Mariah Travel is thrilled to offer a Birding, Nature & Culture Tour to Cuba  exclusively tailored for birders & naturalists of all ages. Explore the rich birdlife, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant culture of Cuba, the ultimate birding destination in the Caribbean. Home to 404 bird species, including 28 endemics, found nowhere else on Earth. Get ready to add to your birding life list!

Designed for small groups, this legal, OFAC-approved adventure takes you from lush forests and wetlands alive with endemic and migratory birds to the heart of Cuba’s colorful cities and charming rural communities. Along the way, experience authentic Cuban life—engaging with local people, savoring traditional cuisine, and enjoying the island’s celebrated music and art.

With over two decades of experience, Mariah Travel has collaborated with numerous conservation and nature organizations, crafting tailored travel programs that delight sponsors and participants alike. We invite you to grab your binoculars and join us on this rewarding Cuba adventure loaded with discovery and wonder! ​

Our guides are the finest in Cuba. In partnership with the Natural History Museum of Cuba and the University of Havana, we have access to a wealth of experts, including historians, biologists, master birders, educators, and researchers, ensuring you experience is the very best that Cuba has to offer.

This program is inspired by Mariah Travel's international natural history trips, modeled after tours that have earned the recognition as "One of North America's Best Wildlife Tour Companies" by the National Wildlife Federation.

Xochitl Ayón Güemes

Guiding our tour is Xochitl Ayón Güemes, a renowned ornithologist and bird curator at Cuba’s National Museum of Natural History. With over 30 scientific publications to her name, she has established herself as a leading voice in avian biology and conservation. Xochitl’s research spans a wide array of topics, deepening our understanding of bird species and their habitats.

Her contributions go beyond research papers, co-authoring key chapters in influential books like Las Aves de Cuba and Libro Rojo de los Vertebrados de Cuba. These works not only underscore her expertise on Cuba’s birdlife but also highlight her passion for conservation, particularly regarding the threatened vertebrates. Xochitl has pursued advanced training to refine her skills, completing specialized courses in Collection Management at the Smithsonian Institution and expanding her expertise in bird monitoring at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

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Through her roles as curator, researcher, and advocate, Xochitl embodies a commitment to both scientific discovery and conservation. Her work plays a vital role in shaping conservation efforts and protecting Cuba’s rich biodiversity for future generations.

Cuban Gnatcatcher Bare-legged Owls Cuban Grassquit

2026 Tour Dates: March 21-29, 2026*

SOLD OUT

NEW Departure just added! February 7-15, 2026!

Tour Costs: $3595; $400 single supplement

A few comments from Mariah Travel's recent birding tours to Cuba:

"One of the best birding trips I’ve ever taken. Our Cuban guides were outstanding, the habitats were beautiful, and the cultural immersion really made the trip unique. Highly recommend."

Patricia M., Tulsa, OK

"Cuba surprised me in so many ways. The birding was fantastic—lifers galore! But just as special were the connections we made with local naturalists and artists. A well-organized, memorable trip."

Tom R., Boulder, CO 

"Seeing the Bee Hummingbird and the Cuban Trogon was worth the trip alone! But what I’ll remember most is the warmth of the Cuban people and the chance to experience their culture firsthand."

Dave L., Arlington, VA

"An incredible experience! The Cuban guides were so knowledgeable, and we saw an amazing variety of birds, including several endemics. The cultural experiences were a bonus—we came home with a deep appreciation for the island and its people."

Susan D., Helena, MT

Proposed Daily Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive Havana!

•  Arrive Jose Marti International Airport, retrieve baggage, clear customs.

•  Meet Lisbeth Noa, a Mariah Travel representative who will greet you at the airport.

•  Informal introduction to Cuba and an overview of the week’s activities.

•  Welcome dinner at a local Paladar (private restaurant – included)

•  Overnight at Casa particular B&B, Habana Vieja, Cuba (D)

DAY 2: Las Terrazas

• Breakfast included at the casa.

• Meet Xochitl Ayón Güemes, Avian Curator at Cuba’s Natural History Museum. 

• Morning departure to Las Terrazas eco-community west of Havana. Observe the successful Cuban land restoration project originated during the Castro administration. A local ecologist-guide will join the group and present an overview of the area. Wonderful birding opportunities.

• Lunch at Casa del Campesino on the banks of the Río San Juan. (Included, if available)

• Dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladares

• Overnight at Casa particular B&B in Vinales. (B,L)

Cuban Trogon, Endemic, Cuba's National Bird

DAY 3: Birding Vinales Valley

• Early breakfast included at the casa.

• Birding opportunity in the Viñales Valley; over 130 bird species have been reported here.

• Lunch at one of the excellent local paladares.

• Explore the town of Vinales, the magnificent cave formations, or the famous tobacco farms.

• Dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladares.

• Overnight at Casa particular B&B in Vinales. (B,L)

  Cuban Tody Cuban Parakeet Bee Hummingbird

DAY 4: Birding Playa Larga and Ciénaga de Zapata National Park

• Breakfast included at the casa.

• Departure to Playa Larga - Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs) Approx. 4.5-hour drive.

• The best birding opportunities in the Caribbean!

• Lunch at one of the excellent local paladares.

• Meet your local guide from Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, located on the Zapata Peninsula in the southern Matanzas province of Cuba. This area is over 6,000 km² and is the largest protected area in Cuba, and in the Caribbean. The “swamp”, known for its size and diversity, was designated as a “Wetland of International Importance” in 2001. Home to many of Cuba’s endemic bird species and offers and opportunity for incredible birding.

• Dinner included at the casa particular.

• Overnight at Casa particular B&B in Playa Larga. (B,L,D)

Visitor with a Zunzuncito - Bee Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world!

