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Authentic Cuba Expert's Corner
Hello! I’m Bernie Solymar, and I kindly invite you to join our Cuba nature tours, an odyssey of the country's culture, agriculture, ecology and beautiful nature. We'll explore the historic cities of Havana and Trinidad, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves, tour organopónicos and visit with Cuban farmers, explore forests, caves and mountains, swim in mountain rivers, meet and talk with numerous Cuban experts in the fields of permaculture and conservation, partake in traditional local food dishes, enjoy some Cuban music, rum, and camaraderie, and much, much more. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions!
Contact Me
Havana Hotel Packages for the Havana Jazz Festival Tour
Accomodation:
This Cuba tour offers the following Cuban hotels and Casas Particulares (Private Homestays):

4-Star Hotel
Habana Libre

by Melia Hotels

4-Star Hotel
Trinidad del Mar

by Cubanacan Hotels

3-Star Hotel
Playa Larga

by Cubanacan Hotels

3-Star Hotel
Villa Soroa

by Cubanacan Hotels

3-Star Hotel
Los Jazmines

by Cubanacan Hotels
Destinations:
This Cuba tour travels to the following Cuban destinations:

Old Havana
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Havana City

Trinidad
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central Cuba

Zapata
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Central Cuba

Vinales Valley
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Western Cuba
How to go to the Cuba from USA on Nature Tours
USA Cuba Tours & Travel
Tourism to Cuba from US is still prohibited by the US Cuba travel regulations. In other words, American visitors to Cuba cannot simply book an all inclusive “sun & beach” vacation and relax in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters of Cuba while sipping in mojitos like Canadians and most citizens of the world can. Educational and cultural exchanges in between the Cubans and the American visitors must be included in the itineraries.
Can Americans go to Cuba?
Cuba Study Tours & Travel to Cuba from USA
US Cuba Study Tours & Travel
Authentic Cuba Travel® offers universities, colleges and schools from US, Canada and all over the world the best study trips to Cuba.

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US Cuba Educational Tours & Travel
Educational Travel to Cuba should be more than sunbathing in beautiful Caribbean beaches while sipping cold tropical drinks.

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Cuba's Fire Festival

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Havana Art Biennial Cuba Tour

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Havana Jazz Festival

havana book fair

habano cigar festival

Cuba Nature Tours & Travel

Nature Cuba Tours & Travel Nature Trips to Cuba Bird Watching in Zapata Cuba Tocororo, Cuban Birding Tours USA Cuba Travel for US Schools USA Cuba Travel for US Organizations

Cuba Nature Tours & Travel for Wildlife Conservation Professionals and Environmental Professionals and Nature Enthusiasts!
From November 8 to 17, 2024



Travel to Peninsula de Zapata, Soroa, La Guira, Trinidad and Habana for $2,799!


Referral Discount: $100

Working under the auspices of Cuba’s foremost environmentalist and nature conservation organizations, Authentic Cuba Travel® gains access to the most pristine natural Cuban sites of this tropical paradise, from UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and National Parks to Protected Areas, and offers an unparalleled opportunity for nature lovers, bird watchers, naturalist, biologists, environmentalists and nature conservationist to witness the great biodiversity of the largest and most unspoiled island in the Greater Antilles.

This Authentic Cuba Travel® nature and bird watching eco tour gives the opportunity to exchange with Cuban world known ornithologists, birders, scientists and naturalists and to visit important research centers for the preservation of wildlife and exchange with Cuba’s most prestigious nature conservationist groups.

Add to your bird watching life-list 21 endemic Cuban bird species!



Take A Sneak Peak at the Cuban Destinations You Will Visit Outside Havana







Cuba’s diverse wildlife stems from its unique natural history. Cuba was not originally in the Caribbean Sea but in the Pacific Ocean, where the island was situated 100 million years ago, before the forces of continental drift slowly brought it into the Caribbean. As the island migrated over the ages, an astonishing variety of life arrived by air, sea, and possibly by land bridges that may have once existed. Over time, these animals adapted to their new environment.

Cuba is home to some of the most unusual creatures on earth, including the feisty Cuban crocodile, the world’s smallest bird and frog, and migrating land crabs.

This Cuba nature and eco tour is also a brilliant way of seeing the real Cuba; such a passionate and patriotic people have transformed this country into a very environmentally friendly place (Cuba is one of the few self sustainable countries in the world); partly because of the trade embargo, meaning that nearly everything the Cuban population uses is made and produced in Cuba and as a result is sustainable.

Please, check the day-by-day itinerary below. Welcome Aboard!

