Cuban Trogan. Photo by Alvaro's Adventures.
Cuba: Unbeatable History and Diversity
April 5 to 16, 2025
Above (L to R): Blue-headed Quail-Dove; Cuban Tody. Photos by Alvaro's Adventures.
Birds Georgia Leader: Adam Betuel, Director of Conservation
Local Guides: Alvaro Jaramillo (Alvaro’s Adventures & Life List Podcast) and Arturo Kirkconnell (Bird curator at the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba and co-author of the Birds of Cuba)
Group Size: 12 people (can be run with a smaller group at an elevated price)
Birds Georgia Member Price:: $6,730*
Nonmember Price: $6,780* (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $550/person
*Based on double occupancy. See more details below if traveling solo
Questions? Please email Adam Betuel.
To many Americans, Cuba is a paradox. It is close (famously only 90 miles from the U.S.) yet it often feels distant. Cuba's culture and history are deeply intertwined with our own, while also being framed as something drastically different. It has plenty of issues while also producing world famous food, music, art, cigars, and people. On top of that, it is the most diverse of all the Caribbean Islands, hosting 28 endemic species of birds. There really is no place like it!
While on this trip, we have the chance to find most of Cuba's endemic birds, during our visit to the West, the Zapata Swamp, and the northern Archipelago. While surveying for birds, we will have the chance to see and talk about the country's human history as well as its evolutionary history. As scientists study the Caribbean in detail, they are finding that some of its birds and other wildlife derive from older lineages than those found on the mainland. These islands are natural laboratories, but also natural museums, which have been carrying members of otherwise long extinct avifaunas that at one point flourished on the mainland. Visiting Cuba is like having a window to the past. This is a survey trip that aims to gather information on Cuban birds, to sample its diversity, to interact with Cuban birders, biologists, locals, and to learn about the importance of Cuba in understanding New World birds. It is a truly interesting, diverse, and exceptional nation to visit!
Our bird survey program, led by conservation director Adam Betuel, joins biologist, author, and guide Alvaro Jaramillo with Cuban expert Arturo Kirkconnell in a delightful visit to sample and survey the birds of Cuba, meet the Cuban people, and support ongoing conservation on the island. We will be supporting the work of Cuban ornithologist Arturo Kirkconnell, which includes a published annotated summary of the birds of Cuba, as well as a recently published photographic field guide. You will be escorted through a full itinerary of events during your time in Cuba, adhering to the rules set forth by the Department of Treasury’s General License to visit Cuba.
Local Guides: Alvaro Jaramillo (Alvaro’s Adventures & Life List Podcast) and Arturo Kirkconnell (Bird curator at the National Museum of Natural History of Cuba and co-author of the Birds of Cuba)
Group Size: 12 people (can be run with a smaller group at an elevated price)
Birds Georgia Member Price:: $6,730*
Nonmember Price: $6,780* (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $550/person
*Based on double occupancy. See more details below if traveling solo
Questions? Please email Adam Betuel.
To many Americans, Cuba is a paradox. It is close (famously only 90 miles from the U.S.) yet it often feels distant. Cuba's culture and history are deeply intertwined with our own, while also being framed as something drastically different. It has plenty of issues while also producing world famous food, music, art, cigars, and people. On top of that, it is the most diverse of all the Caribbean Islands, hosting 28 endemic species of birds. There really is no place like it!
While on this trip, we have the chance to find most of Cuba's endemic birds, during our visit to the West, the Zapata Swamp, and the northern Archipelago. While surveying for birds, we will have the chance to see and talk about the country's human history as well as its evolutionary history. As scientists study the Caribbean in detail, they are finding that some of its birds and other wildlife derive from older lineages than those found on the mainland. These islands are natural laboratories, but also natural museums, which have been carrying members of otherwise long extinct avifaunas that at one point flourished on the mainland. Visiting Cuba is like having a window to the past. This is a survey trip that aims to gather information on Cuban birds, to sample its diversity, to interact with Cuban birders, biologists, locals, and to learn about the importance of Cuba in understanding New World birds. It is a truly interesting, diverse, and exceptional nation to visit!
