Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. Its vegetation is extremely diverse with native Cuban plants numbering approximately 6,350 species, 51% of which are endemic. In 1976, nature reserves were established throughout the island to preserve large numbers of its animals and plants. There are 80 such protected areas in the Cuban archipelago, which include both submarine and terrestrial sites.

There are dramatic mountainous landscapes, wild and unspoiled valleys, sweeping vistas of sugar cane, tobacco plantations glowing emerald green against the vermilion earth of the fields, seven exquisite cities dating from the mid-fifteenth century, an amazing variety of flora and fauna, some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and above all, Cuba’s greatest asset: her people.