Birdwatching in Cuba

We leave from Havana in direction to the Pinar del Rio Province,  making a quick stop at Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve, one of the most fantastic in Cuba. This reserve houses one of our main goals for the day: watch the colourful Cuban Grassquit (Tiaris canorus). Furthermore, we anticipate seeing the bird with the Cuban flag colors, the Tocororo (Priotelus temnurus), and, also, the beautiful Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor) that at times grants closer approximation allowing the opportunity for incredible photographs. Later, we will go to Güira Park, where there’s a splendid colonial mansion with ample gardens, where a variety of bird species live. Here, we will have the chance to see the impressive, Fernandina´s Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae).

After breakfast, we will head to Cuevas de los Portales, where we will have more opportunities to see the stunning Cuban Trogan (Trogan clathratus). After a morning of birdwatching, we will travel to the Zapata Peninsula where, during the entire trip, we will see many Cuban revolution landmarks, including Fidel del Castro and Che Guevara.

The Zapata peninsula is known for being a mythic place for birdwatching. With the knowledge and guidance from professionals in this field, we will search for diverse local species. The highlight of our day will be seeing the smallest bird in the entire world, the Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae). During one of the mornings here spent, we will begin the visit quite early to arrive at a fabulous forest reserve, where we will see 4 enigmatic and beautiful species of quail-doves (Starnoenas cyanocephala). The other morning will be spent in the Zapata swamps, in the Zapata Swamp National Park, where we will see the astonishing Zapata Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata). Moreover, we will go on an excursion to the Brito Salines, located alongside the southern coast of the Zapata Peninsula. At night, we could also, go on an excursion with the main goal to find a Cuban Nightjar (Antrostomus cubanensis) and the Stygian Owl (Asio stygius).

After a morning of birdwatching in the Zapata Peninsula, we will proceed to Najasa. Here, the main goals will be to locate the Cuban Palm Crow Corvus palmarum) and the Giant Kingbird (Tyrannus cubensis), an endangered specie. The region also houses many other endemic species and almost endemic, and here we will carefully observe the delightful Cuban Amazon (Amazona leucocephala), and groups of Cuban-parakeets (Psittacara euops) flying over our heads.

As our adventure of birdwatching begins to end, we will head in direction to the North to explore some of the thousands of small coral reefs that surround Cuba. Arriving at the coast, we will pass by a panoramic view where the Cayo Coco island separates from the continent, and, during this trip, we will see numerous aquatic birds.

We will explore Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Paredón Grande all day. These low coral reef islands house a vast variety of habitats, ideal for birdwatching. A quick search in a close-by beach and we could possibly see the strange Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), the Sanderling (Calidris alba) and, even small groups of Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva).

Depart from Cayo Cayo and head back to Havana. Upon arriving at Havana, we will go on a small stroll through the historic city. This will offer us a unique experience to enjoy during our final night of our trip. Furthermore, we will enjoy a farewell dinner in a typical Cuban restaurant.

After breakfast, we will take a transfer to the airport, bringing our tour to an end.