Our bird survey program, led by conservation director Adam Betuel, joins biologist, author, and guide Alvaro Jaramillo with Cuban expert Arturo Kirkconnell in a delightful visit to sample and survey the birds of Cuba, meet the Cuban people, and support ongoing conservation on the island. We will be supporting the work of Cuban ornithologist Arturo Kirkconnell, which includes a published annotated summary of the birds of Cuba, as well as a recently published photographic field guide. You will be escorted through a full itinerary of events during your time in Cuba, adhering to the rules set forth by the Department of Treasury’s General License to visit Cuba.
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
Questions? Please contact Adam Betuel by email for quickest response.
Lodging Note: Tour price is based on double occupancy. Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
Lodging Note: Tour price is based on double occupancy. Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
Trip overview
Click on each day for more information.
Day 1: Arrive in Camaguey (Apr 5)
Here we go! Flights will depart from Miami and head just a bit over 90 miles where we will find the eastern portion of Cuba. Our starting location will be the incredible city of Camaguey, laid out in a complex pattern. Why? Well, to confuse marauding pirates, over hundreds of years. It is a city rich in history, and while we are here, we will have some chances to enjoy a bit of the history of this special city, and the farthest east we will reach in Cuba.
Night in Camaguey.
Night in Camaguey.
Day 2: Birding Najasa (Apr 6)
Approximately an hour away from the city of Camaguey, is the birding site of Najasa. The area is a mix of agricultural land, open forest, and palm groves. It is in these palm groves that we can find one of the local specialties, the Cuban Palm Crow alongside the more common Cuban Crow. Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Parrot and the rare Plain Pigeon are found here, as well as the superb Giant Kingbird. Being the first day out in the field in Cuba, we will see lots of diversity today, much of it new! This will be an early morning departure.
Night in Camaguey.
Night in Camaguey.
Day 3: Travel to Cayo Coco (Apr 7)
Today we will drive several hours to the north and west, to the Cayo Coco area, on the north shore of the country. This area is known for its stunning beaches and crystal blue waters. That being said, the bird life here is nothing to ignore and the island is even named after the White Ibis, locally called the “Coco” or Coconut bird. If time is on our side, we spend some time in the afternoon beginning to look for some of the local specialties.
Night in Morón.
Night in Morón.
Day 4: Cayo Coco (Apr 8)
There are several cays (cayos) connected by various bridges and causeways to Cayo Coco. Despite how gorgeous the area and its beaches are, development continues to expand in the region, and some of the most unique habitat is under great threat. Still, there are areas here which share a clear avifaunal affinity to the Bahamas, with tiny populations of Thick-billed Vireo and Bahama Mockingbird. This is a great part of Cuba to look for the Cuban Gnatcatcher, in addition to an endemic race of the Zapata Sparrow, both which will be targets of ours. This coastal area can be outstanding for shorebirds as well as wintering gulls and terns, herons and other waders, and migrant warblers.
Night in Morón.
Night in Morón.
Day 5: Cayo Coco to Trinidad (Apr 9)
We will have one last morning to bird the Cayo Coco area and enjoy its classic Caribbean views, perhaps to fill in any gaps we have on our list. The pale headed resident form of the Osprey is a unique possibility, and we will look for “Great White Heron” along with the Cuban form of Northern Flicker. During the afternoon, we have a travel period, working our way to the southwest toward the city of Trinidad. We will only have a bit of time in the gorgeous city of Trinidad, a cultural highlight with its colorful houses and unique history.
Night in Trinidad.
Night in Trinidad.
Day 6: The Zapata area (Apr 10)
The morning hours may be spent birding locally around Trinidad depending on recent sightings before we depart for the Zapata area. The plan is to arrive relatively early in Zapata so we can begin our birding today in one of Cuba’s most famous wildlife destinations.
Overnight in Playa Larga.
Overnight in Playa Larga.
Day 7-8: Zapata (Apr 11-12)
We have two full days in the Zapata area, allowing us to look for a wide variety of great birds which are found here. Many of them are specialties or endemics. The treats we will be on the lookout for include the Zapata Wren, Zapata Sparrow, Bare-legged Owl, Fernandina’s Flicker, Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Gray-headed Quail-Dove, Cuban Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Parrot, Cuban Parakeet, among many others. We have a chance here to find Stygian Owl, either at a day roost or at night, given some luck. We will have some fun times in Zapata, it is a wonderful part of Cuba!
Overnight in Playa Larga.
Overnight in Playa Larga.
Day 9: Zapata to Viñales (Apr 13)
We depart Zapata and drive several hours west past Havana to the Viñales area today. This is the western and mountainous part of Cuba, and it is also a visually stunning area of Karst topography and old limestone mountains. By this time in the tour we should have seen a great proportion of Cuba’s specialties, but in the West, we will have the quest of finding the finest singer of Cuba, the Cuban Solitaire. This is also an area where Great Lizard-Cuckoo, Cuban Oriole, and various other endemics can be common also. We will be on the lookout for the Cuban Grassquit here in the west as well, a species that can be difficult due to what it has suffered in the hands of the pet trade.
Night in Viñales.
Night in Viñales.
Day 10: Viñales to Havanna (Apr 14)
This will be a mop up day if we have not found all of our target species, perhaps a day we can enjoy the scenery and landscape before we drive back to Havana. On our route we can make some stops at roadside lakes where terns, ducks and other migratory birds may be present.
Night in Havana.
Night in Havana.
Day 11: Havana (Apr 15)
Cultural and history day in Old Havana. We will spend the entire day walking in the Old City with a cultural guide who will give us the background and history of this evocative, amazing, and unique city.
Night in Havana.
Night in Havana.
Day 12: Time to head home (Apr 16)
Today we transfer you to the Havana airport and get you safely on your way home. There are currently multiple flights back to Miami from Havana.
Number of bird species expected: 125 to 150
Target Species: Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, Yellow-headed Warbler, Oriente Warbler, Cuban Nightjar; Cuban Pygmy Owl; Bare-legged (Cuban) Screech Owl, Stygian Owl, Grey-fronted Quail-Dove, Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Fernandina’s Flicker, Cuban Vireo, Thick-billed Vireo, Cuban Palm Crow, Cuban Oriole, Giant Kingbird, Cuban Solitaire, Cuban Grassquit, Cuban Bullfinch, Tawny-shouldered Blackbird, Red-shouldered Blackbird, Cuban Gnatcatcher, Zapata Wren, Zapata Sparrow, Gundlach’s Hawk (rare), and more!
Target Species: Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, Yellow-headed Warbler, Oriente Warbler, Cuban Nightjar; Cuban Pygmy Owl; Bare-legged (Cuban) Screech Owl, Stygian Owl, Grey-fronted Quail-Dove, Blue-headed Quail-Dove, Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Fernandina’s Flicker, Cuban Vireo, Thick-billed Vireo, Cuban Palm Crow, Cuban Oriole, Giant Kingbird, Cuban Solitaire, Cuban Grassquit, Cuban Bullfinch, Tawny-shouldered Blackbird, Red-shouldered Blackbird, Cuban Gnatcatcher, Zapata Wren, Zapata Sparrow, Gundlach’s Hawk (rare), and more!
Above (L to R): Cuban Black Hawk; Cuban Gnatcatcher, by Doug Bruce: Cuban Tody, by Luis Avalos.
Additional Details
Price Includes:
Price does not include:
Payments:
1. $500.00 due to reserve spot on trip.
2. Half of cost (less $500) due by October 4, 2024
3. Full payment must be made by December 6, 2024
*The final payment would include your single supplement payment if applicable
Cancellation Policy: If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by October 4, 2024 a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between October 5, 2024 and November 6, 2024 a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given less any non-refundable payments made to the local company. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
- Two expert birding tour leaders (Alvaro Jaramillo & Arturo Kirkconnell) and a co-leader from Birds Georgia (Conservation Director Adam Betuel).
- Accommodations in all destinations. A non-shared room is available for an additional fee. *****
- All transportation during the trip including pick-up and drop-off at the airport
- All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 12.
- All entrance fees to parks and preserves or other locales
- Tips for baggage handling and meals
- Taxes
Price does not include:
- Costs of obtaining passports
- International airfare and any accompanying baggage fees
- Snacks, beverages, room service, or sightseeing not specified in itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs
- Laundry
- Travel insurance (required – See Important Information section below)
- Medical costs and any testing should it be required
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (could amount to a few hundred USD)
- Personal communications
- Extra costs associated with unexpected route changes
- Any other incidentals that participants may wish to purchase
Payments:
1. $500.00 due to reserve spot on trip.
