Eastern Cuba Herping with Nils
A 14-day specialist herping itinerary across eastern Cuba for reptiles, amphibians, endemic wildlife and natural history.
About this tour
Programa especializado de exploración herpetológica en los principales núcleos de endemismo del oriente cubano. Diseñado para naturalistas y herpetólogos exigentes, combina trabajo de campo intensivo en múltiples ecorregiones, búsquedas nocturnas sistemáticas y experiencias culturales auténticas, asegurándole una lista de especies únicas, donde será posible observar la variación subespecífica entre las diferentes regiones del oriente de Cuba, incluyendo formas aun no descritas para la ciencia, muchas de ellas solo es posible encontrarlas en estos remotos puntos del planeta. Durante todo el viaje estarás acompañado de Nils, una de las autoridades cubanas en el tema, autor de la descripción de algunas de las especies que observarás durante el recorrido y quien es además co-autor de la Lista Anotada de los Anfibios y Reptiles de Cuba.
Specialized herpetological exploration program in the main centers of endemism in eastern Cuba. Designed for demanding naturalists and herpetologists, it combines intensive fieldwork across multiple ecoregions, systematic nocturnal searches, and authentic cultural experiences, ensuring a unique species list where it will be possible to observe subspecific variation between the different regions of eastern Cuba, including forms not yet described by science, many of which can only be found in these remote areas of the planet.
Route: Holguin - Gibara - Cabo Cruz - Gran Piedra - Guantanamo - Baracoa - Nipe Mountains.
Prepared from Nils Navarro's approved 2026 itinerary document. Published prices are from-prices for groups of 3-6 and may change; confirm exact date, availability, price and logistics before booking.
Birds you can spot
Guides
Itinerary ▼
Arrival at Frank País International Airport (Holguín). Transfer to the coastal town of Gibara (approx. 1 h), located on the northern Atlantic coast of Holguín. Check-in at Hotel Ordoño. Welcome cocktail and inaugural dinner.
Exploration of Cueva de los Panaderos, a cave system with remarkable stalactite and stalagmite formations that hosts fauna adapted to subterranean environments where it is possible to observe the Cuban Cave Frog / Ranita de Cuevas (Eleutherodactylus thomasi) and the Slender Cliff Anole / Lagartija Coronel (Anolis lucius).
Tour of Caletones and coastal vegetation where the targets will be: Cuban Coast Anole / Lagartija de Costa (Anolis jubar gibarensis), Central Pallid Anole / Lagartija Ceniza del Centro de Cuba (Anolis centralis), Pallid Curlytail / Bayoya de la Arena (Leiocephalus raviceps delavarai), Cuban Striped Curlytail / Bayoya Arrastrapanza (Leiocephalus strictigaster gibarensis), as well as the Three-banded Geckolet / Salamanquita de Tres Bandas (Sphaerodactylus nigropunctatus).
Night outing to cave areas and surrounding habitats for active searching of amphibians and reptiles, with luck we might observe the elusive and recently described Gibara White-collared Racerlet / Culebrita de Collar de Gibara (Arrhyton albicollum).
Breakfast. Early departure for a tour of the Cupeycillo Valley for observation of forest reptiles such as the Cuban Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde Común (Anolis equestris thomasi), Cuban White-fanned Anole / Lagartija de Pañuelo Blanco (Anolis homolechis), Cuban Trunk Anole / Lagartija de Troncos (Anolis argenteolus), and an interesting hybrid: Cuban Blue Anole / Lagartija Verde-Azul (Anolis allisoni) × Eastern Cuba Green Anole / Lagartija Verde de Oriente (Anolis torresfundorai), accompanied by an interesting explanation of how Cuba’s paleo-geographical evolution has influenced the formation of contact zones.
There is also the possibility of finding a rare and still undescribed population of Oriente Bearded Anole / Chipojo Ceniciento Oriental (Anolis cf. porcus), with a beautiful red dewlap.
Lunch en route at a local restaurant. Transfer to Las Coloradas Beach (4+ h), following the northern slopes of the Sierra Maestra. Dinner and accommodation in a private homestay (2 nights).
