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Guardalavaca, Cuba

Explore Guardalavaca, one of the most incredible areas of Holguín thanks to its spectacular natural beaches. 

Guardalavaca
© Cuba Travel

Guardalavaca, located in the municipality of Banes, is the third most important tourist spot in Cuba, and little by little it has been increasing its tourist potential thanks to its incredible beaches and lush vegetation.

Guardalavaca
© Jack K.....ski

It is one of the first ports that Christopher Columbus visited and of which he was amazed. Former place of refuge for corsairs and pirates, it was ideal for the trade of products from Europe, in exchange for cattle skins.

One of the legends that explain the name of the territory is related to this activity. Legend has it that the natives shouted the phrase "Save the cow!" when they saw the looters approaching by the sea.

The Guardalavaca area was an unknown treasure until the end of the 20th century, when the tourist sector developed rapidly due to the area's potential, as you will be able to see for yourself on your next visit to this wonderful area of the Holguin province

Index:

• What are the most interesting places to see in Guardalavaca, Cuba?
• What are the best plans to make?
• When is the best time to go to Guardalavaca?
• What are the best excursions to take in Guardalavaca?
• Where to stay in Guardalavaca

What are the most interesting places to see in Guardalavaca, Cuba? 

During your visit to Guardalavaca, you will have a wide range of options for places or places to visit, where you will enjoy great natural, historical and cultural value.

Guardalavaca Beach
© Jack K.....ski

As it cannot be otherwise, one of the must-see places are its beaches, in which Playa Guardalavaca (Guardalavaca Beach) stands out, which is characterized by its shell shape and fine white sands that extend into the crystalline waters. To the north of the region, this beautiful beach is surrounded by a coral barrier that adds tranquility to its waters, while to the south, it is occupied by thick green vegetation. In turn, and somewhat further away, are Playa Esmeralda (Esmeralda Beach) and Playa Pesquero (Pesquero Beach), which will leave you in love with this unforgettable place that will transport you to the idea that you had always conceived of the Caribbean beaches.

On the other hand, you can visit the Parque Natural Bahía Naranjo (Bahía Naranjo Natural Park). This natural reserve contains a great variety of activities to be carried out, which is located next to Bahía Naranjo (Naranjo Bay), as its name suggests. 

To the south of Guardalavaca is Yaguajay, a typical Cuban village, where you can visit the Museo Nacional Camilo Cienfuegos (Camilo Cienfuegos National Museum), or take an excursion to Rancho Querete, where you will enjoy natural pools with crystal clear waters surrounded by a green tropical forest.

What are the best plans to make in Guardalavaca? 

What are the best plans to make in Guardalavaca
© Cuba Travel

Among the most outstanding activities that you can practice in this area, they range from enjoying the sun on any of its spectacular beaches, to doing water activities such as windsurfing, diving, kayaking or boat rides, among many others.

One activity that you can do in the city of Guardalavaca is to visit the Flea Market, very popular both for the local population and for visitors. In it, you will find a wide variety of items of great attraction, from souvenirs to jewelry, through items of great interest.

Although one of the most fun ways, along with practices, to get to know this wonderful area of Holguín is through horseback riding along magnificent trails. 

Another one of the impressive experiences that its valuable environment offers you is walking through the incredible trails of the Bahía Naranjo Natural Park while enjoying more than 600 species of plants and a great variety of fauna. In addition, apart from practicing water sports, you can play golf.

When is the best time to go to Guardalavaca?

Guardalavaca is one of the areas that you can go to throughout the year thanks to the tropical temperatures that characterize it. Although if you want to take advantage of your visit to this wonderful region to get to know the Holguín festivities first-hand, it is very interesting to go to the Festival Claro de Luna (Claro de Luna Festival), which is celebrated between April 19 and 20.

What are the best excursions to take in Guardalavaca? 

Guardalavaca is a region that enjoys a large number of activities to do on your way to this wonderful region. One of the most famous, which brings the majority of visitors, is the swim with dolphins in the crystal clear waters of Cayo Naranjo, located in the Parque Natural Bahía Naranjo (Bahía Naranjo Natural Park) where the aquarium is located where you can do this wonderful and unforgettable experience, as well as numerous walking routes, surrounded by incredible vegetation and diverse fauna.

Another type of activity that you can do near Guardalavaca is the Sendero de Las Guanas (Las Guanas Trail), an area where you can enjoy a spectacular route through a beautiful eco-park where you can experience the incredible sensation of walking among the typical fauna and flora of the Holguín region. Lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, this route is accessible to both trained people and families looking for quiet walks through memorable landscapes. 

Apart from all this, on the coast, you will find the Cuba Horse Rides horse rental service, where you can enjoy incredible guided walks along the coast of Guardalavaca, an experience difficult to forget.

Where to stay in Guardalavaca

It is advisable to relax for a few days in the resorts that are not scarce in the area. In Guardalavaca, you will find the Hotel Club Amigo Atlántico Guardalavaca, baptized by Fidel Castro himself, this resort is perfect for carrying out activities within it, or relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the region. On the other hand, there is the Hotel Brisas, a large resort with all kinds of facilities at your disposal and live shows. Near Playa Esmeralda, there is the Paradisus Rio de Oro Hotel, which has five stars, and near Playa Pesquero, there is the Hotel Iberostar Selection, where you can enjoy a wonderful private beach where you can relax.

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