Current situation
Guantánamo is kept here for reference only. The information below is the most recent available record and predates the situation described above; figures such as population reflect the last data gathered before the current crisis and may no longer describe Guantánamo today.
Overview
Guantánamo is a city of historical weight in Cuba's eastern reaches, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a population of around 273,000, it serves as the capital of Guantánamo Province and anchors a region defined by its role in Cuban independence movements and cultural heritage.
The city itself is a compact urban centre where colonial-era religious architecture stands alongside monuments to Cuban struggles and independence.
Key facts
| Country | Cuba |
|---|---|
| Population | 272,801 |
| Timezone | America/Havana |
| Nearest airport | Antonio Maceo International Airport (SCU), 68 km |
| Currency | CUP |
What to See and Do
Guantánamo's religious heritage is woven into its urban fabric. The Catedral de Santa Catalina de Ricci is the city's principal cathedral, a working place of worship that anchors the spiritual life of the community. Other denominations have left their mark too: the Iglesia parroquial La Milagrosa, the Primera Iglesia Bautista, the Iglesia metodista, and the Iglesia episcopal all indicate a layered religious history. These buildings are scattered throughout the city and remain active places of faith rather than museum pieces.
Public monuments punctuate Guantánamo's plazas and streets, honouring figures central to Cuban national history. The Monumento a José Martí and the Monumento a Ernesto 'Ché' Guevara de la Serna stand as tributes to independence and revolution. The Plaza 11 de abril and the Monumento a Pedro Agustín Pérez mark the city's commemoration of its own heroes, while the Arco del Triunfo provides a symbolic gateway within the urban landscape. The Monumento al bombero caído acknowledges those lost in service, and Mariana Grajales is remembered in public space—a recognition of female participation in Cuban struggle.
The Museo Provincial de Guantánamo houses collections that chronicle the region's past. Palacio Salcines, another museum space, sits within the city's architectural record. For cultural engagement, the Sala de Conciertos 'Antonia Luisa Cabal (Tusy)' presents performances, whilst the Casa de la Cultura Rubén López and UNEAC Guantánamo function as cultural venues. The Galería La Celosía caters to those interested in visual arts. Parque Martí offers green space in the city centre, providing respite from urban streets.
Practical Information
Guantánamo operates in the America/Havana timezone and uses the Cuban peso (CUP) as its currency. Spanish is the language spoken throughout the city and province.
The city covers an area of 741.4 square kilometres and serves as the administrative capital of Guantánamo Province.
Nearby places
Journeys through here
Sources & method
- GeoNames — population · retrieved 2026-08-14
- OurAirports (derived) — nearestAirports · retrieved 2026-08-14
- Imagery — commons
Data compiled 2026-08-14 · editorial checks: passed. See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.