History of Guardalavaca Cuba
Up until the late 1990s Guardalavaca was nothing more than sleepy coastal town in the Holguin Province of Cuba. Due to the excellent quality of the sand and picturesque, naturally protected coastline plus, the close proximity to Holguin’s Frank Pais International airport, it didn’t take long for Guardalavaca to appear on Cuba’s tourism Ministry radar as a future tourist destination. By the 1990s the Cuban hotel group Cubanacan was in talks to build the first 747 room hotel in the area, now known as the Club Amigo Guardalavaca.
Fast forward two and half decades and Guardalavaca Beach will soon have its third hotel. Yet to be officially named, it will be operated this time by Spain’s Iberostar. The new 5 star hotel features 483 Rooms, which when added to the 437 rooms at the Brisas Guardalavaca Hotel, will bring the total rooms in Guardalavaca to 1667 allowing the area to accommodate approximately 3400 people. Of course, two other hotels are featured on the almost adjoining Playa Esmeralda, the popular Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro and the Hotel Sol Rio de Luna y Mares technically is considered another destination but in our view is too close to bare a different name.
Where is Guardalavaca Located?
Guardalavaca is located on Cuba’s southeastern coast just 57 km (35 miles) from the inland provincial capital city of Holguin. Guardalavaca is also easily accessible by road from Santiago de Cuba which is just 174 km (108 miles) away. Due to the distance of 800 km (497 miles), Havana is not usually a place from which visitors originate when visiting Guardalavaca, however those tourists making a Pan-Cuban Road Trip will often include Guardalavaca in their cross country itinerary. (click map for full size)
Where does the name Guardalavaca originate?
The word “Guardalavaca” – Guarda La Vaca – literally means “guard the cow” in Spanish. Many people have had their theories of how this odd name came about. Several viable accounts as to how this name may have originated start with the version that maintains that Guardalavaca is nothing more than a malapropism for its original name Guardalabarca, which translates to “guard the ship”.
History has it that area was once heavily targeted by sea pirates, and Bahía de Naranja near what is now the town of Guardalavaca is a sheltered and shallow bay connected to the open sea by a tapered inlet, which made it a proper safe haven to guard ships against marauding pirates.
A second account brings us to the most probably explanation in which the name may have originated from pirates going after the cattle grazing in the area. When pirates were spotted, the local farmers would thus cry, “Guardalavaca” – Guard the Cow!
The Cuban government has attempted on several occasions to change the unflattering and nonsensical name of the tourist area but they have so far been unsuccessful in choosing a candidate or removing the legacy of the official name of Guard the Cow…
Hotel Sol Rio de Luna y Mares Guardalavaca Cuba
The Hotel Sol Rio de Luna y Mares is located within the incredibly beautiful Bahia Naranjo Natural Park. Actually two hotels in one, the Sol Rio de Luna y Mares offers a broad range of activities and vacation options. Hotel Sol Rio de Luna y Mares is a four star All Inclusive vacation resort, distinguished for its great family offer and multiple options of restaurants and onsite bars. Covering a gigantic area of 150,000 m² the hotel is more like a mini city than a vacation resort but, this offers plenty of privacy to its guests.
Following this privacy trend, Hotel Sol Rio de Luna y Mares offers accommodation in sections of just 3 and 4 floors with modern, pleasant rooms, of which are there are Standard Superior Rooms with Sea View, Junior Suites, Suites and Family Suites offering impressive Ocean Views which are ideal for families. All the rooms are beautifully decorated in warm tropical colors, and equipped with all the facilities you need for an excellent vacation. These two hotels in one boast beautiful open-plan lobbies, one in the Luna section and the other on the “Mares” resort section. An eco-bridge over the lagoon which connects the resorts of Paradisus Rio de Oro with a mini golf, a gazebo for weddings with sea views, plus the brilliant kid’s club area.
When you click “Reserve at Sol Rio de Luna y Mares Hotel” you will be comparing rates and availability from all three possible sources:
- All major international suppliers of Hotel Sol Rio de Luna y Mares in Guardalavaca
- The Cuban tourism ministry
- Direct with Hotel Sol Rio de Luna y Mares itself
Our booking process is unique because it shows the best rate from all of these for Sol Rio de Luna y Mares hotel in Guardalavaca and the types of rooms available. Our Sol Rio de Luna y Mares Guardalavaca rate comparison is an industry first for Cuban Hotels.
Once you’ve compared the rates, finalizing the booking at Sol Rio de Luna y Mares Hotel takes just seconds and an immediate confirmation is provided in real-time.
No Prepayment – No booking fees – No Charges
Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro Guardalavaca Holguin Cuba
Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro occupies an astounding 113,000 m² seafront lot. Offering unusually large Master Junior Suites with elegant Garden Villas, all with access to the private Royal Service pool and direct to the white sand beach. With Palapas strewn throughout the gardens and a tropical forest where the hotel is located, guests who love to vacation in a truly idyllic nature park would do well to choose the Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro. The hotel has its own botanical garden and natural orchid garden which is great for bird watching and enjoying spectacular views of the blue lagoon and the tranquil sea. The Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro also boasts of Melia’s trademark YHI-Spas’ however, this one features unique and private beach access to ensure even more exclusivity than other hotels similarly equipped in Cuba.
