Sierra del Rosario

Sierra del Rosario is a mountain range in Pinar del Río Province covered by tropical forests with both evergreen and semi-deciduous vegetation. The terrain rises to approximately 700 meters and encompasses hundreds of square kilometers of forest.

The reserve received official biosphere status in 1984, becoming Cuba's first designation of this kind. This milestone represented a turning point in how the nation approached environmental protection.

Local communities living near the reserve practice sustainable farming that supports conservation efforts in the region. These traditional methods help maintain the balance between agriculture and forest protection.

Visitors need a local guide to navigate the trail network and make the most of their time exploring the reserve. The paths lead to viewpoints where you can observe the local plants and animals.

The reserve contains more than 800 plant species, with over one third found nowhere else on Earth. These rare plants have adapted specifically to the mountain climate and unique conditions of this location.

Location: Pinar del Río Province

Inception: 1984

Elevation above the sea: 699 m

GPS coordinates: 22.73000,-83.30000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00