Guanahacabibes National Park, Pinar del Rio. Cuba

• ( 12 reviews)
• Pinar del Rio. Cuba
• Daily
• Destination: Pinar del Rio

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Located on the peninsula at the western end of the province, it constitutes the largest forest reserve in the country, separated from the rest of the territory by an isthmus with white sand plains and the largest lakeside area in Cuba. The original vegetation has been protected, with a fauna rich on aquatic birds, mollusks and reptiles. In a relatively small area there are over a hundred lakes and the purest silica sands deposits -99.8 % purity- the largest in the country. The pine forests are indigenous and vast, and the grassy plains hold the richest fauna in these ecosystems. Guanahacabibes is a low plain with an abundance of subterranean caves such as the Cueva de la Barca, of great bio spelunking richness, and freshwaters currents in the ocean. Citrus is grown in these sandy plains, and blond tobacco, as well as other crops. There is a surprising variety of landscapes and ecosystems: evergreen forests, including mangrove, beach coasts with swampy vegetation, high reef coasts and sandy coasts with a vegetation of sea grapes, palm trees and mastic. There is a large  profusion of orchids, earth and epiphytes, a total of 16 species, some indigenous and some recently discovered. There are also large amounts of  birds, butterflies, mollusks and insect trapping plants. This peninsula has a rich architectural patrimony of the prehispanic period and of the activity of pirates and corsairs, wrapped in an atmosphere of legends and histories.

Guanahacabibes National Park Map

Guanahacabibes National Park is located in Pinar del Rio

Because of the richness, variety and excellent preservation of its flora and fauna, Pinar del Río is called "the garden of Cuba." UNESCO has declared the Guanahacabibes Peninsula and the Rosario Mountain Range biosphere reserves, and the Viñales Valley a world cultural heritage. The land in which the world's best tobacco is grown also offers you wonderful opportunities for scuba diving, hunting, fishing or simply relaxing and tanning at the beach.,

Since the 19th century, Havana residents have been drawn by the natural beauty of Vueltabajo, and they have flocked to Los Portales Cave, to San Diego de los Baños, to receive the benefits of its mineral-medicinal and thermal waters; and to the Viñales Valley, to gaze at its natural beauty.,

Pinar del Río is just 174 km (108 miles) from Havana. A good highway links the two cities. The architecture in its historic center is eclectic, and its low houses in gentle colors, whose porches seem to form an endless gallery, have great charm. On the outskirts of the city, modern buildings break its horizontal lines. ,

When visiting Pinar del Río's provincial capital, be sure to tour the Guayabita del Pinar Distillery, where the drink of the same name is still made by hand, following an age-old recipe; the Guash Palace, the Milanés Theater and the Rumayor Cabaret.,

Quiet, comfortable hotels have been built in some of the most beautiful spots in Pinar del Río, to facilitate your enjoyment of Nature. Cayo Levisa has a delightful, sunny beach, and the province also offer excellent opportunities for scuba diving, hunting and fishing.

Review about Areas of Natural Interest: Guanahacabibes National Park