CUBA ORIENTEEXPLORING THE NATURAL WONDERS OF EASTERN CUBANovember 11 – 22, 2016

An abundance of endemic

species, pristine natural

preserves, and a vibrant

history and culture make

Cuba’s eastern region an

intriguing destination.

Step off the beaten path

to uncover some of Cuba’s

lesser-known highlights.

Cuban Painted Snail (Polymita picta)Photo by Julio Larramendi

• Explore the “off-the-beaten-path” Cuba; this 12-day experience is a grand tour of the natural history of Eastern Cuba.

• Visit Desembarco del Granma National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perhaps best known for its sea terraces and marine cliffs. It is named after the yacht in which Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Raúl Castro, and their supporters sailed from Mexico to Cuba in 1956 and incited the Cuban Revolution.

• Get to know Baracoa; founded in 1511, it is the oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba and is today a charming city set against the backdrop of the Sierra del Purial.

• Hike and snorkel in Alexander Von Humboldt National Park; encompassing diverse ecosystems and climate types, the park protects the richest flora and fauna in Cuba including the highest number of endemic species.

• Santiago de Cuba is the cradle of Cuban music, Spanish colonial history, and the Revolution; your visit to sites such as the Moncada barracks, San Juan Hill, Vírgen del Cobre Cathedral, and the historical center of Santiago will enlighten all these eras.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

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CUBA

ACTIVE: This program is physically active and includes hikes, swimming and other outdoor activities aided by good physical fitness.

NOVEMBER 15 - SANTIAGO Santiago de Cuba was the first capital of Cuba; it was founded by Diego de Velázquez in 1514 and remained the capital until 1553. Fresh from the post-Hurricane Sandy repair and the recent visit of Pope Francis in 2015, Santiago is in fine form. Today will be dedicated to visiting the important sites of the city: the home of Don Diego Velázquez (reputedly the oldest building in Cuba), Cuartel Moncada (the barracks that saw the martyrdom of the Cuban Revolutionary heroes in 1953), the Spanish fortress El Morro (an amazingly well-preserved 17th century fort that gives chilling insight to the Spanish era and the Spanish-American War), the Cemetery of Saint Ifigenia (final resting place of important Cuban figures, not least José Martí), and finally the awesome Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Cobre. Dedicated to Cuban’s patron saint, the black virgin, the Virgin of the Copper, this is an important site for faithful Cubans from all over the island. Overnight at Meliá Santiago. (BL)

NOVEMBER 16 - SANTIAGO This morning visit the Museum of Natural History of Santiago and headquarters of BIOECO, a branch of the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment. You will have a chance to meet with the staff and they will share the efforts that are ongoing to rebuild the museum after the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. After a brief visit to the museum, travel 20 minutes to one of their field stations in the nearby Baconao Biosphere Reserve or to another site to see their environmental education programs with local communities in action. En route back to the city center, visit San Juan Hill, where on July 1, 1898, after the United States entered the Spanish-American War, the Rough Riders — 3,000 US and Cuban troops that included Theodore Roosevelt — stormed the hill and won that battle that definitively ended the Spanish Empire’s colonial reign. Overnight at Meliá Santiago. (BL)

NOVEMBER 17 - BARACOA This morning depart for Baracoa via the southern coastal road, taking the scenic road from La Farola, crossing from the south to the north coast of the island and arriving at the eastern jewel of Baracoa. The drive is about four hours, and with stops at sites of interest along the way it could be five hours or more. Nestled between the Bahía de Miel (Honey Bay) and El Yunque, another flat-topped mountain, Baracoa is Cuba’s oldest city and is known for its old-fashioned way of life and its individuality. Whatever time remains of the evening will be spent strolling around the city and enjoying dinner at a local paladar. Overnight at Hotel Castillo or similar. (BLD)

NOVEMBER 18 - BARACOA Today visit Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt. The park is located within a larger reserve system called the Cuchillas de Toa Biosphere Reserve. Encompassing

ITINERARY

NOVEMBER 11 - HOLGUÍN Early evening arrival into Holguín, the fourth largest city in Cuba. A colonial city founded in the early 1500s, today it is known for its vibrant cultural scene and is the gateway to the beaches and resorts of Guardalavaca, located about 45 minutes away. After your arrival into Holguín, enjoy dinner at a local paladar, preceded by a prerequisite beer. (Holguín is Cuba’s main brewing city.) After dinner, there are multiple options for live music and even an open-air cabaret. Overnight at Hotel Pernik.

