Cuba | Foto al Vuelo

Cuba | Foto al Vuelo "Birds in Flight" Photography Contest

Overview

Please join us for the ninth annual "Birds in Flight" International Photography Contest, held in Cuba's Zapata Swamp. At more than 1 million acres, the Zapata Swamp is one of the most extensive remnants of coastal Caribbean biodiversity left in the region. The area encompasses blue-water beaches, forests, rivers, lakes, flooded caverns, ponds, and swamp prairies.
This is an exciting opportunity to connect with resident photographers, learn about the country's fascinating natural areas, and join like-minded people from all over the world who are as enthusiastic about nature and photography as you are! Typically it is a small event that allows for a great deal of contact with local people.
NOTE: This event is sponsored and organized by a Cuban tourism operation and is different from our other programs. All activities, contest rules, guiding, etc., are established by the Cuban organizing entity. This is not an itinerary with a comprehensive series of sites and points of interest. Holbrook cannot make modifications to the program, as it is an event organized by an outside entity.
NOTE: This program is in compliance with US Treasury Department regulations and is designed to adhere to the Support for the Cuban People license. This program supports the Cuban people by using private homes for the accommodation and by promoting sustainable tourism, which benefits the natural resources and the people of Cuba including naturalists, photographers, and local community members.

Contest Highlights

  • Contestants may submit up to five images in each of the following categories: Bird in Flight; Endemic Bird; Bird in its Habitat.
  • Photographs must be taken during the days of the contest and within the Zapata Swamp. Photographs of animals in captivity or zoos, or taken outside the Zapata Swamp, will not be accepted.
  • Images should be submitted in JPEG format (300 dpi resolution).  Digital photos must have been taken with a resolution greater than 4 megapixels.
  • Minor corrections may be made for color, definition, contrast, etc. Photomontages and manipulated images will not be accepted.
  • The jury will include noted Cuban and international photographers, who will judge photos on content as well as artistic and technical quality.
  • Past contest winners and honorees have included several Holbrook travelers!

 

Havana

Feb 11, 2024

Upon arrival in Havana's international airport you will meet your guide (look for a sign with your name on it) and be transferred to your accommodations in Havana. Enjoy a walking tour of Habana Vieja before dinner this evening.

Dinner included
Overnight at Hotel Grand Aston

Playa Larga

Feb 12, 2024

This morning you will be transferred to Zapata Swamp. Have lunch in Caleton. You will then be taken to your Casa Particular, and then meet together at 4:00 pm for the contest accreditation and technical council. Meet again at 7:00 pm for the Opening Ceremonies and Dinner at Ranchon-Hostal "Don Luis".

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hostal Aida y Miguel

Playa Larga

Feb 13, 2024

Departure to the trails at 6:30 am. Visit two trails - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Trails to choose from: Sopillar, Las Salinas (via kayak), Los Hondones, Enigma de las Rocas, Las Bermejas, La Turba, & St. Thomas. Lunch at a local Agroecological Farm. Dinner and activities offered this evening.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hostal Aida y Miguel

Playa Larga

Feb 14, 2024

Departure to the trails at 6:30 am. Visit two trails - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Trails to choose from: Sopillar, Las Salinas (via kayak), Los Hondones, Enigma de las Rocas, Las Bermejas, La Turba, & St. Thomas. Lunch at a local Agroecological Farm. Dinner and activities offered this evening.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hostal Aida y Miguel

Playa Larga

Feb 15, 2024

Departure to the trails at 6:30 am. Visit two trails - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Trails to choose from: Sopillar, Las Salinas (via kayak), Los Hondones, Enigma de las Rocas, Las Bermejas, La Turba, & St. Thomas. Lunch at a local Agroecological Farm. Dinner and activities offered this evening.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hostal Aida y Miguel

Playa Larga

Feb 16, 2024

Morning free for selecting and delivering the photos to jury. 1:00 pm - lunch, followed by a recreational activity of your choice during the afternoon. Gather together at 7:30 pm this evening for the Closing Activities, Awards Ceremony, and Traditional Cuban Dinner with Cultural Celebrations.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hostal Aida y Miguel

Havana

Feb 17, 2024

Following breakfast, you will be transferred back to Havana and your accommodation, with time in the afternoon for self-exploration.

Breakfast- included
Overnight at Hotel Grand Aston

Departure

Feb 18, 2024

This morning you will be transferred to the Havana Airport for your flight to Miami.

Breakfast- included