Mariah Travel and Merlin Birding Tours are thrilled to offer a Birding, Nature & Culture Tour to Cuba  exclusively tailored for Montana Audubon Society's friends and supporters. This will be an extraordinary birding adventure! Cuba is the ultimate birding destination in the Caribbean, home to 404 bird species, including 29 endemics, found nowhere else on Earth! Hence, Cuba is a superb locale to expand your birding life list!

​

With over two decades of experience, Mariah Travel has collaborated with numerous conservation 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 us 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.

​

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.

Tour Dates: March 21-29, 2026

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

• So many birds, so much history and culture, and so much fun! 

• This trip not only met my expectations, but it also exceeded them!

• The educational component was great! I learned so much.

• Cuban foods and dishes were delicious, and the accommodations were also

top-notch.

• We are happy Mariah Travel appreciates the value of small groups, the best!

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,D)

Cuban Tody, Endemic

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.

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

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

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

 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!

• 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.

• Lunch and dinner on your own at one of the excellent local paladares.

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

• 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 at one of the excellent local paladares.

• 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.

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

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

• Lunch and dinner on your own at one of the many excellent paladars.

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

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

Caribbean Flamingo

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. (Included)

• 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 paladar restaurants.

• Overnight at Casa particular B&B inSanta Clara. (B,L,D)

DAY 9:

• 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/planning for more information.

• Travel cancellation insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) *

            *Mariah Travel works with USI Travel Insurance Services with no add-on costs.

https://www.mariahtravel.com/travel-insurance

 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.