Plizio Visual Lab
Baconao Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Weather…
Water temperature…
Baconao Park is an expansive biosphere reserve in southeastern Cuba, located about 20 kilometers from Santiago de Cuba. Stretched between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Maestra mountains, the park covers an area of approximately 800 square kilometers. In 1987, UNESCO designated the area as a Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its unique blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural attractions. One of its most famous features is the 'Prehistoric Valley' (Valle de la Prehistoria), which contains over 200 life-sized stone and concrete sculptures of dinosaurs and early humans. Geologically, the landscape is dominated by the Gran Piedra, a massive volcanic monolith weighing over 63,000 tons perched on a mountain peak. The park also protects the ruins of 19th-century French coffee plantations, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its ecological diversity ranges from coastal mangroves to high-altitude cloud forests, providing sanctuary to a wide variety of endemic plant and animal species.
- Location: Cuba
- Nearby: Cayo Saetía (25 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 11 | 13 | 27 | 54 | 53 | 34 | 39 | 53 | 98 | 44 | 19 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Baconao Park is a large biosphere reserve open to visitors. Some areas, like the Prehistoric Valley and museums, are accessible for a fee. It is advisable to check current hours in advance.
Typical hours
The park is typically open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Museums and attractions within the park may have different hours. Check on site for details.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, including most museums. In the Prehistoric Valley, wide-angle shots of the large dinosaur figures are worthwhile.
Time needed
Allow at least half a day to visit the entire park. The Prehistoric Valley and museums each take about an hour.
Combine with
Combine the park visit with a trip to the nearby beaches of Santiago de Cuba. The city itself also features historic sights.
Getting there
The park is located about 30 kilometers east of Santiago de Cuba. It is easily reached by car or taxi, with parking at the entrance.
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water and sun protection as the park is very large and often hot. Plan your route in advance to not miss the main attractions.
Geography
Facts
- The park covers a total area of approximately 84,600 hectares.
- Gran Piedra is considered one of the largest monoliths in the world.
- The Prehistoric Valley features a 12-meter high Brontosaurus sculpture.
- There are over 1,800 recorded plant species within the reserve.
- The park contains a museum of classic cars and a large botanical garden.
- The ruins of 171 coffee plantations are found within the park boundaries.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 in the town Baconao Park (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Prehistoric Valley?
Part of Baconao Park featuring life-sized sculptures of dinosaurs.
Where is Baconao Park located?
It stretches east of the city of Santiago de Cuba, between the mountains and the sea.
Are there museums there?
Yes, for example, a vintage car museum and exhibitions on local flora and fauna.
Can you go hiking in the park?
Yes, there are various nature trails, including one to the Gran Piedra peak.
Is the park suitable for families?
Yes, especially the dinosaur valley and the aquarium are very popular with children.
Baconao Park: where is it located?
Baconao Park is located in Cuba.
Baconao Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Baconao Park: why is it worth visiting?
Baconao Park is an expansive biosphere reserve in southeastern Cuba, located about 20 kilometers from Santiago de Cuba.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in North America
More places in Cuba →
Nearby cities
Havana
The capital of Cuba, known for its colonial architecture and vintage cars.
Santiago de Cuba
The second largest city in Cuba with rich Afro-Caribbean culture.
Camaguey
City known for the labyrinthine streets of its historic center.
Holguin
Known as the 'City of Parks', surrounded by hills and mountains.
Cienfuegos
Known as the 'Pearl of the South', featuring French colonial architecture.
Trinidad
A well-preserved colonial town and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Viñales
A small town in the west known for its tobacco plantations.
Varadero
Popular resort town on the Hicacos Peninsula with beautiful sandy beaches.
Playa Ancón
Playa Ancón is widely considered the best beach on Cuba's southern coast, offering pristine white sands just a short distance from Trinidad.
Varahicacos Ecological Reserve
Varahicacos is an ecological reserve situated at the tip of the Varadero peninsula, protecting a remnant of the region's original coastal…
María la Gorda
An internationally acclaimed diving center situated at the westernmost tip of Cuba, offering rich biodiversity.
History & landmarks
El Cobre
El Cobre is a small mountain town known for its historic copper mines and the revered minor basilica housing Cuba's patron saint.
Topes de Collantes
A nature reserve park in the Escambray Mountains with waterfalls and trails.
Playa Paraíso
Beautiful beach on Cayo Largo del Sur with white sand.
Zapata Swamp
A large wetland area on the Zapata Peninsula, home to crocodiles.
Havana Club Rum Museum
A museum in Havana showcasing the history of Cuban rum.
Plaza de la Revolución
A huge public square in Havana known for political rallies.
Isle of Youth
The second largest Cuban island, known for its pine forests and beaches.
Nature
More places
Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca
A well-preserved fortress in Santiago de Cuba designed to protect the bay.
Historic Baracoa
The oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba, located on the eastern tip.
Pico Turquino
The highest mountain in Cuba, located in the Sierra Maestra.
Gulf of Guacanayabo
The largest bay on the southern coast of Cuba, where the country's longest river, the Cauto River, flows.
Cayo Coco
An idyllic island known for its all-inclusive resorts.
Che Guevara Mausoleum
Resting place of revolutionary leader Che Guevara in Santa Clara.
Escambray Mountains
A major mountain range in central Cuba with diverse plant life.
Strait of Florida
The strait that separates Cuba from Florida and connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.