Turquino National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Turquino National ParkParque Nacional Turquino |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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 Turquino National Park
Parque Nacional Turquino Location in Cuba
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| Location | Santiago de Cuba Province, Cuba |
| Nearest city | Guamá |
| Area | 229.38 km2 (88.56 sq mi) |
| Established | January 8, 1980 |
Turquino National Park, also known as Sierra Maestra National Park, is a special protected area in southeastern Cuba. It is a national park located in the Santiago de Cuba Province. This park is famous for its tall mountains and amazing nature.
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Exploring Turquino National Park
Turquino National Park is found within the Sierra Maestra mountain range. This mountain range is a very important part of Cuba's geography. The park is about 50 km (31 mi) west of a town called Guamá. It is located in the Guamá area of Santiago de Cuba Province.
How Big is the Park?
The park covers a large area of 229.38 km2 (88.56 sq mi). That's a lot of space for nature to thrive! It was officially created on January 8, 1980. This happened when a special law, bill 27/1980, was passed to protect this beautiful place.
Cuba's Tallest Mountains
The park is named after Pico Turquino, which is the highest mountain in all of Cuba. Pico Turquino stands tall at 1,975 m (6,480 ft) above sea level. Imagine standing on top of Cuba! Besides Pico Turquino, other important mountains in the park include Pico Cuba, Pico Real, and Pico Suecia. These mountains make the park a great place for hiking and exploring.
Nature and Wildlife in the Park
Turquino National Park is home to many different types of tropical forests. These forests are full of life and unique plants.
Forests and Plants
The park has two main types of forest habitats:
- Lower Elevation Forests: These are called Cuban moist forests. They are found closer to the coast and have lots of humidity.
- Higher Elevation Forests: As you go higher up the mountains, you find Cuban pine forests. These forests are adapted to the cooler, higher altitudes.
Coastal Areas
The park also includes a part of Cuba's southeastern coast. This means you can find beautiful beaches within the park's area. One famous beach is Marea del Portillo. It shows how diverse the park's environment is, from high mountains to the sea.
Images for kids
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Las Cuevas trailhead at the coast.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional Turquino para niños
- National parks of Cuba
- Geography of Santiago de Cuba Province
