Cuba’s Isle of Youth, located south of the country’s main island, is the second largest in the archipelago, a destination that awakens dreams and harbors a history of unforgettable experiences for any tourist.

We know that preparing your trip to the largest island in the Caribbean can be challenging, but don’t worry because that’s what we are here for.

Our team is in love with the island and can guide you with tips on the must-see locations you can’t miss on the Isle of Youth during your stay.

What is the origin of the name Isla de la Juventud in Cuba?

The origin of the name Isla de la Juventud is unknown to many people, some even remember it as Isla de Pinos, but behind the history of its name there is a mosaic of terms that our local experts know very well and can tell you.

Since Christopher Columbus sighted it on his second voyage in 1494, the island has been called by many names. Originally, it was known as La Evangelista, in honor of St. John the Evangelist, but was later renamed Santa Maria and the Isle of Pines.

However, its current name, Isle of Youth, is due to the thousands of young people who studied and contributed to its development over the years, especially after Hurricane Alma in 1966. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is also known as the Land of a Thousand Names.

What places to visit in Isla de la Juventud in Cuba?

Cuba’s Isle of Youth is still a treasure to be discovered, a paradise of natural, historical and cultural beauty that has held the rank of Special Municipality of the Nation since 1976.

Despite its small population, the island offers a wide range of fascinating places to explore on your next trip to Cuba.

In the following lines, we present some of the most outstanding ones.

El Abra Farm Museum

It is a unique place to immerse yourself in Cuba’s patriotic history. José Martí, one of Cuba’s national heroes, spent part of his exile here in the 21st century. In addition, you can tour the room he occupied, full of objects related to the life of the Cuban patriot.

Model Prison

This former prison housed Fidel Castro after the assault on the Moncada barracks.

Today, it has been transformed into a museum that offers a unique insight into Cuba’s revolutionary history, so many tourists come here to relive this part of history.

Bibijagua Beach

This paradisiacal beach of white sand and crystal-clear water offers a perfect natural refuge to enjoy the sun and the sea on your trip to Cuba. In addition, many Cubans consider it the ideal place to relax and immerse themselves in the serenity offered by the Isle of Youth. No one else knows the area as well as they do.

Punta del Este Caves

Known as the Sistine Chapel of Rock Art, these caves house more than 230 pictographs dating back to 850.

The abstract and geometric paintings that adorn these caves are truly captivating to the eyes of any tourist who visits them on their trip to the island.

These paintings are believed to possess deep symbolism and abstract beauty. Among them is a solar calendar, composed of 28 concentric circles with a red arrow, which illuminates different sections of the mural when the sun penetrates the cave, following an unparalleled astral route.

French Point National Marine Park

Punta Francés National Marine Park is much more than a simple tourist destination that invites you to immerse yourself in an earthly paradise.

For diving lovers, this park offers coral reefs and an impressive marine biodiversity. It is a unique opportunity to explore the underwater secrets of the Isle of Youth.

However, not everything is perfect, you must be prepared to face mosquitoes, a small price to pay for the opportunity to get lost in this corner of nature.

Ciénaga de Lanier National Park

This 100 km² park is an opportunity taken by many tourists to immerse themselves in the exuberant tropical nature of the Isle of Youth in Cuba.

With a wide variety of flora and fauna, it is a perfect escape for nature lovers who visit the island every year. In addition, this park is the third most important wetland in the Cuban archipelago, behind the Zapata Swamp.

In this area there are remains that certify the presence of a wild population of Cuban crocodile in the past.

Natural History Museum

This museum located in Nueva Gerona, the island’s capital, immerses you in the rich history of the region, with artifacts, documents and exhibits that reveal its fascinating history.

In the museum, the very essence of nature reveals the deepest secrets intertwined with the stories and legends of the flora and fauna.

Central Park El Pirineo

When you are lucky enough to visit a place as beautiful as Central Park, you can’t miss the local atmosphere that is created on a stroll through the heart of Nueva Gerona.

Surrounded by old tiled houses and columns, you will find it a charming place to explore the daily life of the island.

Crocodile farm

With around 500 crocodiles of different sizes, the hatchery plays a crucial role in the preservation of this species in Cuba.

We can arrange a personalized visit for you, since it is located approximately one hour from the city of Nueva Gerona, in a natural environment with the famous Antillean tree, the júcaro, as an ideal host, as well as surrounded by wild orchids, migratory and endemic birds, and lakes adorned with lilies and water lilies.

El Colony International Diving Center

For those who wish to dive in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island, this dive center offers unique experiences, from coral reefs to fascinating sea creatures.

Another ideal area for diving is Siguanea Bay, on the west coast of Cuba’s Isle of Youth. In addition, its Red Beach has a length of two kilometers and is known as a paradise for diving lovers.

Ask us if you would like us to prepare a personalized tour with local guides to enjoy this marvel.

Los Indios Ecological Reserve

The wonderful nature of Los Indios is a 5,395-hectare paradise located between the El Colony hotel and the Caribbean Sea in the western center of the Isle of Youth.

Here, the Los Indios, Itabo and La Majagua rivers run through a diversity of habitats ranging from evergreen forests to lush mangroves on the coast of La Siguanea.

If you feel like visiting, keep in mind that this ecological sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna, from migratory birds to endangered species such as the manatee.

Sierra Caballos

This mountain range on the island offers opportunities for exploration and hiking.

Therefore, it is a great opportunity to discover the natural beauty of Sierra Caballos, which has witnessed the rich history of the Isle of Youth throughout the years and which it observes from the heights.

With 295 meters above sea level, the mountain range stands out as the second most notable elevation of the island, surpassed only by the Sierra La Cañada. Undoubtedly, it is not far behind in charm and mystery.

Dancing sucu-suco

The sucu-suco is not a place to visit, but it is dance, music and party that takes you to the streets of Cuba. Specifically, to the origin of this dance in the 19th century, on the Isle of Youth.

There is no better way to soak up the local culture than to enjoy the music and dance with joy and vitality in every step.

If you dare to discover the Isle of Youth in Cuba on a tailor-made trip through a reliable agency and with local Cuban experts, contact us whenever you need. At Enjoy Travel Group we are looking forward to help you with a tailor-made trip according to your needs.