Nature of Cuba - national parks and reserves for active recreation

Fans of hiking will be pleased with an opportunity to explore Cuba’s national reserves that are located on the main island and several small ones. The total area of a bit more than 110 thousand square kilometers is not big for the country but is big enough for everyone who likes strolling. There are approximately 300 restricted areas in Cuba. Twenty-three out of them are environmental reserves, seven are biosphere reserves of the international level, and fourteen are national parks. All of them are suitable for excursions and hiking tours.

Local national parks are the best place to see the untouched nature of Cuba. People do not interfere here. They are only allowed to help to preserve the restricted areas and their animal world. A stroll in such a place is an opportunity to see rare blooming flowers and centuries-old trees with your own eyes and get acquainted with the exotic flora and fauna of the region. Visitors can also learn many interesting facts during such excursions. In the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, tourists can see the mountains, a tropical forest, and a water ecosystem. There are several different trails for tourists. These trails differ in length and difficulty. While walking on the trail, tourists can admire virgin nature, waterfalls, and dozens of rare plant species that do not grow anywhere else.

The Soroa Orchid Botanical Garden is home to nearly four thousand species of orchids. This collection of tropical flowers is among the largest in the world. Visitors can also see six thousand trees and blooming flowers brought from different countries. The territory of the botanical garden has turned into a popular recreation spot. Isla de la Juventud, which was the prototype for the famous “Treasure Island” book by Stephenson, is widely recognized for its unique coastal ecosystem. It has been the national park starting from 1984. Isla de la Juventud is under the protection of Cuba’s government. Thousands of tourists come here to enjoy serene lagoons with transparent water, as well as the rich and diverse underwater world. Isla de la Juventud is a typical location of scuba diving contests and competitions between underwater photographers. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Topes de Collantes Park (to the south of Cienfuegos) is an excellent destination for all nature enthusiasts. The tropical forest enchants its guests with bright colors and exotic flora. There are gorgeous waterfalls in the park, and visitors are allowed to swim in them (put on the swimming suit in advance). It is also possible to see how coffee trees grow and how Cuban bananas are cultivated. During an excursion in the park, visitors walk on the ground, on the stones, and on huge tree trunks that form bridges above streams. An excursion in the jungle is a mesmerizing experience and an opportunity to breathe crystal clear air in the virgin forest. Don’t forget to specify the price of an excursion to the jungle in advance because it might be higher than you expect. The entrance fee doesn’t cover all services in the park. There are many paid options to choose from.

Cuban national parks are true open-air museums. In Ciénaga de Zapata, tourists can familiarize themselves with the life of turtles and crocodiles. The latter are particularly easy to find. There is a crocodile farm that is open to visitors. Tourists are allowed to feed crocodiles – of course, many want to try this unusual experience. There are several rivers in the territory of the reserve, and a boat excursion is the best way to explore this area. Visitors can learn more not only about nature but also about the lifestyle of people who lived here in the past centuries. The park features a model of a traditional island village.

It is so easy to spend much time hiking in the national parks in Cuba, but tourists need to keep in mind that they can explore the area only together with the park’s staff. If there is no free guide at the moment, visitors need to wait until there is a park’s employee available. Some areas have a maximum allowed number of visitors. If an excursion group is big, it will be divided into several smaller groups of guests. This is a preventive measure aimed to minimize the negative impact of visitors on the wild and pristine nature of the parks. In order not to wait at the entrance and plan the excursion time, tourists should find out the load and schedule of excursion groups in Ciénaga de Zapata in advance.

Valle de Vinales is a national park with crystal clear air. Tourists from Havana always notice this. Besides that, this is an incredibly scenic place. Coffee and tobacco are cultivated in the valley. Honey and rum are also produced here. Visitors can see the complete cycle of growing and producing coffee and tobacco here. Excursions to local farms are not only interesting but also delicious because sampling local products is always included in the plan. The valley is home to exotic plants, and picturesque limestone cliffs dominate the skyline. The natural beauty of the area is so enchanting that many tourists want to make a hiking tour here. By the way, it is also possible to rent a bicycle or even get a horse and take a ride.

The unique nature of Valle de Vinales is interesting to study for educational purposes. Mogotes (unique geomorphological formations), underground rivers and lakes, and numerous caves tell the geographical history of the island. There are even ancient karst caves that are open to visitors. As a rule, there are a restaurant and a souvenir shop near such caves. Exploration of the underground passages in the caves evokes appetite, and so it is incredibly pleasant to enjoy delicious food once the excursion is over. There is a cave with a lake illuminated by torches. An excursion in this cave is available in a boat only. This romantic activity is great for couples. The Valle de Vinales National Park got its name after a small town - Vinales. This settlement has mostly single-story wooden buildings and looks original and authentic. Tourists enjoy taking a stroll in the town.