Don't Get Stuck in Varadero, Explore Matanzas

Most of the travellers arriving to Cuba choose a city & beach holiday. It means they spend the first 2-4 days in Havana and then move to one of the most popular beaches (Varadero, an island at Jardines del Rey, Cayo Largo, Guardalavaca) and stay there for a week or more. Even if you do the same, you don’t have to spend all the time by sitting on the beach/bar/pool drinking cocktail/beer, having lunch/dinner, watching the hotel’s animators performing and so on. You still have the chance to explore the closest areas to the beach.

Here are some tips for you if you choose to visit Varadero and its neighbourhood.

If you managed to get away from the shade of the palm trees you can go and explore the second largest province of Cuba, Matanzas. If you prefer touring on your own, rent a car, get a map and hit the road. For less adventurous travellers I would recommend to book a Varadero excursion inadvance, it will take you to the same places.

Península de Zapata – this corner of the island is quite different from the other tourist centres. The most interesting sight of the peninsula is the nature reserve, but diving points and scene of the unsuccessful amphibious operation in 1961 are also popular places.  The peninsula itself is one of the most sparsely populated regions of Cuba, basically it’s one big swamp partly covered with forests. You can go on long walks in the untouched nature where the roads are lined with lush tropical vegetations, mangroves and birds with colourful feathering will accompany you. Don’t be afraid: neither poisonous snakes, nor other scary animals live here.

Criadero de Cocodrilos – the biggest crocodile farm on the island was established in 1962. All Guamá tours include this sight, you can see newborn crocodiles and large, 5 meter-long adults here also. The bravest tourists can also taste the meat of the unkind reptiles. It tastes like something halfway between chicken and fish.

Crocodile Farm, Guamá

Laguna del Tesoro – the area of this lagoon and the surrounding land was declared to nature preserve, because it provides breeding ground for several species of birds of passage. The lagoon itself is 10 meters deep and its area is 9 km².

Villa Guamá – a reconstructed Indian village was built taking into account the environmental principles. The wooden bungalows are located in the middle of a lagoon, so you’ll be taken to a pleasant boat ride to reach them. The houses are built on stakes and connected with suspension bridges and canoes. It’s an ideal place for fans of avifauna, but the village also has a restaurant, museum ad discotheque for the convenience of the more urban people. Don’t forget to pack insect repellent if you plan to stay here for the night!

Indian Village at Laguna Del

Bahía de Cochinos – the Bay of Pigs is name of a large bay divided into several smaller coasts. Foreigners visit the bay primarily to see the scene of the unsuccessful amphibious operation of the USA in 1961. During the darkest days of the cold war, on 17 April, 1961 1400 Cuban emigrants trained by the CIA arrived to take over power from Fidel Castro. At the same time American planes bombed the military bases on the island. Army of Fidel Castro and local volunteers could stop the landing forces. The landing is still a controversial event of the modern history, not only because Kennedy and the USA suffered a humiliating defeat, but also because it proved that the idea of the revolution found its way to the hearts of Cubans.

Playa Girón – the beach, named after a French pirate from the 17^th century, is located in the eastern part of the bay. The Girón Museum commemorates the battle of 1961; the exhibition includes original documents, photos, a tank, original weapons and films recorded in 1961.

Playa Larga – it’s a good starting point to discover the area and also a popular holiday base among Cubans. The dense vegetation almost reaches the sea, even if the area is well-established and offers hotels and wide range of services. Close to the beach wonderful coral formations seduce the divers. East from the bay there’s a well-known diving point, called Cueva de los Peces. It’s a 70 meter deep cave in the sea with colourful tropical fish species.

My Favorite Lagoon at Playa Larga

Crocodile Meat Lunch at Lagoon Restaurant