Ecotourism in Cuba

Conservation of Varied Ecosystems

Well preserved ecosystems, variegated landscapes and a vast array of flora and fauna make Cuba an exceptional Caribbean destination for nature lovers.

Four per cent of the world’s land species live on the Cuban archipelago. It is home to some 6,700 species of higher plants (about half of which are native) as well as 14,000 species of invertebrates and 650 vertebrates—including 350 bird species. Among Cuba’s countless gems are the world’s smallest frog (Eleutherodactylus limbatus, only 12 millimetres long) and tiniest bird (Mellisuga helenae—the bee hummingbird, some 63 millimetres long).

Roaming through the country, visitors will find lush tropical forests, where rare orchids grow; dry mountainous areas, where prehistoric cacti still live; everglades populated by mangrove,manatee and flamingoes; wetlands harbouring speciesimportant tobiotechnology;and hummocks that guard fossillized plants such as the cork palm(Microcycascalocoma).

The country also boasts more than 100 nature trails and hiking paths.Main hiking routes arewell signed, and professional guides are available. Spelunking, bird-watching, nature photography and horseback riding are only a few of the activities awaiting nature lovers.

Ecotourism highlights:

Guaniguanico Mountain Range: Noted for unusual rock formations surrounding the Viñales Valley, an agricultural heartland.
Sierra del Rosario (biosphere reserve): Houses Soroa-Las Terrazas and the Santo Tomás cave system.
Guanahacabibes Peninsula (biosphere reserve ): Protected areas include La Guabina and Mil Cumbres.
Zapata Peninsula Nature Park (biosphere reserve): Features Caleta Buena, Playa Girón and Playa Larga; Laguna del Tesoro and the Amerindian village of Guamá; and La Boca crocodile farm.

Guamuhaya Mountain Range: Home to Topes de Collantes Tourism Complex, El Nicho and Tunas, Zaza and Lebrige wild animal preserves.
Sierra de Cubitas: Stretches from El Paso de los Paredones to Hoyo de Bonet to Cayo Ballenatos—in Nuevitas Bay—and the protected area in the northern Camagüey keys.
Northern Holguín: Offers tours to scenic Guardalavaca-Estero Ciego and Pinares de Mayarí National Park.
Sierra Maestra: Famous for its historical hideouts, this area spans Desembarco del Granma National Park, Pico Turquino National Park, Santo Domingo-La Sierrita, Marea del Portillo (including Las Yaguas and Cilantro Rivers).
Baconao Park (biosphere reserve): Houses La Gran Piedra, ruins of the island’s first French coffee plantations.
Baracoa: The place where Christopher Columbus first set foot in Cuba remains relatively untouched by civilization. The area is marked by Alejandro de Humboldt National Park; Yunque de Baracoa; Toa, Miel and Yumurí Rivers; Maguana beach.

 

Diving & Snorkeling

On the insular platform

On Cuba’s coral reefs, divers and snorkelers can get up close and personal with thousands of vibrant underwater species, fabulous topography and unusual wrecks. World-class dive sites, equipment and instructors combine to make the Cuban underwater experience one to revisit again and again. Jacques Cousteau thought so, too—when he filmed Cuba, Waters of Destiny.

Cuba’s 30 dive centres provide packages for everyone—from novices to pros. Some also provide certification as well as courses in marine photography, night diving and other interests. Most centres are near hotels and resorts, and have equipment for rent. However, underwater photographers should bring their own camera equipment, silicone and film to ensure they get the shots they need. Cuba also has several recompression chambers.

Highlights of Cuba’s underwater world:

Much treasure lies beneath the unpolluted waters of the Cuban archipelago, which offers through-water visibility of 30 to 40 metres. Home to more than 500 varieties of fish, crustaceans, sponges, mollusks and coral, Cuba’s ecosystem is one of the most treasured in the Caribbean. And the wrecks of several 17th- and 18th-century Spanish galleons carrying valuable cargo provide treasure-hunting of a different sort.

