Overall, Cuba is one of the most diverse sites biologically on earth. In addition, many of the foundation rocks of the island are toxic to plants. This means that a plant species to survive had to adapt to the harsh environs. Dozens of species of unique plants grow on surfaces which are known to be too toxic to support life.

ALEJANDRO DE HUMBOLDT NATIONAL PARK

The complex topography and varied geology has created a diverse set of species and ecosystems which is not found anywhere else in the Caribbean. Further, this tropical island is one of the most biologically diverse on earth. Within the park are numerous new species and conservation efforts for endemic flora is of high importance. In addition, a high number of vertebrates and invertebrates are endemic to the park as well as to the entire island of Cuba. This makes the Park a biologist and naturalist's dream site.

DIVING

The same features such as those in the seas surrounding the Bahamas and other West Indies and Grand Cayman make the waters surrounding the Caribbean reef systems likely to become more and more desirable as a diver and snorkelers paradise. Especially in the area to the south of Cuba such as Jardines de la Reina the reef systems are large and in a great state of preservation. The existence of spiny lobsters, coral fish populations, four species of sea turtles and of course the shy manatees will continue to be a draw to diving enthusiasts. The Guanahacabibes Peninsula has been named a biosphere preserve includes nearly forty sites where world class diving can be enjoyed, including a black coral colony.

VALLEY OF VIÑALES

This area is popular internationally and at the end of the last decade was declared as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. It's also a national monument. The land is fertile and surrounded by pin-cushion shaped hills. The entire valley is an outstanding example of karst formations with limestone sinks, ravines and underground streams. One of the most extensive cave systems in Latin America is found here with some of the underground rivers navigable by boat.

The Indian's Cave is famous, as is the healing value of San Diego de los Baños. Hundreds of individuals come here to soak in the warm mineral springs and mud.

SOROA

Two attractions found in the Rosario Mountains within 45 miles of Havana are the Soroa Waterfall falling 72 feet. Travel by foot and by horseback in the area adds to the enjoyment of viewing the scenery at a leisurely pace. A second attraction in this area is the orchid garden. Here you can find species from all over the globe.

CIEGO DE ÁVILA

Off the north coast of this province are several large cays or islands which are being developed as popular tourist resorts. The south coast is mostly mangrove swamp. The economy of the province is based on pineapples, sugar, cattle and citrus fruits.

SANCTI SPIRITUS

The primary industry of the province is tourism, mostly centered around the World Heritage city of Trinidad. The geographical mix runs from mountains in the western half of the province, mangrove swamps in the south and Cuba's largest man-made reservoir in the central part of the province.

VILLA CLARA

The coastline of Villa Clara is all on the northern face of the island and is dotted with large tourist type cays. Coral reefs, sandy beaches and resorts all have helped to turn the focus of the economy of Villa Clara from sugar and tobacco to tourism

CIENFUEGOS

Cienfuegos is Cuba's smallest province, lying south of Villa Clara and almost entirely dedicated to sugarcane. Off the coast of Cienfuegos, however are numerous popular diving areas, including underwater caves, explored by locals and tourists alike.

MATANZAS

Matanzas Province is one of the most industrialized with petroleum wells, refineries and supertanker facilities as well as sugarcane refineries. The enormous Ciénaga de Zapata swamp is the dominant geographical feature of the southern coast and is located in this province.

CIUDAD DE LA HABANA

The main feature of this province is the city of Havana, with which it shares a name. The largest metropolitan area in Cuba and in the Caribbean, it is also the ninth largest in the entire Latin American region. The province and city are the center of industry, government and economy for the island.

HAVANA

The province of Havana surrounds the city of Havana as well as the province Ciudad de la Habana. It lies on the narrow neck of Cuba. It contains numerous population centers and has both northern and southern coasts. It has the typical mangrove swamps in the southern section. Havana is one of the few Cuban provinces which does not have a large dependence upon the tobacco and sugarcane crops.

PINAR DEL RÍO

This province comprises the entire western end of the island and contains one of Cuba's three mountain ranges--Cordillera de Guaniguanico. The geography is characterized by steep sided limestone hills and fertile valleys that produce the tobacco that forms prized Cuban cigars. Tourism is a high priority industry in this province.

ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD

The Isle of the Youths is the largest of the Cuban islands and is administered by the central government of Cuba, rather than as a province with its own government. It is tied most closely with Havana and Pinar del Río.

As one of the last remaining bastions of communism in the world, Cuba is gradually reopening its doors to tourism, although U.S. travel restrictions prevent U.S. tourists from traveling to Cuba directly. Most U.S. visitors arrive in Cuba by way of round-a-bout means such as flying from the U.S. to one of the countries which does allow Cuban flights and traveling on to Cuba. Technically speaking it is not illegal for U.S. citizens to visit Cuba, it's just illegal to spend any money there.

Traveling within the country for the tens of thousands of U.S tourists who visit the country legally or illegally each year is another issue entirely. Travel is very inexpensive, but it is also limited by poor road conditions, lack of space on public transportation systems such as buses and trains, and lack of comfort while traveling.

In the larger cities, particularly Havana you can find fairly inexpensive taxi service, including some taxis which are powered by bicycle or even horsepower.

People travel to Cuba for various reasons. Tourist types usually go to see the historical sights, of which there are many. In recent history, the bar made famous by the novels of Ernest Hemingway and the site of the Bay of Pigs invasion and two locations often visited by travelers. Further back in history, visitors are interested in various structures dating from colonial and conquest eras.

There are a number of fine museums, including one dedicated to Ernest Hemingway and the one called the Napoleonic Museum

The third major reason for tourist visits to Cuba is for the world famous resorts located there. With the loss of Soviet support in past years, Cuba desperately needs foreign revenue to maintain its economy. Several large joint venture type resorts with international companies or hotel chains are very popular with tourists. They contain the expected mix of beaches, swimming pools, marine activities and entertainment events.

Outside of the resort areas, there are shortage of such things as meat, so dishes in the past which would represent the uniquely Cuban cuisine are now at best poor imitations. Again, the price for food is less expensive that one would expect, even considering the quality or lack or it.

While Cuba has many hotel rooms, including some which go back to the colonial period, there is a concerted effort to rebuild the lodgings that will bring waves of international tourists to revitalize the Cuban economy.

Although there are some agricultural products which form a basis for Cuban economy, the best hope for the future of its economy is still the influx of tourists coming and buying products and services in the country.