2. Half of cost (less $500) due by October 4, 2024
3. Full payment must be made by December 6, 2024
*The final payment would include your single supplement payment if applicable
Cancellation Policy: If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by October 4, 2024 a refund of all payments made will be given (less a $50 administrative and all credit card fees). If notice of cancellation is received between October 5, 2024 and November 6, 2024 a 50% refund of the fees paid to date will be given unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a full refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a refund will be given less any non-refundable payments made to the local company. Please contact Adam Betuel if you have any questions regarding the non-refundable payment schedule.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Birds Georgia Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
Important Information
Travel in Cuba:
In general, roads and tourist transportation are very good in Cuba, but other infrastructure sometimes is substandard. Many hotels are past their prime, and although clean and often with wonderful and helpful staff, they are not to the levels expected by foreign travelers. One has to be prepared for this and note that the Cuban experience, great staff, ambience and otherwise more than makes up for what is lacking in accommodation. In order to increase comfort and the contact we have with local Cubans, where possible we will be staying at privately run B & B type accommodation (Casas Privadas). These private ventures, which we are happy to support, are more comfortable, and better run than the larger hotels. They also give us the chance to support and further enhance contact with the Cuban people. Similarly, we will visit private restaurants where usually the food is more varied than what you could find at a hotel. This may mean that the group will divide into various homes within a block radius for a meal, rather than be in a central hotel. We will be close by, and guides will always be available if there are any issues. This may not be what you are accustomed to in a bird survey trip, but in previous experiences we have found that this not only works, but it is also a net plus to understanding Cuba, and enriching the experience for you and the Cuban people.
Documentation and visitation:
Suffice it to say that while Cuba is now easier to visit for U.S. travelers, there are various aspects to consider and recently some regulations have changed. First, straight tourism travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens is not allowed, but visits can be licensed if the travel falls under 12 distinct categories. Visits as an individual are not allowed, but group travel under the 12 categories is allowed. Our survey trip falls under one of these 12 categories. General licenses for visits to Cuba are possible under the rules set forth by OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control), and we will help lead you through the details of the license. One does not have to apply for the license, but the trip does have to follow the rules set forth by OFAC. There are various provisions we will adhere to, including a full and complete itinerary of activities that fill the requirements of the General License. The rules were changed in the last few years, and this trip adheres to these new and stricter rules.
For entry to Cuba a current passport valid three months beyond the date of your return is necessary for US citizens to enter Cuba. Furthermore, to enter Cuba you require a Cuban Tourist Card (often mistakenly called a Visa, although the Cuban Visa is a different document). We will facilitate obtaining the Cuban Tourist Card, it can be ordered online, and now most airlines offer the service directly when you purchase the ticket, or at the Cuban gateway airport (Miami for American Airlines). Cost of the Cuban Tourist Card is approximately $85 and is not included in the price of the trip.
If you are not a US citizen, please check with the Cuban consulate nearest you for entry requirements. Information about consulates and entry requirements is generally available online or phone or e-mail Adam Betuel and he can help find the relevant details. Passports should have an adequate number of blank pages for the entire journey, Cuba generally asks for two pages for entry and exit stamp.
TRIP CANCELLATION & MEDICAL EMERGENCY INSURANCE:
*** Note ***** The Cuban government requires visitors to buy medical insurance to enter Cuba. The airlines include it within their ticket price. American Airlines notes that it is available through them for a $25 fee added to your ticket price. This is done automatically. You may want to double check:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/international-travel/cuba.jsp
Similarly, Jet Blue offers the medical insurance included in the ticket price. Note that Jet Blue flies in and out of Havana, but not Camaguey. But you may be able to buy a mixed airline ticket if Jet Blue is best for most of your flight.
https://www.jetblue.com/flights/cuba/
This insurance is provided by Esiscuba and as we gather, is automatic when one is in Cuba and flew in on the major airlines. So you do not get a number or other details. The information here is in Spanish, but google translate may help to read the following:
http://www.esicuba.cu/nuestros-seguros/personas.html
Below are our standard details on Trip Cancellation and Medical Emergency Insurance. If you do purchase, make sure the company covers Cuba.
