🦜 Birding, Nature, & Culture of Cuba
Cuba, a vibrant island just 90 miles from Miami, is a premier destination for birdwatching and cultural exploration. As the largest island in the Caribbean, it boasts a remarkable diversity of habitats—from lush tropical forests and montane regions to expansive wetlands and mangroves. With 372 bird species, including 27 endemics, Cuba is a paradise for birders and nature enthusiasts alike.
Mariah Travel, LLC, licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), is proud to offer legally authorized Support for the Cuban People travel programs to Cuba. Our tours provide a unique opportunity to engage with Cuban culture and nature while supporting local communities.
Tour Highlights
Expert Guidance: Partnering with the Natural History Museum of Cuba and the University of Havana, our tours are led by master birders, biologists, historians, and researchers.
Small Groups: Personalized experiences with a focus on culture, nature, and meaningful interactions with locals.
Customizable Itineraries: Tailored to meet your dates, budget, and interests.
Top Birding Destinations: Explore Cuba’s premier birding hotspots, including the Zapata Peninsula, Vinales Valley, and Cayo Coco.
Cultural Immersion: Experience Cuba’s rich history, music, architecture, and cuisine through visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, private paladares (restaurants), and local communities.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Havana
Arrive Jose Marti International Airport, retrieve baggage, clear customs.
Meet with a Mariah Travel representative and transfer to Habana Vieja.
Informal introduction to Cuba and an overview of the week’s activities.
Welcome dinner at a local Paladar (private restaurant – included)
Overnight at La Posada de Chacon or similar.
Day 2: Las Terrazas & Soroa
Breakfast included at the casa.
Morning departure to Las Terrazas eco-community west of Havana. Stopping at Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve (Soroa and Las Terrazas) looking for endemics and other target bird species. Las Terrazas is a successful Cuban land restoration project originated during the Castro administration. This area offers wonderful birding opportunities.
Lunch at Casa del Campesino on the banks of the Río San Juan. (included)
Dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladares.
Overnight: Casa particular located in Las Terrazas or Soroa.
Day 3: Vinales Valley
Early breakfast included at the casa.
Depart for the Vinales Valley in the Sierra de los Organos mountains for an introduction to Cuba’s natural history and endemic bird species by our local guide.
Afternoon birding, searching for local targets as Cuban Solitaire, Olive-capped Warbler, Cuban Grassquit and other endemic, migrant and residents: Cuban trogon, Cuban Vireo, Cuban Tody, Cuban Blackbird, Western Spindalis (Cuban), Cuban Meadowlark, Red-legged Honeycreeper, Yellow-headed Warbler, Cuban Kestrel, Cuban Pewee, and more...
Over 130 bird species have been reported here.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the excellent paladars.
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: Casa particular located in Vinales.
DAY 4: Playa Larga and Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata
Breakfast included at the casa.
Departure to Playa Larga - Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs) Approx. 4.5-hour drive.
Lunch at a local paladar in Playa Larga or similar. (included)
Meet your guide and a departure to Zapata Swamp, Ciénaga de Zapata, 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, enjoy an afternoon of incredible birding.
Dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladares.
Overnight: Casa Zuleida & Vinola or similar in Playa Larga
Day 5: Zapata Peninsula
Early breakfast included at the casa
Depart to Hondones-Bermejas both fauna refuges with national significance.
Meet with a local guide from the National Park office for possible observation of, and all four quail-dove species in special the beautiful and Nearctic warblers.
Enjoy a brown bag lunch or in a local paladar and continue the excellent birding opportunities!
Flexible afternoon of relaxing, hiking, swimming, or birding in Las Salinas, with the opportunity to see many wetland birds, special some targets such Cuban Black Hawk, American Flamingo, Wood Storks, and (Caribbean) Osprey.
Dinner on your own in an excellent local paladares.
Overnight: Casa Zuleida & Vinola or similar in Playa Larga
Day 6: Santo Tomas & Soplillar
Early breakfast included at the casa.
Depart to Santo Tomas or La Turba, both fauna refuges with national significance, flexible itinerary is dependent on the access and birding opportunities suggested by the local guide of the National Park. In Santo Tomas a boat is necessary to observe some locations.
Lunch: Enjoy a brown bag lunch or in a local paladar and continue the excellent birding opportunities!
Flexible afternoon of birding at Soplillar, searching for Cuban Parrot, Parakeet, Cuban Nightjar, Fernandina´s Flicker and many other endemics.
Fun nighttime owling in surrounding areas searching for Stygyan Owl and Barn owl (White winged)
Dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladar.
Overnight: Casa Zuleida & Vinola or similar in Playa Larga.
