Cauto River

The Río Cauto is the longest river in Cuba, stretching approximately 370 kilometers and serving as a vital waterway for the eastern part of the island. It originates in the Sierra Maestra mountains within the Santiago de Cuba province and flows westward through Granma and Las Tunas provinces before emptying into the Gulf of Guacanayabo. Its drainage basin covers about 8,900 square kilometers, accounting for nearly 8 percent of Cuba's total land area. Although the river was historically used for transporting timber and agricultural products, today it is navigable for only about 110 kilometers due to sedimentation and fluctuating water levels. The Río Cauto plays a decisive role in the irrigation of the surrounding fertile valleys, where sugarcane and rice are the primary crops. The river's delta houses one of the country's most significant wetland areas, providing a critical habitat for numerous endemic bird species and the Cuban crocodile. In recent decades, extensive environmental programs have been initiated to improve water quality and combat the negative effects of deforestation in its headwater regions.

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.

Baconao Park

A large biosphere reserve featuring a prehistoric valley and museums.

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

Leche Lagoon

The largest natural lake in Cuba, known for its milky appearance.

More places

Gulf of Guacanayabo

The largest bay on the southern coast of Cuba, where the country's longest river, the Cauto River, flows.

Pico Turquino

The highest mountain in Cuba, located in the Sierra Maestra.

Cayo Coco

An idyllic island known for its all-inclusive resorts.

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.

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.