February 2025

Wonder and discovery through Cuba’s unique protected reserves
Feb 4-17, 2025

Our February 2024 delegation was such a tremendous success that we decided to repeat it with some new additions. Will we succeed in beating our own record of total bird species sighted (over 120) or endemics (22)?

We designed this 14-day adventure for interested birders, curious conservationists and amateur ecologists who want to interact meaningfully with a variety of Cuban nature specialists, archaeologists, biologists, historians, and artists while offering support to Cuban civil society. Conservation and conversation come together to deepen our understanding of Cuba and the Cuban people.

Cuban Parrot- photo by Adrián Cobas

We will work together in support of Cuba’s national campaign to protect the environment while visiting uniquely beautiful, natural, and protected areas. Emphasis will be on gaining an appreciation of birds, nature, conservation, creative eco-tourism, and the work that Cuban naturalists are doing to protect and nourish the environment in Cuba.

We will engage in light hiking in protected areas with our Cuban friends who work in the private sector of conservation and avian research. We will also sample the new trends in creole and international cuisine with Cuba’s growing cuentapropistas (small, independent businesses).

The delegation will visit the UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserves of Las Terrazas; the beautiful Viñales Valley and National Park; the Ciénaga de Zapata, an immense swamp and nature habitat; the lovely Escambray Mountains; and, of course, Old Havana with its fascinating urban ecology.

Viñales National Park – photo by James Hill

Scheduled Itinerary

Feb 4, Day 1:
Find your way to TAMPA. Check in to designated hotel (TBA). Briefing meeting before, during and after dinner with U.S. tour leaders, Paul Baicich and Soledad Pagliuca.

Feb 5, Day 2:
Early morning shuttle to airport for SouthWest airlines Flt # (TBA) leaving Tampa at (TBA), arriving Havana at (TBA). Cuban ornithologist, Maikel Cañizares will meet us at the airport together with our Cuban driver Alcides, with a comfortable, medium-sized, air-conditioned bus. We will immediately head for Las Terrazas (51 Km), part of the Sierra del Rosario UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Birding stops along the way. Visit the open-air museum ruins of Angerona Coffee Plantation. Check in to the iconic Hotel Moka or Cuban-style B&Bs (home stay). Sunset nature stroll and bird watching around the hotel. Dinner at El Romero vegetarian restaurant.

Henry Alomá and his fantastical birds

Feb 6, Day 3:
Breakfast, and then onto the bus for multiple area stops looking for typical Cuban birds (especially endemics). First stop will be Soroa for the Orchid Garden and waterfalls. Lunch at Odalys Paladar. Late afternoon, return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. After dinner we have an optional visit on foot to the studio of Henry Alomá, well-known watercolor artist who specializes in bizarre renditions of birds and animals. Music back at the hotel bar.

Feb 7, Day 4: 
Check out and leave for Viñales (123 km.). Light lunch on the road. Check into B&Bs. Dinner at a private restaurant and conversation with Nils Navarro, leading Cuban ornithologist, artist, and author of The Endemic Birds of Cuba.

Feb 8, Day 5:
Early breakfast and very early drive to the Sendero de las Maravillas to visit some of Cuba’s endemic birds, palms, lizards, and snails (hike). Lunch at the Buena Vista Restaurant. Afternoon visit to a tobacco growing farm. Evening, explore colorful downtown Viñales for dinner together or on your own. Great music awaits.

Our fearless Cuban guides: Maikel, Rosendo, Ronel, and Adrián

Feb 9, Day 6:
Check out early and drive to Ciénaga de Zapata National Park (366 km, 5 hours) where we will meet local Cuban bird expert, Adrián Cobas, who will accompany us for the Zapata part of the trip. In Playa Larga visit the Patio de Adrián in Ana’s backyard for unique photographic opportunities such as the endemic Zunzuncito (Bee Hummingbird). Check in to our individual B&Bs, (very near each other) with Cuban families. Dinner at the Tiki restaurant with Rosendo Martínez, outstanding biologist, conservationist, and conversationalist who will give us an overview of the National Park System in Cuba.

Feb 10, Day 7:
Early morning drive to Bermejas. Search for endemic species: Bee Hummingbird, Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Grey-fronted Quail-Dove and others. Visit to the Finca Agroecológica Los Cocos in Bermejas for lunch. Then hike the Enigma de las Rocas to study the unique geologic formations and cool off with a swim in a beautiful limestone sinkhole ( cenote ). On to Playa Girón, site of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. Visit the small, but informative museum. Return to Playa Larga for dinner at the home of one of our gracious hosts.

Feb 11, Day 8:
Early breakfast and then morning excursion to Santo Tomás to visit some of the Zapata Swamp’s exquisite tributaries by small pole boats and search for the elusive Zapata Wren and the Zapata Sparrow among other birds. Sunset visit to Las Salinas with Adrián who will help us spot long-legged waders, raptors (e.g., Cuban Black-Hawk), shorebirds, and maybe even a crocodile or two.

Feb 12, Day 9:
Breakfast at home. Visit Maikel’s neighborhood for birding opportunities. Lunch with Maria and her family in a rural setting. Meet with community cooperatives working in the arts, gardening, and conservation. Afternoon free to explore the town or take a swim. Evening good-bye group dinner with our local Cuban friends.