Notice to US Conservation Universities, Colleges and Schools with Forestry and Wildlife, Marine Ecosystems, Fisheries Ecology and Environmental Conservation Departments and Programs:



In January 2016, the US Government announced further enhancements to the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba that previously required a specific license (this is, lengthy applications to OFAC). Now travel to the Caribbean island is allowed under a general license (this is, self-completed paperwork with no application to OFAC needed).

After President Biden’s policy change on USA Cuba travel on June 9, 2022, the General License for Educational Activities remains in place. Accredited U.S. graduate or under graduate degree-granting institutions; U.S. Academic Institutions; and U.S. Schools can organize and sponsor an educational trip to Cuba for their students, faculty and staff under the General License for Educational Activities, provided that the trip meets OFAC guidelines; and that an employee or other representative of the organization escorts the trip to make sure such guidelines are followed by all participants.

US Conservation Universities, Colleges and Schools with Forestry and Wildlife, Marine Ecosystems, Fisheries Ecology and Environmental Conservation Departments and Programs; and other Academic Institutions from USA can organize and sponsor a trip to Cuba for educational activities. The purpose of the Cuba travel should be for:

_ the participation in a structured educational program offered for credit as part of a course of the sponsoring institution;

_ educational exchanges sponsored by Cuban or U.S. secondary schools involving secondary school students’ participation in a formal course of study or in a structured educational program offered by a secondary school or other academic institution, and led by a teacher or other secondary school official are authorized. This authorization allows for participation of a reasonable number of adult chaperones to accompany the secondary school students to Cuba.

_ attendance at non-commercial academic seminars, conferences and workshops related to Cuba sponsored or co-sponsored by U.S. academic institution.

_ non- commercial academic research related to Cuba for the purpose of obtaining a graduate or undergraduate degree;

_ the participation in a formal course of study at a Cuban academic institution provided that credits will be accepted toward the student’s graduate or undergraduate degree;

_ participation in a 10-week structured educational program in Cuba as part of a course offered at the U.S. institution;

_ participation in a formal 10-week course of study at a Cuban academic institution, provided the formal course of study in Cuba will be accepted for credit toward the student’s undergraduate or graduate degree at the U.S. institution;

We take care of all details both in North America and in Cuba, including VISA and flight arrangements to Cuba's main destinations via USA ports (Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, or other) or through third countries like Canada and Mexico. Authorized US organizations can travel through a third country subject to the same restrictions and requirements as those flying directly from USA.

At Authentic Cuba Travel®, we have been organizing such educational and cultural travel experiences from the United States of America for years with great success.


Notice to US Wildlife Environmental and Conservation Organizations, US Bird Conservancy Organizations, and other Environmental Organizations from USA:



US Wildlife Environmental and Conservation Organizations, US Bird Conservancy Organizations, and other Environmental Organizations from USA can organize a trip to Cuba under the provisions of the General License for Educational Activities, the General License for Group People-to-people Educational Travel, the General License for Support for the Cuban People, the General License for Professional Research, the General License for Semi-Professional & Amateur International Sports Competition, the General License for Humanitarian Projects, the General License for Activities of Private Foundations or Research or Educational Institutes among others. Certain conditions are to be met to comply with OFAC General License requirements for each category of USA Cuba travel though.

The mission of your organization and the objective of your trip to Cuba determine under what general license you can travel to Cuba legally. In general, most trips should consist of a full-time schedule of activities intended to promote the exchange with the ordinary citizens of Cuba. This full-time schedule must also include educational activities that result in meaningful interaction in between U.S and Cuban nationals. Free time in excess or regular tourists' activities are not permitted.

We take care of all details both in North America and in Cuba, including VISA and flight arrangements to Cuba's main destinations via USA ports (Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, or other) or through third countries like Canada and Mexico. Authorized US organizations can travel through a third country subject to the same restrictions and requirements as those flying directly from USA.

At Authentic Cuba Travel®, we have been organizing such educational and cultural travel experiences from the United States of America for years with great success. Call us and let us know more about your organization and we will provide guidance and assistance.

Not an environmental professional? Go to Cuba legally from USA



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  • Cuba Nature Tours & Travel
    Highlights & Quick Facts:


    • Travel to Topes de Collantes National Park.

    • Travel to UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sugar Mill Valley.

    • Travel to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Peninsula de Zapata.

    • UNESCO World Cultural Landscape Heritage Site, Vinales Valley.

    • Explore the Indian Cave in Vinales Valley.

    • Day Excursion to Cayo Levisa.

    • Bird Watching in La Guira National Park.

