Cayo Guillermo

Cayo Guillermo is an island of approximately 13 square kilometers located in the Jardines del Rey archipelago off the northern coast of Cuba, within Ciego de Ávila province. The cay is linked to the neighboring Cayo Coco and the mainland by a 27-kilometer artificial causeway known as a pedraplén. Historically, it gained international recognition through the works of Ernest Hemingway, who frequented the area for deep-sea fishing and featured it in his posthumous novel "Islands in the Stream." The geography is defined by pristine beaches and the dunes of Playa Pilar, which reach heights of up to 15 meters, ranking among the highest in the Caribbean region. Ecologically, the island is a vital habitat for large colonies of American flamingos and over 200 species of migratory and resident birds that inhabit its mangrove systems. Today, as part of the Buenavista Biosphere Reserve, Cayo Guillermo focuses on balancing environmental protection with sustainable tourism, specifically protecting its extensive coral reef systems and seagrass beds.

Nearby cities

Ciego de Ávila

The capital of the province of the same name, known as the 'City of Portals' due to its architecture.

Morón

A city near the north coast, the gateway to the resorts of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo.

Chambas

A municipality in the province of Ciego de Ávila with an economy based on sugarcane and cattle ranching.

Primero de Enero

A municipality in Ciego de Ávila named after the date of the victory of the Cuban Revolution.

Venezuela

A municipality in Ciego de Ávila whose economy is dominated by the sugar industry.

Baraguá

A municipality in Ciego de Ávila, known for the 'Bio-factory', an important biotechnological facility.

Majagua

A central Cuban municipality in Ciego de Ávila Province, surrounded by farmland and sugarcane areas.

History & landmarks

Che Guevara Mausoleum

A monument and final resting place for Che Guevara in Santa Clara.

Armored Train Monument

An open-air museum in Santa Clara commemorating the attack on the armored train.

Nature

La Redonda Lagoon

A lake near Morón, known for its mangrove forests and rich population of largemouth bass.

La Restinga Lagoon

A coastal lagoon in the province of Ciego de Ávila, connected to the sea.

More places

Agroecological Farm Cayo Coco

A small farming operation on the tourist island.

Jardines del Rey Flora

A protected area on the islands for native birds and reptiles.

Sierra de Cubitas

An isolated mountain range in the center of Cuba with interesting rock formations.

Loma de la Gloria

A hill feature in eastern Cuba with a strong local profile.

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Camaguey Sugar Mill

A Cuban sugar mill representing the island's long sugar-processing tradition.

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Port of Nuevitas

A northern port in Camagüey Province that supports local industry and shipping.

Nuevitas Dock Facility

A dock facility that supports cargo handling and port operations in Cuba.

Major Church of Bayamo

A historic church in Bayamo and a key part of the old colonial center.