 ZAPATA’S BIRDS & HOTSPOTS

Zapata Peninsula is, undoubtedly, the best bird watching area in Cuba, and possibly the entire Caribbean region. It supports all but three of Cuba’s 23 avian endemics, as well as many other native species, both winter residents and transients, along with several summer and spring visitors can be found. Over 260 species have been reported in the area.

Bermejas. Excellent chance for Bee Hummingbird, Gray-fronted Quail-Dove, Key West Quail-Dove, Ruddy Quail-Dove, Cuban Parrot, Cuban Blackbird, Cuban Bullfinch, Loggerhead Kingbird, Bare-legged Owl, and Cuban Pygmy Owl. The threatened Cuban Parakeet, Fernandina’s Flicker, and Blue-headed Quail-Dove are also likely.

Cueva de los Peces. Chances for observing the gorgeous Blue-headed Quail Dove and other endemics. The site is named for one of Cuba’s largest underwater saltwater caves, which swimmers are free to enjoy; there is also swimming and snorkeling at the lovely reef just off the beach.

Los Hondones, a developing eco-village where the community has begun organic farming and planting fruit trees for many endemic birds, such as the Cuban Parrot, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, Great Lizard Cuckoo, Cuban Emerald, and many migrants. Evening birdwatching is great for Stygian Owl, Bare-legged Owl, Cuban Pygmy Owl, and the Greater Antillean (Cuban) Nightjar.

Las Salinas Trail, where habitat is varied with low, dense forest, mangrove, marsh, and open wetlands, which are great for the endemic Cuban Black Hawk as well as numerous shorebird, seabird, and waterbird species, including American Flamingo, Roseate Spoonbills, Reddish Egret, Wood Stork, and Clapper Rail.

 DAY 5: Birding Playa Larga and Ciénaga de Zapata National Park

• Breakfast included at the casa.

• Meet your guide and depart to several of the “hotspots”and enjoy a day of incredible birding.

• Box-lunch picnic in the field. (Included)

• Dinner included at the casa particular.

• Overnight at Casa particular B&B in Playa Larga. (B,L,D)

Cuban Pygmy Owl, Endemic

Adrian, one of our National Park Guides. He owns Casa Ana in Playa Larga, one of the best locations to view the Zunzuncito - Bee hummingbird.

DAY 6: Birding Playa Larga and Ciénaga de Zapata National Park

• Breakfast included at the casa.

• Meet your guide and depart for some of the “hotspots” and enjoy a day of incredible birding.

• Box-lunch picnic in the field.

• Dinner included at the casa particular.

• Overnight at Casa particular B&B in Playa Larga. (B,L,D)

 DAY 7: Cienfuegos and Trinidad

• Breakfast included at the casa.

• Early departure and travel along the Southern Caribbean Coast of Cuba to Trinidad.

• Opportunity to observe several “off the beaten path” endemic species.

• Explore Cienfuegos and the beauty of the architecture and gardens.

• Lunch at one of the excellent local paladares.

• Opportunity to observe many wading shore birds along the coastal area.

• In Trinidad, tour of the town and the breathtaking Valle de los Ingenios.

• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladars. Host will make recommendations.

• Later, dance the night away at the Casa de Musica!

• Overnight at Casa particular B&B in Trinidad. (B,L)

DAY 8: Morning Trinidad, Afternoon Santa Clara.

• Breakfast included at the casa.

• Early visit to Playa Ancon for excellent birding or swimming in the crystal-clear ocean.

• Enjoy lunch at a wonderful paladar in Trinidad.

• Depart for Santa Clara in the afternoon.

• Visit the Che Guevara Memorial for an insight to the Revolution.

• Spend some time observing a few endemic bird species in the town square.

• Stroll the area and immerse yourself in the historic Santa Clara.

• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladars. Host will make recommendations.

• Overnight at Casa particular B&B in Santa Clara. (B,L)

DAY 9: Adios Cuba!

• Breakfast included at the casa.

• Depart for Santa Clara Airport (SNU) for flights home. (B)

TRIP COST: $3595 per person, double occupancy

                    $400 single supplement

Included in cost:

• Cuba Travel Visa

• Cuba accommodations in casa particulars (privately owned lodging)

• Airport R/T transfers, transportation to areas in itinerary

• Professional English-speaking Cuban guide services

• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

• Entrance fees for museums and exhibits  

• Department of Treasury, OFAC license and authorization letter for legal Cuba travel.

   OFAC Cuba License No. CT-2013-305326-2

• Mandatory Cuban medical insurance

Not included in cost:

• Airfare to Havana (Mariah will assist with arranging the best flights)

• Lodging or meals in Miami or departure city

• Meals in Cuba other than as listed as included in itinerary

• Any personal items

• Transportation other than mentioned in itinerary

• Alcohol beverages other than what is included with meals. Most lunch and dinner meals include a choice of wine, beer, mojito, or Cuba Libre.

• Gratuities for guide(s), wait staff, baggage assistance, housekeeping, etc.

            Visit https://www.mariahtravel.com/qustion-and-help-cuba/planning for more information.

• Travel cancellation insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) *

     Free Quote: https://www.mariahtravel.com/travelinsurance

Complete Passenger Information Form:

 https://www.mariahtravel.com/traveler-info 

PLEASE NOTE: US Passports MUST be valid for 6 months after your arrival date to Cuba

This itinerary is subject to change and probably will. Cuba is a wonderful country with beautiful people and natural/cultural beauty, however sometimes things simply do not go as planned. Flexibility and patience are key.

As always, your health & safety is our #1 concern. I hope you will feel comfortable trusting Mariah Travel to ensure your well-being while traveling.