When Is the Best Time
The best time of day for birding is the morning. Don't go too early, otherwise, mosquitos may eat you up. The best months are November until April; the dry season. The rainy season from July until October is not the most pleasant time of the year due to the high amount of rainfall, areas can be flooded, it's hot and the humidity is high. Shoulder season May and June, showers may occur but easier to find private accommodations without booking in advance. July and August are the Cuban school holidays.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
Birding at National Park Zapata is outstanding. We did this guided tour twice with different guides at different months. A car is necessary to go to these three different places. Our second guide Yeniel was one of the best we ever had. We got him recommended from Hostel Mayito; best accommodation and delicious fresh fish.
The first part of the tour leads to a swamp area which is flooded in the rainy season. The second to a dry forest and a blue lake where we went swimming. This path is called "Sendero Enigma de las Rocas". The last part leads to a bat cave. These bats are the only ones which feed on leaves. It's a swamp area and lagoon the reason for many mosquitoes at dusk; insect repellent is necessary!! Luckily we always carry a mosquito net in our luggage for the night. Special tip for spotting hummingbirds: Go in February. There is a garden with a large blooming tree 5 km on the road 116 to the north, in a small village before Playa Larga.
