Iconic landmarkPlaya Pilar & Hemingway's Cayo Guillermo
See the tall dunes and clear channels Hemingway wrote into 'Islands in the Stream' at the western tip of Cayo Guillermo.
Cayo Coco – Cayo Guillermo, Cuba
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Cayo Coco – Cayo Guillermo
Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo are two flat coral cays in Cuba's Jardines del Rey archipelago, off the north coast of Ciego de Ávila province. They're reached by a 17-mile causeway (the pedraplén) that runs straight across the Bahía de Perros — a lagoon famous for its wild flamingos. Cayo Coco is the larger, better-connected cay with most of the hotels and the small La Güira village; Cayo Guillermo, linked by its own causeway, is smaller and quieter, home to the Hemingway-linked Playa Pilar. The gateway is Jardines del Rey Airport (CCC), and the nearest real town is Morón on the mainland.
Jardines del Rey, CubaClimate
Climate
25–31°C · warm & sunny
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm, sunny winters and hot, humid summers; the driest, most comfortable months are December to April.
Currency
Cuban Peso (CUP)
Bring cash — Canadian & US bank cards are often not accepted
Entry
Tourist Card
Valid passport + Cuban Tourist Card
Top Experiences in Cayo Coco – Cayo Guillermo
Iconic landmark
NatureFlamingos of the Pedraplén
Watch wild pink flamingos wading in the Bahía de Perros lagoons along the causeway that links the cays to the mainland.
Local flavourCuban Music, Rum & La Güira
Sip a mojito to live son cubana and browse the recreated colonial village of La Güira for a taste of local life after dark.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport, valid for the length of your stay, is required to enter Cuba.
Cuban Tourist Card: Canadians need a Cuban Tourist Card (tarjeta del turista). It's often included by tour operators or can be purchased before you fly.
Travel medical insurance: Proof of travel medical insurance is mandatory to enter Cuba, and provincial health plans do not cover care there. Carry your policy documents.
Money & cards: Bring cash in Canadian dollars or euros to exchange into Cuban Pesos at a CADECA. Cards issued by Canadian and US banks frequently do not work — no US-issued cards are accepted.
Power & time zone: Cuba uses 110V and 220V with Type A/B/C/L plugs (bring an adapter); Cayo Coco runs on Cuba time, the same as Toronto's Eastern zone.
Best time to visit Cayo Coco – Cayo Guillermo
Dec – AprPeak season
Warm, dry and sunny — the busiest and priciest stretch for Canadian visitors.
May – JunShoulder season
Hot with short afternoon showers and good value before the summer crowds.
Jul – AugShoulder season
Peak summer heat and humidity, busy with families; book flights early.
Sep – NovWet season
The wettest, most humid months with fewer visitors and the lowest prices of the year.
Where to stay
Cayo Coco – Cayo Guillermo areas & cays
The two cays and their mainland gateway each have a different feel. Here's how to choose where to base yourself.
Cayo Coco
Main cay
The larger, better-connected cay with most of the hotels, the little La Güira village, and quick access to the causeway and airport.
Best for
- First-timers
- Convenience
- Nature
Cayo Guillermo
West cay
A smaller, calmer cay reached by its own causeway, home to the Hemingway-linked Playa Pilar and dramatic dune landscapes.
Best for
- Couples
- Scenery
- Relaxing
Cayo Paredón Grande
East cay
The farthest, least-developed cay, reached by causeway and known for the Diego Velázquez lighthouse and rich birdlife.
Best for
- Explorers
- Birdwatching
- Photography
Morón
Mainland gateway
The nearest real Cuban town and gateway to the cays, with markets, casas particulares, and the vast Laguna de la Leche nearby.
Best for
- Culture
- Local food
- Day trips
Beyond the cays
Day trips & excursions from Cayo Coco – Cayo Guillermo
The cays are a great base for exploring mainland Ciego de Ávila and the wilder outer islands. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel tour desk.
Town & NatureMorón & Laguna de la Leche
Full day · 7 hrsMainland · ~1h by coach
Visit the colonial town of Morón and cruise Cuba's largest natural lake, Laguna de la Leche, with a Cuban lunch.
Insider tips
- Bring cash for local vendors
- Sun hat for the boat
CultureCiego de Ávila City Tour
Full day · 8 hrsProvincial capital · ~1h 30m by coach
Explore the provincial capital's Teatro Principal, plazas, and neoclassical streets away from the cays.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Carry small peso notes
LandmarkCayo Paredón Grande Lighthouse
Half day · 4 hrsEast cay · ~45 min by car
Drive the causeways to the 19th-century Diego Velázquez lighthouse and the quiet coral shores of the outermost cay.
Insider tips
- Binoculars for birdlife
- Fuel up before you go
NatureLoma de Cunagua Nature Reserve
Half day · 5 hrsMainland · ~1h 15m by coach
Climb the province's only real hill for panoramic views and guided birdwatching over the flat cattle country.
Insider tips
- Insect repellent essential
- Best light early morning
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Good to know
Cayo Coco – Cayo Guillermo travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Cuba?
Canadians need a Cuban Tourist Card (tarjeta del turista) plus a valid passport. It's often included by your tour operator or bought before you fly — there's no separate embassy visa for a normal holiday.
How long is the flight from Canada to Cayo Coco?
Seasonal direct flights are about 3h 30m from Toronto to Jardines del Rey Airport (CCC), which sits on Cayo Coco itself.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April is warm, dry and sunny — the peak stretch. Summers are hot and humid, and September to October is the wettest, quietest, cheapest window.
Is travel insurance required for Cuba?
Yes. Proof of travel medical insurance is mandatory to enter Cuba, and Canadian provincial health plans don't cover care there, so carry your policy documents.
What currency should I bring and can I use my card?
The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the currency. Bring cash in Canadian dollars or euros to exchange at a CADECA — Canadian and US bank cards frequently don't work, and US-issued cards are not accepted at all.
How do I get around Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo?
The two cays and the outer islands are linked by causeways. Get around by taxi, hotel shuttle, rental car, or the hop-on double-decker tourist bus — there's no city public transit.
What language is spoken?
Spanish is the language of Cuba. English is widely understood at the hotels and tour desks, but a few Spanish phrases go a long way in Morón and the towns.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — day trips like Morón & Laguna de la Leche and the Cayo Paredón Grande lighthouse can be added to your trip at checkout or arranged at your hotel tour desk.