Today, CARISUB, a Cuban marine archeological organization, charters salvage tours of such sites around Cuba. One well preserved wreck that went down more than 100 years ago near Santiago de Cuba is the 6,800-ton El Cristobal Colon, once the pride of the Spanish navy. The wreck is also home to colourful underwater life that is either attached to the hull or weaves playfully in and out.

Spectacular canyons and caves harbour natural treasures galore. You can see eye to eye with angelfish, blue chromis, squirrelfish, snook, groupers and more. You can gaze in awe at tortoises, sharks, blue marlin and swordfish. Or visit coral gardens that rival any on earth. And take home memories to brag about.

Main dive sites:

Los Canarreos Archipelago: Has 56 designated dive sites at Puertosol Colony International Scuba Centre and Cayo Largo del Sur.
Guanahacabibes Peninsula: Access to more than 50 dive sites from María La Gorda International Scuba Centre.
Havana: Has 72 scuba sites available through four international diving centres. Immersion area is more than 100 kilometres long and three kilometres wide. Some 20 kilometres east of thecity lies a coastal belt of white coral sand.
Santa Lucía: An extensive coral reef just off this beach resort has 34 designated dive points and numerous shipwrecks.
Varadero: Has more than 25 diving sites. Especially popular is the Cayo Piedras del Norte underwater park, where old yachts, frigates and planes have been deliberately sunk for recreational exploration.
Playa Girón: The top attraction here is the sheer drop off the island’s underwater platform.
Northern coast of Holguín: More than 20 dive sites are located just off Esmeralda and Guardalavaca beaches.
Ancón Peninsula: This area’s two well defined dive sites are Ancón and Cayo Blanco de Casilda.
Santiago de Cuba: Scuba centres operate out of Baconao Park (Sigua and Bucanero) and Guamá municipality. Site of the Caribbean’s best preserved sunken ship, the Spanish warship Cristóbal Colón.
Cienfuegos: International jet-ski competitions are held here every year, as are occasional speedboat competitions.
Jardines del Rey: In Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, coral reefs offer attractive underwater landscapes.

 

Cuban Ferrari

 

From the elegantly crumbling facades of its colonial cities to the sumptuous palm trees, rivers and waterfalls of its eastern province, Cuba's many charms will seduce even the most world-weary party animal, music enthusiast, history buff or nature lover. 

Here is a guide on how to make the most of this vibrant, unforgettable and often, confusing country 

WHEN TO GO

The most popular time to visit Cuba's warm, tropical climate is the dry season, which runs from November to April. Accommodation is more expensive and harder to come by, especially over Christmas and New Year, so be prepared to pay up and book well ahead during this period. 

You're more likely to get good deals on flights and tours during the shoulder periods of April and October, and those willing to risk a little rain will be rewarded by shorter queues and lower prices between May and October. Summer can be wet and humid, however storms tend to clear quickly. There's also a hurricane risk between June and October.

 

GETTING THERE

José Martí International in Havana is Cuba's busiest and most well serviced airport. Your best (and cheapest) option is to go via the US or  Cancun, Mexico, or through Toronto, Canada. US airlines that fly direct from US to Cuba include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Air Canada, LATAM, Aeromexico and Interjet all fly into Havana. Try a combination of connections and airlines to get the best value for money.

A tourist taxi is driven along a street in Havana.

If flying via the US the cheapest option is usually to fly United or Delta, and then with another airline into Cuba. Interjet and Aeromexico are two major airlines flying from Mexico but a bunch or smaller airlines also fly into Havana if you don't mind stopping over somewhere random and expensive like Lima.

It takes 30 to 40 minutes to reach the centre of Havana from the airport and will cost roughly $CUC25 in a taxi. Many hotels or homestays will happily arrange a transfer for a similar price, so it's worth asking.

ACCOMMODATION

Luxury

Infrastructure is haphazard and building materials scarce and expensive, which means hotels can sometimes be underwhelming, even at the higher end of the price range. While Havana has the most luxury options, few breathe history like Hotel Nacional ($CUC300 - $CUC376 for a double room). Just metres from the ocean in Vedado, its art deco halls have hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and notorious Mafia kingpins since the 1930s. 

Outside Havana, most luxury hotels are clustered around the resort town of Varadero, where white sand beaches, swaying palms and blue water are ripped straight from a screensaver. 

 

Horse-drawn carts click down the brightly painted streets of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. (Cuban Ferrari hahaha)

Budget

The best way to see Cuba and get the 'real local experience' is via its casas particulares – B&B style private homestays. You'll meet the residents and get the best value by a long shot, with one night setting you back between $CUC20 and $CUC40. Be sure to book ahead and confirm by phone, as internet access is limited. If the casa is full when you arrive, it's not uncommon to be directed to another down the road. Both casas and conventional, dormitory-style hostels can be booked

While bathrooms are actually pretty good here, the plumbing is often old so used toilet paper goes into bins instead of being flushed down the toilet. Don't worry, they have signs up in the bathroom so you don't forget.

Chip Somodevilla

Public transport in Cuba is often slow with frequent cancellations and delays, making taxis a convenient choice for getting around.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Public transport in Cuba is often slow with frequent cancellations and delays, making taxis a convenient choice for getting around within cities or for larger groups travelling long distances. For cross-country travel, steer clear of painfully slow trains and opt instead for the Viazul bus service. It connects the capitals of most provinces as well as some popular tourist destinations and tickets can be booked via Cubatur or at the local tourist information centre.

Car rental can be expensive (roughly $CUC50 per day), roads hazardous and rules ambiguous. If you do decide to go it alone, try to avoid driving at night. Try Transtur, Car Rental or Cubacar.

 

REUTERS

Tourists take a selfie while sitting in a vintage car outside the Quinta Avenida Habana Hotel.

Where to go

Quintessential Cuba: Havana

When most people think of Cuba, it's the peeling grandeur of Havana that springs to mind. And, like salsa and cigars, rum is in the city's DNA.

For the ultimate Instagram moment, take a spin along the waterfront in one of the classic 1950s cars parked near the Capitolio Nacional or Hotel Inglaterra in Old Havana (agree the price and time before, approximately $CUC30 per car, per hour) before retiring to one of the town's many watering holes for a cocktail and live music. 

You couldn't throw a stone without hitting a bar where Ernest Hemingway used to drink, but his favourite mojito joint was La Bodeguita del Medio on Calle Empedrado, which serves up traditional Cuban food in addition to potent tipple inside its atmospherically graffitied walls. 

If a daiquiri is more your style, wander over to El Floridita – the writer and longtime Havana resident pronounced theirs the best in the world. 

Hotel Nacional also boasts one of the chicest alfresco bars and has the benefit of being close to the lively clubs and music venues of Vedado. That said, be sure to spend at least one evening at Casa de la Musica in kitschy Miramar for the true Buena Vista Social Club experience – and don't even think about arriving before 11pm.

Historic beauty with a unique party scene: Trinidad

Havana is undoubtedly the nightlife capital, but historic Trinidad has a few tricks up its sleeves. Horse-drawn carts click down the brightly painted streets of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town by day, but at night the Plaza Major comes alive with dancing, music and drinking in the streets. (Yes, drinking outdoors is legal and provided you're not belligerent, won't raise an eyebrow).

Take a seat on "The Steps" where a small hole in the wall called Best Mojito will serve you a takeaway drink for just a couple of Cuban convertible pesos and a rare wifi connection sees tourists and locals linger long after dark. A $CUC1 cover charge will get you a table at the top of The Steps right next to the open-air stage, which has an assortment of music and dancers from 8.30pm until midnight. Just be sure to leave your inhibitions at the door – you will be asked to dance. 