The hotel features 1 and 2 floor bungalows and a the chic Royal Service area with new and elegant Royal Junior Suites, Deluxe Junior Suites with garden or sea views, Suites, Master Junior Suites with garden or sea views and Garden Villas, a truly ample array of accommodations from which to choose.
Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro is all about location. Just 4 km from the Yacht Marina Gaviota and enigmatic aquarium with dolphinarium, guests can also visit Cayo Saetia and Chorro de Maita very easily, both being a similar distance away. For those who love to shop, just 5 km away there’s a large shopping center. Ranked amongst the best equipped hotels in the area, Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro also features a Beauty salon, fitness center, clubhouse, sports courts and water sports.
When you click “Reserve at Paradisus Rio de Oro Hotel” you will be comparing rates and availability from all three possible sources:
- All major international suppliers of Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro in Guardalavaca
- The Cuban tourism ministry
- Direct with Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro itself
Our booking process is unique because it shows the best rate from all of these for Paradisus Rio de Oro hotel in Guardalavaca and the types of rooms available. Our Paradisus Rio de Oro Guardalavaca rate comparison is an industry first for Cuban Hotels.
Once you’ve compared the rates, finalizing the booking at Paradisus Rio de Oro Hotel takes just seconds and an immediate confirmation is provided in real-time.
No Prepayment – No booking fees – No Charges
Hotel Brisas Guardalavaca Cuba
Brisas Guardalavaca is heaven on earth, the landscape contrasting colors turquoise seas and white sand. Snorkeling at beautiful reefs nearby will consume hours of each day. BRISAS Guardalavaca is a highly recommended hotel not just by us but also by guests who have also stayed here. The place is clean, food is great and the best beaches within short walking distance. Higher floors offer spectacular views but conversely of worse access. Your choice.
You´ll be pleasantly surprised by the staff, the food and the BRISAS Guardalavaca resort itself, a large complex which also combines intimacy with a large array of activities and services. If you can afford it, stay in the villas as they offer large impressive surroundings for those who enjoy quiet days on the room terrace reading or soaking up the life below.
We recommend a walk to the public beach close by to enjoy the local pizza restaurant (Paladar) which is delicious. The resort offers bicycles to go and discover the city which is an excellent afternoon out. The surrounding areas and resort are very safe and a perfect place to get away for a family vacation. The resort had lost of activities for youngsters; snorkeling, sailing, games room, tennis courts, etc. The resort offer surprising good food, excellent seafood and fish, fruits, fresh salads, vegetables and excellent meat variety. You can even enjoy the latest Parisian pastries or international delicacies.
Entertainment at BRISAS Guardalavaca is truly phenomenal. Every day 2-3 live performances of international levels, 16 member salsa band, Afro Cuban evening, even ballet is on one evening! Small groups wander around playing even when you´re eating, simply outstanding. This is a truthfully an amazing resort. The bar is great and full of friendly staff and excellent cocktails including the resort favorite called “Moonshine
So, as summary, tasty food, 100% staff, amazing beaches, excellent accommodation and stunning entertainment will have you wanting to return to BRISAS Guardalavaca time and time again.
When you click “check availability at Brisas Hotel” you will be comparing rates and availability from all three possible sources:
- All major international suppliers of Hotel Brisas Guardalavaca
- The Cuban tourism ministry
- Direct with Hotel Brisas itself
Our booking process is unique because it shows the best rate from all of these for Brisas hotel in Guardalavaca and the types of rooms available. Our Brisas Guardalavaca rate comparison is an industry first for Cuban Hotels.
Once you’ve compared the rates, finalizing the booking at Brisas Hotel takes just seconds and an immediate confirmation is provided in real-time.
No Prepayment – No booking fees – No Charges
Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca
Club amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca is one of those hotels where the reviews vary immensely but do not do justice to the resort. If cost is high on your list of priorities this hotel offers excellent all inclusive value, an ideal location and idyllic beaches.
The no frills food is of high quality and very fast. Perfectly acceptable menu variety with excellent service from the staff. The unforgettable days you´ll have at Club amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca turn into excellent nights when the entertainment team takes over offering amazing shows and an overall good time. The resort is divided into Standard rooms, Tropical rooms (better/newer), Bungalows and the very large Villas.
Maid service and cleaning is excellent at all times. You´ll spend most of your time around the pools or on the amazing white sand beaches of the resort and, if you have kids, the entertainment team offers varied and educational entertainment for them. For singles or couples, there are secluded beaches close by and the beach is not too overcrowded. Most reports claim that the hotel should be should be four stars instead of three and we can certainly vouch for those opinions. The extra star easily goes to the amazing resort staff that is always attentive and smiling. Holguin City is close by and well worth a visit either by the novel speedboat excursion from the resort or the more common bus trip. There are plenty of bars to choose from in the evenings, a disco or the amazing night-time “beach party”. The disco is fun; the 24 hour bar offers a good time, beach party is a total blast.
