Valle de la Prehistoria
A sprawling park in Baconao featuring over 200 life-sized ferrocement sculptures of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better exploration
Valle de la Prehistoria
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling park in Baconao featuring over 200 life-sized ferrocement sculptures of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures.
"Interesting sculptures, but be prepared for potential closures due to maintenance."
Confirm Park Status
Always check if the park is open before heading there, as it's been reported closed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast park and its sculptures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cromagnon Man Entrance
Main Entrance
A towering 12-meter tall Cromagnon man sculpture greets you, setting the prehistoric tone.
Life-Sized Dinosaur Sculptures
Throughout the Park
Explore over 200 ferrocement sculptures of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures at true-to-life scale.
+1
Baconao Park Setting
Baconao Park
Nestled within the scenic Baconao Park, enjoy lush greenery and a recreational atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Status Before You Go
Embrace the Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Park Status
Always check if the park is open before heading there, as it's been reported closed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast park and its sculptures.
Bring Water & Snacks
Facilities might be limited, so pack essentials for your exploration.
Explore Freely
The park is best enjoyed by wandering and discovering its unique sculptures at your own pace.
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Park Status
Always check if the park is open before heading there, as it's been reported closed.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast park and its sculptures.
Bring Water & Snacks
Facilities might be limited, so pack essentials for your exploration.
Explore Freely
The park is best enjoyed by wandering and discovering its unique sculptures at your own pace.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Valle de la Prehistoria to be an interesting and unique attraction, particularly for its large-scale prehistoric sculptures. However, many recent reviews highlight significant concerns about the park's operational status, with frequent reports of closures due to a lack of maintenance, leading to disappointment.
"Nice"
Giordano Alexandre
"Very disappointed, the park is closed due to a lack of maintenance like many other places in Cuba. The website doesn't mention it, but I did like others to go to the back of the park to take some photos since we paid a taxi to go there. It's sad, everything is abandoned..."
Alain Rodrigue
"Visiting this place is an unforgettable experience. I went several years ago with my friends on a school trip. It's highly recommended to go and explore the entire area freely."
Ignacio Concepción Prieto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Valle de la Prehistoria is located about 20 km from Santiago de Cuba, within Baconao Park. Taxis are a common way to reach it, but confirm the park's accessibility beforehand.
Information on reliable public transport directly to the park is scarce. Taxis or organized tours are generally recommended for easier access.
Once in Baconao Park, you might need local transport or a pre-arranged taxi to get to the specific entrance of the Valle de la Prehistoria.
The park is marked by a large, 12-meter-tall Cromagnon man sculpture at its entrance.
Parking availability can vary, especially if the park is not fully operational. It's best to inquire with your transportation provider.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There have been reports of the park being closed, particularly during summer months, due to maintenance issues. It's crucial to verify current operating hours before visiting.
Specific ticket prices are not widely advertised, and given the potential for closures, it's advisable to confirm any admission fees upon arrival or through local contacts.
Online ticket purchasing is generally not available for this attraction. Tickets are typically purchased on-site if the park is open.
Yes, many visitors enjoy exploring the park freely at their own pace. However, confirming park access is essential.
Information on discounts is not readily available. It's best to inquire locally if you are eligible for any special rates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features over 227 life-sized sculptures made of ferrocement, depicting dinosaurs, cavemen, and other prehistoric creatures.
The park covers approximately 11 hectares (about 27 acres) and is designed for exploration.
Recent reviews and social media posts indicate that the park may suffer from a lack of maintenance and could be in a state of disrepair.
The terrain is natural and can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for navigating the park.
Given the reported maintenance issues, facilities might be limited or non-operational. It's wise to be prepared and bring your own supplies.
📸 📸 Photography
The life-sized dinosaur sculptures and the imposing Cromagnon man at the entrance offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the unique prehistoric sculptures.
Mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing clear, atmospheric shots of the sculptures.
Drone regulations in Cuba can be strict. It's advisable to check local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
Try to capture the scale of the sculptures by including people in your shots, or focus on the intricate details of the ferrocement work.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1However, parents should be aware of the potential for the park to be closed or in a state of disrepair. If the park is accessible, ensure children wear sturdy footwear as the terrain can be uneven. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is also recommended, as facilities may be limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Aim for early morning visits to take advantage of softer light and fewer people, allowing for unobstructed shots. Experiment with different angles to emphasize the scale of the sculptures against the natural backdrop of Baconao Park. Be prepared for potentially challenging conditions due to maintenance issues, but the unusual subject matter can lead to truly memorable images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Construction of the Sculptures
The park was inaugurated in the 1980s, predating the famous Jurassic Park by several years, showcasing Cuba's early engagement with themed attractions. The sheer scale and detail of these sculptures, from towering dinosaurs to early human figures, are a testament to the artistry and engineering involved in their creation.
While the park's maintenance has been a concern, the ferrocement sculptures themselves remain a significant artistic and historical element, offering a glimpse into a unique approach to public art and entertainment. Visitors often express awe at the craftsmanship, even when acknowledging the park's current condition.
Navigating Potential Closures and Maintenance Issues
Travelers are strongly advised to verify the park's current operational status before planning their visit. This might involve contacting local tour operators, checking recent social media posts for updates, or inquiring with accommodation providers in Santiago de Cuba. Relying solely on outdated information or official websites may not reflect the current reality on the ground.
Despite these challenges, some visitors have managed to access parts of the park or appreciate it from the periphery, highlighting the sad state of abandonment that many Cuban attractions face. The community often shares advice on how to make the most of a visit, even if it means a less-than-ideal experience, emphasizing the importance of managing expectations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit