Birding in Western Cuba
March 16 – 23, 2025
Immerse yourself in the vibrant nature and birdlife in La Guira National Park, Soroa, Zapata Nature Reserve, Playa Larga, and experience colorful Havana.
- Itinerary Summary
- • Independent arrivals at Jose Marti International Airport, Havana
• 2 Nights in Soroa, TBD
• 3 Nights in Playa Larga, Privately Owned B&B
• 2 Nights in Havana, Grand Aston Hotel
• Independent departures from Jose Marti International Airport, Havana
• Group Size and guides: 1 bird guide; 8-12 passengers + 1 Alabama Audubon Host - Optional Additions to This Trip
- 1 Before Tour Night in Havana. Depart USA / Arrival In Havana March 15 / Meet & Greet, Private Transfer, 1 night hotel, breakfast
- What to Expect
- This itinerary has stays in multiple locations, with fully scheduled days. It is an active journey, involving walking and standing for up to 2 hours at a time and covering up to 2 miles, unassisted during half-day tours. Expect 6-7 hours of physical activities daily, embarking and disembarking the motorcoach multiple times. A majority of your time will be spent outdoors.
Birding includes walking on paved and unpaved terrain. On birding days, we start early while the birds are active and to avoid the hottest part of the day. On at least one day we will begin travelling well before dawn to reach our destination at or just after sunrise. Some activities, lodgings, and meals will be in historic buildings without elevators, requiring climbing 2-4 flights of stairs.
While bedrooms and private vehicles are air-conditioned, most public places are not. Transportation is by private motorcoach, without a toilet, and involves drives of 2-6 hours between locations, at times on poorly maintained roads. Rest stops occur every 1.5-2 hours on longer drives.
Accommodations in Cuba are in the best available hotels, privately-owned inns, or bed & breakfasts, selected based on legal use according to US Department of Treasury OFAC restrictions.
In Cuba, flexibility is essential, as itineraries may change based on the day’s conditions. Your expert Cuban guide will manage any adjustments needed.
• Cuba has a tropical climate and temperatures during the day can be relatively hot by midday.
• Cuba is prone to power outages that may persist for several hours.
• Hot water is usually available in your rooms for bathing, but on rare occasions availability may be disrupted.
• Bottled drinking water will be provided by your guides.
• You may opt out of some outings when staying at Playa Larga to rest or enjoy some beach or personal time. Be sure to inform your host or guide.
We trust that the beauty of the country, and the warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people will make up for any shortfalls in service. Cuba is unlike any other country in the world. We know that you will return home transformed by your journey. - Per Person Double Price
- $3754
- Single Price
- $3945
- Deposit
- $600
- Final Payment Due Date
- January 5, 2025
- Inclusions
- - Accommodations and activities as described in the itinerary
- Expert private Cuban cultural guide and vehicle as per itinerary
- Expert Cuban specialist birding guide
- Certification of participation in a pre-planned, fully scheduled program of support for the Cuban people travel to Cuba under the U.S. Department of the Treasury general license
- Meals as per noted in the itinerary (B,L,D)
- 2 drinks per each included lunch and dinner (local beer, bottled water, soft drinks, house wine if offered by the restaurant)
- Bottled water while touring with the guide
- Gratuities for included meals and luggage handling - Exclusions
- - International airfare, transfers within the USA; Passport/visa fees; Airline Baggage fees
- Meals not mentioned in the program as included; Coffee with included meals unless offered by the venue; alcohol other than welcome drinks, live music venue entrance fees, unless specifically noted as included in the itinerary.
- Optional activities that are not stated as included in the itinerary.
- Tips for hotel housekeeping and live music during meals; other expenses of a personal nature.
- Cuban tourist visa, required for entry and departure – $130 per person additional when issued by Conservancy Travel.
- Travel insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included.
- Gratuity for Cuban Cultural Guide, suggested at $5-$10/per guest, per day; Birding Guide, suggested at $10-$20 / per guest, per day; Driver, $5-$10 per guest, per day. - Travel Insurance
- Conservancy Travel Recommended Insurance
https://my.travelinsure.com/conservancytravel/?p=50047 - Cancellation Schedule
- Up to 70 days prior to tour start date: $600.00
69 to 40 days prior to tour start date: 50 % of order total
Less than 39 prior to tour start date: 100 % of order total
• Group Size and guides: 1 bird guide; 8-12 passengers + 1 Alabama Audubon Host
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Scot Duncan, PhD
Executive Director
scot@alaudubon.org
For Registration Assistance
Jennifer Kunath-Bowling
contact@conservancytravel.org
Tel: 334-770-1700 (CST)