Alejandro de Humboldt National Park

Alejandro de Humboldt Overview

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt, is one of Cuba’s most significant protected areas. Located in the eastern part of the island, spanning the provinces of Holguín and Guantánamo, this park covers approximately 274 square miles (710 square kilometers).

It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional biodiversity and role in conserving the island’s unique ecosystems. Named after the Prussian naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt, who visited Cuba in the early 19th century, the park is considered one of the most biologically diverse tropical island sites in the world.

The park features a varied and rugged terrain, with mountains, rivers, and coastal plains creating a dynamic landscape. The highest peaks within the park belong to the Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa mountain range, with elevations exceeding 3,600 feet (1,100 meters). The rivers in the park, including the Toa River, one of Cuba’s most significant, cut through dense forests and provide vital water sources for the surrounding flora and fauna.

The terrain includes karst formations, which create striking caves and underground river systems. The coastal areas feature mangroves, while inland, lush tropical rainforests dominate the landscape, with towering trees, ferns, and epiphytic plants like orchids and bromeliads. Some of the forested areas are considered to be among the most pristine in the Caribbean.

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is home to an astonishing variety of wildlife, including numerous endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else. Among its most notable mammals are the Cuban solenodon, an ancient insectivorous mammal, and the endangered Cuban hutia, a large rodent.

The park is particularly known for its birdlife, hosting species such as the Cuban tody, the Cuban trogon—Cuba’s national bird—and the critically endangered ivory-billed woodpecker, which may still persist in its remote forests. Reptiles and amphibians thrive in the park as well, including the Monte Iberia dwarf frog, one of the world’s smallest amphibians, and various species of anoles and boas. The park’s rivers and coastal waters also support a variety of aquatic life, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

Visitors to Alejandro de Humboldt National Park can experience its wonders in multiple ways. Guided hikes allow access to some of the park’s most breathtaking landscapes, including trails leading through dense rainforests and up into the mountains.

Birdwatching is a popular activity, attracting ornithologists and nature enthusiasts eager to spot Cuba’s rare and colorful avian species. River excursions, particularly along the Toa River, offer a unique perspective on the park’s biodiversity, while researchers and conservationists study its ecosystems to better understand and protect its natural wealth. Due to its ecological sensitivity, visitor access is regulated to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

Conservation efforts in Alejandro de Humboldt National Park have been largely successful, with strong protections in place to safeguard its fragile ecosystems.

However, challenges persist, including the impacts of climate change, deforestation in surrounding areas, and the threat of invasive species that can disrupt native biodiversity. Despite these challenges, the park remains one of the best-preserved natural areas in the Caribbean, serving as a model for conservation and scientific research.

Park Map

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, located in eastern Cuba, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its incredible biodiversity and high level of endemism. This park features lush rainforests, rivers, and mountains, providing a habitat for a variety of unique and rare species. Below are some of the more popular species found within the park:

Cuban Solenodon (Solenodon cubanus)
Also known as the Almiquí, this rare, nocturnal mammal is one of the most ancient species on the island. It has a long, flexible snout and produces venomous saliva, a rare trait among mammals.

Cuban Hutia (Capromys pilorides)
This large rodent is an excellent climber and can be found in trees or burrowing near the forest floor. It is an important part of the ecosystem and is endemic to Cuba.

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
These gentle, slow-moving marine mammals inhabit the coastal waters and river mouths of the park. They are vulnerable to habitat destruction and boat collisions.

Jutía Conga (Capromys angelcabrerai)
Another species of hutia, this lesser-known rodent is endemic to Cuba and plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and maintaining forest health.

Cuban Boa (Chilabothrus angulifer)
One of the largest snakes in the Caribbean, this non-venomous boa preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is often found in caves and dense forested areas.

Cuban False Chameleon (Chamaeleolis chamaeleonides)
Despite its name, this reptile is not a true chameleon but has unique camouflage abilities. It moves slowly and preys on insects and small lizards.

Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer)
This critically endangered crocodile is one of the most aggressive in the world. It is known for its strong jumping ability and primarily inhabits freshwater swamps and rivers.

Monte Iberia Dwarf Frog (Eleutherodactylus iberia)
One of the smallest frogs in the world, this tiny amphibian is brightly colored and highly sensitive to environmental changes.

Polymita Snails (Polymita spp.)
These stunningly colorful land snails are endemic to Cuba and are sought after for their vibrant shells. They play a vital role in maintaining the health of forest ecosystems.

Antillean Ghost Bat (Mormoops blainvillii)
A distinctive bat with a flattened face and large ears, it is an important nocturnal predator of insects and can be found in caves and forested areas.

Birds

The park is home to a remarkable variety of bird species, many of which are endemic to Cuba. Below are some of the most popular bird species found in the park:

Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus)
As Cuba’s national bird, the Cuban Trogon has a striking mix of red, white, and blue feathers, reflecting the colors of the Cuban flag. It is commonly seen in forested areas.

Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae)
The smallest bird in the world, the Bee Hummingbird is an incredible flyer with iridescent plumage. Males have bright red throats, while females are a more subdued greenish color.

Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor)
This tiny, vividly colored bird has an unmistakable bright green back, pink throat, and red beak. It is a highly active and vocal species found in dense vegetation.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis bairdii) (possibly extinct)
Once considered one of the largest woodpeckers in the world, its status remains uncertain. If still present, it would be one of the rarest birds in the park.

Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala)
Recognizable by its bright green plumage and red throat, the Cuban Parrot is an intelligent and social bird often seen flying in small flocks.

Gundlach’s Hawk (Accipiter gundlachi)
A rare and elusive bird of prey, this hawk specializes in hunting birds and small mammals within the dense forests of the park.

Cuban Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium siju)
A small but fierce nocturnal predator, this owl is active both during the day and at night. It has a distinctive call that echoes through the forests.

Blue-headed Quail-dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala)
This ground-dwelling bird is known for its striking blue head and red legs. It is highly secretive and difficult to spot in the wild.

Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai)
Endemic to Cuba, this rare wren is mainly found in dense marshlands and forests, where it sings complex, melodic songs.

Cuban Blackbird (Ptiloxena atroviolacea)
This all-black bird is known for its social behavior and strong presence in the forests. It often travels in noisy flocks and plays an important role in seed dispersal.

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park is one of the most ecologically significant areas in the Caribbean, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.