BAILA EN CUBA FESTIVAL TRIP. EACH NOVEMBER

Disclaimer: This trip is fully compliant with U.S. travel regulations under the Support for the Cuban People category. Cubanisms works only with privately owned Cuban businesses and independent professionals — never with government-run entities.

Join us for an electrifying 12-day / 11-night dance journey perfectly timed to experience Cuba’s most iconic dance celebration—the Baila en Cuba Festival in Havana this November!

This unique edition places you at the center of the action—dancing alongside local maestros, absorbing Cuba’s authentic rhythms, and being part of one of the world’s most vibrant celebrations of music, movement, and cultural heritage.

WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?

This trip is perfect for dancers, music lovers, cultural explorers, and open-hearted adventurers. No partner is required. All levels are welcome—from absolute beginners to advanced dancers.

Whether you’re a seasoned salsero or an enthusiastic beginner, this is your chance to dance where salsa was born, during the most festive time of the year.

WHY IS THIS TRIP SO SPECIAL?

• Festival Access Included

Full Pass to "Baila en Cuba Festival". Including Cuban rhythm classes (Son, Rumba, Mambo, Chachachá, and others), taught by prestigious Cuban teachers and dancers. Specialized workshops: folkloric dances (Yoruba, Guaguancó, Columbia), body movement classes for men and women separately, and choreography. Together, these workshops will help you improve and refine your salsa dancing while giving you a deeper appreciation of Cuba’s rich musical and cultural heritage.

• Live Concerts & Dance Shows
Nightly performances from Cuba’s top timba and salsa bands at legendary venues like Salón Rosado “Benny Moré”, plus exclusive themed parties and DJ sets.

• Optional Competition Participation
Represent your country or dance school in the partner dance (couples) or rueda de casino categories. Coaching support available for interested participants.

• Beyond the Festival
After Havana’s high energy, we head to Trinidad, Cuba’s colonial treasure, for more dancing, beach time, and relaxed cultural exploration.

FESTIVAL COMPETITION (Optional)

Participants can compete in two main categories:

• Partner Dance (dancing couples): Judged on technique and connection.

• Rueda de Casino: Teams of up to 5 couples; judged on technique and choreography.

AWARDS AND PRIZES

• "Bailar en casa del trompo" Trophy
Prestigious recognition awarded to the top winners in each category.

• Full Pass + Lodging (with breakfast) for the next Festival
Awarded to the best partner couple.

• Full Pass to Baila en Cuba for next edition
Awarded to the best rueda de casino team.

All prizes are granted by a jury of expert Cuban dance professionals.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Salsa & Cultural Adventure in Cuba

Day 1 - Arrival in Havana · Check-in · Meet local coordinator · Rest & recharge
Day 2 - Meet & greet · Receive festival credentials · Cuban welcome party
Day 3 - Baila en Cuba Festival
- Morning: Dance workshops (Cuban rhythms & folklore)
- Afternoon: Free time or optional excursions · Competition preparation for participants
- Evening: Live concerts · Themed parties · Competition showcases
Day 4 - Travel to Trinidad · Explore the town
Day 5 - Tour Valle de los Ingenios · Optional beach trip · Nightlife in Trinidad
Day 6 - Excursion to Topes de Collantes · Salsa night in Trinidad
Day 7 - Return to Havana · Farewell “Fiesta Cubana”
Day 8 - Departure · Adiós, La Habana

A detailed daily itinerary—including all scheduled cultural and educational activities—will be shared with participants closer to the departure date. This itinerary is designed to comply with U.S. travel regulations for those visiting Cuba under the “Support for the Cuban People” category.

This trip is designed for SOLO TRAVELERS who value independence and flexibility.

It’s a more affordable way to experience Cuba—without sacrificing depth, connection, or comfort.

You won’t be locked into a strict itinerary—but the main essentials are taken care of. You’ll have an on-site coordinator, plus a curated guide full of our top recommendations for restaurants, spots to visit, and local tips—so you can explore freely, with just the right level of support.

✅ What's Included
• Full "Baila en Cuba Festival Pass" (workshops + concerts credential)
• 11 nights’ accommodation in charming casas particulares (Havana + Trinidad)
• Daily breakfast at your lodging
• All scheduled guided tours with transport if needed
• Trip coordinator and local guides throughout
• Google Maps list with key locations (downloadable & offline-compatible)
• Daily itinerary of activities that fully comply with U.S. regulations under the "Support for the Cuban people" category, ensuring your visit directly supports Cubans and their private businesses.
❌ What’s Not Included
• Flights to/from Cuba - From $150 to $550, depending on your departure city
• Cuban Tourist Visa - ~$85 – Official link will be shared after booking
• Mandatory Customs Form - Must be completed 48 hours before arrival – Link provided closer to departure
• Travel Insurance - Required – Often included in your airfare by the airline
• Airport Transfers - $30–$40 – Can be arranged and shared between attendees
• Meals - Budget $10–$20 per meal – Many arranged or suggested with local families and private restaurants
• Local Transportation (to lessons & concerts) - ~$10–$20 per ride – Can be shared between attendees; cheaper shared taxis also available
• Entry Fees - To natural sites like Topes de Collantes and Valle de los Ingenios (~$20 total)
• Contributions to Cuban Family Parties - $10–$20 or bring drinks/snacks to share
• Optional SIM Card / Internet Package - ~$20-$30

Old Havana, Havana City, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Trinidad & Valle de los Ingenios, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

TRAVELING FROM THE USA?

Yes—it’s legal to travel to Cuba from the United States under one of the approved categories of travel. Our itinerary complies with the “Support for the Cuban People” category, ensuring you have a meaningful, culturally immersive, and regulation-friendly experience.

Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help! cubanisms2016@gmail.com
Check out our detailed guide for Americans traveling to Cuba HERE

INTERESTED IN JOINING US?

Get in touch for more details cubanisms2016@gmail.com

REVIEWS

Lisa Hallier

Dalida provided a truly unique and unforgettable Cuba experience through her company, Cubanisms. Every detail of our trip was thoughtfully tailored to exactly what we were hoping for—and then some. From the moment we arrived, Dalida made us feel completely comfortable and cared for, welcoming us not just as travelers, but as guests. Thanks to her expertise and connections, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in Cuba’s vibrant art scene, incredible music, and rich culture. Each experience felt authentic, meaningful, and personal. Dalida’s warmth, knowledge, and gracious hosting turned our trip into something far beyond a typical tour. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience all that Cuba has to offer.

Phil Smith

What a fantastic time we had in January 2026 at the Havana Jazz Fest in Cuba. Yes, the country is open. Yes, the people are dancing. The secret is travel with Cubanisms under the direction of Dalida Pupo Barrios. My wife went in 2025, had such a good time I went in 2026. Viva Cuba!

Kurt Van Keppel

A visit to Cuba with Cubanisms is like visiting your best friends. Dálida and Michael share the history, attractions and culture with equal enthusiasm for Cuba and for your enjoyment of it. Our group of seasoned travelers all agree : best trip ever. KVK

Flavia Costa

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!

Madelaine Cruz

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.

Mónica Chanfrau

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🤗

Jarold Yujannes Iglesias Manresa

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!!!!

Patricia Ernst

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.

matthew mayes

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 Florida

Sandra Turner

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.

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