CubaPLUS Magazine

Located within the Guaniguanico mountain range in the western province of Artemisa, the Sierra del Rosario is a massif of singular beauty. In 1985, it became the first site in Cuba to be recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

This vast protected area promotes ecotourism as a vital activity for safeguarding and preserving the region's remarkable flora and fauna. Spanning over 26,000 hectares (250 square kilometers) along the easternmost section of the mountain range, the reserve encompasses a complex system of mountains, forests, and natural landscapes.

The region is home to approximately 115 bird species, nearly 50 percent of which are endemic to the area. Furthermore, it serves as a crucial migratory corridor for birds seeking the warmth and abundant food supplies of the Cuban winter. Notable species include the bee hummingbird (zunzuncito), the Cuban trogon (tocororo), and the Cuban solitaire (jilguero)—all cherished national symbols—alongside mammals such as the Cuban gar (manjuarí) and a variety of bat species.

The reserve is defined by its rugged topography, characterized by elevations such as El Taburete, El Mulo, Las Peladas, El Rubí, and El Mogote, with El Salón standing as its highest peak. While evergreen tropical forests dominate the landscape, the reserve also features beautiful pine forests, semi-deciduous formations, and diverse shrublands and grasslands nestled within its intramontane valleys.

Fed by the San Marcos and San Diego rivers, the Sierra del Rosario serves as an essential freshwater reservoir for the country. It is also home to the San Diego medicinal spa, which is internationally renowned for its therapeutic treatments targeting musculoskeletal and dermatological conditions.

For nearly three decades, the Sierra del Rosario Ecological Station has operated within the reserve, conducting rigorous environmental research, systematic studies, and comprehensive documentation of the local flora and fauna to ensure their long-term preservation and growth.

Local culture also holds a special place in the Sierra del Rosario, where Cuban traditions and indigenous heritage intertwine. Small rural communities, such as Las Terrazas, have pioneered sustainable tourism initiatives that prioritize environmental conservation and respect for local customs.

In essence, the Sierra del Rosario is more than just a natural paradise; it is a profound testament to Cuba’s cultural richness and biodiversity—a landscape where conservation and respect for nature constitute an invaluable treasure.