For a truly unforgettable late-night experience, head to Disco Ayala – a nightclub built inside a natural cave that attracts a mostly Cuban crowd. It's wildly humid in summer and the dancefloor is covered in puddles after rain, but where else can you find a smoke machine, flashing lights and DJs surrounded by stalactites? It's open Tuesday to Sunday 10pm to 2am and later on Fridays and Saturdays; admission is $CUC5 and includes a drink.

The spirit of revolution: Santa Clara

Smack-bang in the centre of the country, Santa Clara was the first major city to be liberated from the Batista regime in 1958. Fittingly, it became the final resting place of Che Guevara himself, and his remains are interred here inside an imposing mausoleum along with those of 23 other insurgents.

It's the museum next door that's most intriguing, however, giving an insight into the man whose iconic image adorns public murals around the country.

Santa Clara is also home to Fabrica de Tabacos Constantino Perez Carrodegua, one of Cuba's best tobacco factories. Book a tour through Cubatur to see how the famed cigars get made and pick up a Montecristo, Partarga or Romeo y Julieta at the factory shop nearby.

Breathtaking vistas and tobacco plantations: Vinales​

After Havana and Trinidad, Vinales is one of the most popular towns with visitors – and it's not hard to see why. In the nearby Parque Nacional Vinales, limestone outcrops tower over ox-ploughed tobacco plantations, making the small town and its surrounds the perfect place to slow down and get a taste of rural Cuban life at its most idyllic. 

As most of the sights are outside town, a Vinales bus tour runs nine times a day from the town square, or you can go it alone by booking a rental car.

THE ESSENTIALS

Visa and documentation

You will require a tourist card to board the plane to Havana. Some airlines such as Air Canada include this cost in the overall ticket price but be sure to check when booking your flight. If you go via Mexico, you're able to purchase one at the airport for approximately $A30- $A40. Travel insurance is required to enter the country, so keep a copy of your policy with you to show officials at immigration.

Money

Two currencies are in circulation in Cuba, the Cuban Peso (CUP), which locals earn and Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC), which are issued to tourists. One CUC is equal to a US dollar and is worth between 23 and 25 CUP. Accommodation and most items are priced in CUCs. Be sure to bring enough cash for the entire trip, preferably in Euros or Canadian dollars as few places will exchange money and the Cuban government levies a penalty of 10 per cent for changing US currency on top of a 3 per cent financial transaction charge. While most towns do have ATMs, MasterCard won't work and neither will many international bankcards. Tipping is customary (approximately 10 per cent in restaurants) so carry some small notes. Given the average salary is around $CUC30 a month a modest tip can make a big difference.

Health

The standard traveller vaccinations are recommended (Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid) and the country does have rabies and some reported cases of Zika Virus. You should bring any medications you may require with you. Carry toilet paper and hand sanitiser on you as it's not always available in public bathrooms.

Internet and Wifi

​Since 2015, 35 public wifi spots have been installed in parks and squares around Cuba, but it is still illegal for most residents to have internet in their homes. Connecting is expensive and unreliable, but you can purchase a card with login details for $CUC2 - $CUC5 from stores with an ETECSA sign (they're usually located close to the wifi zone). Treat your time here as a digital detox and get around the old fashioned way – with a map. Now is 1 cuc an hour.

 

When to go and for how long? Havana

 

Havana is inherently romantic. Just as the city inspired the great Earnest Hemingway to write American classics, it too inspires visitors to feel creative, to dance along to Latin rhythms, to photograph vintage cars and majestic architecture, and to befriend locals in conversation and dining in their paladares, or private home restaurants. In Havana, wander the city in search of social gatherings and people-watch in the bustling plazas. Appreciate the simplicity of a mojito made with local rum. Shop for cigars to bring back as a memento. And spend the evening at a cabaret club to experience the late-night energy. Havana’s biggest draw is its authenticity. Learn more with our Havana, Cuba travel guide, and come and experience it for yourself on a Havana vacation.