While there may be others that cover Cuba, Allianz does offer coverage in Cuba. https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
World Nomads apparently also covers Cuba. https://www.worldnomads.com/
See details here - https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs
We strongly recommend you consider purchasing trip cancellation (including medical emergency) insurance to cover your investment in case of injury or illness to you or your family prior to or during a trip. Please review again the above state cancellation information. In addition, the Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Furthermore, U.Ss Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur.
Pace/Physical Difficulty:
The trip itself is not highly taxing. Most birding is done on flat areas, on broad trails, or roadside. We may encounter some trails in limestone dominated sites where the footing may be uneven. We do not expect any major climbs or difficult hikes. Note that to be out in the best hours of the day, early breakfast is a must and thus, early starts. It can get hot in Cuba, although cooler in April than it is in summer. However, be prepared for long days out in the field, starting reasonably early in the morning so we can get a good day in looking for birds. Travel days can be lengthy, with drives as long as 5 hours or so. We will stop and break up drives whenever we can to stretch legs, eat or get a snack. Whenever possible a post lunch rest time will be scheduled. If it has been wet, there may be some mosquitos in the Zapata area, but not a major issue if you have repellent.
Dietary Restrictions:
All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions. However, at some points during this trip, dining options will likely be limited. Please contact Adam Betuel by email to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue.
Money:
Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (roughly 24 to 1 USD – April 2024). Dollars may be accepted at select locations but are not typically widely accepted. U.S. cards are NOT accepted in Cuba. Adam Betuel can give you more details on currency. Exchanging dollars with local guides will be the preferred option.
Communications:
Communications are always an issue in Cuba and it shifts a bit year to year. In the past, getting online was difficult and this has become easier over time. Cell capabailities vary widely depending on the company. Coverage can also be spotty. Purchasing a local SIM card or an eSim card may be options. As the trip approaches, Adam will supply options for different carries and/or will work with you to see what the options may be. Be prepared to have limited phone/WiFi capabilities at times during the trip.
Flights:
Plan to arrive in Camaguey on April 5, 2025. American Airlines currently arrives in the morning. If you choose to arrive a day early, we can help arrange accommodation. Be sure to check with Adam Betuel to confirm that the flights you have chosen will work with our itinerary and to confirm that the tour is sufficiently subscribed to operate. Once purchased, most airline tickets are non-refundable and carry a penalty to change. We are not responsible for these fees. Plan on returning from Havana on Apr 16, 2025, at any time. Note that you may have to check out of the guest house by mid-morning or noon, so a morning or early afternoon flight is best. Adam will share his plans and make flight suggestions as soon as possible.
Tipping:
You may want to keep in mind tipping for our guides (Alvaro and Arturo) and possibly our driver(s). These are of course optional. You can find information on tipping guides and drivers online but some recommendations are:
Photography:
Opportunities will be quite variable. Some habitats will be lush and forested which may make photography a bit more difficult. Additionally, we may be in some damp areas that could pose a risk to your equipment or limit visibility at times. However, we will visit multiple beaches, open coastal habitats, wetlands, and other open spaces where birds may be perched up for photos. It is important to remember this is a bird and nature watching trip, as well as a historical tour, and not strictly a photography trip. We will slow for photos when appropriate but in general, we will keep a pace best for bird surveying.
Climate:
It is likely to be warm and sunny throughout the trip. With Cuba being an island, breezes are common, making the conditions more comfortable. Highs are likely to be in the 80s with lows dipping down to upper 60s or low 70s.
Bugs:
Could be highly variable. Unlikely to be debilitating but there could be biting insects, especially around the Zapata Swamp. Coastal stops may not be buggy at all. Bug spray is worth bringing.
Transportation/Seating:
The group will be in a large van/bus (24 passenger capacity) for most of the trip. It will provide plenty of room for our group. A seating rotation will be implemented to make sure people have an opportunity to sit in various spots on the bus. If you struggle with sitting in the back or get motion sickness, come prepared. Your Birds Georgia guide (Adam) may stay in the front row to maintain conversation with the local guides and the driver. If you cannot abide by the seat rotation, please do not register.
