Individual arrivals in Havana today.

Individual arrivals in Havana today.

After breakfast, meet your guide, driver and Cuban ornithologist, who will accompany us throughout the entire program and will give a program orientation. Morning visit to the Quinta de los Molinos and learn how this urban park is used to connect residents with nature. Take a walking tour of Old Havana before dinner.

Depart for La Guira National Park in San Diego de los Baños. Along the way, stop for birding at Las Terrazas, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve, guided by Fidel Hernandez from the Ecological Station of Las Terrazas. Target species are Cuban Grassquit, Olive-capped Warbler as well as Cuba's national bird, the Tocororo. Meet with community residents who helped save this site, now a model of sustainability and ecotourism. This afternoon arrive at La Guira National Park, 54,000 acres of mountain wilderness, picturesque valleys, and hidden caves, and home to species such as Cuban Solitaire, Cuban Tody, Cuban Bullfinch, and Cuban Pewee.

Early breakfast followed by morning birding at Cueva de Los Portales, a limestone cave adjacent to hills covered in lush vegetation. The cave is interesting both geologically and historically, famous for being Che Guevara's headquarters during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The area is renowned for being an excellent place to spot Cuban Solitaire, our target species, and Scaly-naped Pigeon. This afternoon visit the Viñales area, a tobacco farm and the home of Nils Navarro, world-renowned nature artist and author.

Depart early for the long drive to the Zapata Swamp. The Zapata area consists of scrub, mangrove swamp, and coastline. Over 200 species have been recorded here including the endemic Zapata Wren and Zapata Sparrow. We will also look for species such as Cuban Blackbird, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Greater Antillean Oriole, and Cuban Emerald. Late afternoon birding if time permits.

Depart after an early breakfast for the Santo Tomas area, where you may find Zapata Wren and Zapata Sparrow. After lunch enjoy birding at Salinas, an area frequented by many species of waterbirds that live in mangrove swamps, coastal lagoons, and woods. Over 165 indigenous and migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates are found here. Expect to see flamingos, Roseate Spoonbill, Glossy and White Ibis, herons, pelicans, Peregrine Falcon, Cuban Black Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, and others.

After breakfast leave for the Bermejas site. Target species include the Cuban Parakeet, Cuban Pygmy Owl, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Fernandina's Flicker, Cuban Trogon and Cuban Tody. A mosaic of dry forest, swamp, mangrove and mudflats, the Zapata Peninsula is one of the best preserved ecosystems on the island. Other species we might encounter are Bare legged Owl, Blue headed Quail Dove and Gray fronted Quail. Lunch at a local restaurant with Zapata area conservationists who will provide updates on projects underway to preserve Cuba's largest wetlands. Visit the town of Palpite where a special visit with artists of the Korimacao Project has been arranged. The Korimacao Community Project consists of residents from Cuban communities who are given the opportunity to develop and improve their performing skills such as singing, dancing, and playing instruments. Learn about the program's development and interact with the talented artists. Dinner out at a local paladar this evening.

Early breakfast, then depart for the long drive to Cayo Coco. Afternoon birding on the hotel's grounds.

Morning visit to Cayo Guillermo, returning to the hotel for lunch. This afternoon visit Cayo Romano. The Cayo Coco area combines an ideal spot for observing Cuba's bird life with beautiful beach and snorkeling opportunities. Look for Oriente Warbler, Thick-billed Vireo, Bahama Mockingbird, and Cuban Gnatcatcher, in addition to a variety of waterbirds including the West Indian Whistling-Duck.

This morning visit Cayo Paredon Grande for birding, hopefully catching any species we missed in the cayos. Afternoon free to enjoy the area.

Early departure for the airport at Camaguey, Cienfuegos, or Santa Clara, depending on flight schedules.