🦜 Birding, Nature, & Culture of Cuba
Discover the Birds, Nature, and Culture of Cuba
Join us on an unforgettable journey to explore the birds, nature, and vibrant culture of Cuba—just a short flight from the U.S. Designed for nature lovers and curious travelers alike, this tour offers a rare opportunity to experience the island’s stunning biodiversity and rich cultural traditions.
From the lush national parks and coastal wetlands to the dramatic karst landscapes of Viñales, you’ll search for Cuba’s endemic and migratory bird species in some of the most breathtaking settings in the Caribbean. Along the way, you'll meet local communities, connect with conservation leaders, and visit inspiring projects that protect both people and the planet.
Cultural immersion is at the heart of the experience. Stroll the historic streets of Havana, savor traditional Cuban cuisine, and move to the rhythms of local music. This is more than a tour—it’s a chance to deepen your connection with nature, support grassroots conservation, and build meaningful friendships across borders.
A FEW EXCEPTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:
• An incredible tour while supporting the beautiful Cuban people.
• Eight days of absorbing wonderful Cuba!
• Exploring vibrant Havana with a walking tour of the historic district.
• Bask in the natural beauty of Vinales and the history of Trinidad.
• Ride in a classic US convertible car, sing, dance and enjoy a mojito!
• This tour is legal and OFAC license approved.
DAY 1: Arrive Havana, Cuba
• Arrive Jose Marti International Airport - Welcome to Cuba!
• Meet with a Mariah Travel representative and transfer to Habana Vieja.
• Informal introduction to Cuba and an overview of the week’s activities.
• Explore Havana in a classic American made convertible!
• Check into your Casa Particular (privately owned)
• Welcome dinner at a local Paladar (privately owned restaurant)
• Overnight at a casa in Habana Vieja.
DAY 2: Habana Vieja - Old Havana
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Walking guided tour of Habana Vieja, visiting the historic plazas.
• Explore Hemingway’s Finca Vigia, where he wrote award winning books
• Visit the Museum of the Revolution or other local points of interest.
• Optional: Partagas cigar factory tour and/or Havana Rum tour.
• Visit with local Cubans to discuss their art - afternoon free to explore.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Attend El Cañonazo, a traditional 9 PM Cannon Firing Ceremony.
• Overnight at a casa in Habana Vieja.
DAY 3: Las Terrazas & Vinales
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Morning departure to Las Terrazas eco-community west of Havana. Observe the successful Cuban land restoration project originated during Castro's administration.
• Enjoy a short-guided hike with a local ecologist to an ancient coffee plantation.
• Possible observation of Cuba’s endemic birds including the Cuban Trogon.
• Lunch at Casa del Campesino on the banks of the Río San Juan.
• Continue to the Vinales Valley in the Sierra de los Organos mountains, beautiful panoramic views of the valley and the incredible limestone mogotes.
• Visit the Cuevas de Santo Tomas. (limestone caves with easy hiking)
• Explore the town of Vinales with interaction and supporting the Cuban people.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Overnight: Villa La Terraza Viñales or similar
DAY 4: Vinales to Havana
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Meet local birding guide for a morning of incredible bird watching.
• Lunch included at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Afternoon option of horseback or bicycle ride into the Vinales Valley.
• Visit the Jardin Botanico de Vinales and later return to Havana.
• Free time to interact with the Cuban people and support their arts and crafts.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Overnight at a casa in Habana Vieja.
DAY 5: Playa Giron, Cienfuegos, & Trinidad
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Early departure to Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs), Cienfuegos & Trinidad.
• Visit Playa Larga and Zapata Swamp for an overview of this important wetland and endemic bird ecosystem, often compared to America’s Everglades National Park.
• Possible observation of the Bee Hummingbird, the world’s smallest bird.
• Observe genetically pure crocodiles at a breeding facility near the Zapata swamp. Learn about the recovery efforts coordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Society. (WCS), Cuban partners and the Bronx Zoo of New York.
• Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Playa Giron.
• Visit the wonderful Teatro Terry in Cienfuegos.
• Continue to historic Trinidad for music, food and interaction with Cubans.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Overnight: Casa in Trinidad.
DAY 6: Trinidad UNESCO Sites
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Board Soviet army trucks for a journey to Topes de Collantes National Park in the Escambray Mountains. (If available)
• Naturalist led hike identifying bird and plant species of the region.
• Tour of the breathtaking Valle de los Ingenios [Sugar Mill Valley]
• Dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladar restaurants.
• Later, dance the night away at the Casa de Musica.
• Overnight: Casa in Trinidad
DAY 7: Trinidad & Havana
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Walking tour of Trinidad’s historic central plaza.
• Visit a century-old family run pottery studio and get to know its artisans.
• Return to Havana
• Dinner and a musical evening with the world-famous Buena Vista Social Club.
• Overnight at casa in Habana Vieja. TBD
DAY 8: Adios Cuba! Until We Meet Again...
• Breakfast included at the casa.
• Depart for Jose Marti Airport and flights home.
**ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Cost: Starting at $2699 double occupancy; $500 single supplement
INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST:
• Airport transfers: From José Martí Int'l Airport and return.
• Cuba Tourist Visa
• All breakfasts and welcome dinner. Other lunches and dinners as listed in tour itinerary.
• All activities, expert local guides, services, speakers, meetings and meals as described in tour itinerary except those noted as "optional" or "not included in cost."
• Air-conditioned transportation and a full-time driver.
• Mandatory Cuban medical insurance coverage during your island stay.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST:
• International airfare to and from Cuba. Mariah Travel will assist and advise with the coordination of the best flights.
• Gratuities for Cuban tour guide, bus driver, chambermaids, restaurant staff, porters, etc. Please inquire about recommended gratuities guidelines.
• Any personal items.
• Optional travel interruption and cancellation insurance is highly recommended. Mariah Travel partners with USI Affinity.