 

Who Should Go and How to go

Havana resonates with history and culture enthusiasts who want a real feel of Cuba and to experience the city locked in time. It is popular with business and leisure travellers and appeals to couples, singles, and groups. Havana is a place for music and dance, where jazz, salsa, and mambo fill the streets, and nightclubs, theatre, and ballet are enjoyed in the evenings. In Havana, you’ll also find some markets and local stores selling crafts, cigars, and rum. If you’re a fan of Hemingway, you can visit his Ambos Mundos Hotel room to tour where he wrote the novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls and explore the city’s literary history.

 

 

Old Havana, Habana Vieja

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to neoclassical and baroque buildings and monuments. Wander through the cobblestone streets, stopping to admire the architectural gems and people watch with the locals. In Plaza de la Catedreal you’ll discover the namesake, elegant Cathedral completed in 1787, Catedral de San Cristobal, with its adorning bell towers and columns. In Havana’s oldest square, Plaza de Armas, you’ll find a hub of cafes and restaurants, Palacio de los Capitanes, the Castillo de la Real Fuerza fort on the harbour, and the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) showcasing Havana’s interesting history and objects from the revolution. Steps away from the Museo de la Ciudad is Castillo de la Real Fuerza with its deep moat, drawbridge, and thick walls.

 

Vedado

This famous square is home to the Jose Marti Memorial and small museums and government buildings that surround the perimeter. The Museo de la Revolucionwas built in the 20th century and was a former presidential palace. Inside you’ll find exhibits ranging from Cuba’s pre-Columbian culture to the present-day socialist regime in addition to life-size wax figures of Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos.

 

Miramar

This residential area is known for its upscale hotels, restaurants and mansions with an Art-Deco style.

 

 

When to go and for how long?

Short stays of 2-3 days are popular for visits to Havana, while other people like to enjoy a whole week, split between lounging by the hotel pool and walking the city streets. Day trips from Varadero are also available. Winter sees average high temperatures of 26C and lows of 19C. In the summertime, highs average 31C and lows are 24C.

 

 

Travel Style

Havana vacations can be three or four night getaways on their own, similar to a North American city getaway, though most people choose to visit Havana after having settling on Cuba.  Havana vacation packages range from 3-7 days and include flights and hotel stays – but some people choose to arrange their Havana flights and hotels separately.

Most people pair a short Havana vacation with a beach vacation in Varadero for a weeklong Varadero-Havana vacation package split. For a customized itinerary such as a Havana-Varadero combo vacation or self-drive tour of Cuba, consult with your travel agent.

 

 

Getting There

Jose Marti International Airport is located 15 km southwest of Havana. Travellers can also arrive into the Varadero airport and take the 2-hour drive to Havana. Non-stop flights are available from Toronto and connecting flights are available from other main Canadian gateways.

 

Getting Around

 

The drive from the airport to downtown Havana is 30 minutes. A taxi from the airport to downtown costs about 25-30 CUC. Car rental agencies are also available at the airport, priced from 50-125 CUC per day.  Once you arrive into the city, taxis are the best way to get around. Public buses are available but they are usually crowded and not on a strict schedule. Payment is required in the local currency (Cuban national pesos – CUP), instead of CUC, making it difficult for travellers.

Language: The local language is Spanish, though English is spoken by most people in the tourism industry

Currency: The local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP), but the common currency among tourists is the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC).

Electricity: The majority is 110-volt, though you may find 220-volt in some places

 

 

Breve sobre la cocina cubana

Bienvenido a Cocina cubana 

Desde sus orígenes, la cocina cubana ha sido el resultado de la confluencia de los propios factores que permitieron la formación de la nacionalidad en el siglo XIX: la mezcla de las costumbres españolas, aborígenes, africanas y la posterior influencia de la inmigración asiática y yucateca. 

El plato nacional es el ajiaco criollo, un conjunto de viandas, vegetales y carnes de diversos tipos cocinados juntos que varía por la diversidad de los ingredientes empleados en su confección. Los platos cubanos más típicos son, además del ajiaco y de las combinaciones del arroz con distintos ingredientes, la carne de cerdo asada o frita, los tostones o chatinos (trozos de plátano verde aplastados y fritos), chicharrones de cerdo y picadillo de carne de res.

