Day 1 October 22 Shanghai → Paris ★Departure Day
All day
Today is your departure day. Please meet at Shanghai Pudong International Airport at the designated time as instructed in your tour notice. Your tour leader will guide you through check-in procedures for your international flight to Havana, Cuba, via Paris, France. Please arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance for international flights.
丨Reference flight information
Air France AF111 Shanghai Pudong (PVG) - Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
21:30 (Beijing time) - 05:50+1 (local time)
The flight time is about 14 hours and 20 minutes, and the time difference is 6 hours slower than China
The actual flight is subject to the departure notice
Visa Information
Cuba: Chinese passports are exempt from visas (other passports must be confirmed twice);
Mexico: Holders of US, Schengen, UK, and Canadian visas (multiple-entry visas valid for more than six months and with at least one visit to the country where the visa was issued) can enter Mexico visa-free. If your new visa hasn't been activated but you've previously entered and exited Mexico using an old one, you can still travel. If you hold visas for these three countries but haven't visited the country where the visa was issued, you may be denied entry and boarding. Please be aware of this before applying.
Day 2 October 23 Paris → Havana
All day
After a 9-hour and 15-minute layover in Paris, we continued on our international flight to Havana, Cuba.
We are expected to arrive at Havana's José Martí International Airport around 7:30 PM on the same day. Upon arrival, we will be met by our tour guide and have dinner.
After checking into the hotel tonight, go to bed early and recharge your energy to prepare for the next two weeks' trip.
丨Reference flight information
Air France AF962 Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Charles de Gaulle International Airport (HAV)
15:05 (Paris time) - 19:20 (Havana time)
The flight time is about 10 hours and 15 minutes. The time difference between Paris and Havana is 6 hours ahead.
The actual flight is subject to the departure notice
Day 3 10.24 Havana Full Day Photography (Old Havana + La Bodeguita + Classic Car Tour + Grand Theater of Havana)
·morning
After breakfast, visit the State-Owned Cigar Factory, where tourists can learn about the entire cigar-making process. (Reminder: Cell phones, cameras, and other devices are not allowed to take photos inside the cigar factory. Please understand.)
Afterwards, we'll visit the Capitol Building (enter): one of Havana's most iconic buildings. In 1925, then-Cuban President Gerardo Machado decided to build a building for Congress, modeled after Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Construction took three years, and the Capitol Building was completed in 1929. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of past presidents, admire the monumental facade, and explore the magnificent interior.
Visit and photograph Old Havana. The Old Havana is a treasure trove of Cuban architectural art, with buildings of different styles from different periods. Among them, the Havana Cathedral with its asymmetrical facade is particularly eye-catching.
·afternoon
At lunchtime, we walked into the famous Bodegas de Niçoise, where we had a special drink of Hemingway’s favorite Mojito and enjoyed a delicious lunch.
This tavern was Hemingway's favorite during his lifetime, and it was here that he completed his immortal masterpiece, The Old Man and the Sea. Many poets and writers from ancient times to the present have been guests of honor here.
After lunch, we continued to visit and photograph Old Havana; in addition to numerous churches, temples, and museums, the city is also very rich in cultural flavor. Locals dressed in bright and beautiful clothes and smoking cigars, dark-skinned children playing football, etc. can be seen everywhere on the streets. The sense of creativity and the output rate of photos are both excellent.
Experience the old days with a convertible classic car tour of Old Havana and New Havana. Join us in a magnificent convoy of classic cars, pose for photos, and enjoy a luxurious trip!
We took a vintage car to the famous Plaza de la Revolucion for a photo tour. In the center of the square stands a marble statue of José Martín, the renowned Cuban revolutionary leader and poet. Behind the statue stands the 142-meter-tall Watchtower, Havana's tallest building. To the north of the square are the Cuban Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Communications. The Ministry of the Interior's exterior features a giant portrait of Che Guevara, along with his famous quote, "Hasta La Victoria Siempre" (Always Towards Victory).
Today we have a special arrangement to taste the same chef's cuisine as Obama.
