Havana Jazz Festival
Custom Itineraries with Locally Sourced Cuba Tours
Experience Cuba’s Ultimate Music Event in Style
Rated: Excellent 4.9/5 
Plan Your Custom Havana Jazz Festival Tour
Every January, Havana’s streets, theatres, and open-air venues come alive with the rhythm of one of the world’s premier music celebrations – the Havana Jazz Festival. Founded in 1979, the festival has grown into an international showcase of Cuban jazz talent, featuring both homegrown legends and acclaimed artists from across the globe. For music lovers, it’s an unforgettable immersion into Cuba’s rich cultural heart.
At Locally Sourced Cuba Tours, we specialise in crafting personalised Cuba itineraries that go far beyond the standard tourist trail. If your dream is to attend the Havana Jazz Festival, we’ll design a trip that blends exclusive access to the festival’s concerts and jam sessions with unique cultural, historical, and culinary experiences – all tailored to your interests and style of travel.
Below is an example 7-day itinerary to inspire your Havana Jazz Festival journey. Remember – every tour we run is customised. We can adjust the pace, accommodation, activities, and even add VIP upgrades to make this experience truly yours.
Example Havana Jazz Festival Tour Itinerary
Day One – Welcome to Havana
Bienvenido! Your private driver meets you at José Martí International Airport for your transfer to your Havana accommodation. Meet your local English-speaking guide for an orientation walk and a scenic classic convertible ride to El Morro Fort and El Cristo de La Habana, ending with sunset views over the Malecón. In the evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner where your guide can get to know your interests and tailor the rest of your journey accordingly.
Included:
- Airport transfer on arrival
- Orientation walk with your guide
- Classic convertible car tour
- Welcome dinner
Day Two – Old Havana & Opening Night of the Festival
Explore UNESCO-listed Old Havana on foot, discovering colonial plazas, grand architecture, and local markets. Stop for lunch at a family-run paladar before a convertible classic car tour of central Havana, Vedado, and Miramar. Enjoy a mojito-making lesson at a rooftop bar, then witness the Cannon Shooting Ceremony at San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress. Tonight, take your VIP seats for the Havana Jazz Festival’s first performances.
Included:
- Old Havana walking tour
- Lunch at a Cuban paladar
- Convertible classic car tour
- Mojito making lesson
- Cannon Shooting Ceremony
- VIP Havana Jazz Festival tickets & transfers
Day Three – Art, Culture & Jazz
Discover Cuba’s artistic soul at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, admire the splendour of the Gran Teatro de la Habana, and explore the colourful street art of Callejón de Hamel. Browse Havana’s largest crafts market at Almacenes de San José and join Salsa dance lessons with professional instructors. The evening is dedicated to more Havana Jazz Festival performances at premier venues.
Included:
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Gran Teatro de la Habana
- Callejón de Hamel
- Almacenes de San José
- VIP Havana Jazz Festival tickets & transfers
Day Four – Art & Nature: Fusterlandia, Las Terrazas & Soroa
Visit Fusterlandia, the mosaic-covered neighbourhood created by artist José Fuster. Continue to the eco-community of Las Terrazas, meeting local artists and visiting Cafetal Buenavista coffee plantation. Hike to Soroa Waterfall and explore its renowned orchid garden. Stop at Los Jazmines lookout for breathtaking views before an evening in charming Viñales.
Included:
- Fusterlandia
- Las Terrazas artist community
- Cafetal Buenavista
- Soroa Orchid Garden & waterfall
- Los Jazmines lookout
Day Five – Viñales Valley & Return to Havana for Jazz
Tour the Viñales township, enjoy an organic farm lunch at El Paraíso, visit the Mural de la Prehistoria, and explore a working tobacco farm and drying house. Return to Havana for another night of VIP Havana Jazz Festival performances.
Included:
- Los Jazmines lookout
- Viñales township
- Organic farm lunch
- Mural de la Prehistoria
- Tobacco farm visit
- VIP Havana Jazz Festival tickets & transfers
Day Six – Rum, Cigars & the Beach
Tour the Partagás Cigar Factory, relax at Playas del Este, and visit the Havana Rum Museum (with optional premium tasting upgrade). Spend your final night soaking in the sounds of the Havana Jazz Festival.
