CTG BIRDING TOURS
Eastern (Oriente) Cuba
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
PRICES FROM: $3.980 USD Per Person
DAY 1
US - Santiago de Cuba
- Depending on the time of arrive in Santiago de Cuba, visit a fern and orchid garden which is full of birds, a sheer delight and a great antidote to travel.
- Visit an internationally acclaimed fern and orchid garden with the most complete collection of tropical ferns in the Americas. The collection numbers some 3000 ferns and over 300 exotic and indigenous orchids. This is the life of the Director of the Institute which has created over the past 30 years.
- Night stay in Carisol Los Corales Hotel (all included)
DAY 2
Santiago de Cuba
- Early morning start with packed breakfast and a snack.
- Take a swim in a local beach, walk along a local beach and cliffs or take time to sit and realax on a splendid veranda.
- Visit the gardens in the surrounding area, a favorite haunt of humming birds.
- Early morning start to see the owls coming home.
- The dawn washes over the heavily forested slopes of the mountain side greet dawn on the top of the mountain, the best time to see both endemic and visiting birds is during the very early morning feeding. Butterflies are late risers so you have time to explore their habitats along with that of the amazingly colorful forest birds. You end the day near the coast, where thousands of bats make their perfectly timed exodus from their coast to the mountain side for fruit, nectar and pollen.
- Night in Carisol Los Corales Hotel (all included)
DAY 3
Santiago de Cuba
- Early morning start with packed breakfast and a snack.
- Greet the dawn and watch the birds feeding.
- Wetland Birding- This fresh water lake and its tidal channels are a haven for endemic and visiting water birds.
- The morning along the channels and cannel will net avid birders of species for their checklist.
- For those who just enjoy a wonderful journey there are fresh water dolphins, rare crocodiles, and neon-brilliant crabs.
- Early morning birding through the coast.
- Late morning visit to a garden.
- Late afternoon birding along the coastal strip completes the day.
- Night saty in Carisol Los Corales Hotel (all included)
DAY 4
Santiago de Cuba - Baracoa
- Early morning start with packed breakfast and a snack.
- Transfer to Baracoa enjoying the spectacular drive with lots of stops along the way for water and other birds and simply enjoying the splendid views.
- This early departure takes you through the surrounding mountains, into the small villages and farms of Secunda Front. Golden mists drift above the plume waving sugar cane, and royal palms sail on a sea of ​​clouds. A magical moment of every fresh day. The road winds along the coast, passing through Cuba’s desert, and through the small towns surrounded by farms benefiting from the new water sources and irrigation. The town of Baracoa was isolated from the rest of Cuba, except by sea, until the engineering feat of the Farola highway; Winding its way over precipitous slopes and vertiginous cliffs – the images of mountain upon mountain, and verdant valleys are a photographer’s delight. The highest point of the Farola crosses from the watershed of the Caribbean.
- Night stay at El Castillo Hotel (Breakfast and Dinner included)
DAY 5
Baracoa
- Early morning start with packed breakfast and a snack.
- Birding on the slopes of El Yunque. This massive table, first recorded by Columbus, and still not totally explored, dominates the views of the town. It’s almost vertical sides are clothed in tall trees, and dense tropical growth. Crystal clear waters tumble in waterfalls and rivers rush down to the sea. The unique structure of the mountain ranges on the north coast of this part of the island, and its physical isolation have provided unique eco-niches for flora and fauna alike. Receiving over 400 cms of rain a year makes this truly a paradise for all things living. This tour takes you around the lower slopes of El Yunque and into a nearby eco-reserve.
- Lunch is a barbeque on the banks of the river (bring your swimsuit), followed by afternoon birding near the black coral beach
- Night stay at El Castillo Hotel (Breakfast and Dinner included)
DAY 6
Baracoa
- Early morning start with packed breakfast and a snack.
- Birding Humbolt Park, created as a World Heritage park, this is the last known home of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. The park has a lot of different eco-zones; Scrub land, forested head waters, and dense mangrove coastal fringes, making it the perfect environment for birders and naturalists. Ornithologist led walks and a boat ride make for a full experience. This tour starts very early.
- Night stay at El Castillo Hotel (Breakfast and Dinner included)
DAY 7
Baracoa - HolguÃn
- Breakfast at El Castillo Hotel
- Transfer to Holguin by a north east route, a photographer’s delight in its wonderful contrast of the sea and the mountain
- Holguin arrival and accommodation at the Hotel Mirador de Maybe (dinner included).
DAY 7
HolguÃn - USA
- Breakfast at the Hotel Mirador de Maybe
- Transfer to Holguin International Airport for the return flight to the US.
What’s included
- Accommodations as detailed in itinerary
- Exclusive-guided programming, including; unique activities, access to Cuba’s famous places and private interaction with Cuba’s renowned experts
- Full-time experienced tour leader
- Full-time expert Cuban guide
- Meals while in Cuba, as delineated in itinerary
- Certification of travel to Cuba under the U.S. Department of the Treasury general license
- Small friendly groups of an average size of 15 pax
- All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events
- Flight package including; round-trip charter air from Miami to Havana, or other city in Cuba, Cuban visa, priority check-in at Miami International Airport, Cuban airport departure tax, and baggage fee for first checked bag
- All in-country ground transportation and airport transfers via luxury motor coach
- Private Cuban Driver
- Cuban health insurance
- 24 hour emergency customer service hotline
- Gratuities for luggage handling, restaurant service, and programmed activities throughout tour*
*Customary end-of-tour gratuities for the Cuban guide, driver, and tour leader are left to the guest’s discretion and should be based on your satisfaction with the level of service received.
What’s not included
- Pre-departure flights to and from Miami Florida US
- Pre-departure hotel in Miami Florida US
- Gratuity for tour guides and tour leaders
- Travel insurance