9 World Heritage Sites in Cuba! Introducing the Registered Cultural and Natural Heritages

When it comes to Cuba’s World Heritage, there are sites that evoke the history of its Spanish colonial past, such as the “Old Havana and its Fortifications,” known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean,” and the “Historic Town of Santa María del Rosario de Cuba” (Siente Fuegos) built in the early 19th century. In addition, there is the popular hiking and rock climbing destination “Viñales Valley” and the “Alejandro de Humboldt National Park,” home to a variety of flora and fauna. With 7 cultural heritage sites and 2 natural heritage sites, visitors can enjoy a diverse range of attractions. Here are the 9 World Heritage Sites in Cuba.

1. Old Havana and its Fortifications

In 1492, when Columbus discovered Cuba, he praised this island nation as “the most beautiful island in the world.” In 1519, the town’s layout was established by the Spanish. Although some buildings that became ruins in the late 20th century have been rebuilt, there are still around 3,000 historic structures. Among these, the Baroque-style Havana Cathedral, with its two towers of differing heights, the Capitol (which is said to have been modeled after the United States Capitol), and the Havana Grand Theatre, home to the Cuban National Ballet, are highly esteemed.

Old Havana was once set on fire by the French pirate Jacques de Sores. As a result, the Spanish began fortifying Havana’s harbor, starting with the Fuerza de San Carlos in 1558, and subsequently built the forts of Morro, Punta, and Cabana. In 1982, “Old Havana and its Fortifications” was registered as a World Heritage Site. To get to Old Havana and its Fortifications, you can take a taxi from José Martí International Airport in Havana.

2. Trinidad and the Valleys of Los Ingenios

This small town of Trinidad, with 500 years of history, features colonial-style buildings painted in pastel colors. Some of the houses, now museums, were once the grand residences built on the wealth from the sugar trade, telling the story of how prosperous the town once was. It takes about 6–7 hours by bus from Havana, with long-distance bus tickets available at the Havana Bus Center.

The Valleys of Los Ingenios were an area of sugar factories and sugarcane plantations from the late 18th to the late 19th century, where many African slaves were put to work. At its height, more than 50 factories were in operation. When Spain abolished slavery in 1820, the management of these plantations became difficult, and some factories were abandoned. The towering Isnaga Tower was built to supervise the slaves and showcase the plantations’ prosperity. Although indigenous people also worked here, they perished under the harsh conditions. In 1988, “Trinidad and the Valleys of Los Ingenios” was registered as a World Heritage Site.

3. Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca in Santiago de Cuba

“Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca” was designed in 1637 by Giovanni Battista Antonelli. It is named after Pedro de la Roca y Borja, who commissioned the construction as a defense against pirates. Construction began in 1638 and took 42 years to complete the major portions, finally finishing in 1700. In 1662, while still under construction, the fortress was attacked by British pirates and later damaged by successive earthquakes, but the Spanish government repaired it each time.

By the 20th century, the fortress had fallen into ruin, but it was restored in the 1960s by Francisco Prat Puig. In 1997, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as the best-preserved fortress among those built by the Spanish in the Americas. From Havana, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes on a domestic flight, and then you travel by bus. Due to the limited number of buses, taxis or truck buses are usually used.

4. Viñales Valley

Viñales Valley, registered as a cultural heritage site in 1999, is a karst depression in Cuba. At the base of the valley, tobacco is cultivated, creating a unique landscape. A popular attraction is the mural painted on a rock over 20 meters high and 120 meters wide by Mexican painter Diego Rivera and his 15 assistants over 5 years in 1921. The contrasting colors between the natural surroundings and the mural create a unique visual impact.

The Indigena Caves, where indigenous people once lived, later became shelters for slaves during the colonial period and hideouts for revolutionaries during the War of Independence, are accessible by boat. It is recommended to board early as it can get crowded. Close to the sea, some restaurants serve Cuba’s famous lobster. The trip from Havana to Viñales takes about 4 hours by bus. Joining a tour is recommended.

5. The Landscape of the Coffee Plantation Birthplace in Southeast Cuba

Originally, large plantations were operated in Sancti Spíritus (San-Domingo). When San-Domingo became independent as Haiti, white settlers migrated to Cuba with their African slaves. Although the southeastern Sierra Maestra, geographically close to Haiti, had a climate well-suited for coffee cultivation, dense vegetation required extensive labor for clearing the land.

Nevertheless, the African workers successfully established coffee plantations, but modern agricultural methods from South America, such as those in Brazil, eventually outcompeted these early efforts, leading to their decline. The early form of the coffee plantation, unique and indicative of the hardships faced in clearing the forests, was recognized and registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000. From Havana, you can take a domestic flight of about 1.5 hours. Since there are no major transportation options, you will likely have to charter a taxi. It is advisable to check the approximate rates with your hotel.

6. The Historic Centre of Cienfuegos

Founded in 1819, Cienfuegos features a grid layout reflecting Spanish Enlightenment ideals. It is the capital of the Cienfuegos Province, Cuba’s second-largest port city, and a hub for the export of sugar, coffee, tobacco, and leather. The town is named after the then-commandant, Cienfuegos.

The urban landscape, bridging the early modern and contemporary periods in Latin America, was recognized and registered under the name “The Historic Centre of Cienfuegos” in 2005. Cienfuegos is located about 250 km from the capital Havana and can be reached by bus in approximately 4 hours.

7. The Historic Centre of Camagüey

The first town of Camagüey was built on the north bank in 1515 and relocated inland in 1528. The new town did not have a grid layout; its streets are rather winding. There are competing theories regarding this layout—one suggests it was for defensive purposes against enemy attacks, while another claims the streets were haphazardly constructed to avoid residents wanting to live near the local church.

The labyrinthine streets are truly a sight to behold and have been called the “labyrinth of Camagüey.” Away from the city center, old buildings painted in emerald green and pink cluster together, creating a vibrant toy box-like atmosphere. The Historic Centre of Camagüey was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2008. It is located about 530 km from Havana and takes approximately 9 hours by bus.

8. National Park of the Landing of the Granma

This national park was designated in commemoration of the landing of Fidel Castro and his comrades in 1956. It was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1999, recognized for having one of the world’s largest limestone steppe formations spanning from approximately 360 meters above sea level to a water depth of about 180 meters, as well as for its endemic species of plants and animals, particularly reptiles and amphibians.

The sea here is also home to manatees, an endangered species, making it a coveted spot for nature enthusiasts worldwide.

9. Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

Named after the German explorer Humboldt who visited between 1800 and 1801, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is noted for its significant differences in elevation and the diversity of its flora and fauna. It is especially famous for a colorful snail species known as the Polymitus.

For conservation reasons, visitors must be accompanied by a guide at all times. The park is home to some of the world’s smallest frogs—about the size of a human thumbnail. Within the park flows what is said to be the largest river in the Caribbean, and its high humidity has given rise to a remarkable diversity of life. At the park’s entrance stands a stone monument of Humboldt, ever watchful over the park. Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is located relatively close to Santiago de Cuba; it takes about 1.5 hours by domestic flight. However, since there is no public transport from the airport to the park, you will either need to join a tour or charter a taxi.

◎ Summary

We have introduced Cuba’s fascinating World Heritage Sites. The old townscapes and fortresses reminiscent of medieval Europe bear the marks of its Spanish colonial history. In addition, there are beautiful valleys and expansive national parks, offering an abundance of natural beauty. Be sure to experience Cuba’s World Heritage Sites for yourself.