National park · Cuba
Guanahacabibes Peninsula National ParkParque Nacional Península de Guanahacabibes
Enter Guanahacabibes for a day hike (≈3 km (1.9 mi)) costing about 5 CUP, or spend a full day exploring beaches and caves (≈8 km (5 mi)) for 10 CUP; best in dry season Nov–Apr; avoid peak hurricane months Jul–Oct.Enter Guanahacabibes for a day hike (≈1.9 mi (3 km)) costing about 5 CUP, or spend a full day exploring beaches and caves (≈5 mi (8 km)) for 10 CUP; best in dry season Nov–Apr; avoid peak hurricane months Jul–Oct.
- 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
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Area
400 km² (154 sq mi)154 sq mi (400 km²)
approximate
Established
2005
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
- 400 km² (154 sq mi)154 sq mi (400 km²)
- Park covers almost 40 000 ha (≈400 km²) as stated in the source; figures may vary slightly (check).
- Established
- 2005
- Best months
- Nov–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park, Cuba’s westernmost protected area, offers white‑sand beaches, karst caves and extensive birdlife, with over 170 species and sea‑turtle nesting, making it a remote nature destination.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve · 1987UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Size and age
400 km² (154 sq mi)154 sq mi (400 km²) · national park since 2005
Park covers almost 40 000 ha (≈400 km²) as stated in the source; figures may vary slightly (check).
Why go
- White‑sand beaches and clear water for swimming and snorkeling.
- Over 170 bird species, including 11 endemics, for birdwatching.
- Karst cave (Cave of the Portals) with historic significance.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool.
- FebDry, cool.
- MarDry, warming.
- AprDry, start of turtle nesting.
- MayEnd of dry season.
- JunIncreasing rain, early storms.
- JulHurricane risk.
- AugHurricane peak.
- SepLate storms.
- OctTransition, fewer crowds.
- NovDry season begins.
- DecDry, cooler.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endemic birds (11 species)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Sea turtles (nesting)Apr–Sep · Observe from a distance; night watches may be organized. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Bottlenose dolphinsAll 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
Fly to Pinar del Río (domestic) then bus to Sandino; or long‑distance bus directly to Sandino.
5–7 h
Open the page →
From Pinar del Río
Ómnibus Nacionales twice‑weekly to Sandino; then taxi or guide to park gate.
2–3 h
From Sandino
Taxi or hired guide to park entrance (≈30 min).
0.5 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Beach zone | White‑sand beaches such as María La Gorda and El Valle. | Open; no fee beyond park entry. |
| Cave zone | Cave of the Portals and nearby karst formations. | Open; guided tours recommended. |
| Lighthouse zone | Cabo Corrientes and Cabo San Antonio lighthouses. | Open; reachable by foot or bike. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 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 peninsula; exact gate location may vary.
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 (adult) | CUP 5 | person | Check at gate; fee may vary for foreign visitors. |
| Guided hike (incl. transport from Sandino) | CUP 10 | person | Check for group discounts. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guided trek no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- CUP 5
- CUP 10
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission from park authorities.
- Camping
- Not permitted inside the park; use designated campsites outside the boundary.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use only portable stoves.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste; bins are limited.
- Guides
- Recommended for cave and birding trails, but not mandatory.
Where to stay
Near the park
Sandino town
Basic guesthouses and small hotels; 30 min drive to park.
Near the park
Cayo Levisa (off‑shore)
Eco‑lodges on nearby cays; reachable by boat.
Safety
Hurricanes high
Heat and sun exposure medium
Limited medical facilities 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 beach paths are flat and suitable for walkers with limited mobility; caves and forest trails are uneven.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in locally owned guesthouses; support community guides.
- Do not disturb nesting turtles; keep distance from wildlife.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park?
Entry is about 5 CUP per adult; fees may differ for foreign visitors – check at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park?
The beach walk at María La Gorda (≈2 km, easy) and the forest birdwatching trail (≈3 km, moderate) are popular; the Cave of the Portals is a short easy walk.
When is the best time to visit Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park?
The dry season November to April offers the most reliable weather and lower humidity; avoid July‑October when hurricanes are common.
Can I camp inside the park?
No, camping is prohibited inside the park boundaries; stay in Sandino or nearby eco‑lodges.
Do I need a guide for the cave?
A guide is not required but recommended for safety and local insight.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park
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