DESEMBARCO DEL GRANMA In 1999, the Desembarco del Granma National Park became the first place in Cuba that UNESCO declared to be a part of world natural heritage. Its geographical features make it one of the most notable places in the Cuban archipelago and one of world importance. Located in the westernmost part of the Sierra Maestra Mountains, it covers an area of around 25,000 hectares, with beautiful cliffs and tall vertical escarpments that are very well preserved.
It contains the second largest and best preserved system of marine terraces (both submerged and above water) in the world. The above-water terraces reach a height of 1181 feet (360 meters) above sea level, with differences in height between adjoining terraces of as much as 324 feet (100 meters). Twenty levels have emerged from the depths of the Caribbean Sea.
The submerged part of this terrace system is outstanding for its diversity and excellent state of conservation. The great depth of the sea near the coast creates currents of very clean water that allow for considerable development of marine life.
The most outstanding aspect of the park is the great development of its geographic features. The cliffs of the terraces are of great interest, because, in addition to their beauty, they are important refuges for native flora and fauna. Here, you can find vertical caves which contain pictographs and other traces of former Indian occupation.
The most important plant formations are the ones growing on the terraces, which, together with the coastal xeromorphic thickets, contain the greatest number of interesting species. Much of the original vegetation has been preserved, and more than 600 species of plants have been identified.
The most important species of fauna—because they are endemic or endangered—are the Ligus vitattus, a species of land mollusk, and the Cuban night lizard (Crycosaura tipica). Both of these species are locally endemic to the park.
The caves contain abundant evidence that Indians used to live in this area: bits of pottery, stone carvings and pictographs, which show the level attained by those communities. Samuel’s and Fustete Caves, in particular, are places of myth and legend related to the aboriginal cultures and to our times.
In addition, this area was the scene of important events in Cuba’s history. The cabin cruiser Granma landed on its western coast in 1956, bringing Fidel Castro and 81 other expeditionaries from Mexico to begin the Revolutionary War in the Sierra Maestra Mountains—the action for which this national park is named.
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DESEMBARCO DEL GRANMA Declared by UNESCO Natural
Site of Humanity, it invites you
to enjoy one of the most
impressive landscapes of Isle,
with notable values regarding
flora and fauna and
geomorphologic features. It is
located in the western part of
Granma Province, |
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GRANMA a natural paradise, is in the southwestern part of eastern Cuba. It has steep cliffs, extensive plains, rivers, waterfalls, coral reefs, caves and a fascinating history. Indians sought refuge in its mountains in the distant past, and so did Cubans who fought for Cuba’s independence from Spain in the latter half of the 19th century |
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