Michael Sanders

President & Founder, Mariah Travel

Michael Sanders is the President and Founder of Mariah Travel, LLC, highly regarded for the collaboration with conservation organizations. Mariah Travel has earned recognition from the National Wildlife Federation as One of North America's Top Wildlife Tour Companies.

With a background in biology and a master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Michael’s career in ecotourism began after years of government service. In 1998, he founded EAC Tours (now Mariah Travel), driven by his commitment to preserving wild places and wildlife. His book, The Beast in the Garden, reflects his ongoing dedication to conservation and public education.

Michael’s expertise spans a wide range of natural science projects across the Americas, from tracking polar bears in the Arctic to monitoring green sea turtles in the Caribbean. His travels have taken him throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Galapagos, and Cuba, broadening his understanding of the interconnectedness of nature.

Through Mariah Travel, Michael blends his passion for travel and education with his knowledge of environmental science, offering sustainable, transformative experiences that foster a deeper connection to the natural world.

Xochitl Ayón Güemes

Ornithologist & Bird Curator, Cuba’s National Museum of Natural History

Xochitl Ayón Güemes is a respected ornithologist, educator, and conservation advocate whose career bridges the worlds of science, language, and sustainable travel. Currently serving as the Bird Curator at Cuba’s National Museum of Natural History, Xochitl is a recognized authority on Cuban avifauna, playing a key role in both scientific research and public education about the island’s rich biodiversity.

Xochitl began her professional journey as a professor of English and Italian, earning a Ph.D. in Foreign Language Teaching. Her background in linguistics and cross-cultural communication gave her a unique foundation for the next chapter of her career: connecting people from around the world with Cuba’s most treasured natural environments.

Today, Xochitl is a sought-after guide and eco-tourism advisor, known for her deep ecological knowledge, fluent multilingual communication, and strategic expertise in sustainable tourism management. She plays a pivotal role in shaping responsible travel experiences across Cuba, ensuring that birdwatching, nature walks, and conservation tours are not only educational and enjoyable but also aligned with ethical environmental practices.

Xochitl’s guiding philosophy is grounded in environmental stewardship, scientific integrity, and intercultural exchange—a perfect reflection of Mariah Travel’s values.

Lisbeth Loyola Noa

Logistics Manager and Professional Tour Guide

Lisbeth Noa is a seasoned guide and cultural ambassador whose passion for Cuba’s rich history, traditions, and landscapes is matched by her meticulous professionalism and sharp business sense. With over a decade of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, Lisbeth not only leads immersive cultural experiences across the island, but also plays a vital role behind the scenes—ensuring that each journey is seamless, enriching, and tailored to the unique interests of her guests.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, Lisbeth brings Cuba’s layered history to life through compelling storytelling, sharp cultural insight, and personal anecdotes that highlight the resilience and creativity of the Cuban people. Her warm, charismatic nature makes every traveler feel like a welcomed friend, and her deep network of local artists, musicians, chefs, and historians adds unique depth to every experience. And for those willing to try, she’ll gladly pull you onto the dance floor—because Lisbeth is also a fantastic salsa dancer, and an even better teacher.

Whether she’s guiding a walking tour of Old Havana, coordinating logistics for a cross-island adventure, or sharing a heartfelt story over coffee, Lisbeth embodies the spirit of Cuban hospitality and the professionalism that defines every Mariah Travel experience.

Andres Santana Diaz

Professor Emeritus, Advisor for Mariah Travel

Andres is a renowned ornithologist with over 30 scientific publications, establishing himself as a leading voice in avian biology and conservation. His research spans various topics, deepening our understanding of bird species and their habitats.

His contributions extend 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 underscore his expertise and passion for conservation, particularly regarding threatened vertebrates. He has further refined his skills through advanced training, completing specialized courses in Collection Management at the Smithsonian Institution and bird monitoring at Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

As a curator, researcher, and advocate, Andres is dedicated to scientific discovery and conservation. His work plays a vital role in shaping conservation efforts and protecting Cuba’s rich biodiversity for future generations.

Nils Navarro Pacheco

Illustrator, Author & Natural History Tour Guide

Residing in the picturesque Viñales Valley of Cuba, Nils is a distinguished figure in artistic education and biodiversity conservation. Renowned as one of Cuba's foremost illustrators, he has carved a niche as a passionate advocate for natural preservation and scientific communication.

His illustrious career spans the publication and illustration of notable scientific articles and books, particularly focusing on the rich reptilian fauna of the Caribbean, showcased in Wildlife of the Caribbean. Beyond illustrating the works of others, Nils has also authored and illustrated his own acclaimed publications, including Endemic Birds of Cuba: A Comprehensive Field Guide and Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba.

In addition to his literary contributions, Nils is a highly regarded birding and natural history tour guide, leading expeditions across Cuba’s diverse landscapes. His deep knowledge of Cuba's avian biodiversity and his infectious enthusiasm for sharing it make him an invaluable asset to our travel and education team.

Felipe Rodriguez Alonso

Legendary Cuban Fishing Guide & Conservationist

Felipe is an internationally acclaimed fly fishing guide and conservationist whose life’s work is deeply rooted in the Parque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata, the largest wetland in the Caribbean and one of Cuba’s most ecologically rich and protected natural areas. With more than two decades of experience navigating the park’s labyrinthine channels, hidden lagoons, and vibrant coastal flats, Felipe is regarded as a master of both saltwater fly fishing and freshwater ecosystem stewardship.

Raised in a family of fishermen, Felipe developed an early appreciation for the delicate balance of nature in the Zapata Swamp. Over the years, he has guided hundreds of anglers from around the world through the park’s remote fishing grounds, including Las Salinas and the Bay of Pigs, sharing his deep knowledge of tarpon, bonefish, and permit habitats, seasonal patterns, and fly presentation techniques.

A champion of conservation through education, Felipe is the founder of the Youth Fly Fishing School of Jagüey Grande, where he teaches not only casting and knot-tying but also wetland ecology, catch-and-release ethics, and water quality monitoring. His hands-on lessons often take place within the park itself, giving young Cubans an intimate connection to their natural heritage and an understanding of its global importance. Felipe’s commitment to environmental protection aligns seamlessly with the mission of Mariah Travel.

Whether poling silently through the mangroves or sharing stories of conservation triumphs and challenges, Felipe offers guests a unique and heartfelt experience that reflects the soul of Cuba’s wild waters.

Edwin Rojas

Ornithologist & Birding Guide

A native of Cuba, Edwin is a vital figure in the study and conservation of avian populations across the island. With a passion for ornithology, he has become a leading authority on both resident and migratory bird communities, contributing significantly to our understanding of Cuba's rich biodiversity.

Equipped with a master’s degree from the prestigious Ecology and Systematics Institute in Havana, Edwin blends academic expertise with hands-on field experience. As a seasoned nature and birding guide, his deep knowledge of Cuba's diverse ecosystems and keen eye for avian species make him an indispensable asset for travelers seeking immersive and enlightening birding tours.

Aliev Perez

Hospitality Manager Extraordinare

At La Posada de Chacón in the heart of Habana Vieja, hospitality isn’t just a service—it’s a warm embrace. That’s where Aliev Perez comes in. With his contagious smile and friendly disposition, Aliev ensures that every guest feels welcome from the moment they arrive. As our hospitality manager, he’s the one who keeps everything running smoothly, anticipating needs before they arise and making sure every stay is as comfortable as it is memorable. Every travel company needs an "Aliev"—we’re just lucky to have the original!