National park · Cuba
Ciénaga de Zapata National ParkParque Nacional Ciénaga de Zapata
Enter the park for $5‑$10 (CUP 5‑10) per person, then choose a short birdwatching walk (≈2 km (1.2 mi)) in the morning or a full‑day trek to the crocodile farm and Guamá island; avoid the peak heat by starting before 10:00 and visit in the dry season (Nov–Apr).Enter the park for $5‑$10 (CUP 5‑10) per person, then choose a short birdwatching walk (≈2 km (1.2 mi)) in the morning or a full‑day trek to the crocodile farm and Guamá island; avoid the peak heat by starting before 10:00 AM and visit in the dry season (Nov–Apr).Enter the park for $5‑$10 (CUP 5‑10) per person, then choose a short birdwatching walk (≈1.2 mi (2 km)) in the morning or a full‑day trek to the crocodile farm and Guamá island; avoid the peak heat by starting before 10:00 and visit in the dry season (Nov–Apr).Enter the park for $5‑$10 (CUP 5‑10) per person, then choose a short birdwatching walk (≈1.2 mi (2 km)) in the morning or a full‑day trek to the crocodile farm and Guamá island; avoid the peak heat by starting before 10:00 AM and visit in the dry season (Nov–Apr).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
approximate
Established
1970
Best months
Nov–Apr
UNESCO
Biosphere
Rules in force · 11Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…US State DepartmentUS citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel …No cards
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
- Cuba ↗US State Department: Level 2, exercise increased caution (in place since 2025; the US Embassy reported another island-wide blackout on 18 September 2026). UK FCDO: against all but essential travel (updated 25 September 2026). Canada: avoid non-essential travel (updated 28 September 2026). Australia: reconsider your need to travel. Read your own government's advice and check your insurance still covers Cuba before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Check entry rules for your passport with the Cuban embassy or official sources; most visitors need an e-visa (formerly the tourist card) and the online D'Viajeros form, and requirements change.
- Cuba ↗US citizens and US residents (US persons) may not travel to Cuba as tourists. The trip must fit one of 12 OFAC general-licence categories: family visits; official government business; journalism; professional research and meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, competitions and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; private foundations and research institutes; information and informational materials; and certain export transactions. Most independent travellers use 'support for the Cuban people', which needs a full-time schedule of activities with Cuban people and private businesses (casas, paladares, private guides), and records kept for 5 years. US persons may not stay at properties on the State Department's Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List (11 more Havana hotels added 14 July 2025) or deal directly with entities on the Cuba Restricted List (GAESA and other military-linked businesses). Rules tightened in 2025–26; check OFAC before booking (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗Medical insurance is compulsory for entry: carry proof of a policy valid in Cuba, or buy a Cuban (Asistur) policy on arrival. US-based insurers are generally not accepted in Cuba; flights from the US include a Cuban medical policy in the fare — keep the boarding pass as proof (check with your airline). Hospital bills are payable in cash only, so buy cover with medical evacuation as well (checked 2026-09).
- Cuba ↗No cards: US-issued debit and credit cards have never worked in Cuba because of the embargo, and since 6 June 2026 Visa and Mastercard cards from any country are no longer accepted (Cuban Central Bank, after a foreign processor dropped FINCIMEX under US Executive Order 14404). Bring enough US dollars or euros in cash for the whole stay plus an emergency reserve (checked 2026-09).
- Western Cuba ↗Bring euros or US dollars in cash and change on the street or at a CADECA; foreign cards mostly do not work.
- Western Cuba ↗US travellers need a legal OFAC travel category; tourism is not one.
- Western Cuba ↗Health insurance covering Cuba is required on arrival; keep the policy with your passport.
At a glance
- Country
- Cuba
- Area
- 4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²)
- Estimates vary; the park covers roughly 4,000 km² of wetlands, mangroves and coastal zone (check official source).
- Established
- 1970
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, in Matanzas province of western Cuba, protects the largest wetland on the island, offering extensive birdwatching, a crocodile farm, and diving sites, and is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1990UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Size and age
4,000 km² (1,544 sq mi)1,544 sq mi (4,000 km²) · national park since 1970
Estimates vary; the park covers roughly 4,000 km² of wetlands, mangroves and coastal zone (check official source).
Why go
- World‑class birdwatching with over 300 species, including the national bird Tocororo.
- Crocodile farm and boat trips to Guamá island with a recreated Taíno village.
- Scuba diving and snorkeling at Cueva de los Peces (70 m depth) and nearby reefs.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, comfortable walking.
- FebDry, good birding.
- MarDry, warm.
- AprEnd of dry season.
- MayStart of rains, still walkable.
- JunRainy, trails muddy.
- JulRainy, heat.
- AugRainy, humidity.
- SepRainy, occasional storms.
- OctDry returning.
- NovDry, cooler.
- DecDry, pleasant.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birds (Tocororo, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Pygmy Owl, etc.)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| American crocodilesAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Havana
Bus (Viazul) to Playa Larga (≈2 h), then taxi or hitch‑hike 20 km (12 mi) to the park gate.Bus (Viazul) to Playa Larga (≈2 h), then taxi or hitch‑hike 12 mi (20 km) to the park gate.
2.5–3 h
Open the page →
From Viñales
Bus to Playa Larga, then local transport to the gate.
≈3 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Park headquarters (near Playa Larga) | Visitor centre, ticket office, short trails to birding spots. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Crocodile farm (Criadero Cocodrilo) | Crocodile viewing, boat ride to Guamá island. | Paid tour; optional. |
| Snorkeling & diving sites | Cueva de los Peces and reef near Playa Larga. | Gear rental on site; dive centre. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre of the park.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (CUP) | CUP 5–10 | person | Approximate 2026 price; check at gate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission from park authorities.
- Guides
- Recommended for the crocodile farm boat and long treks; not mandatory for short birdwalks.
- Camping
- Not permitted inside the park; stay in nearby casas.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use designated grills only.
Where to stay
Near the park
Caletón casas particulares
Basic rooms on the beach; US$25 per night, meals extra.
Near the park
Playa Larga guesthouses
Budget rooms, easy access to park entrance.
Safety
Heat and insects medium
Getting lost on remote trails high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Headquarters area reachable by car with short walks.
- Longer trails and boat rides not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Support licensed casas particulares; avoid unlicensed rentals.
- Choose tours that follow the permitted boat routes for langur and crocodile areas.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Ciénaga de Zapata National Park?
Entry is about CUP 5‑10 per person (≈US$0.20‑0.40); tickets are bought at the park gate.
What are the best hikes in Ciénaga de Zapata National Park?
The short birdwatching loop from the headquarters (2‑3 km, easy) and the longer trail to the crocodile farm and Guamá island (≈5 km, moderate) are the most popular.
When is the best time to visit Ciénaga de Zapata National Park?
The dry season, November to April, offers the best conditions for walking and birdwatching.
Can I dive at Cueva de los Peces without a guide?
Diving is organised by the local dive centre; you need to book a dive and pay US$25 per dive plus a US$10 introductory fee.
Where can I stay near the park?
Casas particulares in Caletón and guesthouses in Playa Larga provide basic accommodation; prices start around US$25 per night.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go