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Stone Zoo

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Stone Zoo (Cuba)

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The Zoologico de Piedra, or Stone Zoo, is a remarkable artistic and cultural site located in the municipality of Manuel Tames in Guantánamo province. This open-air museum is the lifework of self-taught sculptor Angel Iñigo Blanco, who began carving animal figures directly into the limestone outcrops of the San Lorenzo farm in 1977. Over the decades, he created more than 400 sculptures, ranging from local Cuban fauna to exotic wild animals like lions, elephants, and monkeys. The sculptures are uniquely integrated into the natural environment, with the artist often following the original shape and texture of the rock to bring each creature to life. Following his passing, his son has continued the family tradition, maintaining the site and ensuring the preservation of this extraordinary monument to human ingenuity. The zoo is set on a rugged hillside surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, offering visitors a scenic hike through a world where art and geology meet. It is considered one of Cuba's most imaginative folk art installations and a testament to the country's rich grassroots cultural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252526272728282928272625
Rain mm131113275453343953984419

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Stone Zoo is open year-round, but the best season is the dry season from November to April. Good weather then allows you to enjoy the stone figures and animals.
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Best time of day
A morning visit is pleasant because it is still cool. In the late afternoon, the stone figures are nicely lit.
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Etiquette
Please do not climb on the stone figures to avoid damage. Keep your distance from the animals and do not feed them.
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What to bring
Comfortable shoes are recommended as the garden is spacious. A camera or phone is useful for taking pictures of the stone figures.
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Getting there
Stone Zoo is located near Havana and can be reached by car or taxi. Ask locally or in a travel guide for the exact location.
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What to expect
The stone figures are the main attraction - take your time to discover them. The real animals can be shy; watch them from afar.

Geography

Coordinates
19.95000, -75.40000

Facts

  • Home to more than 400 animal sculptures carved from solid limestone.
  • Started in 1977 by self-taught artist Angel Iñigo Blanco.
  • The site was officially declared a National Monument of Cuba in 1985.
  • The sculptures are spread across the hillsides of Finca San Lorenzo.
  • The artist used the natural contours of the rock to define the animal shapes.
  • Located in the Manuel Tames municipality of Guantánamo province.

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Stone Zoo (Zoológico de Piedra)?
A unique open-air museum with over 400 animal sculptures carved from rock.
Where is this zoo located?
Near Guantánamo, in eastern Cuba, set in a mountainous coffee region.
Who created the sculptures?
The self-taught sculptor Angel Iñigo Blanco began working on the figures in 1977.
Is the path through the zoo strenuous?
It involves uphill paths; sturdy shoes and some fitness are advisable.
What is the most famous motif there?
A huge herd of stone elephants is among the most impressive works.
Stone Zoo: where is it located?
Stone Zoo is located in Cuba.
Stone Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Stone Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Zoologico de Piedra, or Stone Zoo, is a remarkable artistic and cultural site located in the municipality of Manuel Tames in Guantánamo province.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Caimanera — Stone Zoo (Cuba)
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Yateras — Stone Zoo (Cuba)
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Guardalavaca — Stone Zoo (Cuba)
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History & landmarks

Antonio Maceo Stadium — Stone Zoo (Cuba)
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A major sports stadium in Santiago de Cuba for football and baseball.
Diego Velázquez House — Stone Zoo (Cuba)
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The oldest house in Cuba still standing, built for the Spanish conqueror.
El Cobre — Stone Zoo (Cuba)
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El Cobre is a small mountain town known for its historic copper mines and the revered minor basilica housing Cuba's patron saint.

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