TOUCAN BIRDING TOURS INFORMATION SHEET: CUBA.

Climate: Daytime temperatures are around 28 degrees Celsius. Generally long-sleeved shirts will suffice with a sweater for the evenings. Coats and wellingtons will not be required in Cuba. We should experience mainly dry weather but some showers are possible.

Insects: Mosquito repellant will be needed for some sites such as Cayo Coco, especially near mangroves.

Health: There has been a recent rise in the number of cases of dengue fever in Havana and also in other Provinces of Cuba. Although not all mosquitoes carry the virus, visitors to Havana and to other Provinces of Cuba should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

Many medicines are unavailable in Cuba so you should bring any prescription drugs you take regularly. A copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition can be helpful at customs.

Though most of the more serious tropical diseases are rare in Cuba, viral meningitis and dengue fever do occasionally break out, including in urban areas like Havana. Hepatitis A is common, particularly in the summer and immunoglobulin is not readily available. For dengue fever, use mosquito repellent and suitable clothing to avoid being bitten.

Essential items: Passport and tourist card (see below), tickets and holiday insurance, money, credit cards, binoculars.

Visas: Visitors require a Cuban visa or Tourist Card, available from travel agencies, tour operators or a Cuban consulate for a stay of one month. The USA officially prohibits its citizens from travelling to Cuba unless they obtain a special license.

Departure Tax: You should also ensure that you have 25 Convertible Pesos (CUCs) per person for payment of departure tax at the airport. US dollars will not be accepted.

Photography: Excellent opportunities for bird photography in Cuba. If you intend to digiscope please bring your own telescope and tripod. The leader’s ‘scope will not be available as a facility for this as damage to the lenses may occur.

Recommended items: Sunhat, sun block, flashlight/torch, sunglasses, alarm clock, water bottle, collapsible umbrella, telescope and tripod (leaders will have one for use by group).

Phoning the UK: Phoning UK will require the code 119 44 before dialling your area code.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5 (USA Eastern Standard Time)

Electricity: 110/220V ,60Hz

Money: As of 8 November 2004, US Dollars are no longer legal tender in Cuba. Travellers must now use 'convertible pesos'; travellers' cheques and credit cards drawn on American banks are also no longer acceptable. GB Pounds or Euros can be exchanged.

Tipping: Gratuities are optional (but generally expected) for hotel staff, local guides, drivers and entertainers.

Food and Drink: Meals are included in the price of the tour. Please note that bottled water will not be provided by the ground staff.

Field Guides: Birds of Cuba by Garrido & Kirkconnell (Helm Field Guides).

General: Lonely Planet as usual publish an excellent guide to Cuba.

Rendezvous: Airport transfers are included in the tour price and all flight details have been noted. Please look for ground operations staff with a “Toucan Birding Tours” sign at arrivals in La Habana.

TOUCAN BIRDING TOURS January 2008.

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