10 Destinations for Ecotourism in Cuba

Cuba is among the most endemic islands in the world and therefore has enormous potential for the development of ecological tourism in conditions of cleanliness and safety. We present the most interesting destinations worth the attention of nature lovers, highlighting them among the abundance of flora and fauna of the largest of the Antilles islands.

1. GUANAHACABIBES. The Guanahacabibes Peninsula, located at the westernmost point of Cuba, is a karst plain, very little altered by human activity, and is considered one of the best preserved of its kind in the world. It has the status of a biosphere reserve and is one of the largest nesting sites for migratory birds, including endemic species such as the zunzuncito (Mellisuga helenae) — the smallest bird in the world. The unusual architecture of the plain, created by wind and sea erosion, is represented by the so-called Guanahacabibes Balconies. They serve as natural observation platforms stretching for 28 km. The park also has caves and grottos, small ponds, a beautiful beach, tombs, the Roncali Lighthouse, and the International Diving Center “Maria la Gorda.”
2. SIERRA DEL ROSARIO. The first Biosphere Reserve in Cuba, recognized by UNESCO in 1985, is located on the Guaniguanico ridge, Pinar del Río. Among its most enticing landscapes, Las Terrazas and Soroa stand out. The area is characterized by slightly pronounced mountain ridges with evergreen forests, with about 115 species of birds, 50% of which are endemic. In addition, during the winter period, more than 20 other species of birds arrive from other territories seeking shelter. Among reptiles, 13 species of lizards were found, ten of them exclusive. All are small in size and harmless to humans.

The Las Terrazas tourist complex represents the first experience of sustainable rural tourism development in Cuba. In Soroa is the country’s largest orchid greenhouse with more than 250 species. The landscape structure of the complex includes plains, lowlands, elevations, and mountains protecting the basins of the San Marcos and San Diego rivers and other smaller ones. Therefore, the region concentrates underground water reserves and important medicinal springs rich in sulfur.

3. VIÑALES — a karst valley whose cultural landscape is included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List. The valley is famous for its “mogotes” — steep hills with flat tops up to 400 m high, about 160 million years old. The surrounding mountains have many caves, the most famous being the Cueva del Indio, José Miguel Cave, and Santo Tomás Cave, the latter considered one of the largest in Latin America, with 45 km of galleries inside. Fossil remains of marine reptiles, mollusks, and Jurassic fish can be found on the rocks. Flora and fauna include about 232 endemic species.
4. ZAPATA PENINSULA, located on the southern coast of Matanzas province, is a wetland, the largest in the Caribbean islands, and is a reserve. It is protected under the Ramsar Convention. It has unique mangrove landscapes such as the “Treasure Lagoon” in the basins of the Hatiguanico and Hanábana rivers, as well as Playa Larga and Playa Girón beaches. The Zapata Peninsula is home to many bird species, both endemic and migratory. This region is a known habitat of the Cuban crocodile (Rhombifer), for the protection and reproduction of which a breeding farm was created with international support. The rivers are inhabited by many freshwater fish, larger than the well-known Manjuarí fish.
5. TOPES DE COLLANTES — a mountain range distinguished by a high level of endemism and an ideal balance between flora and fauna, located near Trinidad and Sancti Spíritus. It features steep peaks and deep valleys, abundant vegetation, cave systems, and natural trails crossing the area. The place is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and speleotourism. There are amazing rivers, streams, and rapids forming deep valleys in the mountains, whose steep slopes serve as platforms for stunning waterfalls such as Vegas Grande, Rosai, and Caburní, the latter declared a National Monument. Nearby is the Hanabanilla Hotel and a mountain lake famous for its large trout.
6. BUENAVISTA BIOSPHERE RESERVE, located in the north of the Cuban archipelago, covering 313,502 ha, consists of terrestrial, coastal, and marine zones with high ecological sensitivity and significant biodiversity. The reserve covers parts of Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, and Ciego de Ávila provinces, offering various ecosystems such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, active dune zones, and breeding grounds for waterfowl (pelicans, pink flamingos, etc.).
7. NORTHERN WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS OF CIEGO DE ÁVILA. With a total area of 226,875 ha, located in the northern part of Ciego de Ávila province, covering almost its entire coastline with well-known cays. This wetland consists of two dams and coastal lagoons fed by underground waters, surrounded by forests, marshy meadows, and mangroves. It is part of the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve and is home to large populations of waterfowl, flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber), cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), and other less common species such as the anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) and the black-billed whistling duck (Dendrocygna arborea).
8. PINARES DE MAYARÍ. A National Park that is part of the Nipe-Cristal mountain area in eastern Cuba, this plateau rises 600 meters above sea level, surrounded by pine forests and meadows. Its surroundings feature landscapes of extraordinary natural beauty, such as the Guayabo waterfall with a 250-meter drop, the San Rafael reservoir, perfect for photography, or the Tanke Azul Caletones, a flooded cave located along the path of migratory birds of the region.
9. TURQUINO NATIONAL PARK. Located in Santiago de Cuba province, this is the country’s region with the highest mountains, including the peak Turquino at 1,974 m. All the mountains are endowed with lush nature. Besides its great importance in Cuban revolutionary history (scenes of struggles for revolutionary ideals unfolded here, leading to triumph in 1959), Turquino Park is the cradle of four major rivers and a component of the original biodiversity of the Cuban archipelago.
10. “Desembarco del Granma” national park in southeastern cuba, granma province. the park is named after the landing of fidel and raúl castro, che guevara, and others from the yacht “granma” in 1956 from mexico. the park was established in 1986 and covers 261.8 km². the territory of the national park is a unique geological-geomorphological area with marine terraces, cliffs, and karst formations. desembarco del granma has stunning relief with numerous marine terraces, picturesque cliffs, and karst rocks. the coastal area is adorned by the largest terrace system in the world — escalera de los gigantes, meaning “staircase of giants.” here you can find the smallest frog in the world. coastal waters with transparency up to 40 meters are ideal for diving.