CubaPLUS Magazine

Nature tourism continues to gain momentum in Cuba, and one of the most significant landmarks in this sector is the Havana Forest, an essential destination for any traveler.

Located in the western part of the Cuban capital, just minutes from the bustling Vedado neighborhood, lies a natural treasure that locals often call the lung of the city. The Havana Forest is a 700-hectare woodland that serves as a sanctuary of peace and biodiversity amidst the urban sprawl.

This space, which is part of the Havana Metropolitan Park, stretches along the banks of the Almendares River, the city’s most important waterway. The lush greenery encountered upon entering the forest offers a radical contrast to the asphalt and city noise, giving residents and visitors alike the chance to immerse themselves in a tropical jungle without leaving the city limits.

The forest’s history as a public space dates back to the early 20th century, though its origins as a restricted zone are far older. Long before the Vedado neighborhood was established, Spanish colonial authorities restricted access to these woods in 1569 to guard against attacks by corsairs and pirates, giving rise to the name Monte Vedado (Forbidden Mount).

The idea of transforming the area into a sprawling urban park began to take shape in 1912 through publicist Carlos de Velasco. However, it was the renowned French landscape architect Jean Claude Nicolas Forestier, invited to Cuba in the late 1920s, who conceived the ambitious project for a Great National Park along the Almendares River. While Forestier’s vision was not realized immediately, work began in 1937, and the Havana Forest officially opened on October 10 of that year.

Following the 1959 Revolution, the concept was expanded. The Almendares Park was constructed next to the bridge of the same name, adding playgrounds, cafés, and cultural spaces that transformed it into a cornerstone of family recreation.

Today, the forest is a protected natural area spanning the municipalities of Plaza de la Revolución, Playa, Marianao, and Cerro. It is bisected by the Almendares River, which flows 45 kilometers from its source in Mayabeque through exuberant vegetation. Inside, visitors encounter majestic carob, laurel, and jaguey trees—the latter famous for their imposing aerial roots and lianas that create an almost mystical atmosphere.

This dense canopy provides a habitat for a rich variety of wildlife, including herons, pelicans, hummingbirds (zunzunes), and woodpeckers, as well as small reptiles and inquisitive squirrels that have adapted to urban life.

A journey through the forest also reveals historical and cultural surprises. Among its attractions are the ruins of Isla Josefina, an islet in the middle of the river that belonged to Juana Gabriela de Embil y Quesada in the 19th century, a site of immense scenic value. Additionally, colonial-era vestiges remain, such as the ruins of the El Husillo Dam and the canals of the Fernando VII Aqueduct, which once supplied the city with water.

Beyond its natural and historical significance, the Havana Forest is a vital cultural hub. The Almendares Amphitheater, inaugurated in 1965 and unique in the country for its string-puppet stage design, remains a vibrant venue today. Nearby, former industrial sites such as the La Tropical and La Polar gardens, which once utilized the river’s water for beer production, have been repurposed into popular recreational and gastronomic complexes.

The Almendares River, the lifeblood of Havana's central forest, stands as a silent witness to the city's storied past. Originally named Casiguagua by the region's indigenous inhabitants, the river was eventually renamed after the bishop of the same name who settled along its banks. Today, this historic waterway serves as a vital natural landmark and a key destination for visitors seeking to explore the capital's ecological heritage.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)