Day 4 10.25 Full-day photography in Havana (Cosimar Fishing Village + Hemingway's House + Revolution Square + Seaside Avenue Sunset)
·morning
After breakfast, we'll drive to the Hemingway Residence (Lookout Hill). This 80,000-square-meter mansion was a Christmas gift from Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Martha. After Hemingway committed suicide in the United States in 1961, his wife donated the mansion to the Cuban government. Today, it's been converted into a museum, showcasing Hemingway's numerous books and manuscripts, preserving the original appearance of the writer's life.
We went to the fishing village of Cosimar and visited the pier where Hemingway often went out to sea, and experienced the bravery of Santiago in Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" firsthand.
·afternoon
Visit Plaza Dignitatis, located in front of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba. This iconic plaza, home to many stories of Cuba's struggle against U.S. imperialism, is a highly representative and politically significant site. The plaza boasts 108 flagpoles. During periods of tension between Cuba and the U.S., 108 black flags are raised, while during major Cuban holidays, 108 Cuban flags are raised.
We then visited the Monument to the Chinese in Cuba. This monument was erected in 1931 by the Cuban people to honor the contributions of Chinese people in the Cuban War of Independence. The bronze plaque at the base of the monument bears the famous words of Gonzalo de Quesada, a comrade-in-arms of Cuban national hero José Martí: "No Chinese in Cuba is a deserter, no Chinese in Cuba is a traitor."
Visit the National Hotel, one of the most elegant buildings in downtown Havana. Walking along the Malecón seafront, you'll immediately notice this palace, a fusion of Art Deco, Arabic, neoclassical, and neocolonial architectural styles. Entering the hotel lobby, it feels like stepping back into Progressive-era New York: the three-stage elevator with hands, the jujube-wood reception desk, brass-colored enamel window panes, and the mottled mosaics and floor tiles—all popular American styles of the time. If you were to film a movie like "The Grand Budapest Hotel" here, you wouldn't need a set; just remove the T-shirt-wearing Western tourists from the shot.
·night
In the evening, we followed the tour guide to the seaside avenue to photograph the sunset. There is a charming coastline and local Cubans fishing here. From Marigon Beach, we can take a long-range photo of Morro Castle on the opposite bank, which provides rich creative themes.
Day 5 October 26 Havana → Cancun (Actual flight is subject to the tour notification)
·morning
After breakfast, we will go to the airport and bid farewell to Cuba and fly to Cancun, a coastal resort city in Mexico.
Cancun, a beautiful island nestled on the Caribbean coast, faces Cuba across the Yucatán Channel. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it boasts breathtaking scenery. Once a small fishing village of around 300 people, it has transformed itself into a world-class tourist destination over the past 50 years. Does this sound familiar?
·afternoon
Arrive at Cancun in the afternoon for some free time. As a comprehensive destination integrating tourism, leisure, and entertainment, Cancun offers a wealth of activities both on the coast and offshore. We've specially arranged a half-day of free time for everyone to enjoy the beach and the seaside.
Day 6 October 27 Cancun → Chichen Itza → Suytun Cave → Valladolid
·morning
After breakfast, we will drive to the famous Mayan cultural site [Chichen Itza] for sightseeing and photography. The pyramid temples, column halls, ball courts and astronomical observatories here are all the crystallization of the wisdom of the ancient Mayans.
The most striking feature of the ruins is undoubtedly the magnificent Quetzalcoatl Pyramid. Also known as the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Quetzalcoatl Pyramid showcases architectural styles from different periods of the Mayan and Toltec dynasties. Its design, meticulously calculated, features 91 steps on each of the four sides, plus a rectangular top, for a total of 365 steps – the exact number of days in a solar year. Every year during the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight shines on the pyramid's steps, creating a gigantic serpentine shadow, as if a divine presence descends – truly magical!
We then visited and photographed the remains of the Mayan elliptical observatory. Nestled amidst the ancient, dense jungle, its appearance is surprisingly similar to a modern observatory. Several observation windows remain on the half-collapsed dome, which the Mayans used to observe the movement of Venus.
We arrived at the altar statue of the Temple of the Warriors in due time. The Temple of the Warriors is a stone-roofed building with a stepped pyramid-like roof (originally made of wood and plaster). The internal pillars are carved into the shape of warriors. At the top of the pyramid steps leading to the temple entrance is an altar statue of the Chac Mool angel.
