Travellers seeking water activities, ecotourism, or beautiful nature areas will love Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park in Cuba. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this Cuban national park has several diverse landscapes, including spectacular beaches.
Keep reading to learn more about visiting Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park.
About Guanahacabibes National Park in Cuba
Located on the western tip of Cuba, about two hours from the town of Pinar del Rio, Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park lies within the larger Guanahacabibes Peninsula Biosphere Reserve. Created by UNESCO in 1987, this biosphere reserve is over 31,000 acres, protecting the wildlife, mangroves, and woodland on this peninsula, which is 55 miles long and 19 miles wide.
This peninsula is a stunning wilderness area, but it’s also the habitat of several species – over 170 species of birds reside here, in addition to land crabs, deer, wild pigs, and iguanas. Overall, there are 700 plant species, 35 reptile species, 18 mammal species, and 19 amphibian species. This land was the former home of the Guanahatabeyes, Cuba’s aboriginal group, who fled this area after an invasion from the aggressive Taíno indigenous group.
As you drive into this national park, you’ll first see La Bajada, a military checkpoint. Having your passport ready to go in case you get stopped is a good idea. From this checkpoint, the road will split into two directions – one path goes 9 miles to Maria la Gorda and the other leads to Cabo San Antonio for 38 miles.
Getting to Guanahacabibes National Park
Take a taxi or hire a driver
If you hire a driver to Guanahacabibes National Park, you can either come from Havana, a six-hour drive, or from Pinar del Rio, a two-hour drive. However, be aware that if you hire a private driver, you’ll be responsible for their food and accommodation for however long you stay. A taxi is more cost-effective, but you’ll still have to pay for a separate cab each way.
Rent a car
Renting a car will give you the utmost flexibility during your time in this national park. The only downside is that renting a car in Cuba can be a bit complicated due to car accident laws and limited availability.
Public transportation
The budget-friendly route is to take public transportation. The easiest way is to take an early-morning bus to Pinar del Rio. From the Pinar del Rio bus station, take a bus or carpool to the next town over towards Maria La Gorda. While you might have to transfer several times, it is possible to make it into the park using this method!
What to do in Guanahacabibes National Park
Enjoy María la Gorda
Maria la Gorda, a secluded white sand beach, is next to some of Cuba’s most spectacular scuba diving areas. This beach has just one hotel, restaurant, and diving centre, and that’s the only development you’ll find on this shore.
Visitors can sometimes spot whale sharks in these waters, and some like to explore the underwater shipwrecks. Whether you want a quiet spot to lay in the sun and enjoy the unspoiled beach or dive deep into the underwater caves, tunnels, and coral reefs, this shore is the best place to experience Cuba’s tropical beauty.
Go diving at El Valle de Coral Negro
There are several diving spots throughout this area, but El Valle de Coral Negro is one of the best, boasting long coral walls.
Visit Cabo San Antonio
Cabo San Antonio is home to a lighthouse, a beach, and an entire cave system, so you could definitely spend a whole day here. One trail from this area leads to a deep natural sinkhole, while another goes to Cuevas Las Perlas, a series of caves lit by natural skylights. Visitors are permitted to go almost 1,400 feet into the caves!
Watch the turtles
On summer evenings between May and October, several species of marine turtles, including loggerheads, move together toward the beach to lay their eggs. Visit in the evening to observe how these turtles nest.
Tips for visiting Guanahacabibes National Park
- While admission is free, hiring a guide is required to visit this park.
- Check out the park’s visitor’s centre to find maps and book specialized tours.
- The best time to visit this national park is between November and April, during the dry season. However, if you want to see the turtles, summer is best.
- Bring insect repellent – there are a lot of bugs in this wilderness area!
Final thoughts
This remote national park is more than a tropical oasis and stunning beach area – it’s a sacred habitat for millions of animals and plant species. If you love experiencing rugged nature and lush wilderness areas, a trip to Guanahacabibes National Park is well worth it.
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 020 8038 7100 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com
