Cuba is a country of natural beauty and exotic attractions. The island will impress even the most sophisticated tourist. Indeed, in addition to incredible beaches, warm sea and clean sand, Cuba can delight tourists with a charming landscape, parks and reserves.
Cuba has about 300 protected natural areas. Moreover, 7 of them have been declared biosphere reserves by UNESCO.
The island has 14 national parks and 23 ecological reserves. Cuba boasts a wide variety of fauna - about 400 species of birds alone can be found here.
We have prepared for you a list of the country's national reserves, visiting which, you can see for yourself how diverse the nature of Cuba is.
First on our list is the Cienaga de Zapata Peninsula National Park. It is located on the coast between Batabano and Broa Bay. The nature of the peninsula mostly consists of swamps, which have become a feature of the park. The main attraction here is a crocodile farm, where experts are trying to restore the once exterminated breed of Cuban crocodiles - Crocodylus rhombifer.
Viñales
In the very west of the island lies the Viñales Valley. The valley with its quaint mogotes rock formations, tobacco plantations and extensive cave system is of particular interest to tourists. Here you can find traces of the Taino tribes that lived in Viñales before the first European settlements (around 1000 BC). And if you get tired of exploring mysterious caves, you can enjoy the water from local mineral springs.
The Guanaacabibes National Park was also declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO and is now almost uninhabited land. The pristine nature of the island has been preserved here with characteristic low-growing cacti and white beaches. Guanaacabibes is rich in magnificent landscapes, unique plants and animals - 4 species of wild turtles and the smallest birds on the planet live here: the Cuban bee hummingbird. Because of the clear azure ocean, the island is a favorite diving destination.
It is worth paying attention to the Baconao National Park, where you can not only enjoy nature, but also go diving or explore part of the island on horseback. The reserve is surrounded by the majestic Sierra Maestra mountains and the Caribbean Sea.
If you are traveling with children, we highly recommend visiting the prehistoric dinosaur park, where there are 200 concrete and plaster statues of Tyrannosaurus, Diplodocus and Triceratops. But not only children will be interested here! For the generation that grew up in Jurassic Park, a visit to the Dinosaur Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience. While walking in the park, pay attention to small buildings - "bohio". These are thatched roof structures typical of the Liberty Island countryside.
The Sierra del Cristal is located east of the province of Holguín and is the oldest nature reserve in Cuba. It is home to one of the country's highest mountain peaks, Pico del Cristal, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire island. After descending the mountain, you can see pre-Columbian drawings and other marks of history in local karst caves.
Topes de Calantes
The Topes de Calantes Park near Trinidad is home to a huge number of colorful butterflies and Cuban emerald hummingbirds. This park has become a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts - here you can ride military vehicles along the steep scenic slopes. In addition, the 27-meter Salto del Caburuni waterfall offers breathtaking views. Feel at one with nature, breathing in cool air and admiring incredible exotic plants!
Granma
The Sierra Maestra mountains are impressive for their size and grandeur. It is on this mountain range that 3 Cuban national parks are located at once - Desembarco del Granma, Baconao and Turquino. The Sierra Maestra park of the same name is full of mountain rivers, waterfalls, and various landscapes. For example, this is the only place where you can find the sabiku tree, tokoro and sunsun birds.
Having visited Cuba at least once, you will forever remember the purity of the azure water, the dazzling whiteness of the sand, the rustle of palms and the charm of the local flavor. Memories of Cuba will undoubtedly have a special place in your heart!
