Cuba is one travel destination you won’t want to miss. From the bustling city to the majestic landscape, these are the top natural attractions in Cuba.
Cuba is one travel destination that ought to be on everyone’s bucket list. The attractions in Cuba range from the vintage cars culture to the bustling city life in Havana.
Cuba’s music is a balm for the soul as is the majestic landscape and countryside. The country offers an array of beautiful experiences for all tastes and preferences. The expansive tobacco farms are also a sight worth seeing.
Here are the top natural attractions in Cuba for the nature-loving traveler.
Remote Divers Camp in Guanahacabibes Peninsula
Guanahacabibes Peninsula is classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the most isolated areas in Cuba, with the closest population of people being more than two hours away.
But what Guanahacabibes Peninsula lacks in human activity, it compensates for with vibrant natural wildlife.
The area is also home to Maria La Gorda which is at the most western point of the island nation. Maria La Gorda is a diver’s paradise. There may be no direct public transportation to Maria La Gorda, making it tough to access but Maria La Gorda more than makes up for this with reefs that have been well preserved at a chilled out diving camp.
The Hiking Trails of Viñales Valley
Viñales Valley is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Center. The valley is surrounded by mountains and its landscapes are simply breathtaking. Tobacco farming is the most engaging activity in this valley but the architecture also deserves a worthy mention.
Viñales Valley is the perfect place to go on a little expedition. Should you ever find yourself at Viñales Valley, feel free to ditch your car for the day (or a few hours) and explore the countryside by hiking, horseback or by bike.
Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
The Alejandro de Humboldt National Park in Cuba is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Cuba. The park is named after a scientist from Germany by the name Alexander von Humboldt paid a visit to the island nation in 1800, at Holguín.
The Alejandro de Humboldt national park is ranked top among mountain forest conservations in the Caribbean, raising the global ranking of Cuba national parks.
Bird Watching in Cienaga de Zapata National Park
Cienaga de Zapata National Park takes up a whole peninsula in the southern area of the island and is another of Cuba’s noteworthy tourist attractions.
This national park is famous as a bird watching site that is home to flamingoes, the Tocororo, the Cuban Parrot and many other species of birds. In fact, this is the only site where visitors can find the Cuban Bee Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world.
There are many hiking trails in the park for bird watchers to look out for in the trees and sky. On the ground, tourists will want to look out for Cuban crocodiles that live in the Zapata swamps.
But if you are not interested in bird watching, you should explore the area to the north of the park. This location is home to sugarcane plantations and might be of more interest to you.
Beach Attractions in Cuba
As an island nation, it goes without saying that Cuba has beautiful beaches, but even in this sea of beaches, one stands out.
Cayo Coco is known for its long beaches and many all-inclusive resorts. Cayo Coco is located about fifteen to twenty-five minutes away from the airport but its accessibility depends on the proximity of the hotel you will be staying.
An interesting but inconsequential fact about Cayo Coco is that its beaches are featured in two Ernest Hemingway novels.
Sierra Maestra
The Sierra Maestra is the biggest mountain range in Cuba.
It is the highest point of the island and is a great source of historical interest. The mountain was a place of refuge for Cuban rebels who fought for independence against Spain in the1800’s.
Present day Sierra Maestra features an extraordinary display of plant and animal life.
There is a great diversity of unusually vibrant birdlife. If bird watching is one of your interests, be sure to visit Sierra Maestra and look out for pygmy owls, varying species of frogs, and a wide range of species that can only be found on the island such as butterflies with wings that are transparent.
Baracoa
Baracoa is a remote town on the eastern side of Cuba. All around Baracoa are verdant mountains, rivers, and exquisite beaches.
There are also caves, waterfalls, coffee and cocoa plantations that are worth a visit.
These Cuba tourist attractions make Baracoa a hidden gem for travelers and a veritable paradise nature lovers. It really is worth the hassle that is traveling to the eastern end of Cuba.
A Park For Castro
This Cuban national park, Desembarco del Granma National Park, was named to commemorate the landing of Castro revolutionaries in a yacht known as the Granma.
The coastal park has a wide range of cliffs and waterfalls. Thanks to limestone formations, the rest of the park has an immaculate terraced topography, in addition to reefs and mangroves.
Chasing Waterfalls in Topes de Collantes Nature Reserve
If you are looking for a change of scenery from the usual attractions while still hoping for a proper serving of Cuba’s nature, then Topes de Collantes ought to be on your itinerary.
The nature reserve is known for its hiking trails, thick jungle interiors, picturesque ribbons of waterfalls and coffee plantations.
Topes de Collantes is the perfect place for a one-day excursion and is easily accessible so getting a taxi there is a possibility.
Cuba Awaits
The attractions in Cuba are plentiful. As Caribbean’s largest island, the country drips with history, culture, and a captivating mystique. Cuba truly abounds in natural beauty.
The island has more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline with much of it rimmed by beautiful beaches and coral reefs in the turquoise waters, in addition to the lush Cuban countryside.
Should you decide to visit this beautiful island nation, check out our services for reliable transportation options.