Feb 13, Day 10: 
Very early breakfast and check out. Leave for Topes de Collantes in the Escambray Mountain range (187 Km, 3 hours). Afternoon hike in the pleasant micro climate of the hills among rock formations, streams, falls, and natural pools, along with interesting vegetation. Dinner in private restaurant.

Hiking trail in the Escambray mountains

Feb 14, Day 11: Early morning bird watching opportunities in different nature-reserve locations and exploration throughout the day. Emphasis on endemics and Neotropical migrants. Lunch in the field. Overnight on site.

Entrance to the Bay of Havana

Feb 15, Day 12:
Havana (320 Km, 4.5 hours). Lunch on the way. Visit the Havana Botanical Gardens and explore the grounds. Chance for Eastern (Cuban) Meadowlark. Stop briefly at the University of Havana to visit the small natural history museum with biologists, Lourdes Mugica and Alieny González, Cuban ornithologists and professors at the University. Sunset cocktails at Hotel Nacional. Check in to our apartments in La Habana Vieja , with great views of the fort, entrance to the bay, and the famous bay promenade, the Malecón. Dinner at Cinco Esquinas restaurant.

Kamyl Bullaudy in his home studio

Feb 16, Day 13: 
Breakfast at Cafe del Angel. Then, visit Kamyl Bullaudy’s art studio right next door. Walking tour of Old Havana with historian and Martí scholar, Rubén Javier Pérez. Visit Plaza de Armas; Government House; San Geronimo University; Cathedral Plaza; visit Julio Larramendi art gallery; Plaza San Francisco; Plaza Nueva and more. Lunch at Lamparilla #361. Afternoon guided visit at The National Museum of Cuban Art. Optional concert or ballet at the Alicia Alonso National Theatre. Dinner at Beirut middle eastern restaurant.

Feb 17, Day 14:
Breakfast and final look around Havana. SouthWest Airlines flight TBA departure TBA arriving Tampa TBA.

Hasta pronto!

Purpose and goals:

This delegation is in support of the Cuban people as permitted by the U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). We have an intense itinerary with a strong focus on meaningful interaction with our Cuban counterparts through formal and informal meetings. Each participant is obligated to keep records for possible review by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Our goal is to help you understand more about conservation in Cuba, especially in regard to the environment, endangered species, birds, and nature in general, while offering support to Cuban civil society. Another goal is to assist our independent Cuban naturalist colleagues in their work. The delegation will bring optics, feeders, books, and educational materials to Cuba.

Trip Leaders:

Along with our encounters with impressive Cuban colleagues throughout the trip, you will be assisted every day by Soledad Pagliuca, experienced traveler, cultural interlocutor, and bilingual tour leader from The Friendship Association, and Paul Baicich, bird conservationist, author, and seasoned bird guide. Both have led delegations to Cuba multiple times, with an abundance of varied experiences. 

Cost:

$3,800 (per person, double occupancy)
Add $650 for single supplement (if available).

Included: membership in the Friendship Association; air transportation to and from Cuba from Miami; medical insurance in Cuba; all transportation within Cuba; all hotels and bed and breakfasts; all group meals in Cuba; restaurant tips; entrance fees; and tour guides. Since people’s drinking habits vary greatly, to be fair, participants are responsible for all their own drinks, except bottled water.

Not included: dinner and overnight in Miami; Cuban visa; transportation within the U.S.; personal tips such as those for Cuban guides, drivers, housekeepers, and porters; drinks other than water; extra suitcases and overweight; travel insurance.

Old Havana street

Payment schedule:

$500 deposit due with application. $1,500 due October 01, 2024
$1,800 (or $2,450 for single occupancy – if available) due November 30, 2024. Also of importance:

E-mail or snail mail a COLOR copy of your signed passport, application form, and release from liability.

Because Cuba is currently in the midst of socio-economic difficulties, all dates, activities, and even costs are subject to change.

Deposits can be sent by Zelle to 904 808 2030, or send a check to:

For more information about Cuban fauna and flora, contact: Paul Baicich: 443 745-5179
For trip logistics, contact: Soledad Pagliuca(anytime) 904 808-2030 (after September 5)

All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark. If you cancel before one month from departure, you will receive a refund of 50% of the payment you have made so far (excluding the non-refundable deposit of $500). If you cancel after the last payment date you will lose your entire amount. Leaving a delegation in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds can be made for any unused portions of the trip. We reserve the right to cancel any delegation for good-faith concerns with respect to the safety, health, or welfare of the participants, major political shifts from either or both governments, or international health crises. If canceled prior to departure, you will be eligible for a full refund except for money already dispersed that may be non-refundable. The Friendship Association cannot be responsible for missed connections to and from Cuba for any reason.

The work of the Friendship Association is made possible through your support.  Please consider making a donation to help us move forward.

We also receive payments (and donations) by bank transfer via Zelle to either aimisoledad@gmail.com or to 904 808 2030 – either goes to The Friendship Association.

Best wishes,

Soledad Pagliuca
Project Director