National park · Cuba
Desembarco del Granma National ParkParque Nacional Desembarco del Granma
Enter Desembarco del Granma National Park for 150 CUP (≈$6) per adult; hike the 5 km (3.1 mi) coastal‑terrace trail (2–3 h) in the dry season (Nov–Apr) to avoid heat and crowds.Enter Desembarco del Granma National Park for 150 CUP (≈$6) per adult; hike the 3.1 mi (5 km) coastal‑terrace trail (2–3 h) in the dry season (Nov–Apr) to avoid heat and crowds.
- 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.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
325 km² (125 sq mi)125 sq mi (325 km²)
approximate
Established
1986
Best months
Nov–Apr
UNESCO
World Heritage
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).
- Eastern Cuba ↗Bring cash in euros or dollars; cards issued by US banks do not work, and ATMs are unreliable outside Santiago and Holguín.
- Eastern Cuba ↗Shared taxis (colectivos) and Viazul buses are the practical intercity options; confirm departures the day before.
- Eastern Cuba ↗Scheduled blackouts are common; carry a power bank and a torch.
At a glance
- Country
- Cuba
- Area
- 325 km² (125 sq mi)125 sq mi (325 km²)
- Park covers over 32,500 ha (≈325 km²).
- Established
- 1986
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Santiago de Cuba
Desembarco del Granma National Park, established in 1986 on Cuba’s eastern coast, protects dramatic limestone coastal terraces up to 360 m high, endemic flora and fauna, karst caves, waterfalls, and the West Indian manatee, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 for its marine‑terrace landscape.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 1999Listed for its marine terraces.
Size and age
325 km² (125 sq mi)125 sq mi (325 km²) · national park since 1986
Park covers over 32,500 ha (≈325 km²).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Santiago de Cuba.
Why go
- Explore the dramatic limestone coastal terraces up to 360 m high.
- See endemic flora and fauna, including West Indian manatees.
- Visit karst caves, sinkholes and waterfalls within a UNESCO World Heritage site.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctCaution
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, comfortable temperatures.
- FebDry, comfortable temperatures.
- MarDry, warm.
- AprDry, warm.
- MayIncreasing humidity.
- JunHigher rain chance.
- JulRainy season begins.
- AugRainy season.
- SepRainy season.
- OctTransition to dry.
- NovDry, cooler.
- DecDry, cooler.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endemic birds and reptilesAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| West Indian manateeAll year · Seen in coastal lagoons; best early morning. | 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 Santiago de Cuba
Bus or shared taxi to the park entrance (approx. 1 h).
1–1.5 h
Open the page →
From Granma Province capital (Bayamo)
Local bus to the park gate, then walk 10 min.
1–1.5 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main entrance area | Visitor centre, ticket office, short interpretive trails. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Coastal terrace trail | 5 km (3.1 mi) trail along the terraces with viewpoints and caves.3.1 mi (5 km) trail along the terraces with viewpoints and caves. | Open; no guide required. |
| Cave and waterfall sector | Karst caves and inland waterfalls. | Open; some sections may be slippery after rain. |
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 the park entrance; other points are approximate.
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 150 | person | 2026 estimate; official price not published. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Not required for the main trail but recommended for remote sections.
- Camping
- Not allowed within the park; stay in nearby towns.
- Fires and litter
- No open fires; carry out all rubbish.
Where to stay
Near the park
Santiago de Cuba
Hotels and guesthouses 30 km (19 mi) from the park.Hotels and guesthouses 19 mi (30 km) from the park.
Near the park
Granma Province villages
Basic casas particulares within 10 km (6.2 mi).Basic casas particulares within 6.2 mi (10 km).
Safety
Heat and steep steps medium
Slippery rocks after rain medium
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
- Main entrance area reachable by car; short walks are level.
- Trail includes steep and uneven sections; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in locally owned casas particulares.
- Do not collect plants or disturb wildlife.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Desembarco del Granma National Park?
The entry fee is about 150 CUP per adult (≈$6); children may pay less. Check at the gate for the exact current price.
What are the best hikes in Desembarco del Granma National Park?
The 5 km coastal‑terrace loop is the most popular, taking 2–3 h and offering panoramic sea views and cave stops. Shorter side trails lead to waterfalls.
When is the best time to visit Desembarco del Granma National Park?
Visit in the dry season, November to April, for comfortable temperatures and minimal rain.
Can I camp inside the park?
Camping is not permitted; stay in nearby towns or licensed casas particulares.
Is a guide required?
A guide is not required for the main trail but is recommended for remote sections or if you want detailed natural‑history information.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Desembarco del Granma National Park
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