NOVEMBER 12 - HOLGUÍN Early this morning, head to the coast toward Gibara, about a 35-minute drive from Holguín. Gibara is an old fishing port that overlooks the Bay of Gibara. Without stopping in the town, you will head to the Silla de Gibara, a flat-topped mountain. Here, hike to the top while watching for birds, and cross a cave on the way. From the top, you can see the entire north coast. After your hike, visit the Gibara Museum of Natural History and have lunch in a local paladar with great seafood, walking along the malecón to see wonderful views of Gibara Bay and the activity of the fishing boats. This evening return to Holguín and enjoy dinner in a local paladar. Overnight at Hotel Pernik. (BL)

NOVEMBER 13 - NIQUERO OR CABO CRUZ This morning depart for the Delta del Cauto Natural Reserve, an important wetland of approximately 150,000 acres. Search for water birds and enjoy a boating adventure along Cuba’s longest river, the Río Cauto. To reach this area from Holguín, it is approximately a 2.5-hour drive to El Mango, a local station within the reserve. There you will board a boat and go over the shallow lagoons to observe different species of water birds, including flamingos among many others. Also visit Cayo Norte; nowhere else in Cuba does a greater nesting colony of egrets exist. Have a box lunch on your boat trip. Afterward, return to El Mango and then continue onward toward Niquero or Cabo Cruz. Dinner will be on own in a local paladar. Overnight at casas particulares. (BL)

NOVEMBER 14 - SANTIAGO This morning, drive to Desembarco del Granma National Park and visit the Morlotte Fustete hiking trail, with amazing views from the sea terraces and local nature rich in endemic species. Later visit the Desembarco del Granma local museum. If the group is up for a bit more adventure, you can hike the El Guafe trail, which leads to caves with aboriginal paintings and sculptures. Depart for Santiago de Cuba (arriving late) and have dinner at a local paladar. Overnight at Meliá Santiago. (BD)

diverse ecosystems and climate types, it protects the richest flora and fauna in Cuba, including more endemic species than anywhere else on the island. Also found here are the amazingly colorful snails known as “painted snails.” The trail called Iberian Balcony leads inland to waterfalls and natural pools. Spend the better part of the day visiting the park and return to Baracoa in the late afternoon. Lunch may well be a box lunch to enjoy in the park and dinner will be on own to explore the paladars in the city. Overnight at Hotel Castillo or similar. (BLD)

NOVEMBER 19 - BARACOA This morning, return to Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt for a look at the coastal area called Bahía de Taco, which protects roughly 5,600 acres of marine ecosystems, including mangroves, an offshore caye, and white sand beaches that end in coral reefs. Manatees can also be seen. Our visit today includes hiking, snorkeling, boat riding and time to soak up the amazing natural beauty of this area. Overnight at Hotel Castillo or similar. (BLD)

NOVEMBER 20 - LA MENSURA NAT’L PARK Today depart for Pinares de Mayarí, an eco-lodge located at about 995 meters above sea level in the pine-forested, misty altiplano of La Mensura National Park. Upon arrival, explore the area, starting with the Cuban Academy of Sciences Integral Montane Research Station, which includes an orchid garden. Also visit and swim in the beautiful Salto del Guayabo, a twin waterfall. The lookout point offers incredible views of the canyon and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Birding in this area is very worthwhile, with more than 17 endemic species that can be seen here. Overnight at Pinares de Mayarí or similar. (BLD)