 

La Ciénaga de Zapata

 

PENINSULA DE ZAPATA

CARTERA DE PRODUCTOS

 

 

 

 

PASEOS POR EL RIO HATIGUANICO’

 

En el Km. 104 de la Autopista Nacional y a 8  de le misma se encuentra el embarcadero desde donde se parte en bote de motor por las extensas aguas del Hatiguanico, considerado el Amazonas de Cuba, exuberantes manglares y una diversa fauna de peces, aves acuáticas y endémicas del lugar, reptiles y mamíferos,  le acompañaran durante el recorrido de unos 14 Km. donde podrá visitar el nacimiento del río y tomar un refrescante baño en sus cristalinos manantiales

 

 

 

VISITAS A LA  FINCA FIESTA CAMPESINA

Observación de una muestra viva de la flora y fauna cubanas, fotos

y actividades con animales domésticos,  en contacto con la cultura campesina, participación en actividades agro turísticas  típicas, servicios gastronómicos, comerciales y de suvenir,

 

 

 

 

CAMINATAS POR LA CAMPIÑA.

Partiendo desde  el lugar conocido como Camilo Cienfuegos en el  km 135 de la Autopista nacional,  se desplazan en un sendero rural, por unos 10 kilómetros, acompañado por un guía especializado, visitando el sitio histórico Palmar Bonito escenario del primer alzamiento contra la colonia en el occidente del país, fincas de campesinos, observando sus plantaciones, viviendas y el modo de vida de estos parajes cubanos, En transito pueden visitar el museo de la localidad  y finalmente acceder a la Finca Turística Fiesta Campesina donde además de  su entorno, pueden disfrutar de la excelente comida criolla

 

 

 

 

 

PASEOS EN COCHES FERROVIARIOS TIRADOS POR MAQUINA DE VAPOR.

 

Visita a las ruinas de un antiguo central azucarero, paseos por mas de 10 km en tren de vapor del siglo 17, visita a plantaciones cañeras y contacto con sus trabajadores, visita al museo de la localidad y la Finca Fiesta Campesina  donde puede recibir diversos servicios gastronómicos.

 

 

 

SENDERISMO

 

Varios senderos han sido aprobados por las autoridades científicas competentes en la Península de Zapata, para interactuar con la naturaleza, ayudando a conservar la misma, mientras se aprecia su espectacular belleza, observando sus diferentes formaciones boscosas y accidentes geográficos, sobre todo los formados por la falla que corre a los largo de todo el litoral formando el sistema espeleo lacustre con bellas dolinas de desplome  y la diversa fauna que las pueblan

 

 

3.1 Descripción de Senderos

 

 

Las Salinas, Cayo Venado

 

Partiendo de Playa Larga y a lo largo de 25 Km., se transitará por un camino  paralelo al litoral oeste de la Bahía de Cochinos. Durante el recorrido, se atravesarán diversas formaciones boscosas y tipos de vegetación, extensas lagunas de aguas muy poco profundas que son habitad de especies como los flamencos y los patos Sevilla. Además, se podrán observar otras especies endémicas como el Cabrerito de la Ciénaga y el Pájaro mosca o Zunzuncito. En el punto conocido como Las Salinas se continuará por sendero acuático. En pequeñas embarcaciones se surcarán las aguas de las lagunas interiores hasta Cayo Venado. El recorrido puede extenderse a otros cayos para observar -en su ambiente natural- diferentes especies como Iguanas, Jutias y Cocodrilos.

