Birdwatching Western Cuba
9 Days Starting and ending in Havana, Cuba
Visiting: Havana, Sierra del Rosario, Soroa, Las Terrazas, La Guira National Park, Playa Larga, Cienaga de Zapata, Zapata Peninsula
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CB
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 12
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$1596 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$84Tour Overview
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. We expect to encounter at least 20 of the 28 endemics and possibly as many as 24. Many other native (non-endemics) are also found in these areas. Some of these are migratory species visiting Cuba during the winter (November to April). The national parks we visit on this tour are an attraction in themselves and other wildlife such as bats, snakes, and frogs can also be observed during the birding sessions included in this tour. Birding season in Cuba (November to April) is conveniently away from hurricane season and coincides with the cooler more pleasant weather. While cooler than summer, the birding season is still generally warm during the day and there are opportunities for taking a dip in the many Caribbean beaches we will encounter along the way. Our accommodation is in privately owned guesthouses that are typically run by local families. In Cuba this form of accommodation is the best way to get an insight into how the locals live – their food, culture, and it provides opportunities to interact with the family members. Recently comfort levels of this type of accommodation in Cuba have increased considerably and are highly rated by our travellers. The tour starts and ends in Havana, so if you are interested you can add a few days before or after the tour to experience this unique city. Take our Havana Short Stay package or just add a couple of extra nights of accommodation and choose from our selection of Havana day tours with specialist guides.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay, HomestayStandard casa particular (guesthouse)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to 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
Location: Sierra del Rosario, Soroa, Las Terrazas
Accommodation: Homestay, Standard casa particular (guesthouse)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 3 : Sierra Del Rosario
Location: Sierra del Rosario
Accommodation: Homestay, Standard casa particular (guesthouse)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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).
Day 4 : Sierra Del Rosario
Location: La Guira National Park
Accommodation: Homestay, Standard casa particular (guesthouse)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 5 : Zapata Peninsula
Location: Playa Larga, Cienaga de Zapata
Accommodation: Homestay, Standard casa particular (guesthouse)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 world's 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.
Day 6 : Zapata Peninsula
Location: Zapata Peninsula
Accommodation: Homestay, Standard casa particular (guesthouse)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we explore two different areas in the Zapata peninsula with a lunch break and rest in-between.
Day 7 : Zapata Peninsula
Location: Cienaga de Zapata
Accommodation: Homestay, Standard casa particular (guesthouse)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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]
Day 8 : Havana
Location: Havana
Accommodation: Homestay, 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Location: Havana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you are free to depart at anytime. Your guesthouse can help you arrange a transfer to the airport
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport Arrival Transfer
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
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Fully Guided
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Local Taxes
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Meals – Full Board
8 breakfasts. 7 lunches. 8 dinners
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Water to refill bottles brought from home
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
Check your airline's website for how to obtain visa
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Airport departure transfer not included
Mode of Transport
Private land transport - minibus or taxi (depending on group size)
Check out our Q&As
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What documentation will I receive?
When you book you will receive your Trip Notes (Essential Trip Information) and maps. Then 10 days before your tour you will receive a pre-departure email with the accommodations information, guide name and contact, and airport arrival information.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
You must be able to carry your own luggage up stairs, so we suggest packing lightly.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No, this tour is for ages 18 and older
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Are flights included in this tour?
No flights are included
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We will gladly arrange for pre- or post- tour accommodation.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
The visa (or tourist card) is not included, it can be obtained from your airline, local embassy, or third party seller.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Solo travellers are invited to share a room with a same sex traveller on the tour. If you prefer a single room, you can pay the single supplement.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, all park fees are included.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
Yes, we require proof of vaccination or a signed medical waiver. This is also a requirement to enter the country.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Cuba requires citizens from most countries to have a visa (tourist card)
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
At a minimum all guides speak English and Spanish
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What currencies are required for this tour?
We recommend you bring Euros.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
There is a lot of walking on this tour, so travellers should feel comfortable with that.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Birding sessions are 2 to 3 hours each, so expect to spend a full day with free time afterward.
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What is the tipping policy?
Cuba is a tipping country. You can budget $2-5/day for the tour leader, $1-3/day for the driver, $2-5 for a local guide, $1 for musicians in restaurants or on the streets, $.25 for bathroom attendants
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
The guesthouses we stay in are all professionally run, and have been vetted for cleanliness and standard level comfort. They are all air-conditioned or sufficiently cooled, and nearly all have an en-suite bathroom. They are more like a bed & breakfast and less like a homestay and are all unique. We encourage you to interact with the families and staff, but it is not necessary.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
You will receive the name and address of your Havana casa 10 days in advance. Your accommodations in the rest of the provinces are assigned upon arrival.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Most accommodation do not offer free wi-fi, although increasingly they do have a connection. You must buy a wi-fi card to connect, it is around US$1
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
The tour will be cancelled and booked travellers will be given a full refund
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What is the maximum group size?
12 travellers
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival transfer is included, as long as we have arranged your first night stay. Otherwise, the transfer is included from your pre-tour accommodations to your first night casa. Departures transfer not included
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Travellers from all countries are welcome on this tour.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, all of our transportation is air conditioned
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, we can normally arrange for you to meet up with the group. Transportation at traveller's own expense.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We can often change the dates with no penalty if it's far enough in advance. Otherwise, our cancellation policy will apply.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, there are strict health and safety guidelines that all casas particulares must adhere to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We adhere to all local protocol and best practices, including social distancing, sanitizing, and mask wearing. Travellers must be fully vaccinated.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
When you are confirmed on the tour you will receive the Essential Trip Notes with information to help you prepare for your tour and maps of each of the destinations. Then 10-days before the tour you'll receive a pre-departure message with the tour leader's name, arrival instructions, and the name and phone number of the casa where you'll be staying in Havana.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have proudly been in operation since 2005
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Solo travellers are not required to pay single supplement if they are willing to share with someone of the same gender.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded individuals of all ages who are interested in a cultural adventure and getting to know the real Cuba
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Dates & Availability
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Wednesday - Thursday
Oct 23, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024Wednesday - Thursday
Nov 13, 2024 - Nov 21, 2024Wednesday - Thursday
Dec 11, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024Wednesday - Thursday
Jan 08, 2025 - Jan 16, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Feb 12, 2025 - Feb 20, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Apr 23, 2025 - May 01, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Nov 12, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Dec 10, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Cuban Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Cuban Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform cuban adventures, 15 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Cuban Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 100 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cuban adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Cancellation for Covid Reasons
If you must cancel 15 days or less prior to your tour for COVID reasons and you have a doctors note, we offer either 50% refund plus 50% credit, or 100% credit for travel with us on a future date.
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