Date of publication 24/08/2017
Cultural richness Cuba: 9 world heritage sites
Colonial buildings, old coffee plantations, exuberant nature ...
When Christopher Columbus first sighted Cuba in 1492, he believed he had reached Cipango, the name Marco Polo had given to Japan in the 13th century.
Perhaps that was only the first of many fascinating curiosities surrounding the island’s rich history — the land where the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird, lives, and where Ernest Hemingway helped popularize the iconic Daiquiri cocktail, made with rum, lime, sugar, and crushed ice.
Beyond Havana and its countless charms, this Caribbean nation is home to places of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural wealth, several of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cuba. Get ready to explore them all!
Historic Center of Havana: Old Havana
Benny Moré was one of Cuba’s most iconic musicians. In the 1950s, he loved to cruise through Havana’s old quarter in his gold Cadillac Hardtop Imperial, while locals cheered him like a true star.
Today, just like Moré, you can admire the colorful streets and colonial buildings of the historic center aboard a classic Chevrolet Bel Air convertible. Or simply watch the sunset from the Malecón, surrounded by the serenity of fishermen casting their lines into the sea.
The rhythm of Cuban music fills the air in this lively city, home to the elegant Iberostar Grand Packard and Iberostar Selection Parque Central, two luxurious hotels in Havana that embody the charm and spirit of Cuba’s capital.
Historic Center of Trinidad and the Valley of the Sugar Mills
Known as ingenios, these old Cuban colonial estates were once used for sugarcane production. The industry reached its peak in the town of Trinidad between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Thanks to the remarkable preservation of its architecture, Trinidad can now be explored like an open-air museum, where cobblestone streets and colorful façades tell stories of a bygone era.
At the Iberostar Grand Trinidad, a 5-star adults-only hotel, you can experience this colonial gem with modern comfort and the charm of Cuba’s cultural heritage right at your doorstep.
Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, Santiago de Cuba
This fortress, also known as El Morro Castle, was built in 1638 as a defense against pirate invasions that threatened Cuba’s southern coast. For centuries, Santiago de Cuba, the island’s most Caribbean city, stood as a vital strategic point, and its colonial architecture still tells stories of that rich past.
Among its most remarkable buildings are the Iberostar Heritage Casa Granda, Iberostar Heritage Imperial, and Iberostar Heritage San Félix — three 4-star hotels in Santiago de Cuba that reflect the city’s elegance and history.
Due to their heritage and architectural significance, these properties belong to the Iberostar Heritage collection, a segment devoted to preserving Cuba’s most authentic historical landmarks.
Viñales Valley
In the Viñales Valley, you can still see farmers plowing their fields with oxen, surrounded by nothing but nature and silence. This protected area, located about two hours by car from Havana, is famous for its striking mogotes — limestone formations that rise up to 300 meters high.
Experience their majesty on an unforgettable horseback or cycling excursion, immersing yourself in a landscape that feels timeless and captures the authentic spirit of rural Cuba.
Desembarco del Granma National Park
This ecologically rich area is home to one of the largest marine terrace systems in the Caribbean. Its difficult access for humans has allowed the preservation of flora and fauna through the centuries. The park’s dramatic cliffs, caves, and geological formations tell the story of millions of years of evolution, making it a must-visit destination for nature and biodiversity enthusiasts.
Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in Southeastern Cuba
More than 170 coffee plantations, now in ruins, once shaped the southeastern Cuban landscape during the 19th century. This area represents a unique natural and cultural environment, linked by a network of ancient roads that connected the plantations with the ports.
Located across the provinces of Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba, the region offers a glimpse into Cuba’s coffee heritage — a story of economic growth, architectural beauty, and cultural exchange. Here, visitors can experience the charm and history of the Iberostar Heritage hotels, which honor the island’s past while offering modern comfort.
Alejandro de Humboldt National Park
German scientist Alexander von Humboldt is regarded as the second discoverer of Cuba. A pioneer of modern geography, he explored the island’s flora, fauna, and terrain in 1800, leaving behind an invaluable scientific legacy.
In his honor, this national park was named — a land of lush forests and powerful rivers, recognized as one of the most biodiverse areas in the Caribbean.
The park is home to five species of carnivorous plants and remarkable wildlife such as the ivory-billed woodpecker, the Gundlach’s hawk, and the manatee, all thriving in the same natural beauty that once captivated Humboldt himself.
Urban Historic Center of Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos is the only city in the Americas founded by French settlers during the 19th century. Its port became one of the most important hubs for trade between the Antilles and South America.
The historic center is renowned for its neoclassical octagonal layout and architectural harmony, showcasing some of Cuba’s most elegant colonial landmarks. Among its highlights are the Triumphal Arch, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and the magnificent Tomás Terry Theater, all symbols of the city’s cultural and historical grandeur.
Urban Historic Center of Camagüey
The large clay jars scattered throughout Camagüey’s streets and parks are wrapped in mystery — legend has it that whoever drinks from them will remain in the city forever. A symbol of hospitality and belonging, they reflect the essence of this colonial gem.
Exploring its labyrinthine historic center means walking through winding alleys and curved streets, an unusual feature among Latin American towns, which were mostly built on flat grids. This intricate layout, originally designed to confuse pirates, makes Camagüey a city like no other — full of charm and history.
With the Iberostar hotels in Cuba, all these UNESCO World Heritage treasures are within your reach. Come and experience their beauty, history, and the unmistakable Cuban warmth that defines Camagüey.
