Holguin province has 9 300 km2 of surface, 25 % of which is covered by forests, this province is located in the northeastern part of the Island. The sugar agricultural industry and the exploitation of its enormous nickel deposits (Moa) are two of the province's most important economic activities in addition to tourism.
Holguín city is known as the city of parks as it has an abundance of open
spaces.
Sight to see are the churches of San Isidoro and San José.
The province has various well known beaches: Guardalavaca, Playa Esmeralda and
Pesquero. On the outskirts of Playa Esmeralda you can find the nature reserve
of Bahía de Naranjo.
The Chorro de Maita (large archaeological site with museum), the Taino village
(a replica of a village of the Aruaca tribe) and Banes, known as the capital
of archaeology in Cuba are other highlights of the province.
Playa Blanca and two hills nearby: La Silla de Gibara (The Saddle of Gibara -
a name it got because of its likeness to a saddle) and La Mezquita (The Mosque
- named because of its likeness with the Peña de los Enamorados de Andalucía)
are sthe main attractions near another point of interest: Bariay.
A little further east Gibara is another place well worth seeing, because it
preserves the most important urban architectural complex of the province and
interesting remains like El Cuartelón and La Batería de Fernando VII.
Other national parks in the province of Holguin:
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Cayo Saetía, a natural park with 42 km2 of surface (65% is covered with forests) where visitors can go on jeep safaris, horseback rides. the site has lots of secluded beaches.
-
La Mensura, habitat of about 300 endemic species of Cuban flora
-
Alejandro Humboldt park
Museums.
Museo Indocubano Baní
More than a thousand pieces, obtained in patient archeological searches, are
exhibited in this picturesque institution that treasures several thousands
more in process of identification. Among the outstanding objects you will find
a golden idol with Mesoamerican features, as well as a skull displaying a
hole, resembling a bullet orifice, which has provoked much debate among
scientists.
Address: Calle General Marrero # 305, Banes
Museum "Chorro de Maíta"
It is the result of an exhaustive local archeological research that has taken
more than 80 years. It constitutes the most important discovery in Cuba
regarding an aboriginal settlement. Thus, the site has been declared National
Monument. We strongly recommend the visit.
Address: Chorro de Maíta, Banes
Museo de Artes Decorativas
Independencia No. 19,
e/. Luz Caballero y J. Peralta, Gibara
Museo provincial de Holguín
Known as "La Periquera" (parakeet cage), it is located across from the central
park "Calixto García" and visiting it will allow you to know more about the
history of the city by means of documents and an excellent archeological
collection. Among the varied objects displayed, there is a precious relic: an
ax carved in the form of an idol that has become the symbol of Holguín.
Address: Calle Freixes # 198, Holguín
Museo Casa Natal de Calixto García
Miró No. 147, esq. a Frexes,
Calixto García
