Cotorra - Cuban Parrot. Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares Morera.

CUBA BIRD PHOTO Private Tour. (HAVANA, ZAPATA SWAMP, TRINIDAD, TOPES DE COLLANTES, CIENFUEGOS).

Explore the paradise of Cuban birdlife.

8
Days
1
1 Country
3
3 Cities
2
2 National Parks
10
10 Attractions
overview

(HAVANA - ZAPATA SWAMP - TRINIDAD - TOPES DE COLLANTES - CIENFUEGOS). (Minimum 2 birdwatchers for the tour)

Explore the paradise of Cuban birdlife.

Embark on a unique adventure through Cuba's most impressive natural landscapes, where biodiversity flourishes and birds reign in freedom. Our Birding Tour is designed for nature lovers, birders of all levels and wildlife photographers who wish to experience the island's ornithological richness.

With over 370 recorded bird species, including 28 endemics such as the Tocororo (national bird), the Zunzuncito (the world's smallest hummingbird) and the Cabrerito de la Cienaga, Cuba is one of the most fascinating birding destinations in the Caribbean.

  • One of the Caribbean's main cities, HAVANA, was founded in 1519 by the Spanish, inspires everyone with its rich culture and history.
  • To the south of the Matanzas Province ZAPATA SWAMP, the largest wetland in the Caribbean and one of Cuba’s richest natural areas.
  • The colonial city of TRINIDAD, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • TOPES DE COLLANTES NATURAL PARK, located in the Escambray Mountains. This is one of the most biodiverse mountainous regions in Cuba.
  • The city of CIENFUEGOS, known as the “Pearl of the South” for its beauty and colonial architecture.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Departure from HAVANA
  • Active tours
  • Birdwatching tour
  • Offered in Spanish and English
  • 5 Stars Rating
Check availability

included

Prices include for all customers:

  • Transfer in from the airport.
  • Accommodation in Private Houses in Havana (2 nights), Cienega de Zapata (3 nights), Trinidad (1 night) with breakfast included.
  • Accommodation in Topes de Collantes (1 night) with breakfast included.
  • Private guide from Day 1 to Day 8. Msc. Maikel Cañizares Morera.
  • Private transportation from Day 1 to Day 8.
  • All the activities as described on the itinerary.
  • All the entrance fee to the trails as described on the itinerary.
  • Extra money for local projects.
  • Meals as described on the itinerary (7 meals in total, 1 per day).
  • Transfer out to the airport.
  • Bottled water during the trip.
  • 24 hours Assistance

Private guide Msc. Maikel Cañizares Morera: Maikel is an expert ornithologist at the Cuban Institute of Ecology and Systematics. He was President of the Cuban Zoological Society from 2014 to 2019, President of the Cuban Chapter of the Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation from 2010 to 2017, and President at large of BirdsCaribbean since 2020. Maikel is a conservationist, researcher, educator, and wildlife photographer with 25 years of professional experience managing biodiversity conservation projects in partnership with NGOs and donor agencies worldwide.

Maikel has extensive experience in avian ecology, with a special interest in cavity-nesting birds. He has pioneered the use of artificial nest boxes to support the recovery of psittacid populations in Cuba and other Latin American countries. He has focused on citizen science projects involving people from rural communities as key stakeholders in effective biodiversity management and conservation, training protected area technicians, rangers, and campesinos. He has taught biology students at the Havana and Martha Abreu Universities, has published several conservation and research papers, and is a chapter author of six books. He has also led dozens of expeditions to the most remote areas in Cuba and taught more than 20 courses on biodiversity conservation and birding.

Maikel spent his childhood climbing in the mountains of Banao, developing an infinite love for nature and a solid understanding of the natural history of the biodiversity inhabiting this unique place in Cuba. He began working in the Lomas de Banao Ecological Reserve in 1998 as a fauna specialist and became director of the Lomas de Banao Ecological Reserve from 1999 to 2002. Since then, his main research has been conducted in the area. From the sky to the water, through the shadows of the tropical forest, Maikel understands this area like no other.

In addition, Maikel is an accomplished wildlife photographer, with results in competitions such as the Initiave Caribaea Wildlife Photography Contest (Martinique, 2025), The “Naturaleza Digital” Contest (Cuba, multiple prizes through the years 2012-2024) and The Mesoamerican Society for Biology and Conservation Photography Contest (Panama, 2012). His storytelling, based on numerous field expeditions all across the mosaic of Cuban ecosystems and enriched by his deep understanding of natural history and the sounds and sights of the forest, transforms nature walks into memorable adventures that inspire appreciation and respect for the environment. Whether guiding expert birders or curious travelers, Maikel’s mission is to connect people with nature, promoting conservation through responsible tourism. This mission is enriched by his professional background of leadership positions in science projects, engaging rural communities, park rangers, and local guides to foster sustainable conservation through active participation, making him a natural bridge between scientific research and community-based ecotourism.

In his role of tour guide, Maikel has designed and crafted an itinerary that promises to be entertaining and enriching in order to show you all of Cuba’s birding highlights, including all rare and endemic species.