Cabo Cruz is one of the areas with the highest local reptile endemism. We will explore the El Guafe trail. Dominant habitats: evergreen and semi-deciduous forests combined with coastal scrub elements developed on limestone rock.
During the day we will search for: Cabo Cruz Banded Anole / Lagartija de Bandas de Cabo Cruz (Anolis guafe), Cabo Cruz Bearded Anole / Chipojo Ceniciento de Cabo Cruz (Chamaeleolis agueroi), Cuban Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde Común (Anolis equestris verreonensis) local subspecies, Cabo Cruz Trunk Anole / Lagartija de Cabo Cruz (Anolis confusus), Cabo Cruz Pallid Anole / Lagartija Ceniza de Cabo Cruz (Anolis ruibali), Cuban Coast Anole / Lagartija de Costa (Anolis jubar oriens) local subspecies, Cuban Side-blotched Curlytail / Bayoya de Bosque (Leiocephalus macropus phyllax) local subspecies, Cuban Trunk Anole / Lagartija de Troncos (Anolis argenteolus), Cuban Twig Anole / Lagartija de Ramita Común (Anolis angusticeps), Cuban Small-eared Galliwasp / Culebrita de Cuatro Patas de Garrido (Diploglossus garridoi), Cuban Groundlizard / Correcostas (Pholidoscelis aubery hardyi) local subspecies, Saw-scaled Curlytail / Perrito de Costa (Leiocephalus carinatus acuarius), Cuban Iguana / Iguana (Cyclura nubila), and a jewel of Cuban herpetology, the Cuban Night Lizard / Lagartija de la Hojarasca (Cricosaura typica), a very ancient reptile representing a basal lineage of its group.
Dinner at Playa Las Coloradas and accommodation in a B&B.
At night we will search for Cabo Cruz Frog / Ranita de Cabo Cruz (Eleutherodactylus tonyi), Eastern Cuba Giant Toad / Sapo de Muesca de Oriente (Peltaphryne peltocephala), Cuban Groin-spotted Frog / Ranita de Muslos Rojos (Eleutherodactylus atkinsi), Cuban Bromeliad Frog / Ranita de Bromelia del Centro de Cuba (Eleutherodactylus varians), anoles / Lagartijas (Anolis spp.), especially the Five-striped Grass Anole / Lagartija de la Hierba (Anolis ophiolepis), Cuban Treefrog / Rana Platanera (Osteopilus septentrionalis), Cuban Boa / Majá de Santa María (Chilabothrus angulifer), Giant Tropidophis / Majá Amarillo (Tropidophis melanurus), and Gracile Banded Tropidophis / Majacito Pinto de Oriente (Tropidophis wrighti).
New day en route toward Cabo Cruz with additional opportunities to observe Cabo Cruz Trunk Anole / Lagartija de Cabo Cruz (Anolis confusus), Cabo Cruz Bearded Anole / Chipojo Ceniciento de Cabo Cruz (Chamaeleolis agueroi), and Three-banded Geckolet / Salamanquita de Tres Bandas (Sphaerodactylus nigropunctatus ocujal), among other species. Lunch.
Transfer to Santiago de Cuba (5+ h). Accommodation at Villa Gran Piedra (2 nights).
Exploration at 1,125 m a.s.l. in the eastern portion of the Sierra Maestra. After the high temperatures of the lowlands, we will enjoy the cool mountain environment. A very different habitat, with one of the most diverse frog communities in the country.
Amphibians: Oriente Yellow-mottled Frog / Ranita Moteada de Oriente (Eleutherodactylus ricordii), Turquino Spiny Frog / Ranita Espinosa del Turquino (Eleutherodactylus gundlachi), Yellow-striped Dwarf Frog / Ranita Enana de Cuba (Eleutherodactylus limbatus), Eleutherodactylus intermedius, Eleutherodactylus guantanamera (easier to locate in bromeliads than in other localities), Eleutherodactylus varleyi, Eleutherodactylus auriculatus.
