Byron Palacios was outstanding. His knowledge of birds, plants, butterflies, insects, history, current political situation … was possibly the best we have had from any previous tour leader. We enjoyed Byron’s company and valued his caring approach to individuals in the group. My husband had a bad fall, being tripped-up by vegetation - Byron’s handling of the accident was excellent and spontaneous. It did not go unnoticed how supportive, encouraging and generous Bryon was with local guides/rangers. He has the country’s welfare at heart. We will not hesitate to travel with Byron on future tours. Our highlights include: seeing all 26 Endemic species - with good views, enjoying the various habitats - with walks, La Habana city tour and music - even though we are not city people!
L.G & C.G. South Yorkshire, Mar 24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - March 2024
- Tour report - February 2023
- Tour report - March 2020
- Tour report - March 2019
- Tour report - March 2018
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - February 2016
- Tour report - March 2015
- Tour report - March 2014
- Tour report - February 2013
- Tour report - March 2012
- Tour report - March 2011
- Tour report - March 2009
- Tour report - March 2008
- Tour report - March 2007
- Tour report - March 2006
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Birding in Cuba
Tour Code: CUB01A 12-day birdwatching tour concentrating on the endemic species of this vibrant and colourful Caribbean island.
£3,995 (Inc flights)
£3,395
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
- Itinerary
- Tour report - March 2024
- Tour report - February 2023
- Tour report - March 2020
- Tour report - March 2018
- Tour report - March 2019
- Tour report - February 2016
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - March 2014
- Tour report - March 2015
- Tour report - March 2012
- Tour report - February 2013
- Tour report - March 2011
- Tour report - March 2009
- Tour report - March 2008
- Tour report - March 2007
- Tour report - March 2006
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Can I help you?
Quick Enquiry
Summary
The vibrant and colourful Caribbean island of Cuba is home to 21 species of endemics and these will form the principal focus of this ‘Bargain Birdwatching tour’. Cuba is just 90 miles from the southern coast of Florida but in almost every respect it provides a complete contrast with its affluent neighbour, not least in the Socialist ideology which has shaped the island way of life for over 40 years. The avifauna is typical of the Greater Antilles although added to the endemics and impressive selection of resident species is an array of North American passage migrants seeking food and rest before continuing their journey across the Straits of Florida. In February and March these can include many of the colourful wood-warblers resplendent in breeding plumage as they flit after insects through the canopy of a Cuban forest. Wetland birds are also well represented on the island and compete for attention with resident pelicans and frigate birds along the coastline. The diversity and abundance of the birdlife is complemented by a largely unspoilt landscape and a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere which combine to make Cuba a very enjoyable, and ornithologically productive, holiday destination as we explore La Guira National Park, the Zapata Peninsula, Camaguey, Najasa and Cayo Coco, as well as the pulsating capital of Havana.
- Over 20 endemic bird species
- Plus North American passage migrants
- Enjoy birdwatching in the warmth of the Caribbean
- Experience Cuba's Socialist idyll
- Travel with UK-based tour leader and local guides
Grading
This is a traditional birdwatching tour with a moderate amount of walking, but some long travel days.Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: Standard tourist hotels with private facilities
- Food: All meals are included in the holiday cost except any snacks in transit at Havana Airport.
Reviews
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The ultimate sighting of the iconic Bee Hummingbird. Byron Palacios was an excellent guide, appreciated his great knowledge, an extremely helpful and pleasant young man.
M.M. Suffolk, Feb 23 -
The Bee Hummingbird, the Cuban Trogon, Red Legged Thrush & the Stygian Owl were absolute highlights and I loved the architecture of the old Spanish colonial buildings. There was a certain charm in the way the Cuban live, I particularly enjoyed the hundreds of old American cars.
R.H. Hertfordshire, Feb 23 -
We stayed in four different places and saw most if not all the Cuba endemics (plus others - my personal trip list is about 140 species). A great guide with incredibly good eyes certainly helps! Plus his local knowledge and language skills. This is the eighth or ninth Naturetrek tour that I have done and have never been let down. Hopefully that describes my confidence in them and their tours and the organisation behind it all. They are always willing to talk and help.
J.C. West Midlands, Mar 20 -
Excellent guiding to see the best and unusual wildlife of Cuba specialising in the birdlife. We travelled to many different areas of the island and saw a lot of the countryside and differing habitats and more out of the way places.