Day 7: Trinidad
Breakfast included at the casa.
Depart Playa Larga for Trinidad (aprox. 3 hr. drive depending on stops along the way for sight-seeing, birding, or cultural history interpretation). Trinidad is a city with a great history and a cultural heritage UNESCO´s World Heritage Site
Visit paladares for traditional cuisine and drinks like “canchanchara” in an environment typical of the Spanish colonial settlement as if it were frozen in time.
Taking the south coast road with scenic views of the Caribbean Sea, stopping along the way for photo opts or just to daydream!
A completely flexible relaxing day of touring.
Lunch at excellent and typical local paladars along the way.
Enjoy an afternoon of exploring Trinidad, learning the history of this ancient city. Maybe a visit to Ancon Beach (15 min. drive) for swimming and snorkeling.
Dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladares
Overnight: Casa in Trinidad
Day 8: Moron & Cayo Coco
Breakfast included at the casa.
Leaving early from Trinidad to Moron (approx. 2.5 hrs. drive), located near Cayo Coco, there are many opportunities for bird observations and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Lunch in one of the excellent local paladars.
Meet the local guide to explore this protected area and visit Laguna de la Leche, the largest natural lagoon in Cuba for an opportunity to boat the shoreline observing birds and enjoying the landscape.
Maybe happy hour at a local bar in front of the lagoon!
Another option is to arrive at Ciego de Ávila before continuing to Morón for searching Gundlach´s Hawk in a breeding area (meet with a local guide), also possible to search for other endemics.
Dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladares.
Overnight: Casa particular in Moron or Cayo Coco.
Day 9: Cayo Coco & Cayo Guillermo
Breakfast included at the casa.
Early morning birding around Cayo Coco, Cayo Paredón Grande, and Cayo Guillermo in a full day birding, with Bahamas Mockingbird, Thick-billed Vireo, Zapata Sparrow, Oriente Warbler, wetland birds with many migrants (gulls, terns, herons: Great Blue Heron (White), sandpipers and much more, an interesting place for records. There is also time to relax, swim or just sunbath on the beaches in Cayo Coco.
Lunch at a restaurant belong to the Protected Area (Playa Prohibida) with excellent seafood.
Dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladares
Overnight: Casa Alojamiento Maite - Moron or similar
Day 10: Return to Havana
Breakfast included at the casa.
Early departure and drive from Morón to Havana, about 5 hours.
Time permitting, tour of Ernest Hemingway’s Finca Vigia and El Morro Castle Fortress
Dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladares.
Overnight: La Posada de Chacon, Habana Vieja or similar
Day 11: Havana Exploration
Breakfast included at the casa.
Walking guided tour of Habana Vieja, visiting the historic plazas and more...
Lunch on your own at one of the excellent local paladares (private restaurant).
Enjoy the museums, music, arts, architecture, and local color.
Relax with a walk along the Malecon while interacting with the locals. Visit the markets for a nice piece of art.
Optional dinner and a musical evening with the world-famous Buena Vista Social Club or the Tropicana Cabaret, running continuously since 1933!
Overnight: La Posada de Chacon, Habana Vieja or similar
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to José Martí International Airport for flights home.
Note: Itinerary subject to change depending due to length of tour, weather, road conditions, etc.
Tour Cost:
Starting at $2999 per person - 8-Day tour (dbl occupancy)
Starting at $4399 per person - 12-Day tour (dbl occupancy
$400 to $500 single supplement
Included in Your tour:
Expert birding guide throughout the program.
Cuban Tourist Visa.
Airport transfers.
Comfortable lodging at casa particulares and bed & breakfasts.
All breakfasts, welcome dinner, and select lunches.
Air-conditioned transportation and full-time driver.
Mandatory Cuban medical insurance.
Not Included in your Tour
International Airfares (Mariah Travel will assist with the best flights)
Meals not described in the itineraryPersonal expenses
Personal expenses
Drinks during meals, hotel extras and personal spending.
Tips to guides and hotel staff
Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended USI Travel Insurance Services)
Why Choose Mariah Travel?
Licensed by OFAC for legal travel to Cuba.
Recognized as one of North America’s Best Wildlife Tour Companies by the National Wildlife Federation.
Commitment to small groups, local guides, and sustainable tourism.
Book Your Adventure
For more information or to reserve your spot, contact us at:
📞 1-406-222-5660
📧 info@mariahtravel.com
🌐 www.mariahtravel.com/birdingcuba
Dates available from November 2025 through May 2026. All itineraries are subject to change based on weather, bird locations, and local conditions.
Experience the magic of Cuba with Mariah Travel—where culture, nature, and birding come together for an unforgettable journey! Leave no sight unseen...