Where Are Cuba's National Parks & Reserves?
You can find national parks and reserves in nearly every region of Cuba.
There are national parks on the coast that give visitors access to rare sights like coral reefs and mangrove forests. Go and see the reefs of María La Gorda in western Cuba, in Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park. Visit Ciénega de Zapata National Park in southern Cuba to see some of Cuba’s wetlands – this is also one of Cuba’s top destinations for fishing and birding.
Cuba has deep, dark pine forests with winding trails and interesting birds. Topes de Collantes Natural Park is in southern Cuba, right outside of Trinidad. In eastern Cuba you can visit Pinares de Mayarí, which is remote, serene, and filled with old pines.
In western Cuba, the Sierra de los Órganos mountain range is home to the Viñales National Park. To the east, you should visit Pico Turquino National Park to see the mountains of the Sierra Maestra.
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Western Cuba
Dramatic landscapes, tobacco fields, and white-sand beaches are what travelers have to look forward to in Western Cuba. It’s a lovely and important area, and one that you’ll want to include on your trip to this island. The beautiful town of Viñales is worth spending a few days exploring, and if you’re a diver, you’ll want to look into the coral walls and shipwrecks around María la Gorda.
María La Gorda
María la Gorda is located at the westernmost tip of Cuba. It’s a laid-back, remote beach set within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park.
Pinares de Mayarí
Pinares de Mayarí is touted as a top ecotourism destination in Cuba. In reality, it’s an aging resort set in a remote pine forest. Even so, if you’re looking for peace and quiet in a natural area, this could be a good place for you.
Trinidad
Trinidad is a charming, colonial city in central Cuba. Its cobblestone streets, historic houses, and lively atmosphere help make it a top destination in 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.
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.
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.
Topes de Collantes Natural Park
The Topes de Collantes Natural Park dominates the forested hillsides above Trinidad. This park has excellent hiking and birding options, and it’s a delight to spend the day exploring its trails while staying in Trinidad.
Eastern Cuba
Shaped like a giant whale’s tail, Eastern Cuba extends across a huge portion of country. The region is home to Cuba’s largest mountains and oldest city, and was instrumental in the early years of the Revolution. Eastern Cuba has a huge proportion of Afro-Cubans and feels more Caribbean than anywhere else in Cuba. A trip here offers travelers an interesting contrast to the rest of the country.
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.
