Ecotourism in Cuba is a growing trend. The island has a surprisingly diverse number of national parks, allowing you to see some truly unique plants and animals. Once you leave the towns and cities, you’ll see that the majority of the island is undeveloped. The Cuban government has recognised the importance of their island’s biodiversity, and many of these magnificent parks in Cuba are protected areas.
So it’s time to put down that Mojito and take a look at some of the best spots in Cuba to get back to nature!
A Picture Perfect Tropical Rainforest: Alejandro De Humboldt National Park
The Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is perhaps the most humid place in Cuba but also one of the most beautiful. It’s exactly how you would picture a tropical rainforest. The vast park (711.38 km2 ) is covered in lush foliage, intersected with a number of streams and waterways. It’s not a great idea to go wandering in the park, even though there are a number of marked trails. It’s simply so large that you might not be able to find your way out again.
There are a number of tours available. Both short and long hikes depending on your level of fitness and how much time you have. The park is divided across both the Holguín and Guantánamo provinces on the southeast end of the island.
If You’re Lucky You’ll See: The Almiqui (also known as the Cuban Solenodon). Realistically, you’re unlikely to see this extremely rare creature since less than 40 were ever caught and documented. Covered in dark hair, the Almiqui is the size of a large rat and has an extremely long snout. It looks like a rat/anteater hybrid. It was declared extinct in 1970, but this was reversed in 1974 when it was sighted again. The Almiqui has venomous saliva which it uses to kills lizards and birds.
Ocean Parks in Cuba: Jardines De La Reina
Queen Isabella of Spain never visited the Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen) that was named in her honor. This one of the most unique parks in Cuba. You’ll need a boat, since this national park is more than 2000 km2 of ocean containing around 600 small islands. Only two of these islands have a permanent population; Cayos Ana Maria has ten residents. Cayos Bahia de Casilda has a whopping total of two people! If you crave peace and quiet, a boat tour of the Jardines de la Reina is for you. The waters can become crowded with fishing tours during the peak summer months. However it’s not difficult to find a quiet spot.
If You’re Lucky You’ll See: The whale shark is often spotted in these warm waters and seeing one of these gentle giants is a sight you’ll never forget. Don’t worry – you’re not going to see Jaws. The whale shark feeds on plankton, and pose no threat to humans.
Explore Some Caves at Caguanes National Park
A short distance from the sleepy town of Yaguajay is the Caguanes National Park. The park hugs the coastline and extends out into the ocean. This is a popular spot for cave exploration and there are many guided hikes into some of the larger caves. Do not attempt to explore on your own, as there are 79 caves in the park, some of which go deep underground. You also don’t want to disturb the masses of bats that call some of these caves home.
If You’re Lucky You’ll See: The American Flamingo is rarely seen in the United States, preferring the warmth and abundant food available on the islands of the Caribbean. This lovely pink bird is a common sight on the marshes of Caguanes National Park.
Cigars and Birds: Viñales Valley
The utterly delightful town of Viñales is a popular destination for day trippers, since it’s just a short drive from Havana. The fields around Viñales are home to huge amounts of tobacco crops, and many of those magnificent cigars began their journey here. The whole valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is one of the most accessible parks in Cuba. The rolling fields give way to gentle foothills before becoming a rather daunting mountain range (the Sierra de los Órganos).
There are hiking tracks that are suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. The local flora is home to many indigenous bird species. If you’re pressed for time during your Cuban holiday, the Viñales Valley is your best bet for seeing the Cuban countryside.
If You’re Lucky You’ll See: Keep an eye out for the adorable bee hummingbird. It’s the smallest bird anywhere in the world, and can easily be mistaken for a large insect unless you look closely.
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