                                                                                 

 

Sistema Espeleolacustre

 

Formado por numerosos accidentes geográficos y una diversa vegetación, constituye un entorno natural de singular belleza e interés paisajístico. Está integrado por un amplio sistema de cuevas inundadas que se extienden por más de 30 Km., desde Playa Larga hasta Caleta El Toro. Incluye decenas de Cenotes, entre ellos, algunos de los más profundos del país con aproximadamente 70 metros de profundidad. Asociados a este sistema se encuentran diferentes especies de la amplia flora y faunas de la zona como tocororos, zunzún, orquídeas, etc. Uno de los senderos a visitar abarca desde Cueva de los Peces a Punta Perdices y otro a partir de Caleta Buena a Bermeja, ambos deben acondicionarse por el Parque.

 

Sendero Los Enigmas de las Rocas
Otra excelente oportunidad para disfrutar de los singulares valores paisajísticos del Sistema Espeleolacustre de la Ciénaga de Zapata. El recorrido permite disfrutar de diversos accidentes cársicos: dolinas inundadas, casimbas y lapiés, asociados a la fractura tectónica que se orienta casi paralela a la Bahía de Cochinos y se abre en la zona boscosa protectora del litoral. El sendero posibilita observar todos los atractivos paisajísticos asociados al carso que aparece en esta localidad incluyendo la flora y la fauna.

El sendero está concebido para dos niveles de recorridos. El acceso se realiza a través de un camino forestal de unos 340 metros que conduce hasta la entrada de la cueva El Brinco, primer accidente cársico que se aprecia, a partir del cual comienza el primer nivel del sendero que consta de 864 metros. En este primer trayecto podrá contemplar diferentes ecosistemas, significativos accidentes naturales y el alto nivel flora y fauna, entre los que se distinguen: zona pantanosa con herbazal de ciénaga, un puente natural de piedra, varias cuevas y cenotes inundados, fallas tectónicas, fósiles asociados al carso, zonas boscosas y diferentes visuales de la ciénaga.

En el segundo nivel se recorren alrededor de 1207 metros. Comenzándose con el  mismo recorrido del primer nivel hasta cueva Clara. A partir de la cual se  continua bordeando la fractura tectónica,  donde se aprecia una zona boscosa con gran desarrollo del carso, dos grandes casimbas y cuevas inundadas donde puede disfrutar de un baño en una piscina natural. El paseo concluye por un camino forestal próximo al vial Playa Larga- Playa Girón

 

Recomendaciones
Usar calzado cómodo (botas para treakking, sandalias) y traje de baño

 

 

 

PESCA  AL FLY EN RIO HATIGUANICO.

 

Dirigido a profesionales en este fascinante deporte, la pesca al fly de especies como el sábalo, el robalo, la barracuda y otras, las extensas aguas del Rio Hatiguanico y sus afluentes El Gonzalo Y el Guareiras en el km 104 de la Autopista Nacional en la zona occidental de la Península de Zapata con guías especializados, le permite la captura de numerosos ejemplares durante todo el año.

 

 

 

 

PESCA  AL FLY EN LAS SALINAS DE BRITO

 

La captura con la técnica del fly de especies tan codiciadas  por los profesionales especialistas en ese deporte, como el macabí, la palometa o el sábalo puede practicarse  con éxito durante casi todo el año en las cristalinas  y extensas aguas de Las Salinas de Brito, siempre acompañado por expertos guías que lo conducen en embarcaciones a palanca para no dañar el medio ambiente en este conservado paraje.

 

Alojamiento Campamento de Pesca Don Pedro

 

PESCA  DE LO ALTO.

En la bahía de Cochinos y a lo largo de mas de 20 kilómetros puede practicar la pesca de lo alto de diferentes especies como la aguja, pargo, sierra etc. de acuerdo con la temporada, para lo cual se pone a disposición del cliente  los equipos náuticos requeridos y los guías especializados

 

 

OBSERVACION DE AVES,

 

Para esta especializada e interesante modalidad turística, contamos  con varios y diferentes lugares en toda la península de Zapata, siendo los mas importantes la reserva de aves migratorias de Las Salinas, hasta los senderos de Bermejas, Soplillar , Los Hondones, Santo Tomas o el propio Hatiguanico, donde puede observarse una gran cantidad de especies migratorias y otras en su medio natural o endémicas de la región como la Gallinuela de Santo Tomas, el Cabrerito de la Ciénaga y el Pájaro mosca o Zunzuncito, para lo cual contamos con profesionales guías

