SPECIAL EDITION
A Z to
Bis for Birdwatching Straddling the northern and southern hemispheres,
Ais for Adventure Adventure comes in all forms across these diverse
destinations – from hacienda tours by Land Rover and flamingo-filled nature parks in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, featured on Exodus Adventure Travels and Titan Travel tours, to rainforest hikes and rafting trips. But for small-group tours, Cuba offers the greatest variety, with hiking, cycling, family and even salsa-themed adventures from the likes of Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, Explore, Cox & Kings and Mercury Holidays, which has just extended its Classic Cuba tour to allow more time in Havana (pictured) and Trinidad. Havana-based guide Enio Armando González
(pictured), who has been leading Ramble Worldwide tours for 25 years and now helms its Cuba with the Locals itinerary, says: “Cuba is a safe country with wonderful nature, friendly people, great history and culture, as well as endemic species of birds and plants. There are two principal wild areas: the west for Viñales and Sierra del Rosario, and the Escambray Mountains in central Cuba. We combine those places with some time spent in cities to enjoy architecture, music, culture and Cuban cuisine.”
the Caribbean attracts many species of migratory birds, as well as its own unusual varieties. A third of its birds can’t be found anywhere else. Trinidad and Tobago is a habitat for the vivid blue-capped motmot, while Cuba is home to the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird. Bertrand Jno Baptiste (pictured) – aka Dr Birdy, a Dominican birding expert – says: “Dominica is a showcase of biodiversity and natural wonder. With 38% of its land protected as national
Cis for Cities The colourful cities of the Caribbean make for an
interactive-yet-informative introduction to each country’s history and culture. In Oranjestad (pictured), Aruba’s Dutch colonial past is visible in its rainbow of gabled buildings, while in Martinique’s Fort-de- France, clients can tuck into tasty pastries and plantain gratin at the vast Spice Market. Nassau in the Bahamas has a fascinating pirating past too, where clients can explore historic sites such as Fort Fincastle. One of the region’s oldest cities, with a Unesco- listed cobblestone centre and the Americas’ first Christian cathedral, is Santo Domingo. Suzanna Barrow (pictured), Travelpack operations and product director, says: “The Dominican Republic has seen a surge in bookings, with our full-day Santo Domingo City Tour proving a highlight for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the country’s cultural heritage.”
parks and 41% of its original forest still intact, Dominica has become a model for sustainable tourism. Home to 186 species of birds and two endemic parrots, it offers wildlife enthusiasts an authentic and rewarding experience.” The Caribbean Birding Trail is a great
resource for turning a trip into a twitcher’s heaven. The organisation has a database of local operators, eco-hotels and guides, plus it pinpoints the best places to bring binoculars. Find out more at
caribbeanbirdingtrail.org.
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28 AUGUST 2025
travelweekly.co.uk
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