Electricity
In Cuba they use a Type B, 3 pin North American plugs as in the USA. Most outlets may have only the Type A, 2 pin North American plugs. The frequency is 60 Hz and the voltage is 110V (same as the USA), though in rural areas the voltage can fluctuate. Power outages and voltage fluctuations are relatively common and should be anticipated.
In general, roads and tourist transportation are very good in Cuba, but other infrastructure sometimes is substandard. Many hotels are past their prime, and although clean and often with wonderful and helpful staff, they are not to the levels expected by foreign travelers. One has to be prepared for this and note that the Cuban experience, great staff, ambience and otherwise more than makes up for what is lacking in accommodation. In order to increase comfort and the contact we have with local Cubans, where possible we will be staying at privately run B & B type accommodation (Casas Privadas). These private ventures, which we are happy to support, are more comfortable, and better run than the larger hotels. They also give us the chance to support and further enhance contact with the Cuban people. Similarly, we will visit private restaurants where usually the food is more varied than what you could find at a hotel. This may mean that the group will divide into various homes within a block radius for a meal, rather than be in a central hotel. We will be close by, and guides will always be available if there are any issues. This may not be what you are accustomed to in a bird survey trip, but in previous experiences we have found that this not only works, but it is also a net plus to understanding Cuba, and enriching the experience for you and the Cuban people.
Documentation and visitation:
Suffice it to say that while Cuba is now easier to visit for U.S. travelers, there are various aspects to consider and recently some regulations have changed. First, straight tourism travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens is not allowed, but visits can be licensed if the travel falls under 12 distinct categories. Visits as an individual are not allowed, but group travel under the 12 categories is allowed. Our survey trip falls under one of these 12 categories. General licenses for visits to Cuba are possible under the rules set forth by OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control), and we will help lead you through the details of the license. One does not have to apply for the license, but the trip does have to follow the rules set forth by OFAC. There are various provisions we will adhere to, including a full and complete itinerary of activities that fill the requirements of the General License. The rules were changed in the last few years, and this trip adheres to these new and stricter rules.
For entry to Cuba a current passport valid three months beyond the date of your return is necessary for US citizens to enter Cuba. Furthermore, to enter Cuba you require a Cuban Tourist Card (often mistakenly called a Visa, although the Cuban Visa is a different document). We will facilitate obtaining the Cuban Tourist Card, it can be ordered online, and now most airlines offer the service directly when you purchase the ticket, or at the Cuban gateway airport (Miami for American Airlines). Cost of the Cuban Tourist Card is approximately $85 and is not included in the price of the trip.
If you are not a US citizen, please check with the Cuban consulate nearest you for entry requirements. Information about consulates and entry requirements is generally available online or phone or e-mail Adam Betuel and he can help find the relevant details. Passports should have an adequate number of blank pages for the entire journey, Cuba generally asks for two pages for entry and exit stamp.
TRIP CANCELLATION & MEDICAL EMERGENCY INSURANCE:
*** Note ***** The Cuban government requires visitors to buy medical insurance to enter Cuba. The airlines include it within their ticket price. American Airlines notes that it is available through them for a $25 fee added to your ticket price. This is done automatically. You may want to double check:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/international-travel/cuba.jsp
Similarly, Jet Blue offers the medical insurance included in the ticket price. Note that Jet Blue flies in and out of Havana, but not Camaguey. But you may be able to buy a mixed airline ticket if Jet Blue is best for most of your flight.
https://www.jetblue.com/flights/cuba/
This insurance is provided by Esiscuba and as we gather, is automatic when one is in Cuba and flew in on the major airlines. So you do not get a number or other details. The information here is in Spanish, but google translate may help to read the following:
http://www.esicuba.cu/nuestros-seguros/personas.html
Below are our standard details on Trip Cancellation and Medical Emergency Insurance. If you do purchase, make sure the company covers Cuba.
While there may be others that cover Cuba, Allianz does offer coverage in Cuba. https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/
World Nomads apparently also covers Cuba. https://www.worldnomads.com/
See details here - https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs
We strongly recommend you consider purchasing trip cancellation (including medical emergency) insurance to cover your investment in case of injury or illness to you or your family prior to or during a trip. Please review again the above state cancellation information. In addition, the Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Furthermore, U.Ss Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur.