Reptiles: Santiago de Cuba Grass Anole / Lagartija de Palito de Santiago de Cuba (Anolis rejectus), Spanish Flag Anole / Lagarto Español (Anolis allogus), Cuban Forest Geckolet / Salamanquita de Bosque (Sphaerodactylus ramsdeni), Oriente Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Montaña (Anolis noblei galeifer), and Green-blotched Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Smallwood (Anolis smallwoodi smallwoodi) (coastal zone).
Lunch at La Gran Piedra. Visit to the exotic garden Flor Ave del Paraíso. Dinner and night excursion.
Transfer (approx. 2 h) to the semi-desert southern coast of Guantánamo. Xeromorphic vegetation with thorn scrub, columnar cacti, marine terraces, limestone walls, and small hill outcrops known as “monitongos”. High temperatures; proper hydration is required.
Key species: Imías Rock Anole / Lagartija de Bandas de Imías (Anolis imias) (threatened local endemic), Green-blotched Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Smallwood (Anolis smallwoodi palardis), Cuban Side-blotched Curlytail / Bayoya de Bosque (Leiocephalus macropus macropus), Pallid Curlytail / Bayoya de la Arena (Leiocephalus raviceps raviceps), Guantánamo Bay Geckolet / Salamanquita de Ruibal (Sphaerodactylus ruibali), Broad-banded Geckolet / Salamanquita de Bandas Anchas (Sphaerodactylus torrei spielmani), Oriente Tuberculate Gecko / Dormilona Enana (Tarentola crombiei), sympatric with the American Wall Gecko / Dormilona (Tarentola americana). All subspecies are local endemics.
To locate Tarentola and Sphaerodactylus, dry Agave plants will be inspected (protective gloves mandatory). Additional visit to the protected area of Hatibonico and marine terraces, where it will be possible to observe the Green-blotched Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Smallwood (Anolis smallwoodi palardis), Oriente Pallid Anole / Lagartija Ceniza Oriental (Anolis litoralis), and Cuban Coast Anole / Lagartija de Costa (Anolis jubar albershwartzi), a subspecies that may potentially be elevated to species level.
Return and accommodation at Hotel Martí, dinner at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Baracoa (approx. 1 h) with panoramic views of the semi-desert southern coast and strategic stops for photography and observation of Imías Rock Anole / Lagartija de Bandas de Imías (Anolis imias), Cuban Coast Anole / Lagartija de Costa (Anolis jubar maisiensis), Oriente Pallid Anole / Lagartija Ceniza Oriental (Anolis litoralis), and Sphaerodactylus spp.
Throughout the day we may also record: Cuban Groundlizard / Correcostas (Pholidoscelis auberi) (including several subspecies), Oriente Brown-capped Racerlet / Culebrita de Capota de Oriente (Arrhyton redimitum), Gracile Banded Tropidophis / Majacito Pinto de Oriente (Tropidophis wrighti), Green-blotched Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Smallwood (Anolis smallwoodi palardis), Pallid Curlytail / Bayoya de la Arena (Leiocephalus raviceps raviceps), Oriente Coastal Frog / Ranita de Costa de Oriente (Eleutherodactylus etheridgei), Eastern Cuba Giant Toad / Sapo de Muesca de Oriente (Peltaphryne peltocephala), Cuban Groin-spotted Frog / Ranita de Muslos Rojos (Eleutherodactylus atkinsi), Cuban Treefrog / Rana Platanera (Osteopilus septentrionalis).
Lunch at a Flora and Fauna facility in Baitiquirí. Continue to Baracoa with stops along the La Farola road. Accommodation at Hotel Porto SantoPrincipio del formulario
Transfer to the Yumurí River Canyon. Boat ride along the river and walk through exuberant vegetation and crystal-clear waters. Possibility of observing multiple anoles: Spanish Flag Anole / Lagarto Español (Anolis allogus) (a population potentially separable taxonomically from the rest), Cuban Dark Bark Anole / Lagartija Ceniza de las Montañas (Anolis argillaceus), Cuban Trunk Anole / Lagartija de Troncos (Anolis argenteolus), Baracoa Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Baracoa (Anolis baracoae), Cuban Spotted Galliwasp / Culebrita de Cuatro Patas Oriental (Diploglossus nigropunctatus), species of Tropidophis and local anuran species of the genus Eleutherodactylus, as well as the emblematic terrestrial snail Polymita picta, considered the most colorful in the world.