NOVEMBER 21 - HOLGUÍN This morning continue to explore and bird La Mensura National Park, taking the second trail that can be enjoyed from the lodge area. This afternoon return to Holguín for your final evening. Dinner at a local paladar. Overnight at Hotel Pernik. (BL)

NOVEMBER 22 - DEPARTURE This morning bid Cuba farewell and board the flight to Miami and onward connections. (B)

Important note: This trip is intended for the adventurous traveler. Participants will explore off-the-beaten-path areas, and some areas will likely require four-wheel drive. There are multiple activities that require endurance and stamina, including some difficult hiking in the mountainous Granma province. Lodging in Cuba is generally not comparable to international standards, and on this trip in particular, participants should be prepared for very rustic accommodations.

ABOUT YOUR LEADERS

CHRISTOPHER D. EARL, PHDChris Earl is a biotechnology entrepreneur, investor, and non-profit leader who is also a life-long outdoorsman. He is an avid mountain biker and kayaker (both whitewater and ocean), who has gone hiking and birding in six of the seven continents. He has a special interest in environmental

conservation and exploration in Cuba. Currently, Chris is President of Innotrove, LLC, through which he advises leading venture funds and biopharmaceutical companies. He serves on the boards of several biotechnology companies and science-driven philanthropic organizations, including serving as a Trustee of the MD/DC chapter of The Nature Conservancy. In prior roles, Chris was the first President and CEO of BIO Ventures for Global Health, a non-profit organization that harnesses biotech R&D in creating new cures for infectious diseases of the developing world. Chris also served as Managing Director of Perseus Capital and the Perseus-Soros BioPharmaceutical Fund, and CEO of Avitech Diagnostics, Inc. Chris received a BA in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a PhD in Cellular and Developmental Biology from Harvard University.

CARLOS PEÑA RODRÍGUEZCarlos Peña Rodríguez is a researcher and naturalist specializing in ornithology with the Center for Investigation and Environmental and Technological Services in Holguín, Cuba. He has taken part in more than 20 investigation projects, some of them involving the study of

resident and migratory bird communities in different Cuban ecosystems, and he has authored more than 40 scientific articles related to the study of Cuban avifauna. His educational pursuits have related to environmental education for the conservation of birds, mainly migratory birds on the northeastern coast of Cuba. Carlos is a member of the Caribbean Ornithological Society, Cuban Zoological Society, and Cuban Ornithological Society. Previously he worked with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment of Cuba and Environmental Consultancies. He has an MS degree in Ecology and Systematic Zoology. Carlos is fluent in Spanish and English.

LAND COST

$4,900

Price includes all accommodations, meals, non-alcoholic beverages with meals, entrance fees and activities as listed in the itinerary, plus gratuities for local guides, waitstaff for meals, and bellhops.

Does not include international airfare (estimated at $575 from Miami and includes Cuban visa, departure tax, and mandatory Cuban health insurance); gratuities for Cuban national guide, Cuban naturalist leader, or driver; or items of a personal nature.

THE FINE PRINT

Cost is based on accommodations in double occupancy; for a single room throughout the trip add $600. A $500 per person deposit and enrollment form are required to secure your space on the trip. This deposit is refundable until August 8, 2016 excluding a $100 cancellation fee. Final payments are due no later than August 8, 2016; cancellations received after this date are not refundable.

Travel/trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. For more information call Travel Insured at 800-243-3174. Holbrook Travel’s agency number is 15849.

*Due to the nature of travel in Cuba, some accommodations are subject to change, as noted in the itinerary. In the case of substitutions, every effort will be made to offer an equally substantive alternative.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit holbrook.travel/cubaoriente or contact Lisa Palmese-Graubard at lisa@holbrooktravel.com or 800-451-7111 x339

Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae)Photo by Julio Larramendi

Rio Toa Photo by Julio Larramendi

Plaza de la RevolucionPhoto by William John Gauthier

BaracoaPhoto by Piviso