·afternoon
We then drove to Suytun Cave. Unlike many other caves, Suytun Cave has a full dome, with only a small hole in the center for light. This design softens the light inside, creating a mysterious and captivating atmosphere. This is also the scene where Miguel falls into the cenote in the movie "Coco."
After the filming, we drove to Valladolid to stay.
Day 7 10.28 Valladolid → Mangrove Sanctuary → Pink Salt Lake → Cancun
·morning
Depart at the right time for the mangrove reserve, where we'll take a boat tour of the mangroves and photograph the fiery red flamingos. Mexico has the largest concentration of flamingos outside of Africa, and the flamingos here are even more vibrant and larger than their African counterparts. When they're numerous, they resemble a sea of crimson from afar.
·afternoon
Departing in the afternoon, we headed to the Pink Salt Lake for a photo tour. The Pink Salt Lake's captivating pink color is due to the beta-carotene algae that grow in the water. It also changes to brown, green, and other colors throughout the day, making it a rare sight worldwide. We chose to shoot in the afternoon, when the lake's vibrant pink color is even more striking.
After the shoot, we returned to Cancun to stay overnight.
Day 8 October 29 Cancun → Leon → Guanajuato (Actual flight information is subject to the tour notification)
All day
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Guanajuato-León International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be met by bus and driven to the colorful city of Guanajuato.
·afternoon
Upon arrival, we will first visit the Union Square and take photos of the exquisite buildings (exterior) such as the Pipila Monument, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato, the Juárez Theater, the University of Guanajuato, and the surrounding cultural scenes.
In the evening, we'll take a cable car to the summit of Mount Pipila to capture the sunset. This is a world-renowned sunset viewing spot, offering a panoramic view of Guanajuato: The city is awash in vibrant colors, like a palette overturned by God. The vibrant yellow Basilica of Our Lady of Guanajuato is the highlight of the sunset.
After the shooting, we went to the hotel to rest.
Day 9 10:30 Guanajuato → San Miguel → Chinchonqian → Morelia
·morning
After breakfast, we'll depart for San Miguel to photograph the Pink Church. This small town, quintessentially a European colonial city, is also a renowned Mexican art city, designated a World Heritage Site in 2008. The city's landmark, the Iglesia de San Miguel, stands out with its distinctive pink hue. Strolling through the surrounding alleys, you can easily capture photos framing the Pink Church, taking advantage of the streetscape and architecture.
Leave at the right time and drive to Patzcuaro Chinchunqian.
·afternoon
After arriving in Qinchunqian, we headed to a magnificent cemetery for some photoshoots. Every year around the Day of the Dead, locals use marigolds, the flower of the dead, to build a bridge connecting the two worlds. They light candles to illuminate the way home for loved ones to reunite with their families. In the evening, locals visit the cemetery to keep vigil after dark. Music plays before midnight, and with luck, you might even catch a disco on the graves. The scene and atmosphere are authentic and psychedelic, vibrant and vibrant without the need for filters!
Special Notes:
The activities in this area are spontaneously organized by local residents. The dates and contents are not fixed every year. It may happen that the venue has not been decorated yet or the residents' sacrificial activities have not yet entered the best condition. Everything is subject to the actual departure of the group. Please understand!
·night
After the photoshoot, we drove to Morelia and checked into our hotel. As one of the birthplaces of the Day of the Dead, Morelia is bustling with activities and exhibitions before the festival. Energetic tourists can also take a city walk to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Day 1010.31 Morelia → Mexico City
·morning
After breakfast, we'll explore Morelia. During its colonial era, the city was a renowned cultural and artistic center. Many of its streets, squares, palaces, churches, arched bridges, and aqueducts still retain their original colonial architecture. In 1991, Morelia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After the photoshoot, we'll depart.
·afternoon
Arriving in Mexico City on time, we checked into the hotel early today to rest and prepare for the Day of the Dead parade tomorrow.
Day 11: Mexico City Day of the Dead Parade
All day
Wake up in Mexico City and today we will start the highlight of this trip - the Day of the Dead Parade.
We specially arrange for locals to perform face painting for tourists, so that you can create a beautiful and unique skull costume.
After dressing up, head to the streets to join the locals in the Day of the Dead carnival parade. Along the way, locals in various unique costumes will greet you. We also have the opportunity to see the altars set up by locals on the streets for their deceased relatives, as well as various shaped and cute ghost dolls.