Lunch at a local beach paladar with traditional Cuban cuisine. Afterwards, visit to a private cacao farm managed by women, where the complete artisanal chocolate production process will be explained and a tasting will be held. Return to Baracoa. Dinner and accommodation.
Exploration of the surroundings of El Yunque, an emblematic table mountain that impressed Christopher Columbus. Guided ascent (approx. 1.5 h) with a crossing of the Duaba River (optional), in a rainforest environment.
Recordable species: Guantanamera Frog / Ranita de Bromelia de Guantánamo (Eleutherodactylus guantanamera), Oriente Mottled Frog / Ranita Moteada del Parque Humboldt (Eleutherodactylus simulans), Cuban Khaki Frog / Ranita Matraca (Eleutherodactylus ronaldi), Cuban Red-rumped Frog / Ranita de Rabadilla Roja (Eleutherodactylus acmonis), Baracoa Dwarf Frog / Ranita Enana de Baracoa (Eleutherodactylus orientalis), Cuban Telegraphic Frog / Ranita telegrafo (Eleutherodactylus auriculatus) (possibly a cryptic acoustic variant), Cuban Spotted Toad / Sapo Moteado (Peltophryne taladai), Cuban Treefrog / Rana Platanera (Osteopilus septentrionalis), Baracoa Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Baracoa (Anolis baracoae), Green Fern Anole / Lagartija de los Helechos (Anolis cyanopleurus), Blue-eyed Twig Anole / Lagartija de Palito de Ojo Azul (Anolis alutaceus), Guantanamo Twig Anole / Lagartija de Ramita Oriental (Anolis alayoni), Cuban Side-blotched Curlytail / Bayoya de Bosque (Leiocephalus macropus asbolomus), Oriente Bearded Anole / Chipojo Ceniciento Oriental (Anolis porcus), Magdalena Jubo (Caraiba andreai orientalis), Cuban Racer / Jubo Gris (Cubophis cantherigerus), Giant Tropidophis / Majá Amarillo (Tropidophis melanurus), Oriente Black Racerlet / Culebrita de Collar de Guantánamo (Arrhyton supernum), Cuban Spotted Galliwasp / Culebrita de Cuatro Patas Oriental (Diploglossus nigropunctatus).
Given the proximity to the hotel, night searches may be extended into the early hours of the evening.
Transfer (approx. 40 km) to easily accessible trails in humid tropical forest.
Main target species: Monte Iberia Dwarf Frog / Ranita Enana de Monte Iberia (Eleutherodactylus iberia), one of the smallest frogs in the world. Also Eastern Cuba Giant Toad / Sapo de Muesca de Oriente (Peltophryne peltacephalus) and Cuban Spotted Toad / Sapo Moteado (P. taladai), Cuban Tiger Anole / Lagartija Atigrada (Anolis rubribarbus), Dwarf Green Anole / Lagartija Verde Enana (Anolis isolepis), Guantanamo Twig Anole / Lagartija de Ramita Oriental (Anolis alayoni), Pineland Bush Anole/ Lagartija de Palito de los (Anolis inexpectata), Green-headed Grass Anole/ Lagartija de Palito de Cabeza Verde (Anolis fugitivus), Baracoa Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Baracoa (Anolis baracoae), Cuban Dark Bark Anole / Lagartija Ceniza de las Montañas (Anolis argillaceus), Cuban Side-blotched Curlytail / Bayoya de Bosque (Leiocephalus macropus asbolomus), and populations of Polymita picta.
Lunch at Finca del Indio de Humboldt. Transfer to Pinares de Mayarí (approx. 4+ h). Accommodation at Villa Pinares (2 nights).
