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Guamá Tourist Center

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Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)

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The Guamá Tourist Center, located in the heart of the Ciénaga de Zapata, is a unique reconstruction of a Taíno indigenous village built across several small islands in the Laguna del Tesoro (Treasure Lagoon). Designed in the 1960s, the complex was created to honor the cultural heritage of Cuba's original inhabitants. The site is accessible only by boat, following a scenic route through dense mangrove channels. The highlight of Guamá is a collection of 32 life-sized sculptures by the renowned Cuban artist Rita Longa, depicting the daily activities, hunting methods, and spiritual customs of the Taíno people. The structures are built in the traditional 'bohío' style, featuring round wooden frames and thatched roofs, some of which serve as guest accommodations. The surrounding area is rich in biodiversity, providing a habitat for many endemic bird species. Guamá serves as both a historical educational site and a premier ecotourism destination, showcasing the harmonious blend of pre-Columbian history and the pristine natural landscape of the Caribbean's largest wetland.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232425272929303029282524
Rain mm121510185359546565612016

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Guamá Tourist Center is a reconstructed Taíno village in the Zapata Swamp, reachable by boat. It is typically open daily for visitors and has insights into Cuba's indigenous culture.
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Typical hours
The complex is typically open daily from about 9 AM to 5 PM. Last boat departures to the village are usually in the late afternoon.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, especially the reconstructed Taíno houses are photogenic. In some areas, flash may be prohibited to preserve the atmosphere.
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Time needed
A visit including the boat ride takes about three to four hours. Those wanting to explore the surrounding swamp channels should allow more time.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with a drive through the Zapata Swamp, known for its biodiversity. The nearby Playa Girón features both history and beach relaxation.
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Getting there
The center is reached via the road to Guamá, about two hours southeast of Havana. On site, the journey to the village continues by boat.
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Insider tip
Use insect repellent as mosquitoes are very active in the swamp area. Book the boat trip in advance, especially during peak season.

Geography

Coordinates
22.25000, -81.15000

Facts

  • The site is named after Guamá, a famous Taíno chief who fought the Spanish.
  • The Treasure Lagoon covers a total surface area of about 9 square kilometers.
  • Rita Longa's 32 sculptures were crafted from a durable composite material.
  • The tourist center was officially opened to the public in 1962.
  • The boat trip from the mainland pier takes approximately 20 minutes.
  • All the islands in the complex are connected by a series of wooden footbridges.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Zapata Crocodile FarmZapata Crocodile Farm1 km · SEExplore →
GuamáGuamá3 km · SEExplore →
Jagüey GrandeJagüey Grande5 km · NEExplore →
Zapata PeninsulaZapata Peninsula6 km · SExplore →
JovellanosJovellanos11 km · SEExplore →
Playa Girón MuseumPlaya Girón Museum13 km · NExplore →
Playa GirónPlaya Girón13 km · NExplore →
CárdenasCárdenas14 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Guamá tourist center?
A replica of a Taíno village on islands in the Laguna del Tesoro lake, accessible only by boat.
Who created the sculptures there?
The 32 life-sized figures depicting indigenous life were created by Rita Longa.
Can you stay overnight in Guamá?
Yes, there are stilt bungalows there that function as a hotel complex (Villa Guamá).
Are there mosquito problems in this area?
Yes, as it is a swampland, insect repellent is essential, especially in the evening.
How expensive is the boat trip to the village?
The trip usually costs between 10 and 15 USD per person, including admission to the village.
Guamá Tourist Center: where is it located?
Guamá Tourist Center is located in Cuba.
Guamá Tourist Center: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Guamá Tourist Center: why is it worth visiting?
The Guamá Tourist Center, located in the heart of the Ciénaga de Zapata, is a unique reconstruction of a Taíno indigenous village built across several small islands in the Laguna del Tesoro (Treasure Lagoon).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Florida — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Florida
A municipality and city in the Camagüey province, an important agricultural center.
Nuevitas — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Nuevitas
A port city on a large bay on the north coast of Camagüey province.
Guáimaro — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Guáimaro
A city of great historical importance, as the first Constitution of the Republic in Arms was adopted here in 1869.
Santa Cruz del Sur — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Santa Cruz del Sur
A coastal city in Camagüey province, severely hit by a devastating hurricane in 1932.
Santa Lucía — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Santa Lucía
Santa Lucía boasts one of Cuba's longest white-sand beaches, protected by a massive coral reef.

History & landmarks

Tomás Terry Theatre — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Tomás Terry Theatre
A famous theater in Cienfuegos with an ornate interior and strong historic character.
José Martí Park — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
José Martí Park
The central square in the city of Cienfuegos.

More places

Zapata Crocodile Farm — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Zapata Crocodile Farm
A breeding and conservation center for the rare Cuban crocodile.
🗺️
Playa Girón Museum
Museum dedicated to the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion.
Command Museum — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Command Museum
Museum at the Bay of Pigs regarding the historic command point.
Alturas de Pérez — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Alturas de Pérez
A modest upland area in central-eastern Cuba.
Pinar Fruit Processing — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Pinar Fruit Processing
Processing of tropical fruits.
Pinar Tobacco Industry — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Pinar Tobacco Industry
Center of cigar manufacturing.
Viñales Mogotes — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Viñales Mogotes
The famous limestone mogotes of the Viñales Valley in western Cuba.
Guanahacabibes Peninsula — Guamá Tourist Center (Cuba)
Guanahacabibes Peninsula
The westernmost peninsula of Cuba, known for its protected natural areas.