Overall, Club amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca belies its pricing, offering so much more for the money than hotels sometimes costing twice the amount, you´ll definitely come away with a smile and a minuscule dent in your bank account.
When you click “check availability at Club Amigo Atlantico Hotel” you will be comparing rates and availability from all three possible sources:
- All major international suppliers of Hotel Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca
- The Cuban tourism ministry
- Direct with Hotel Club Amigo Atlantico itself
Our booking process is unique because it shows the best rate from all of these for Club Amigo Atlantico hotel in Guardalavaca and the types of rooms available. Our Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca rate comparison is an industry first for Cuban Hotels.
Once you’ve compared the rates, finalizing the booking at Club Amigo Atlantico Hotel takes just seconds and an immediate confirmation is provided in real-time.
No Prepayment – No booking fees – No Charges
All Hotels Guardalavaca Cuba
Looking for a Hotel in Guardalavaca Cuba? Below is a complete list of hotels that are actually in Guardalavaca. This list of Hotels in Guardalavaca only includes those hotels which are in the immediate area, which includes the beaches of: Playa Turquesa, Playa Costa Verde, Playa Guardalavaca and Playa Pesquero.
Booking Guardalavaca Hotels with our Fast Booking program means you can check rates on all Hotels in Guardalavaca and compare rates across all suppliers. Booking your Hotel in Guardalavaca is then simple. Choose the hotel, best rate applicable and confirm using any major credit card from any nation. Your credit WILL NOT be charged until check-in and there is no need to take the credit card used in the booking process with you to Cuba.
All Guardalavaca hotel Reservations are 100% guaranteed as confirmed with the hotel and a confirmed booking code is issued directly from the hotel. Below is a list of every hotel exclusively in Guardalavaca.
You are guaranteed the lowest rate on your Guardalavaca Hotel stay along with payment in 32 currencies including USD, Euro, CAD, Yen, and many others.
The list of Guardalavaca Hotels below is a complete list of every Hotel in Guardalavaca, each link offers reviews and extensive photos.
Immediate confirmation of all Hotels is assured if available right now.
- Hotel Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa *****
- Hotel Sol Rio de Luna y Mares Resort ****
- Hotel Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca ***
- Hotel Brisas Guardalavaca ****
- Hotel Sirenis Playa Turquesa ****
- Hotel Playa Costa Verde ****
- Hotel Blau Costa Verde Beach Resort ****
- Hotel Playa Pesquero *****
- Hotel Riu Playa Turquesa ****
- Hotel Occidental Gran Playa Turquesa ****
Or maybe you’d prefer a Casa Particular near Guardalavaca?
Major airports near Guardalavaca Cuba
The nearest major airport is Frank Pais International Airport (HOG / MUHG). This airport has international and domestic flights and is 57 km (35 miles) from the center of Guardalavaca, Cuba.
Another major airport is Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Airport (BYM / MUBY), which has domestic flights from Bayamo, Cuba and is 128 km (79 miles) from Guardalavaca, Cuba.
Find some Hotels in or near Guardalavaca or Rent a Car at any of these airports with Transtur Holguin
Guardalavaca Viazul Bus Service | Prices Offices Phones Timetables
Viazul Cuba Bus Service is the perfect option to visit Guardalavaca. For those of you who don’t wish to Rent a Car in Cuba the Viazul bus service will take you across Cuba and to Holguin in comfort. Once at the Viazul bus station in Holguin your trip to Guardalavaca is just 57 km (35 miles), costing little more than 35 CUC from the myriad of taxis available at the station. Viazul Buses are new air-conditioned models with onboard WC, central TV and lower suitcase compartment. Unless you intend to take the bus the moment you arrive, in most cases there is no need to book in advance as extra buses are added to routes when a particular route becomes overbooked. Simply visit the offices listed below, buy your ticket and travel either that day or any day in the future. The Viazul ticketing service is quick and efficient so usually you can collect a ticket in minutes. Departure times are clearly shown outside each booth.
There is another bus service called Astro bus which visits Holguin but, although it’s cheaper because it’s charged in Cuban pesos (approx 24 pesos to 1$), the buses are less comfortable and are used by Cubans so they tend to be full on most journeys.
It’s worth noting that if the Viazul bus service does not take you to your exact location, there are a plethora of Cuban peso and normal CUC taxis waiting at the bus stations to take you to your final destination in Guardalavaca. Bus Stations:
Viazul Bus Station Holguin
Carretera Central No. 19 e/ 20 de Mayo e Independencia – Viazul Phone +53 (024) 474430
Viazul Main Bus Routes across Cuba
Habana – Baracoa
Trinidad – Varadero
Varadero – Trinidad
Viñales – Trinidad
Santiago de Cuba – Varadero
Santiago de Cuba – Trinidad
Santiago de Cuba – Habana
Varadero – Santiago de Cuba
Trinidad – Santiago de Cuba
Connecting cities at which Viazul passengers can disembark or embark
Varadero, Cárdenas, Santa Clara, Placetas, Cabaiguan, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Colón
