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Cuba and its birds

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Our Cuba birdwatching tour takes you to a selection of Cuba’s pristine protected natural areas that are known as the best places for observing the endemic bird species of Cuba. (see more)

2,414.00 C$ 2414.0 CAD 2,414.00 C$

$ 1,680.00

(0.00 C$ / Per Person)
  • Tour Dates

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  • Day 1
    Havana

  • Day 2
    Sierra del Rosario

  • Day 3
    Sierra del Rosario

  • Day 4
    Sierra del Rosario

  • Day 5
    Zapata Peninsula

  • Day 6
    Zapata Peninsula

  • Day 7
    Zapata Peninsula

  • Day 8
    Havana

  • Day 9
    Departure

  • style
    Best for Americans
    Special Interest.

  • duration
    9 days / 8 nights

  • Bird Species
    Of the 28 Cuban endemics we should see at least 20 and possibly as many as 24 or 25

  • Included
    8 guided birding sessions with local birdwatching specialists, all meals (8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners), airport arrival transfer, local tour leader throughout.

  • group size
    Minimum 2 / Maximum 12

  • accommodation
    Guesthouses throughout. Twinshare. Comfort guesthouses in Havana.

  • transport
    Private land transport - minibus or taxi (depending on group size)

  • suggested combinations
    Combine with a Havana Short Stay package, or a Beach stay package!

  • Can Americans join this tour?
    Yes! This tour forms a great base for a legal trip to Cuba. Read more about how to make your trip to Cuba legal.

  • Day 1
    Arrive Havana Your included airport arrival transfer will take you to your guesthouse in Havana. The tour leader will conduct a welcome meeting at 6:00pm in the main guesthouse.

  • Day 2
    Sierra del Rosario Departing Havana after breakfast, we travel west (2 hours) to the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve for the first bird watching session. After lunch we take a short stroll around the small town of Las Terrazas to visit the local community of this mountain town that is known for its environmental protection. Another short drive (30 minutes) takes us to the even smaller community of Soroa where we will stay the night in local guesthouses. Included Birding Session: Las Terrazas (3 hours)

  • Day 3
    Sierra del Rosario Today we have 2 birding sessions with a local park guide in different areas in the forested mountains that surround Soroa. You’ll have time if you are keen to check out the impressive botanical garden that is home to 6,000 different ornamental plant species, including 700 varieties of orchid (100 of which are endemic to Cuba). Included Birding Sessions: AM Soroa (3 hours), PM Soroa (3 hours)

  • Day 4
    Sierra del Rosario Today we explore a different area 60km from our base in Soroa. La Guira National Park is known for local species such as the Giant Kingbird, Fernandina’s Flicker and the Cuban Solitaire. We also visit Los Portales Cave, which is where Che Guevara operated a secret communications base during the Cuban missile crisis in October 1962. Included Birding Sessions: La Guira National Park (4 hours)

  • Day 5
    Zapata Peninsula Today we make the long drive back past Havana and beyond to the Zapata Peninsula, (5 hours). This is the location of the biggest wetland in the Caribbean containing a Biosphere Reserve with an area of 4350 km2. It’s known as the best place to see the Bee Hummingbird – the worlds smallest bird species, as well as endemics specific to this park such as the Zapata wren, Zapata sparrow, and the Cuban crocodile. Our local guesthouses are in the town of Playa Larga which features some beautiful white sand beaches. Included Birding Sessions: Zapata Forest (1 hour), Palpite Garden (30min).

  • Day 6
    Zapata Peninsula Today we explore two different areas in the Zapata peninsula with a lunch break and rest in-between. Included Birding Sessions: Las Bermejas (3 hours), Soplillar (3 hours).

  • Day 7
    Zapata Peninsula Today we have 2 more Zapata areas to visit for waterfowls and more endemics. In the morning we drive to La Turba [40 min drive]. In the afternoon to Las Salinas [30 min drive] Included Birding Sessions: La Turba (3 hours), Las Salinas (3 hours).

  • Day 8
    Havana Today we drive back to Havana. Your tour leader will offer to take you for a guided walk around Old Havana (2 hours, free, optional) before a farewell group dinner.

  • Day 9

    Departure Today you are free to depart at anytime. Your guesthouse can help you arrange a transfer to the airport

    Summary of Travel Times
    Havana to Soroa via Las Terrazas2 hours
    Soroa to La Guira2 hours return
    Soroa to Playa Larga5 hours
    Playa Larga to Las Bermejas1 hour (round trip)
    Playa Larga to Solpillar30 min (round trip)
    Playa Larga to La Turba   1 hour (round trip)
    Playa Larga to Las Salinas1 hour(round trip)
    Playa Larga to Havana4 hours

    Arrival and Departure Accommodation in Havana

    The first and last nights of the tour in Cuba will be in Guesthouse Accommodation, centrally located in either Old Havana, Central Havana, or Vedado.

    • We include an arrival transfer from the Havana airport (or from anywhere else in Havana if you are already in Cuba) to the joining Guesthouse Accommodation.
    • On the booking form, you can request extra nights before or after the tour in the same guesthouse you will have for the tour. Click here to see prices.

    Late arrivals or Early departures

    Late Arrival - If you plan to arrive on Day 2 or after, we can arrange for you to catch up to the group. This may involve you paying transport costs to do so.

    Early Departure - The group will arrive back in Havana, around midday on Day 8, so a departure from Cuba in the evening of Day 8 is possible. An earlier departure than this is also possible and may involve you paying transport costs for us to send you back to Havana by yourself.


    Spending Money

    We estimate you will need between €190 and €370 EUR ($200 and $400 USD) for local expenses during the tour, such drinks, souvenirs, and optional activities. Click here to see details of expenses you will have while on the tour in Cuba.


    Packing List

    Required

    •   Binoculars
    •   Mosquitoes repellent
    •   Shoes for trekking
    •   Flash light / torch
    •   Hats
    •   Rain coats

    Optional

    •   Birds of Cuba Field Guide
    •   Walking stick
    •   Telescope
    •   Camera
    •   Notebook


    Not Included in the Tour
    • International Flights
    • Visa and passport fees
    • Insurance (Travel Medical Insurance is required to participate on the tour)
    • Food: meals before Dinner on Day 1 and after Breakfast on Day 9, snacks between meals
    • Drinks
    • Tips
    • Optional activities
    • Airport departure transfer