I hoped for on the trip. I fully recommend Cubanisms to all travelers (as opposed to “tourists”) heading to the island.Posted on Cheryl McMorrisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough good things about Dalida and Cubanisms! For our 2 week Cuba trip, we chose a "solo trip" type, meaning Dalida helped us with our itinerary, trip prep, and anything like car service from the airport, but we were on our own to roam and explore whatever, whenever, always feeling comfort in knowing she and her friends were a message away if needed. We rented one of her apartments in Central Habana, and the family that "manages" them for her not only kept them clean and comfortable, but were helpful with everything from SIM cards, money exchanging, tour guiding, history telling, and just made us feel like true friends even sharing a couple meals with us! They even offered us the use of their own apartment just outside of the central neighborhood for our salsa and flamenco lessons. Being from Cuba, Dalida had contacts all over that were available and ready to make our visit everything we wanted! We were fortunate to be able to join a 3-day portion of her "guided tour" that happened to occur during the same time period, and enjoyed not having to think about the when, where, and how of all the logistics, tours, museums, meals, etc. "Guided" or "solo", I highly recommend going through Cubanisms if you are thinking about going to Cuba!Posted on Cynthia GibsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For me, our trip was a leaning experience. Our itinerary included a dive into culture, architecture, history, dance, beaches, the countryside, food, coffee, rum, and LOTS of music. I had so many questions about Cuba and found the people we met were very open to talking to us about their ideas and experiences. Dalida planned the trip with careful attention to detail from start to finish, including well chosen accommodations and expert pacing. Plus, she has a dynamite personality! I found Cubanisms to be a trustworthy niche small group travel organization and I highly recommend it!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
CUBA
YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE VISITING CUBA
Details
- Start: January 25 @ 8:00 am
- End: February 3 @ 5:00 pm
- Website: https://www.cubanisms.org/jazz-plaza-festival-trip/
Venue
- Havana, Cuba
- Havana, Cuba + Google Map
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