Our Birding, Nature & Culture Tour is an immersive journey led by Cuba’s top ornithologists and naturalists, in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Cuba and the University of Havana. We'll explore pristine reserves, meet with local biologists, historians, and engage in meaningful Support for the Cuban People experiences, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of the Cuban people.

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Mariah Travel is fully licensed by the U.S. Department of Treasury, OFAC, to offer a seamless and legal travel experience to Cuba. With our expertise and decades of experience in nature travel, you can trust that this will be an adventure of a lifetime.

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Partner with Mariah Travel to bring your customers an unforgettable Cuba birding experience—while raising funds for WBU's conservation work that matters most to your store and community. Let's discuss...

This is more than just a tour—it’s an opportunity to inspire your customers, strengthen connections, and experience Cuba’s birding treasures together. Let’s make this a birding journey to remember! 

A few comments from recent WBU's birding tours:

• We loved Mariano, he was very kind, incredible driver, and extremely accommodating.

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

• I was very happy with the birding and quite surprised at how easy the guides made

finding birds and the numbers of birds we saw.

• Accommodations were very good and comfortable. The Cuban foods and dishes were delicious.

• We are happy Mariah Travel appreciates the value of small groups, meeting the local people, and hire local knowledgeable guides, and nature.

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Travel Dates: November through May Annually

COSTS:  $2695 pp double occupancy, 9-Day tour

​              $400 single supplement

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10% Royalty paid to Wild Birds Unlimited

One complimentary space with 10 fully paid guests. 

Discounted cost for WBU staff.

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.

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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.

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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.   

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Please visit - https://www.mariahtravel.com/travelinsurance

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. We hope you will continue to feel comfortable trusting Mariah Travel to ensure your well-being while traveling.

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Mariah Travel is licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to organize and operate authorized Support for Cuban People programs to Cuba. OFAC License No. CT-2013-305326-2