National park · Cuba
La Güira National ParkParque Nacional La Güira
Check access first: confirm road condition, entry fee and campground status at La Güira National Park (dry season Nov–Apr recommended). Then hike the Cuevas de los Portales route if feasible.
- 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
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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
218 km² (84 sq mi)84 sq mi (218 km²)
approximate
Established
1980
Best months
Apr, Nov–Dec
UNESCO
None
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
- 218 km² (84 sq mi)84 sq mi (218 km²)
- About 54,000 acres (≈218 km²) of mountainous forest in the Sierra de los Órganos (check).
- Established
- 1980
- Best months
- Apr, Nov–Dec
- Permits
- For some areas
La Güira National Park protects a remote section of the Sierra de los Órganos, offering rugged mountain scenery, historic Cuevas de los Portales linked to Che Guevara, and limited visitor facilities. The park is largely undeveloped, making it a destination for self‑guided hikes and basic camping.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1980.
Size and age
218 km² (84 sq mi)84 sq mi (218 km²) · national park since 1980
About 54,000 acres (≈218 km²) of mountainous forest in the Sierra de los Órganos (check).
Why go
- Explore the remote Sierra de los Órganos wilderness.
- Visit the historic Cuevas de los Portales, linked to Che Guevara.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool
- FebDry, cool
- MarDry, warming
- AprDry, warm
- MayStart of rainy season
- JunRainy, humid
- JulRainy, possible storms
- AugRainy, hot
- SepRainy, cooling
- OctTransition to dry
- NovDry, pleasant
- DecDry, cool
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical forest birdsMar–May · Observe from trails. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
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
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Cuevas de los Portales area | Historic caves, river gorge, campground. | Open to visitors; road condition variable. |
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 centered on Cuevas de los Portales; approximate for orientation.
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 | Free | person | No published fee; small amount usually paid at gate – check locally. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Camping
- Allowed only in the designated campground near the caves.
- Fires
- Prohibited outside designated areas.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish.
Where to stay
In the park
Cuevas de los Portales campground
Basic camping area; cabins and facilities reported closed – verify current availability.
Near the park
Pinar del Río town
Hotels and guesthouses about 30 km (19 mi) south.Hotels and guesthouses about 19 mi (30 km) south.
Safety
Road condition 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
- Trail to caves is moderate; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use the official campground to limit impact.
- Avoid private tours promising exclusive cave access.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter La Güira National Park?
There is no published entry fee; visitors usually pay a small amount at the gate (check locally).
What are the best hikes in La Güira National Park?
The main trail to Cuevas de los Portales (15 km road, 2 h walk) is the most visited; other forest paths are unmarked and require local knowledge.
When is the best time to visit La Güira National Park?
The dry season from November to April offers the most reliable road access and comfortable hiking conditions.
Can I camp inside La Güira National Park?
Yes, at the government‑run campground near the caves; facilities are basic.
Is a guide required for the Cuevas de los Portales?
No, the caves are open and self‑guided; a guide is only needed for off‑trail routes.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about La Güira National Park
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