Cuba /Nov 06, 2019
Located just to the north of the town of Baracoa, almost at the eastern tip of the island, the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is home to one of the most important eco-systems in the Americas.
Named after Alexander von Humboldt, the renowned German scientist who visited the area at the very start of the 19th century, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2001 because, in their own words:
“Complex geology and varied topography have given rise to a diversity of ecosystems and species unmatched in the insular Caribbean and created one of the most biologically diverse tropical island sites on earth.
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Beyond The Ordinary arrange fully bonded, tailor made holidays and tours to Cuba. Contact one of our experts on 01580 764796, email travel@beyondtheordinary.co.uk or contact us via our website. |
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Many of the underlying rocks are toxic to plants so species have had to adapt to survive in these hostile conditions. This unique process of evolution has resulted in the development of many new species and the park is one of the most important sites in the Western Hemisphere for the conservation of endemic flora. Endemism of vertebrates and invertebrates is also very high”.
16 of Cuba’s 28 endemic plant species are found in the Alejandro de Humboldt park, together with numerous species of birdlife and the endangered Cuban solenodon.
While there is no accommodation within the park itself, there is a small selection of basic hotels together with a whole host of casa particulares in nearby Baracoa.
Amongst are featured ‘Trips’ from Baracoa is a 6-hour hike to Alejandro de Humboldt park that takes visitors past numerous waterfalls, including the 25-metre high Santa Maria waterfall, before ending at El Maja waterfall where you can take a dip in the sheltered pool. As the park is the most humid place in the whole of Cuba, it’s certain to come as something of a relief.
For ideas as to how to include Baracoa in a holiday to Cuba, look no further than our suggested itinerary – Eastern Cuba Highlights.
Starting and finishing in Holguin in eastern Cuba, this suggested, week-long private tour takes in the key highlights of eastern Cuba, combining both city and countryside with the option, at the end, of extending your holiday at one of Cuba’s beautiful beaches.
This fully flexible, 14 night private tour takes in the length of the island and includes visits to many of the key destinations associated with the Cuba Revolution.
Enjoy a private Cuba tour with your own driver / guide. This 10 night itinerary takes in the highlights of western Cuba but is only a small taste of what we can offer.
Although we don’t offer any specific tours or set itineraries, options for Cuba walking holidays abound and we are able to pre-book a number of private, guided walks in various destinations.
Even before Instagram, everyone loved a hotel with a view and there are a number of hotels in Cuba that tick this particular box.
Right up until 1965, and the building of La Farola, the town of Baracoa was a virtual island, cut off by land from the rest of Cuba and only accessible by sea.
When making your travel arrangements, we understand just how important peace-of-mind is. Beyond The Ordinary hold both ATOL & ABTOT bonds so whether you book your flights through us, or independently, any money you pay us is 100% protected. More detailed information on Financial Protection can be found by clicking here.
Whichever of our featured countries you wish to visit, we've been there several times. So, if you're after something beyond the ordinary to Cuba, Nicaragua, Guatemala or the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, we'd love to hear from you.
