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The Best Birding Nature Culture Tour of Cuba

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Cuban Trogon - Cuba’s National Bird

 

Join Mariah Travel (Formally EAC Tours) on an incredible journey to Cuba for the best Birding, Nature & Culture Tour in the Caribbean. Cuba is the BEST birding location in the West Indies, is also the largest island in the Caribbean and supports an incredible variety of habitats from interior tropical forests, montane forests, to extensive wetlands and mangroves. Lying only 90 miles from Miami, Cuba boasts 372 species of birds, 26 of them endemic species; by far one of the premier locations in the world to enjoy bird watching and to add to your birding life list.

 

Our guides are the best in Cuba. By partnering with the Natural History Museum of Cuba and the University of Havana, we have access to master birders, educators, historians, and researchers knowing the history, culture, and bird locations on the island.

 

Mariah Travel is licensed by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to organize and conduct legal Support for the Cuban People travel to Cuba. These exclusive tours engage participants with the warm beautiful people of Cuba along with a strong emphasis on the island’s natural and cultural history. You will experience Cuba in a most personal way, through the eyes of the Cubans. Stroll historic Habana Vieja and view the incredible architecture, meet the people, eat delicious food, and enjoy the sweet Cuban vibes.

 

Program inspiration, concept and design is modeled on similar international natural history trips and voted “One of North America’s Best Wildlife Tour Companies” by the National Wildlife Federation.

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Zunzun – Bee Hummingbird

      Smallest bird in the world!       

A few comments from this year’s early birding tours:

 

• 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, meeting the local people, and hire local knowledgeable guides, and nature.

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Travel Dates: Booking now for November 2023 through June 2024.*

Contact Mariah Travel for the incredible tour details.

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https://www.mariahtravel.com/contact

 

Singles, couples, or families, all tours are custom designed to meet the dates and budget of each traveler(s). Join a small group or design your own.

 

(*Please note: All dates are subject to change from weather, bird locations, road conditions, availability, etc.)

 

Highlights of the tour:

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DAY 1:

    •   Arriving at José Marti International Airport (taking a morning flight), retrieve                            baggage, clear customs.  Meet your guide, Nils Navarro author of the Field Guide                to the Endemic Birds of Cuba and Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba,                    transfer directly to Viñales and birding along the route.

  • Stopping at Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve (Soroa and Las Terrazas) looking for endemics and other target species. Las Terrazas is a successful Cuban land restoration project originated during the Castro administration.


  • Lunch at Casa del Campesino in Las Terrazas on the banks of the Río San Juan.

  • Continue to the Vinales Valley in the Sierra de los Organos mountains for an introduction to Cuba’s natural history and endemic bird species.


  • Explore the town of Vinales and interaction and supporting the Cuban people.


  • Welcome dinner at one of the excellent local paladares.


  • Overnight: Villa La Terraza, B&B Viñales or similar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Approximate Birding Tour Route

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DAY 2:

  • Breakfast included at the casa in Viñales.

  • Early morning 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…

  • Visit the Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás

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

  • Overnight: Villa La Terraza, B&B, Viñales or similar

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HIGHLIGHT:  ZAPATA’S BIRDS

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 (which breed in Cuba but return south in fall). Over 260 species have been reported in the area.

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DAY 3:

  • Breakfast included at the casa

  • Early departure from Viñales to Playa Larga (approx. 4.5 hr. drive). Flexible leisurely drive, stopping at points of interest along the route.

  • Afternoon arrival at 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 wetland in the Caribbean. The swamp, known for its size and diversity, was designated as a “Wetland of International Importance” in 2001 and hold some of the most restricted and endangered bird species of the world such the Zapata Rail and the Zapata Wren.

  • Lunch at an excellent local paladar in the community of Palpite.

  • Possible observation of the Bee Hummingbird (the smallest bird of the world)

  • Later arrive in Playa Larga for a relaxing flexible afternoon of swimming, hiking, or birding at Casa Ana, an excellent location for endemic birds such as Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Pygmy Owl, Bare-legged Owl, Cuban Oriole, West Indian Woodpecker, Cuban Emerald, and other targets. Bring extra pages for your life-list!

  • Dinner on your own in an excellent local paladares.

  • Overnight: Casa ANA Playa Larga or similar

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A few endemics observed in March 2023!        

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               Cuban Tody                                                 Cuban Pygmy Owl                                                 Cuban Parakeet

Day 4: 

  • Early breakfast included at the casa

  • Early departure 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 and 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, and special targets such Cuban Black Hawk, American Flamingo, Wood Storks, and (Caribbean) Osprey.

  • Dinner on your own in an excellent local paladares.