Education:

  • Ph.D. Student, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
  • MSc. in Zoology, University of Havana, Cuba.
  • Licentiate in Biology, University of Oriente, Cuba.

not included

  • Airfares for International flights.
  • Gratuities for the guides and drivers.
  • Lunches and dinners not mentioned on the above itinerary.
  • Travel Visa.
  • Cuban Medical Insurance. According to Cuban legislation, the passenger must arrive in the country with his travel insurance.
  • Fed-ex fee.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Services not mentioned on the above list.
notes

Overview of your trip:

The most complete birdwatching tour in Cuba. An island full of talent, warmth, music and color. Where the modern and antique live as lovers. Provocative, genuine and with a lot of rythm, you will feel the taste of a legend that breathes. A source if inspiration. Traveling with total freedom, living on the roads with no rush, mixing with locals, living the fullness of Cuba's landscapes and the decadent beauty of its cities will be an unique experience, an unforgettable adventure. Come and meet Cuba, the real one, the authentic. Find it out for yourself.

This 8-day tour is one of the most exciting bird watching program in Cuba, it is not only something special for active travelers, but also for those who want to discover Cuba in a different way-walked through the main national parks, Biosphere reserves, protected areas of nature, in several of the most impressive and best preserved landscapes of the country, always accompanied by experienced Cuban guides trained in bird watching, and that will take you through the central and western part of Cuba, in daily routes that vary from 10 to 20 kilometers.

  • If hotels mentioned in the itinerary are already fully booked, we reserve the right to book another accommodation of equivalent standard.

  • We recommend the use of light but strong clothing. They must have a raincoat for any eventuality.

  • All participants must travel with their own personal insurance.

IMPORTAN NOTES:

  • Net package prices are expressed in USD per pax.
  • Accommodation prices are expressed in USD per pax per night.
  • This quotation doesn’t constitute a service reservation until your final confirmation.
  • Prices are valid according to the specified amount of pax.
  • It is NOT included in our prices sleeping bag for camping, drinks with the meals, airport tax, tips and porters service.
  • Our prices do NOT include supplements for special dinners in Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Booking including any of the mentioned dates are subject to hotels’ availability until Cubature confirmation.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • We recommend your clients to take a fully comprehensive insurance for the activities included in the itinerary.
  • Bring comfortable and appropriate shoes and clothes to walk in the outdoors, swimming trunks to refresh in the streams and/or beaches, Repellent. There may be some mosquitoes in the parks we will visit.
  • Flashlight. It will help at dim places and in camping nights.
  • Beware with sun burning. Bring your own protector lotions.
  • We might need in the outdoors small rucksack for the personal belongings.
  • In Cuba we have a widely spread medical assistance, with clinics in the most remote areas in the country. Anyway, if you are suffering a chronic disease or allergy, etc., it will not be worthless if you bring your personal first aids kit or medicines, especially when you are far from the main cities.
Itinerary

  1. DIA 1HAVANA

    HAVANA Modern car or microbus

    Arrival at José Martí International Airport. Private transfer to your accommodation. Lodging in casas particulares (private guesthouses) in Havana. Free time to rest or walk along the Malecón. Welcome dinner at Antojos restaurant. Brief meeting with the guide to review the itinerary and photographic protocols.

    The Cathedral of Havana panoramic view, Old Havana, Havana, Cuba.The Capitol of Havana panoramic view, Old Havana, Havana, Cuba.La Punta Fortress panoramic view, Old Havana, Havana, Cuba.

  2. DIA 2HAVANA – ZAPATA SWAMP - PLAYA LARGA.

    HAVANA, PENÍNZULA DE ZAPATA, and PLAYA LARGA Modern car or microbus

    Breakfast. Departure from Havana to the Zapata Swamp (Ciénaga de Zapata), the largest wetland in the Caribbean and one of Cuba’s richest natural areas. It harbors a great diversity of ecosystems and more than 270 bird species, including many endemics. It is a key destination for bird and nature photography, designated as a Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar Site. Optional stop for landscape photography along the way (swamps and rural areas). Lunch at Casa Alexis, a local restaurant in the Palpite community. Lodging in casas particulares in Playa Larga. Photography session at Casa Ana to photograph the Bee Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world and endemic to Cuba, in a controlled, natural environment with strategically placed feeders.

    Distance: 180 kms (2:30 hrs)

    Bee Hummingbird (Colibrí). Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares MoreraCuban Amazon. Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares MoreraWhite-cheecked Pintail. Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares Morera

  3. DIA 3PLAYA LARGA - SOPLILLAR - LOS HONDONES - PLAYA LARGA.

    PLAYA LARGA Modern car or microbus

    Breakfast. Photo session in the Sabanas de Soplillar, walking through semi-deciduous forest and wet savannah trails to photograph numerous endemic species such as: Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, Fernandina’s Flicker, Cuban Parakeets and Cuban Amazon. Traditional lunch at Rancho “Los Pintines”, in a countryside setting surrounded by nature.