Exploration of the La Mensura trail, which culminates at a waterfall, crossing eight ecosystems characterized by high diversity and ecological fragility. A notable area for orchids representative of the region and reptiles such as Oriente Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Montaña (Anolis noblei noblei), Blue-eyed Twig Anole / Lagartija de Palito de Ojo Azul (Anolis alutaceus), Stripe-bellied Grass Anole / Lagartija de Palito de Cupeyal (Anolis cupeyalensis), Cuban Trunk Anole / Lagartija de Troncos (Anolis argenteolus), Cuban Side-blotched Curlytail / Bayoya de Bosque (Leiocephalus macropus asbolomus), and Oriente White-necked Tropidophis / Majacito de Collar de Oriente (Tropidophis pilsbryi).
Lunch at the villa. In the afternoon, hike along the La Sabina trail. Dinner and night excursion.
Visit to Salto del Guayabo, the main attraction of La Mensura National Park. Waterfalls of 85 m and 127 m in height, located at 546 m a.s.l. Routes to the upper section, the confluence of the falls with a semi-natural pool, and a trail to the base, searching for Brown-eyed Bush Anole / Lagartija de Palito de Ojo Pardo (Anolis anfiloquioi), Spanish Flag Anole / Lagarto Español (Anolis allogus), Oriente Giant Anole / Chipojo Verde de Montaña (Anolis noblei noblei), Cuban Racer / Jubo Gris (Cubophis cantherigerus pepei), among others.
Environment with abundant flora (ferns, trees, and flowers) and associated fauna. Lunch at a panoramic viewpoint at 2,000 feet altitude.
Transfer to Holguín (3+ h). Accommodation at Hotel Mystique Saratoga. Farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport for the outbound flight.
Locations & map
- Holguin - Cuba Cuba (Eastern Cuba access city.)
- Gibara - Cuba Cuba (Coastal and cave habitats in Holguin province.)
- Cabo Cruz - Cuba Cuba (Dry coastal habitats in Granma.)
- Gran Piedra - Cuba Cuba (Montane forest and natural history sites near Santiago de Cuba.)
- Guantanamo - Cuba Cuba (Semi-desert south coast and endemic herping/birding habitats.)
- Baracoa - Cuba Cuba (Eastern Cuba rainforest, coast and endemism center.)
- Nipe Mountains - Cuba Cuba (Eastern Cuba mountain forest and herping route area.)
Availability & pricing
Included
- Airport transfers on itinerary dates - Included according to Nils Birding & Conservation itinerary notes.
- Comfortable air-conditioned transportation - Throughout the established itinerary.
- Drinking water - Participants are encouraged to bring reusable bottles.
- Accommodation at itinerary locations - B&Bs, guesthouses or hotels as listed in the itinerary.
- Breakfasts and listed dinners - Meal plan follows the final confirmed itinerary; one non-alcoholic beverage is included with listed meals.
- Planned activities and local visits - May include tobacco farms, vintage car tour, local music, museums, talks and local projects when listed.
- Specialized guide and local guides - Nils and/or local guides as required by the route.
- Annotated Cuba bird checklist - A personally autographed checklist and itinerary field checklist are included.
- International flights and travel arrangements - Round-trip airfare, visas, taxes and similar expenses are not included.
- Travel insurance - Not included and recommended before travel.
- Alcoholic drinks and extra snacks - Additional beverages, cocktails, refreshments or services not listed as included are excluded.
- Extra days or outside-program logistics - Can be coordinated with Nils Birding & Conservation for an additional cost.
- Tips for specialist guide, logistics guide and driver - Not included unless later confirmed.
Transport & stays
- Private air-conditioned vehicle / local route tran Transport throughout the itinerary is included; exact vehicle, driver and route timing are confirmed with Nils before travel. | Meet: Airport/hotel pickup point to be confirmed. | Pickup: Havana, Holguin or route-specific pickup depending on itinerary.
Accommodations
- Route B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels (days 1-14) Twin/double or single supplement on request Local character; air conditioning/comfort level varies by location
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are these fixed departure dates?
These are private or small-group itineraries prepared from Nils Birding & Conservation material. Dates should be requested and confirmed before booking.
Can the route be adjusted?
Yes. Nils also offers tailor-made Cuba birding, herping, photography, culture and nature programs based on the interests and experience level of the group.
Are prices final?
Prices are listed as the 2026 from-prices in Nils's itinerary document for groups of 3-6 clients, but Nils notes that prices may change because of the current situation in Cuba.