Pace/Physical Difficulty:
The trip itself is not highly taxing. Most birding is done on flat areas, on broad trails, or roadside. We may encounter some trails in limestone dominated sites where the footing may be uneven. We do not expect any major climbs or difficult hikes. Note that to be out in the best hours of the day, early breakfast is a must and thus, early starts. It can get hot in Cuba, although cooler in April than it is in summer. However, be prepared for long days out in the field, starting reasonably early in the morning so we can get a good day in looking for birds. Travel days can be lengthy, with drives as long as 5 hours or so. We will stop and break up drives whenever we can to stretch legs, eat or get a snack. Whenever possible a post lunch rest time will be scheduled. If it has been wet, there may be some mosquitos in the Zapata area, but not a major issue if you have repellent.
Dietary Restrictions:
All efforts will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions. However, at some points during this trip, dining options will likely be limited. Please contact Adam Betuel by email to discuss your needs before registering if you think there could be an issue.
Money:
Cuba uses the Cuban Peso (roughly 24 to 1 USD – April 2024). Dollars may be accepted at select locations but are not typically widely accepted. U.S. cards are NOT accepted in Cuba. Adam Betuel can give you more details on currency. Exchanging dollars with local guides will be the preferred option.
Communications:
Communications are always an issue in Cuba and it shifts a bit year to year. In the past, getting online was difficult and this has become easier over time. Cell capabailities vary widely depending on the company. Coverage can also be spotty. Purchasing a local SIM card or an eSim card may be options. As the trip approaches, Adam will supply options for different carries and/or will work with you to see what the options may be. Be prepared to have limited phone/WiFi capabilities at times during the trip.
Flights:
Plan to arrive in Camaguey on April 5, 2025. American Airlines currently arrives in the morning. If you choose to arrive a day early, we can help arrange accommodation. Be sure to check with Adam Betuel to confirm that the flights you have chosen will work with our itinerary and to confirm that the tour is sufficiently subscribed to operate. Once purchased, most airline tickets are non-refundable and carry a penalty to change. We are not responsible for these fees. Plan on returning from Havana on Apr 16, 2025, at any time. Note that you may have to check out of the guest house by mid-morning or noon, so a morning or early afternoon flight is best. Adam will share his plans and make flight suggestions as soon as possible.
Tipping:
You may want to keep in mind tipping for our guides (Alvaro and Arturo) and possibly our driver(s). These are of course optional. You can find information on tipping guides and drivers online but some recommendations are:
- Main guides - $10 to $20 USD per day
- Driver - $5 per day
Photography:
Opportunities will be quite variable. Some habitats will be lush and forested which may make photography a bit more difficult. Additionally, we may be in some damp areas that could pose a risk to your equipment or limit visibility at times. However, we will visit multiple beaches, open coastal habitats, wetlands, and other open spaces where birds may be perched up for photos. It is important to remember this is a bird and nature watching trip, as well as a historical tour, and not strictly a photography trip. We will slow for photos when appropriate but in general, we will keep a pace best for bird surveying.
Climate:
It is likely to be warm and sunny throughout the trip. With Cuba being an island, breezes are common, making the conditions more comfortable. Highs are likely to be in the 80s with lows dipping down to upper 60s or low 70s.
Bugs:
Could be highly variable. Unlikely to be debilitating but there could be biting insects, especially around the Zapata Swamp. Coastal stops may not be buggy at all. Bug spray is worth bringing.
Transportation/Seating:
The group will be in a large van/bus (24 passenger capacity) for most of the trip. It will provide plenty of room for our group. A seating rotation will be implemented to make sure people have an opportunity to sit in various spots on the bus. If you struggle with sitting in the back or get motion sickness, come prepared. Your Birds Georgia guide (Adam) may stay in the front row to maintain conversation with the local guides and the driver. If you cannot abide by the seat rotation, please do not register.
Electricity
In Cuba they use a Type B, 3 pin North American plugs as in the USA. Most outlets may have only the Type A, 2 pin North American plugs. The frequency is 60 Hz and the voltage is 110V (same as the USA), though in rural areas the voltage can fluctuate. Power outages and voltage fluctuations are relatively common and should be anticipated.