E.I. Scottish Borders -
A well devised itinerary to a new destination, that makes an interesting and desirable addition to the Naturetrek portfolio.
M.S. Ross-shire -
This was an excellent birdwatching tour. The Naturetrek leader had a thorough working knowledge of the birds and of the birding areas. His familiarity with the species meant that he was able to offer us the best opportunity for seeing them. Thus we had good views of all the endemics and many migrant North American Warblers. Most of the local Cuban guides were obviously familiar with their patch and the birds therein and showed enthusiasm and competence in locating them for us.
P.W. West Sussex -
A great trip - quality birds, easy pace, good group and excellent leaders ... Chris Kehoe was one of the sharpest birders I have been led by... I'll definitely be using Naturetrek again.
M.M. Dorset -
Byron is an outstanding leader, very patient and makes sure everyone has the opportunity to see any bird where possible. I look forward to reliving the trip through his report. Local leaders knew their stuff and Santos the local agent was a fund of information about Cuba. Hector, the driver, was cheerful and was very obliging.
H.M. Highlands -
Byron is an excellent leader and always keen to make sure everyone sees the birds. The ground agent guide was a mine of information about Cuba and its history and the driver was very safe and reliable. The local guides were all good too.
T.M. Highlands
Dates & Prices
2025
Tour Leader: Byron Palacios
Byron is an Ecuadorian Ecologist and Field Ornithologist who has been working as a researcher and bird watching tour leader since 2000. A keen birder and nature lover by 'nature', Byron has a vast knowledge of the neotropical and Western Palearctic avifauna, particularly in his native Ecuador and other neotropical countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Colombia and the Caribbean region, including southern USA. His sharp ears and eyes permit him to locate the most elusive forest-dwelling birds in the field, successfully leading more than two-hundred trips so far! As a Field Ornithologist, Byron has contributed with many important discoveries for the Ecuadorian Ornithology, all published in scientific magazines and bulletins, such as the first record for Ecuador of the Thicket Antpitta (Hylopezus dives), Feb. 2007; the rediscovery of the Yellow-eared Toucanet (Selenidera spectabilis), Aug. 2006; and the discovery of the Choco Vireo (Vireo masteri), Sep 2004, A New Bird Species for Ecuador. Byron currently works as an independant Wildlife Consultant for leading wildlife companies and conservation organisations, having also become actively involved in many birding and conservation programmes in Spain, where his birding field skills have rapidly made him one of the authorities amongst the Iberian wildlife world. He endorses Leica Optics and Gitzo tripods, and currently lives in west Dorset, England, with his daughter Isabel and fiancé Gail.
2026
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Our bargain birdwatching tours suit keen birders who want an active, fast-paced birding holiday with a dedicated focus on searching for birds rather than on looking at the area’s other wildlife or cultural highlights.
We offer a wide selection of long-haul holidays to many destinations in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.
What can I expect?
- An expert English-speaking local ornithologist leader
- Outstanding value for money
- Dawn-to-dusk birding with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
- Enviable bird lists
- Focused searches for endemics and regional specialities
Who are these tours best suited to?
- Keen & active birders – whether expert or making their first visit to a country or continent
- People looking for an action-packed bird-focused tour
Where can I go?
Naturetrek's selection of birdwatching holidays includes many South and Central American countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Panama.
In Africa our selection includes Malawi, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in India and Nepal we offer a choice of 17 bargain birdwatching tours! Here are a few more choices:
- Endemics of Western Australia
- Argentina's Mar Chiquita
- Birds of Brazils Atlantic rainforest
- Colombia – home to the world’s richest avifauna
- Sri Lanka’s endemic birds
Our specialist recommends...
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
All Bargain birdwatching Tours
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The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
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Tour Reports
- Tour report - March 2024
- Tour report - February 2023
- Tour report - March 2020
- Tour report - March 2019
- Tour report - March 2018
- Tour report - March 2017
- Tour report - February 2016
- Tour report - March 2015
- Tour report - March 2014
- Tour report - February 2013
- Tour report - March 2012
- Tour report - March 2011
- Tour report - March 2009
- Tour report - March 2008
- Tour report - March 2007
- Tour report - March 2006
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Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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