The parade officially began, accompanied by salsa music, Mexican folk songs, guitars, and drums. Unique floats featuring large statues of Catrina's skull, a reclining Kahlo statue, a Quetzalcoatl statue, a model of an altar, and a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe marched forward, accompanied by pineapple dances, feather dances, butterfly dances, and wide-brimmed hat dances. Skeletons no longer seemed terrifying, but instead filled the air with joy. Experiencing the Day of the Dead will undoubtedly give you a new understanding of death.
Tourists will be deeply immersed in this carnival, walking through the streets and alleys of Mexico City, feeling and recording Mexico's unique national culture.
For dinner, we will go to the restaurant to enjoy the exclusive Day of the Dead set menu. The unique shape and taste of the pan de muertos and sugar skulls are the delicacies that cannot be missed on the Day of the Dead.
Special Notes
The Day of the Dead parade is usually held on November 1st or 2nd each year. If this year's parade is scheduled for November 2nd, the order of D11 and D12 will be swapped. This only changes the order of the tours and does not affect the itinerary content. Thank you for your support and understanding!
Day 12 11.02 Full Day Photoshoot in Mexico City (Anthropology Museum + Mixquic Town Day of the Dead Event)
·morning
After breakfast, we will visit the Mexico City Anthropology Museum, the largest museum in Latin America. It is unique in the world museum community for its outstanding combination of traditional Indian style and modern art architecture. The museum displays the Indian civilization of Mexico, the Aztec civilization and the Mayan civilization, and has a high status in the history of anthropology.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we traveled to the small town of Mixquic for a photo tour. During the Day of the Dead celebration, residents of Mixquic have a unique custom: they build their own altar. After the bells ring at the monastery, locals bring marigolds, pan de muertos, sugar skulls, and other offerings to the altar to commemorate their loved ones. We wandered the town, capturing in-depth photos of the unique Mexican Day of the Dead culture.
After the shooting, we returned to the hotel to rest.
Day 13 11.03 Mexico City → Paris (Sun and Moon Pyramids)
All day
After breakfast, we will head to Teotihuacan, a suburb of Mexico City, to photograph the ancient monument [Pyramids of the Sun and Moon].
Construction began in the first century BC. Meaning "abode of the gods," the pyramids served as centers of worship in ancient times. The Sun and Moon Pyramids, along with the Quetzalcoatl Temple, evoke the story of how the gods created the heavens, the earth, and humanity, and embody the people's respect and hope for the gods. Here, we can climb to the summit of the Pyramid of the Sun for excellent vantage points for photographing the ancient ruins.
·afternoon
If you have enough time in the afternoon, head to the Plaza de la Constitución for some free time to take photos. This is the venue for various events and parades. Next to the plaza is the Cathedral of Mexico City. This cathedral is the largest Catholic church in Latin America and features elements of various architectural styles, including Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical, making it a perfect spot for photography to experience its architectural charm.
Of course, you can also choose to go to a nearby mall to buy your favorite souvenirs for yourself, your family, and friends, and bring back a souvenir from your trip to Mexico for the Day of the Dead.
Depart in the evening and transfer to the airport to board an international flight to Paris, where you will spend the night on the plane.
丨Reference flight information
Air France AF175 from Juarez International Airport (MEX) to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
23:05 (Mexico City time) - 16:25+1 (Paris time)
The flight time is about 10 hours and 20 minutes. The time difference between Mexico City and Paris is 8 hours behind.
The actual flight is subject to the departure notice
Day 14 11.04 Paris → Shanghai
All day
Stop in Paris, France for 7 hours and 5 minutes, and then take an international flight back to Shanghai.
丨Reference flight information
Air France AF116 Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
23:30 (Paris time) - 19:05+1 (Beijing time)
The flight time is about 12 hours and 35 minutes. The time difference in Paris is 6 hours behind that in China.
The actual flight is subject to the departure notice
Day 15 11.05 Shanghai ★ Disbandment Day
All day
Arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This concludes our colorful travel photography tour of Mexico and Cuba. I believe every tourist has gained a lot. After returning, please share your photos on China-TravelNote Photography Network.