    • Soroa’s Orchid Garden, created by Cuban naturalist Camacho.

    • Relax by Soroa Waterfall or go bird watching!

    • Visit to Wildlife Breeding Centre in Zapata swamps.

    • Visit to Guama Crocodile Breeding Farm.

    • Guided tour of UNESCO Heritage Site, Havana Historical Centre.

    • Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad.

    • Alamar Organic Garden to learn about Cuba’s Urban Agriculture


    nature cuba tour, Organic Garden Alamar UBPC Organic Garden in Alamar, 15 miles east of old Havana. One of the most successful urban organic farms in Cuba selling ornamental plants, medicinal plants, and millions of vegetable transplants to surrounding residents and farmers. Provides training and fresh food for the area. This is a must see for anyone interested in Cuba’s Urban Agriculture, and Food Security.
    Trinidad, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cuba. Trinidad is an outstanding example of Cuba's colonial architecture. It has maintained its historic core, featuring the highest percentage of surviving antique buildings and public squares and bringing together architectural, historic and cultural elements of great value.
    Topes de Collantes National Park in the Escambray mountains in Central Cuba. Topes de Collantes National Park in the Escambray mountains in Central Cuba. A perfect place for encountering the Cuban Emerald (Chlorostilbon ricordii), Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus), Cuban Parrot (Amazono leucocephala), Fernandina’s Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae) and others.
    Peninsula de Zapata Biosphere Reserve in Central Cuba. Peninsula de Zapata Biosphere Reserve contains the largest wetlands in the Caribbean with blue-water beaches, forests, rivers, lakes, flooded caverns. Natural habitat to the Cuban crocodile, the jutia and 175 bird species.
    Cuba's nature displays the smallest of a number of animals, such as the tiny frog Monte Iberia Dwarf Eleuth (Eleutherodactylus iberia) only 0.3 inches long and exclusively found in some mountainous regions of eastern Cuba; the butterfly bat (Natalus lepidus), which is only 7 inches from wingtips and weighs just a couple of grams; and the endangered zunzuncito or bee humming bird (Mellisuga helenae) roughly 3 inches long. There is also a dwarf scorpion (Microtityus fundorai) between 0.3 and 0.7 inches long among males.
    Soroa’s Orchid Garden, Cuba. Soroa’s Orchid Garden, created by Cuban naturalist and lawyer Tomás Felipe Camacho, features a collection of 250 orchids endemic to the island, and over 700 from around the world, along with numerous species of exotic plants that thrive here thanks to the local climate. Today, there is also an Orchid Research Center belonging to the University of Pinar del Río.
    La Guira, natural habitat to bird species, Cuba. La Guira, natural habitat to bird species such as the Cuban Solitaire (Myadestes elisabeth), Cuban Bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra), Great Lizard Cuco (Saurothera merlini), Cuban Toddy (T. multicolour), Olive-capped warbler (Endroica pityophila), Green woodpecker (Picus viridis), Gundlachs hawk (Accipiter gundlachi) and others.
    Vinales Valley, Support for The Cuban People Tours & Travel Exploration of Viñales Valley, containing the most spectacular scenery in Cuba and some of the most interesting and varied geological formations on the island. The valley is particularly famous for its great freestanding rock formations called mogotes.
    Day 1. Friday 8 November 2024.
    Hello Cuba
    Map Cuba Nature Tour Arrival at "Jose Marti" International Airport in Cuba's capital city.

    Meet your Cuban tour guide and bus driver.

    Private transfer to your hotel Habana Libre Hotel located at Vedado neighbourhood the cultural center of Havana City.

    Group check-in.

    Breakfast is complimentary from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

    Cuba is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Cuba's ecosystems are among the richest and best preserved in the Caribbean. Cuba boasts more than 84 protected areas, making up almost 14% of the lands and 16% of the shelf, along with 6 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Cuba's flora is abundant and varied; it is estimated that the 110,992-square-kilometre archipelago contains almost 4% of all the world’s plant life.

    There are around 100 different palm trees in Cuba, of which 90 are endemic. The palma real or royal palm (Reistonea regia) reaching up to 40 meters tall is Cuba’s national tree. Other trees found in the island include oaks, cedars, flam- boyant trees, and the jaguey, a huge fig tree with aerial roots.