 

 

VISITA AL CRIADERO DE COCODRILOS

En La Boca de Guama se encuentra el mayor criadero de cocodrilos del país, allí puede conocer todo cuanto se hace para proteger conservar y reproducir esta importante especie en un entorno agradable y apacible donde podrá además recibir múltiples servicios

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESTACIONES CONSERVACIONISTAS

 

Modalidad turística para especialistas o interesados en la protección y conservación de especies en peligro de extinción, varias estaciones  científicas de protección y conservación de especies se abren al visitante en la Península de Zapata, entre ellas el Criadero de Psitácidos o cotorras, en el lugar conocido por Sinú  y muy cerca de éste, en al llamado Canal de los Patos, la Estación Hidrobiologica para la reproducción del manjuarí, pez fósil viviente,  la Estación Botánica regional, etc.

 

 

 

BUCEO  EN MAR ABIERTO.

A Lo largo de todo el litoral de la Bahía de Cochinos, decenas de puntos  para acceder y realizar el buceo desde la costa en los bien conservados fondos  marinos de esta región,  cinco estaciones de buceo con sus respectivas facilidades para el llenado de tanques y la oferta de trajes y equipamiento distribuidos en  Playa Larga, Cueva de los Peces, Punta Perdices, Playa Girón y Caleta Buena ,operados por instructores certificados por las organizaciones internacionales, le pueden ofertar además  sesiones de buceo nocturno, y buceo  en las numerosas cavernas de la zona

 

 

 

 

SNORKELING

 

Las aguas de todo el litoral oriental de la Bahía de Cochinos por sus bellas formaciones coralinas  que prácticamente afloran a la superficie son excepcionales para la práctica del snorkeling, nuestras principales instalaciones desde Playa Larga, Cueva de los Peces Punta Perdiz Playa Girón y Caleta Buena le ofrecen todo el equipamiento necesario y un selecto servicio gastronómico

 

 

 

VISITA ALDEA TAINA DE GUAMA

 

Paseos en lanchas rápidas por la Laguna del Tesoro  el lago de agua dulce mas extenso de Cuba y sus canales, le permite observar especies de aves como el Gavilán Pescador y si tiene suerte el Manatí  durante el transito hacia Guama para visitar la Aldea Taina, conjunto escultórico hecho por la afamada escultora Rita Longa, representando la cultura de los aborígenes cubanos. Podrá apreciar también la excepcional arquitectura del hotel Guamá y su entorno natural.

 

 

 

 

 

PASEOS EN LANCHAS POR EL SISTEMA DE CANALES

 

Partiendo desde La Boca de Guama y pasando por este sitio se accede al sistema de canales que alimentan a la Laguna del Tesoro, donde puede entrar en contacto con la exuberante naturaleza y una diversa fauna de aves anfibios y reptiles.

 

 

 

 

PASEOS EN ACCUA RIDE

 

También por el sistema de la Laguna del Tesoro, puede realizarse paseos en accua bike para disfrutar de su entorno

Se realiza bojeo a la laguna, arribo a Guama y recorrido por sistema de canales

Guía incluido

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTRAS ACTIVIDADES  NAUTICAS

Alquiler de tablas de vela, bananas, etc. en la Bahía de Cochinos

 

 

PLAYISMO EN EL CARIBE.

 

La Bahía de Cochinos es el mejor lugar de la región occidental del país para tomar un baño de sol y playa en el verdadero mar Caribe, en las arenas de Playa Larga y Playa Girón donde se libró la batalla contra la invasión mercenaria de 1961

 

MUSEO DE  LA VICTORIA DE GIRON

 

En Playa Girón visitando el museo se puede conocer los detalles de la Invasión Mercenaria y el heroísmo  derrochado por  pueblo cubano para obtener la victoria