  • Overnight: Casa ANA Playa Larga or similar

 

Day 5:

  • 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 ANA Playa Larga

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HIGHLIGHT:  NAJASA, LA BALEN, AND CAYO COCO RESERVE BIRDS

 

Located about 70 km southeast of Camagüey city, this is a protected area of open country with many palm groves and a mixture of semi-deciduous woods at the foothills of low elevations. About 120 species of birds have been reported: Plain Pigeon, Cuban Parakeet, Rose-throated Parrot, Bare-legged Owl, Cuban Pygmy-owl, Cuban Palm Crow, three species of woodpeckers and Giant Kingbird.

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The second-largest key in Cuba that has recently been connected to the mainland by    

a rock-fill road. Located 70 km northwest of Morón, and mostly covered by semi-deciduous forests; there are also mangroves, coastal shrubs, patches of grass, and lagoons. Over 200 species has been reported, including many Cuban rarities with several new birds to add to the list: Cuban Gnatcatcher, a race of Zapata Sparrow and Oriente Warbler.

 

Also, species such as: Western Spindalis and Cuban Bullfinch. There are many waders and one of the largest groups of American Flamingo. In the fall, Merlin and Peregrine Falcon are not uncommon. Piping Plover is a winter resident on these keys.

 

Day 6: 

  • 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: Accommodation in Trinidad in a B&B

                                                                

Day 7:  

  • 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 Alojamiento Maite - Moron or similar

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GREAT LIZARD CUCKOO

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CAYO COCO FLAMINGOS

Day 8:

  • 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 9:

•   Breakfast included at the casa.

•   Full day birding the coastal regions of Cayo Coco for several endemic and specialist                    species, spending time to relax along the local beaches.

•   Or visit to Bosque Santa Bárbara (south of Ciego de Ávila city) in the south swamp for Plain      Pigeon, Cuban Parakeet, and other targets.

•  Afternoon relaxation on the Cayo Coco beaches.

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

•  Overnight: Casa Alojamiento Maite - Moron or similar

 

DAY 10:

• 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

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DAY 11:

Breakfast included at the casa.

•  Free day to explore. Enjoy the museums, music, arts, architecture, and local color.

•  Enjoy a walk through the historic plazas of Habana Vieja.

•  Visit the Revolution Museum or Fine Artes Museum

• Relax with a walk along the Malecon while interacting with the locals. Visit the                 markets for a  nice piece of art.

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

• Overnight: La Posada de Chacon, Habana Vieja or similar

 

Optional activity suggestions. Your guide will help with transportation

  1. Visit to National Botanical Garden and the famous Playa del Chivo along Havana’s coastline.

  2. Evening dinner at Fábrica de Arte cultural project.

  3. Evening with the Buena Vista Social Club. Music and dinner.

  4. Evening at the World-Famous Tropicana Cabaret. Continuously running since the 1930’s. A Cuban original.

  5. Just explore the incredible city of Havana

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Day 12:

 

• Transfer to José Martí International Airport and depart Havana for flights home with

   wonderful memories of a fabulous birding, culture & nature experience!

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COSTS:      $4199 per person – double occupancy

                   $500 single supplement

                   $125 per person Cuba Visa

 

INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR COST:

• Expert master birding guide throughout the program.

• Airport transfers: We meet you at José Martí Int'l Airport in Havana and take you to your lodging upon arrival. We return you to José Martí Airport for departure.

• Comfortable lodging at each location.

• All breakfasts and welcome dinner. Other lunches and dinners as listed in tour itinerary.

• All activities, services, speakers, meetings, and meals as described in tour itinerary except those noted as "optional" or "not included in cost."

• Air-conditioned coach transportation and a full-time driver.

• Mandatory Cuban medical insurance coverage during your island stays.

 

NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR COST:

• International airfare to and from Cuba. We work with several charter companies to book flights. There are also several commercial flights available to Havana. Mariah Travel can coordinate for the best flights.

• Cuban Tourist Visa. ($125 per person, Mariah Travel can apply in advance)

• Gratuities for Cuban tour guide, bus driver, chambermaids, restaurant staff, porters, etc.

*Please inquire about recommended gratuities guidelines.

• Any personal items.

• Travel cancellation insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) *

*Mariah Travel works with 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. We will be confirming casas and hotels as soon as possible and send updates as changes occur. 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.

 

Covid Update: The virus still exists but has not impacted our travel programs. Mariah Travel has not experienced a positive COVID test from any clients during the pandemic.

 

As always, your health & safety is our #1 concern. I hope by sharing the steps we’re taking; you will continue to feel comfortable trusting Mariah Travel to ensure your well-being while traveling.

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