National Parks of Cuba
Many of Cuba’s national parks have both UNESCO and federal protection, which has kept many of Cuba’s parks in excellent condition. You can climb the tallest mountain in Cuba in the Pico Turquino National Park, and see the verdant hillsides of the Sierra Maestra along the way. National parks along the coast have thriving mangrove forests, swamps, and wetlands. Visit the Laguna de las Salinas in Ciénaga Zapata National Park to see endemic birds and experience Cuba’s best fishing. In the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park you can visit the beach at María La Gorda, and snorkel around the reefs and Spanish shipwrecks that are near the shore.
The best places to visit in National Parks of Cuba
Pico Turquino National Park
The Pico Turquino National Park is home to the highest mountain in Cuba. Visitors can access this forested, remote park from the small community of Santo Domingo.
Soroa Orchid Garden
The Soroa Orchid Garden is set in the “eco-retreat” of Soroa. The garden hosts an impressive array of ferns, trees, and orchids.
Viñales National Park
Home to the town of Viñales and surrounding countryside, the Viñales National Park encompasses a beautiful, mogote-studded valley in western Cuba. It’s different from other national parks in that it contains population centers, but it’s still undeniably one of the most scenic places in all of Cuba.
Cienaga de Zapata National Park
The Ciénaga de Zapata National Park is located on the Península de Zapata in south-central Cuba. This national park is comprised of important wetlands, and is home to the best birding and fishing in the country.
Desembarco del Granma National Park
Located at the southwesternmost tip of Cuba, the Desembarco del Granma National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects virgin woodland and saltwater lagoons. It’s also the spot where Fidel and a band of revolutionaries landed in Cuba on December 2, 1956 after their exile in Mexico.
Punta Frances National Park
The Punta Francés National Park is known for its untouched beaches and rare species of wildlife. It covers the southern end of Cuba’s largest island, Isla de Juventud. Visitors come here for diving, snorkeling, and swimming in the clear, calm water. These beaches are some of the most secluded and pristine in all of Cuba.
El Nicho Waterfall
The waterfalls and natural pools at El Nicho provide travelers with an ideal place to cool off in the outdoors. El Nicho is about 1.5 hours from both Cienfuegos and Trinidad.
Soledad Botanical Garden
Located just outside Cienfuegos, the Soledad Botanical Garden hosts an extensive collection of tropical plants. The garden is huge and varied, providing travelers with a wonderful way to learn about native and non-native plant species in Cuba.
Duaba Natural Park
The Duaba Natural Park is located just outside the town of Baracoa. This beautiful park is best known for the flat-topped mountain of El Yunque.
El Guayabo Waterfall
The beautiful twin waterfalls at El Guayabo crash through the forests near Pinares de Mayarí. This is an excellent place to spend an hour or two exploring the outdoors in eastern Cuba.
More National Parks of Cuba
There's always more to discover in Cuba. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these national parks of cuba are worth adding to your itinerary.
Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park
The Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park extends across a large, Y-shaped peninsula on the westernmost tip of Cuba. The park is best known for María la Gorda, a secluded white-sand beach that borders some of the best diving in Cuba.
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