Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

About this place

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park spreads across the provinces of Holguín and Guantánamo in eastern Cuba, covering about 711 square kilometres, about 28 km north-west of Baracoa in a straight line. It is named after the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt, who visited Cuba in 1800 and 1801. The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its size, range of altitudes, complex geology, varied landforms and wealth of native plants and animals. It rises from sea level to 1,168 metres on El Toldo peak. It is said to be the most humid place in Cuba, and some of the largest rivers in the Caribbean islands run off its peaks, so dense rainforest covers the hills and mangroves line the coast. The park protects 16 of Cuba's 28 endemic plant species, along with parrots, hummingbirds and lizards. Visits usually start at the visitor centre on Taco Bay, where guided trails and boat trips through the mangroves are arranged. The roads are rough, so ask in Baracoa about conditions before you go. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Cuba because of fuel, power and water shortages, so read the current advice before you plan. It also says electricity and water remain severely affected in the east after Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.