What to do and see in Holguin, Holguin Province: The Best Nature & Parks

October 27, 2021 Sheron Bogner

Set in rugged, mountainous territory in the east, Cuba's fourth largest city is known as the City of Parks. Columbus called the area "the most beautiful land eyes have ever seen" and much of the surrounding area hasn't changed. Officially called San Isidro de Holguin, the city's elegant plazas, scatter of colonial buildings and few museums make for a pleasant daytrip. More wonders lie offshore. Swim with dolphins in Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park. Dive to sites off Playa Esmeralda and Guardalavaca.
Restaurants in Holguin

1. Jardin Botanico de Holguin

Valle de Mayabe Jardin Botanico de Holguin,Valle de Mayabe next to Parque de Diversiones El Mambisito, Holguin 80100 Cuba http://www.ecured.cu/Jardin_Botanico_de_Holguin
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Jardin Botanico de Holguin

2. Guayabo Falls

Holguin Cuba
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
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0%
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0%
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4.5 based on 63 reviews

Guayabo Falls

Reviewed By X6676ZYkarenk - Peterborough, United Kingdom

A long drive through the "real" country gives a wonderful experience and chance to appreciate the authentic beauty of Cuba away from the resorts. It is a long drive from the coast so be prepared to set aside a day of your trip to visit. That said, it is well worth the jeep ride down and offers some of the most scenic and breaktakingly beautiful views of the natural landscape. It really is out of this world. Take your swimming costumes along as the natural salt water pool and chance to go inside the waterfall is a highlight of this trip. An experience which appeals to adults and children alike and is one of the most family-friendly day trips out of Holguin. I felt that the lunch served in the restaurant was also one of the best meals I had during my time in Cuba, which was unexpected given we were a long way from the resorts. It was a peaceful and educational experience, which left me feeling I'd gained an insight into the true beauty of this country.

3. Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park

Carretera a Guardalavaca KM 48, Holguin Cuba
Excellent
75%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
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0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 304 reviews

Bahia de Naranjo Nature Park

Reviewed By 421AnnaM

Superb, magical experience! I visited that wonderful place twice, back in 2015 and more recently with my parents. The group is usually contained with 10 + people and the staff make sure everyone has a chance to play and swim with dolphins. it is a must for the whole family!

4. Guardalavaca Beach

(35 Miles) N Of Holguin 56km, Holguin 80100 Cuba
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
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2%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,343 reviews

Guardalavaca Beach

Reviewed By willychel - Toronto, Canada

Took the $5 Guardelavaca Hop in Hop Off Bus for $5 cuc, went down at Guardelavaca Flea Market then took a Calesa going to the Beach. Warm water, white sand and Torquise water. You can walk till the end and take some pictures in a cave, rocks and coconut trees.

5. Playa Esmeralda

acces to beach via Rio de Luna y Mares resort, Holguin Cuba
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 461 reviews

Playa Esmeralda

Reviewed By 421AnnaM

We visited that beach on several occasions since 2015. Perfectly white sand and perfectly blue and warm ocean. Great for snorkeling. There are few places to get some food or buy some souvenirs.

6. BioParque Rocazul

Carretera a Yuraguanal Km 2 1/2, Pesquero, Mcpio Rafael Freyre, Holguin 80100 Cuba +53 5 3433850 http://www.facebook.com/Bioparquerocazul
Excellent
66%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 120 reviews

BioParque Rocazul

7. Cayo Saetia Island

Carretera a Cayo Saetia, Holguin 80100 Cuba
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 404 reviews

Cayo Saetia Island

Reviewed By kathyhayward3 - Victoria Harbour, Canada

This island has amazing beaches with interesting shells. The surf was up the day we were there and it was great to watch the waves crash and splash high off the rocks. The food for lunch was very good. But the safari was the best. I didn't think we would really see many animals - boy! was I wrong! There are at least 3 different kinds of antelope, tiny deer, zebras, water buffalo, and even ostriches! They are all healthy looking and have great grazing areas. There were lots of all of them. The ride was rough in the truck so bring something to sit on.

8. Cristobal Colon Park

Holguin Cuba
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
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11%
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4.5 based on 27 reviews

Cristobal Colon Park

Reviewed By Mikethecoach - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom

The park is worth a half day or so visit. We got a taxi (1950s Ford) from our hotel - driven by Urli, a former guide and ex-Thomas Cook rep. His English is excellent and he's very knowledgeable; he also gave us a great price and was in no hurry. The park has many attractions, a native village recreation (you'll be met by Columbus himself) which has an archaeological exhibition and the site of Columbus' landing in the Caribbean. It also has a campasino homestead, a Spanish fort and an installation to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus bumping in to Cuba. Urli can be reached from a mobile phone on, 0053 5262 9705.

9. Parque Calixto Garcia

Holguin Cuba
Excellent
38%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
22%
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3%
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 152 reviews

Parque Calixto Garcia

10. Parque Peralta (Parque de las Flores)

Parque Peralta-Parque de las Flores, Holguin Cuba
Excellent
34%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 71 reviews

Parque Peralta (Parque de las Flores)

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