Unseen Wonders: 10 of Cuba’s Best Natural Attractions

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Written by Sophia Bass

Due to a rise in tourism in Cuba, travelers have been exploring Cuban countryside, taking hikes to waterfalls, snorkeling near remote beaches, and learning about Cuban ecology. Here’s a list of some of Cuba’s best natural attractions to visit for 2017-2018.

Cayo Coco is a remote island destination. Locals call the sharp reef remnants “dog’s teeth,” and appropriate footwear is necessary for anyone who wants to hike beside the water. The island is known for bird watching, snorkel excursions, and canoe trips along mangroves.

Zapata Biosphere Reserve contains one of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean. It boasts a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and is known for its citing of Cuban crocodiles.

Guanahacabibes Peninsula Park lies within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula Biosphere, which was created in 1980. Known as one of the most remote places in Cuba, this park is home to deer, iguanas, and over 100 species of birds.

Toppes de Collates is a protected area in the Escambray Mountains. Here, travelers can find caves, waterfalls, rivers, and wildlife.

Hanabanilla Lake was built as a reservoir during the reign of the Batista government before the communist revolution. The main attraction here is fishing and it is especially known for its largemouth Bass.

Viñales is popularly known for its scenic beauty and tobacco farms. Tourists travel to this valley to see the picturesque rounded limestone rock formations called mogotes, which surround the banana and tobacco farms.

Desembarco del Granma is another natural area that is known for its limestone formations. The cliffs and waterfalls here are in close proximity to the coast and offer scenic views.

Las Terrazas is an eco-village in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve that got its start during a reforestation effort in the 1960s. At that time, the new trees were planted on terraced hillsides so that they would not be swept away by rain and erosion. In addition, this area has a vibrant arts scene that is definitely worth visiting!

The Soroa Orchid Garden is a 7.5-acre attraction in Sierra del Rosario, the same reserve that houses Las Terrazas. The garden features 700 different species of orchid and a host of other ornamental plants. You can visit Las Terrazas and learn how to cultivate beautiful flowers!

Bocanao is a 300 square pile plot of land located near Maestra Mountain and is home to over 1,000 animals species and 1,800 plant species. It is also home to 200 Dinosaur Concrete Statues!

For more information on outdoor excursions and destinations to explore in Cuba, check out the article below:

Unseen Wonders: 10 of Cuba’s best natural attractions

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