Included:
- Partagás Cigar Factory
- Playas del Este beach
- Havana Rum Museum
- VIP Havana Jazz Festival tickets & transfers
Day Seven – Departure
Free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your private transfer to Havana Airport.
Included:
- Private airport transfer
Why Choose Locally Sourced Cuba Tours for the Havana Jazz Festival?
- Bespoke itineraries designed around your festival schedule and interests
- VIP tickets and smooth private transfers to festival events
- Hand-picked boutique hotels and casa particular stays
- Private English-speaking guides
- Authentic cultural, historical, and culinary experiences alongside the music
Book your personalised Havana Jazz Festival adventure today and let us combine Cuba’s most exciting music event with the best the island has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Havana Jazz Festival?
The Havana Jazz Festival is Cuba’s most important annual music event and one of the leading jazz festivals in Latin America. Held every January in Havana, it brings together top Cuban jazz musicians and international artists for concerts, collaborations, and late-night jam sessions across theaters, concert halls, and open-air venues throughout the city.
When does the Havana Jazz Festival take place?
The Havana Jazz Festival is typically held in January, usually over one to two weeks. Exact dates vary slightly each year. We recommend booking well in advance, as accommodations and concert tickets become limited during festival season.
Do your tours include tickets to Havana Jazz Festival concerts?
Yes. Our Havana Jazz Festival tours can include pre-arranged concert tickets, with the option to upgrade to VIP seating where available. We also arrange private transportation to and from venues, so you can focus on enjoying the music without logistical concerns.
What types of venues are used during the festival?
Festival performances take place at a variety of venues, including major theaters, cultural centers, historic concert halls, and open-air stages throughout Havana. This mix creates a dynamic experience, from formal seated concerts to more intimate and spontaneous late-night performances.
Is this tour only for serious jazz fans?
Not at all. While dedicated jazz lovers will appreciate the depth of the festival, this tour is also ideal for travelers who enjoy live music, Cuban culture, and immersive experiences. The itinerary balances festival nights with sightseeing, food, history, and free time, making it accessible even for those new to jazz.
Will I have free time during the Jazz Festival tour?
Yes. Our itineraries are designed to offer a balance of structured experiences and free time. Between concerts, you’ll have opportunities to explore Havana independently, relax, visit museums, or enjoy the city’s café and music scene at your own pace.
What kind of accommodations are included?
We use hand-picked boutique hotels and high-quality casa particulares (privately owned B&Bs) in central Havana. These are chosen for comfort, character, and location, allowing easy access to festival venues and key neighborhoods.
Will we have a guide throughout the tour?
Yes. You will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking Cuban guide who provides cultural context, handles logistics, and ensures a smooth experience throughout your stay. Local specialists may also be used for specific activities such as food, music, or art experiences.
Will we have a guide throughout the tour?
Yes. You will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking Cuban guide who provides cultural context, handles logistics, and ensures a smooth experience throughout your stay. Local specialists may also be used for specific activities such as food, music, or art experiences.
Can the Jazz Festival itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. All Havana Jazz Festival tours with Locally Sourced Cuba Tours are fully customizable. We can adjust the number of festival nights, add VIP experiences, include extra days in Havana, or extend your trip to other regions of Cuba such as Viñales, Trinidad, or the beach.
Is the Havana Jazz Festival tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. Many solo travelers join our Jazz Festival itineraries, whether privately or as part of a small group. The festival atmosphere, guided experiences, and shared concerts make it a very social and welcoming trip for solo guests.
Is January a good time to visit Cuba?
January is one of the best months to visit Cuba. The weather is typically dry and mild, making it ideal for walking tours, evening concerts, and sightseeing. It’s also peak cultural season, with the Havana Jazz Festival as a major highlight.
Is this tour suitable for U.S. travelers?
Yes. Our itineraries are designed to be fully compliant with U.S. travel regulations, incorporating locally owned accommodations, private guides, cultural engagement, and support for small Cuban businesses.
How do I book a custom Havana Jazz Festival tour?
To book your custom Havana Jazz Festival experience, contact Locally Sourced Cuba Tours. We’ll discuss your travel dates, music interests, accommodation preferences, and any upgrades you’d like, then design a personalized itinerary centered around the festival.
If you’re unable to find the answer to your question below, please do not hesitate to contact us at Locally Sourced Cuba Tours.