    The orchid family includes some 300 endemic species. There is one tiny orchid, Pleurothallis shaferi, which is only 1 cm, with leaves measuring 5 mm and flowers of only 2 mm. The mariposa or butterfly flower (Hedychium coronarium), a type of jasmine, is considered the national flower.
    Day 2. Saturday 9 November 2024.
    Explore Cuba's Urban Agriculture
    Morning: visit at this time the UBPC Organic Garden in Alamar, 15 miles east of old Havana. One of the most successful urban organic farms in Cuba selling ornamental plants, medicinal plants, and millions of vegetable transplants to surrounding residents and farmers. Provides training and fresh food for the area. This is a must see for anyone interested in Cuba’s Urban Agriculture, and Food Security.

    Followed by guided walking tour of Old Havana, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Visit to San Francisco Square, one of the oldest in the historical quarter.

    Visit to Plaza Vieja, the only civic square of colonial times. Notice it doesn't have a church or government building around. Here we will visit important institution for visual arts.

    Lunch: a new wave of paladares (privately-owned restaurants) has recently swept the Cuban dining scene offering excellent food and charming ambient. Today we’ll enjoy a welcome lunch at the stylish Paladar San Cristobal, one of Havana's top ten private restaurants.

    Afternoon: visit to Square of Arms, ancient military parade ground for Spanish soldiers and surrounded by impressive buildings such as:

    Palacio de los Capitanes Generales was the former seat of colonial government. Today the building houses the Museum of the City.

    Palacio del Segundo Cabo, the seat of the second authority of the island.

    Castillo de la Real Fuerza. The second oldest fortress built by the Spaniards in the West Indies. The castle was recently renovated and reopened in June 2008 to hold the impressive maritime museum. Well laid out exhibits chart Spain and Cuba's naval history.

    Visit to the Cathedral Square, the most beautiful and private 18th century colonial plaza of Cuba, named after the masterpiece of Cuban baroque architecture: the Cathedral of Havana built by the Jesuit order.

    Free time in the famous handicraft market of Old Havana where you can purchase all sorts of crafts and souvenirs by local artisans.

    Evening: tonight we have a Cuban band playing for us! You'll learn to dance to Salsa, Son, Rumba, and other popular Cuban rhythms with instruction from bandleaders.
    Day 3. Sunday 10 November 2024.
    Havana- Trinidad
    Morning departure to Trinidad, in Central Cuba.

    Over arrival at Trinidad, late lunch at El Jigue restaurant.

    Afternoon: guided walking tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinidad’s Historical Center, a perfect relic of the early days of the Spanish colony with beautifully preserved streets and buildings with hardly a trace of the 20th century anywhere.

    Visit to the Architecture Museum (Casa de los Sanchez Iznaga), housing the most representative samples of the city's architectural development in the 18th and 19th centuries.

    Visit to Museo Lucha contra Bandidos, former home of the San Francisco de Asis convent.

    Visit to Museo Romantico, overlooking the Trinidad main square. It has an excellent exhibition of romantic style porcelain, glass, paintings and decorative furniture which belonged to the Conde de Brunet and other Trinidad notorious families.

    We will stop at a mirador (lookout) over the Sugar Mill Valley, where the sugar barons used to have their countryside mansions and mills. This site is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Trinidad is well known for its pottery makers. We meet with a family that has been passing the tradition for generations: the Santanders.

    Check in at Luxury Casa Particular. You'll have time for dinner and a swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.
    Day 4. Monday 11 November 2024.
    Topes de Collantes
    Morning: we will board former Russian army trucks for Topes de Collantes in the Escambray Mountain Range, Cuba's second highest mountain range- reaching 3,700 feet atop Pico San Juan. The mountains are home to small mountain villages and are a delight for birders and walkers alike. Slopes are swathed in Caribbean pines, ancient tree ferns, bamboo, and eucalyptus.

    Arrival at Hacienda Codina, an old Spanish Hacienda, once part of a large Spanish coffee plantation where we will have a typical lunch. Followed by a walk around this area to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

    Topes de Collantes National Park in the Escambray mountains in Central Cuba. A perfect place for encountering Cuban birds like the Cuban Emerald (Chlorostilbon ricordii), Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus), Cuban Parrot (Amazono leucocephala), Fernandina’s Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae)…

    Day 5. Tuesday 12 November 2024.
    Trinidad- Peninsula de Zapata
    Morning: early departure to Peninsula de Zapata National Park, declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar Site, located in the southern coast of the island.

    It covers an area of 5000 square kilometres of woods and seacoast vegetation, marsh and mangroves. The park is the natural home to over 160 bird species and 900 varieties of higher plant families. It is also a favourite stop for tens of thousands of migratory birds!

    This is the habitat of endemic bird species such as the Zapata Rail (Cyanolimnas cerverai), the Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai) and Zapata Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata). The swamp is also the natural habitat of the Cuban Crocodile (Crocodrylus rhombifer Cuvier), considered as a national symbol after its resemblance with the geography of the island.

