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CUBA'S FLORA

When the Spanish colonizers arrived at the end of the 15th century, more than 90% of Cuba was covered with forest. When Fray Bartolome de las Casas visited the island, he said "La isla tiene de luengo cerca de 300 leguas y se puede andar toda por debajo de los arboles" (the island is 300 leagues long and you can walk the length of it beneath the trees). However, clearance for cattle raising and sugar cane reduced this proportion to 54% by 1890 and 14% by 1959, although reforestation since the Revolution has increased this figure to about 19%.

More than 6000 species of plants are present in Cuba, of which around 3000 are endemic, and 950 plant species that are endangered, rare, or have become extinct in the last 350 years.

The most notable endemic species include the Pinguicola lignicola, the world's only carnivorous epiphytic plant; the cork palm (Microcycas calocoma), an endemic living fossil which is a threatened species; and the big belly palm (Colpothrnax wrightii) which is easily distinguished by its shape.

Cuba's endemic plant world also includes the Cuban magnolia (Magnolia cubensis), an evergreen tree magnolia native to the forests of the Sierra Maestra Mountains. The Moa Dragon Tree (Dracaena cubensis) considered a relic and living fossil is found only on soils derived from serpentine rocks in eastern Cuba. The Cuban Pine (Pinus cubensis) is a pine endemic to the eas tern highlands of the island. And the Cuban Melon Cactus (Melocactus matanzanus) is found in coastal scrublands of the country.

There are around 100 different palm trees in Cuba, of which 90 are endemic. The palma real or royal palm (Reistonea regia) reaching up to 50 meters tall, is Cuba's national tree.

Other trees found in the island include oaks, cedars, flamboyant trees, and the jaguey- a huge fig tree with aerial roots.

The orchid family includes some 300 endemic species. There is one tiny orchid (Pleurothallis shaferi) which is only 1 cm, with leaves measuring 5 mm and flowers of only 2 mm.

The mariposa or butterfly flower (Hedychium coronarium), a type of jasmine, is considered the national flower.

US Cuba Legal Travel

In terms of visiting Cuba, legal travel from the USA has been all but impossible for over half a century. Right now, however, a rare alteration in travel regulations made by former US President Barack Obama offers US citizens the opportunity to go to Cuba under the General License for Educational Activities, Support for the Cuban People, Professional Research, among others.

After the publication of the new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR Part 515) on June 9, 2022, all 12 categories of legal Cuba travel remain unaffected; except for the Individual People-to-people General License for Cuba travel which has been ended (the Group People-to-people General License) has been re-authorized though.

The future of travel from the US to Cuba is uncertain, and right now, US travelers still have the chance to go to Cuba legally for Professional Research, Support for the Cuban People, Professional Meetings, Religious Activities, and other venues.

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Cuba Themed Tours

If you’ve got an idea of which style of trip will suit you best, take a look at our different trip themes below, as there’s something to suit everyone. Not only are there themed tours to fit any budget and interest, each Authentic Cuba Travel® experience immerses you in the authentic Cuba so hard to explore while just staying in full packed beach resorts.

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Festival Tours

Our festival tours give travelers VIP access to all venues and happenings of Cuba’s famous international events such as the Havana Jazz Festival, Book Fair, Ballet Festival and others.

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Study Tours

Through peer to peer interaction, our Cuba Study Tours® transcend ordinary tourism by immersing American students in the local culture, history, politics, music and contemporary arts.

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Cultural Tours

Cuba Pathfinder® is your gateway to discover the unique Cuban cultural heritage, a set of traditions & memories not showcased in museums but much alive & thriving.

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Architecture Tours

An architectural passage through Cuba’s best preserved colonial cities and unique architectural heritage, our architecture tours visit all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba.

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Photography Tours

Capturing stirring pictures of authentic Cuban destinations it is not the only mission of our photography tours. Capture the essence of the Cuban culture and the kindness of its people.

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Educational Tours

Our educational tours represents a great opportunity for K-12 teachers, university & college professors to explore Cuba’s education system while exploring colonial cities, towns and villages.

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Nature Tours

An odyssey into Cuba's tropical paradise, our nature & bird watching tours gain access to the most pristine natural sites, from UNESCO Biosphere Reserves to National Parks.

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Jewish Tours

A journey into the Jewish history in Cuba, our tours will strengthen the ties between Cuban Jewish communities and North American Jews. All while visiting 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

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Sports Tours

What sets our sports tours apart are the private exchanges with players, coaches & staff as well as sports journalists & personalities. Then you have best seats at the games!

CUBA TOUR FINDER

Select your authentic Cuba trip from over 70 Cuba tours in seconds. Sort by departure date, price, destination and even Cuba travel theme.

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List of Cuba Tours 2025

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Memberships & Affiliations

Logo IATA, International Air Transport Association
Logo TICO, Travel Industry Council of Ontario
Logo ACTA, Association of Canadian Travel Agents
Logo TIC
Logo Cuba's Ministry of Tourism
Logo ASISTUR, Cuba's Medical & Travel Insurance Provider

Bella Travel Group Ltd. (Federal Corporation number: 765324-7) owns and operates the following registered trademarks: Authentic Cuba Travel® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA975677 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Registration No. TMA997988 | Cuba Pathfinder® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5498353 | Cuba Study Tours, Make Cuba Your Classroom® is a trademark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Registration No. 5833051.

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Discounts

Authentic Cuba Travel® offers travelers a $100 referral discount per person in all our Cuba tours to make it more affordable for friends and families travelling together.

Couples traveling together automatically get a $200 discount ($100 per person).

You will also receive a $100 discount per each person that joins you on the trip. Invite 1 friend to join you and pay $100 less. Invite 2 friends and pay $200 less. Invite 3, and pay $300 less, and so on.

The people that travel with you will be grateful as they will also get an additional $100 per person discount.

For example, if you invite 8 people to join in, you will receive an $800 discount. Your friends also receive a $100 discount per person, for a total group discount of $1,600.

If you happen to recruit 2 more travelers, for a total of 10 people besides you, you will receive a complimentary ground package! Yes, if you are able to recruit 10 travelers, you will pay nothing, cero, nada for your ground package!