In 1996, three neighboring protected areas were united to form the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humbo...
In 1996, three neighboring protected areas were united to form the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt in Spanish). It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The park lies in north-eastern Cuba, in the provinces of Guantanamo and Holguin. The total area of the park is 71,140 hectares –...
In 1996, three neighboring protected areas were united to form the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park (Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt in Spanish). It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The park lies in north-eastern Cuba, in the provinces of Guantanamo and Holguin. The total area of the park is 71,140 hectares – 68,890ha of which are land and 2,250ha marine area. The protected area covers most of the central part of the Saqua-Baracpa mountain range.
The area in which the park lies is known as being the most humid part of Cuba, with humidity ranging between 75% and 95%. The climate is hot and sub-tropical, with the heaviest rain falling between May and October. The lowest rainfall and coolest temperatures are between January and April. The area is prone to hurricanes in fall (August to November).
The park provides habitats for a wealth of endemic flora, including specimens of 16 of Cuba’s 28 endemic plant species such as the Dracaena cubensis (a rare, highly specialized type of dragon tree) and fauna such as the Cuban kite and Cuban parrot.
At present, the park is mainly visited by local people and scientists. However, the government is beginning to promote national and international ecotourism, and there are two small visitors’ centers. Accommodation is available in the vicinity, including campsites.
There are a number of marked trails and nature trails, wildlife and bird-watching. Boat tours are also available
The park is about 20 km north of Baracoa, a municipality and city in the Guantanamo Province near the eastern tip of Cuba. The whole area is still little visited by tourists, but Baracoa can be reached by bus from Santiago de Cuba in four hours or by plane from Havana in two hours.
It is essential that you are accompanied by a guide when visiting the park.
Alexander von Humboldt, after whom the park was named, was a Prussian geographer, naturalist and explorer who explored Latin America from 1799-1804 and was considered the first to describe his explorations from a modern, scientific point of view.