    Visit to Guama Crocodile Breeding Farm, that has successfully bred one of the largest reptiles of Cuba since 1974. The Cuban Crocodile (Crocodrylus rhombifer Cuvier) is considered an endangered species that can be found at the Zapata Swamps and Lanier Swamps only. The Cuban Crocodile (Crocodrylus rhombifer Cuvier) is one of the two most aggressive species of crocodiles in the world and endemic to Cuba.

    Visit to La Boca and Guama Ceramic Workshop.

    Lunch at restaurant by La Cueva de los Peces Cenote, a geological formation that is formed when the roof of an underground river collapse leaving a pool of salt water connected to the sea by a system of immersed tunnels. In the cenotes of La Cueva de los Peces live a wide variety of flora and fauna characteristic only of this region.

    Afternoon: visit to Wild Life Breeding Centre (Estacion de Reproduccion de Fauna Silvestre) where the endangered jutia (Capromys) and other mammals are bred.

    Visit to Manjuari Breeding Farm (Estación de Reproducción de Ictofauna), that breeds the endemic alligator gar fish (manjuari)(Atractosteus tristoechus), considered a living fossil.

    Check in at Villa Playa Larga. Time for a swim at the warm waters of the Caribbean!
    Day 6 Wednesday 13 November 2024.
    Peninsula de Zapata- Soroa
    Morning: early departure to Soroa, a site of breathtaking natural beauty, with a 22-meter waterfall that invites visitors to take a refreshing swim any time of the year.

    Late lunch at Soroa Waterfall over arrival. Followed by free time to visit the Waterfalls.

    Check in at Villa Soroa. The Villa Soroa offers horse riding tours and bird watching and natural trails under the guidance of local guides (optional).

    We will be looking for:

    Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus), the national bird of Cuba, Red-legged Honey-creeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus), Gundlachs hawk (Accipiter gundlachi) and others.

    Afternoon: guided visit to Soroa’s Orchid Garden, created by Cuban naturalist and lawyer Tomás Felipe Camacho.

    The Garden features a collection of 250 orchids endemic of the Island, and over 700 from around the world, along with numerous species of exotic plants that thrive here thanks to the local climate. Today, there is also an Orchid Research Center belonging to the University of Pinar del Río.
    Day 7. Thursday 14 November 2024.
    Soroa- La Guira National Park- Vinales
    Early departure for La Guira National Park.

    Once a huge privately owned state, this area is preserved now as a national park that protects over 21,850 hectares and offers picturesque valleys and hidden caves.

    Bird watching session in La Guira National Park.

    We’ll be looking for the Cuban Solitaire (Myadestes elisabeth), Cuban Bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra), Great Lizard Cuco (Saurothera merlini), Cuban Toddy (T. multicolour), Olive-capped warbler (Endroica pityophila), Green woodpecker (Picus viridis), Gundlachs hawk (Accipiter gundlachi) and others.

    Packed lunch.

    Continue on bus ride to UNESCO World Cultural Landscape Heritage Site, Vinales Valley.

    Check in at hotel Los Jazmines.
    Day 8. Friday 15 November 2024.
    Day Excursion to Cayo Levisa
    Early morning departure to Palma Rubia Pier for boat ride to Cayo Levisa. Enjoy the day on the key with snorkeling and Catamaran activities. Seafood Lunch (included).

    Late afternoon return to Los Jasmines Hotel.
    Day 9. Saturday 16 November 2024.
    Vinales
    Exploration of Viñales Valley, containing the most spectacular scenery in Cuba and some of the most interesting and varied geological formations on the island. The valley is particularly famous for its great freestanding rock formations called mogotes. Lunch at Cueva del Indio restaurant.

    After lunch we will visit the Cueva del Indio, used by the Guanahatabey Amerindians as a burial site in ancient time, and as refuge from the Spaniards for both Indians and Black slaves alike. We’ll take a short boat ride on the subterranean river running through the cave.

    Meet with local farmers that have been passing from generation to generation the secrets of growing the best tobacco in the world.

    Visit to Mural de la Prehistoria, a huge painting on the side of a Mogote.

    Explore Viñales town at your leisure: its open-air craft market, Parque Marti, town church, and other interesting sites of this charming colonial hamlet.

    Visit the Viñales Botanical Garden full of fruits, orchids and medicinal plants.
    Day 10. Sunday 17 November 2024.
    Departure
    Early morning departure to Havana City International Airport for departure.

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