    In the afternoon, visit the communities of Soplillar and Los Hondones for a session of documentary and community photography with local farmers and charcoal makers. Los Hondones is a small rural community dedicated mainly to subsistence farming. Its wooden and palm houses and slow-paced life offer great opportunities for natural portraits and Cuban countryside scenes. The Soplillar community is historically linked to the Cuban Revolution and artisanal charcoal production. You can still document the traditional process of Cuban charcoal making, using earth and wood ovens—a practice deeply rooted in the local culture. Activity focused on environmental portraiture, natural light techniques, and ethical photography with local communities. Return and overnight in Playa Larga.

    Western Spindalis. Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares MoreraWhite-cheecked Pintail. Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares MoreraPrivate guide Msc. Maikel Cañizares Morera, an expert ornithologist at the Cuban Institute of Ecology and Systematics.

  4. DIA 4PLAYA LARGA - LAS SALINAS WILDLIFE REFUGE - PLAYA LARGA.

    PLAYA LARGA Modern car or microbus

    Breakfast. Morning departure to Las Salinas Wildlife Refuge. Located in the southern part of the Zapata Swamp, the Salinas de Brito is an extensive coastal wetland area combining forests, mangroves, and brackish lagoons. This ecosystem is one of the most important birdwatching sites in Cuba, especially valued by photographers for its accessibility, habitat diversity, and excellent natural light in the early morning and late afternoon. Ideal for spotting American flamingo, Roseate Spoonbill, Egrets, Herons and shorebirds. Free afternoon for photo editing or rest. Optional: Sunset photography session at Salinas de Brito. Dinner at a beachfront local restaurant.

    Zapata Wren. Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares MoreraPrivate guide Msc. Maikel Cañizares Morera, an expert ornithologist at the Cuban Institute of Ecology and Systematics.Merlin (Halcón de Palomas) Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares Morera

  5. DIA 5PLAYA LARGA - BERMEJAS - TRINIDAD.

    PLAYA LARGA and TRINIDAD Modern car or microbus

    Breakfast. Morning departure from Playa Larga to the colonial city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way, there will be a photo stop in the Bermejas area, one of the best-known birding sites within the Zapata Swamp for observing endemic birds in dry forest and scrub habitats. Some species that can be photographed include: Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Gray-fronted Quail-Dove, Cuban Amazon, Cuban Parakeets. Arrival in Trinidad and lodging in casas particulares. Dinner at the local restaurant Los Conspiradores.

    Distance: 200 kms (3:30 hrs)

    Cuban Tody (Cartacuba). Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares MoreraArchilochus colubris (Colibrí). Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares MoreraCuban Black Hawk (Gavilán Batista). Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares Morera

  6. DIA 6TRINIDAD - TOPES DE COLLANTES.

    TRINIDAD and TOPES DE COLLANTES Modern car or microbus

    Breakfast. Departure to Topes de Collantes Natural Park, located in the Escambray Mountains, about 20 km from Trinidad (45 min on a mountain road). This is one of the most biodiverse mountainous regions in Cuba. Topes de Collantes is a nature reserve over 800 meters above sea level, with a cool climate, misty mountain forests, clear rivers, waterfalls, and dense vegetation trails. Its ecological richness makes it an excellent site for landscape photography, forest birds, butterflies, and wild orchids. Bird species in the area include: Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, Cuban Amazon, Cuban Oriole, Cuban Pygmy-Owl, Western Spindalis. Overnight in Topes de Collantes. Dinner at a local restaurant.

    Distance: 20 kms (0:45 hrs)

    Cuban Trogon (Tocororo). Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares MoreraTRINIDAD - TOPES DE COLLANTES.Cuban Pygmy Owl. Photo courtesy of Maikel Cañizares Morera

  7. DIA 7TOPES DE COLLANTES - CIENFUEGOS - HAVANA.

    TOPES DE COLLANTES, CIENFUEGOS CITY, and HAVANA Modern car or microbus

    Breakfast. Enjoy sunrise and photo time in Topes de Collantes. Return to Havana with a stop in the city of Cienfuegos, known as the “Pearl of the South” for its beauty and colonial architecture. Arrival in Havana and lodging in casas particulares. Farewell dinner at the emblematic La Guarida restaurant, famous as the filming location of the acclaimed Cuban movie Strawberry and Chocolate.

    Distance: 365 kms (4:30 hrs)

    TOPES DE COLLANTES - CIENFUEGOS - HAVANA.Tomas Terry theater panoramic view, Cienfuegos city, Cuba.José Martí central park panoramic view, Cienfuegos city, Cuba.

  8. DIA 8HAVANA.

    HAVANA Modern car or microbus

    Breakfast. Private transfer to José Martí Airport according to flight schedule.

    End of services.

    Monument to the 8 Medical Students panoramic view, Old Havana, Havana, Cuba.Monument of General Maximo Gomez panoramic view, Old Havana, Havana, Cuba.San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress panoramic view, Old Havana, Havana, Cuba.
Available Options
Adults
13+ years
1
Children
13+ years
0