MATANZAS PROVINCE

The province of Matanzas, with its beautiful natural setting and charm of its deep African roots, has built a commendable reputation among the most demanding international tourism. Since the nineteenth century it was an important enclave for the national economy, because of its huge tourism potential and advancing their agricultural industry. While currently it serves as one of the major energy centers in the country, thanks to oil and gas extraction and production of electricity, traditionally the cultivation of sugarcane has been its main economic line.



Because of this, the colonial government concentrated large endowments of slaves on their estates, an essential factor in shaping the picturesque idiosyncrasies of matancero people. Hot blood and acute rhythmic notion inherited from the black continent in this province found its highest expression: a land made for the rumba, whose hypnotic rumble of drums seduces the most unshakable visitor.


The most significant natural values of the region are located in the , the largest and best preserved wetland in the Caribbean. This natural excellence in distinctive ecosystems characterized by extensive mangrove swamps and marshy plains of great natural diversity of fauna and flora, gives a top place between ecological destinations.
In its vicinity lies the Montemar Natural Park, declared a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2001. This natural reservoir brings together more than 900 species of flora and is an important habitat for protected species such as the manatee, the Cuban crocodile and manjuarí, the indigenous representatives Cuban varied fauna.


The main attraction of Matanzas is Varadero, according to many the best Caribbean getaway. The magical combination of fine sand and the delicate blue warm waters have placed it as the second tourist destination in Cuba, just behind Havana. Under this conditioning, Varadero has the largest hotel infrastructure in the country, which according to current figures amounts to more than 50 hotels located on the beach or in neighboring areas. Its heady seascapes, towns of beautiful coral formations and colorful fish, are made accessible to tourists in over 20 certified sites for diving.


Its geographical situation, characterized by the presence of several rivers, led to the construction of multiple bridges. This condition, which has earned him the nickname "city of bridges", offers one of the most appreciated by visitors to Cuba urban spectacles. Anyway, this province of pristine beaches, lush forest and picturesque towns have the qualities necessary to ensure a magical and captivating stay.

What to visit?

Jagüey Grande City

Located in the south-central part of Matanzas, right on the doorstep of the Zapata Peninsula, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the region.


The main economic activity of the area, with a considerable mark on its people, is the cultivation of oranges and grapefruits, which represents 60% of national production. Thus, 40 000 hectares of its territory is covered by citrus, which mostly are processed in modern plant "Heroes de Giron".


Another factor of great significance in the identity of its inhabitants, always ready to serve visitors, is its deep historical pride. This region has witnessed some of the most important events in the history of Cuba, one of the most controversial is forgotten when he fell, the insurrectional uprising of February 1869. Known to many as the forgotten Insurrection, this event has left a deep impression on the locals, trying, hard, safeguard this historiographical error.



The wild fauna is rich in species, especially birds, so the sighting of these has become one of the main attractions of the place. The ornithological importance of Jaguey Grande, which has more than 60 species of birds, of which 17 are endemic, is known throughout Cuba.




On the other hand, for those who want to know the revolutionary epic, you need to make a visit to Central Australia. From here Fidel Castro led the counterattack that ended with the defeat of the invaders who landed at Playa Giron, in 1961.
Today, in commemoration of this, a small museum in the office that Fidel destined for it, whose mere contemplation transports us to the facts themselves rises. The best lodging option in the area is the Batey Don Pedro Motel, designed to simulate a peasant settlement. Its 12 rooms, which provide a great comfort to the guest, are ideal to rest after a tiring walk through this wonderful region.

Playa Giron

At the East of the Bahía de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) is located Playa Girón, a chink of white sands and coral reefs located on the south coast of the Cuban geography. The beach was named from the French pirate Gilbert Giron, who used the cove as a natural refuge; although ironically would also be the site would find death, as recounted in the long epic poem Mirror of patience, Silvestre de Balboa, considered the first work of Cuban literature.

Adjoining the Cienaga de Zapata, which in turn is the largest marshland of Cuba, this region is known throughout the country and the world for being one of the main stages of the so-called Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 an unfortunate attack carried out by Cuban exiles 1500 CIA-sponsored, with the aim of overthrowing Fidel Castro administration. In the same year, 1961, as a result of these facts, the government of the Republic of Cuba established its third highest decoration, which named Playa Girón National Order. For these fundamental reasons Playa Giron is, year after year, one of the most common destinations in the vacation plans of visitors to the island.




The district includes modest facilities type bungalow of the Playa Giron Villa, the only hotel in the place. With a system type services all-inclusive, the hotel coordinates historical tours and snorkeling and diving activities in exceptional underwater scenery of the Bay of Pigs and its own expense. Playa Giron also allows quick for those wishing to explore other fascinating sites in the region, such as access: Caleta Buena, Punta Perdiz, the Cave of Fish or Aboriginal illusion of Guama.



Other activities of interest include a walk through the simple and charming village, or a nice meal in one of their particular restaurants as well as a visit to the Historical Museum Playa Giron, whose windows display the most important material testimony about the co0mbates delivered during the fateful day of April 1961. Undoubtedly, the historical significance of the area is impressive, which, coupled with the favorable conditions of its beach, lapped by the warm waters of the Caribbean always makes possible its undeniable presence within the main destinations tour of Cuba. In fact, Playa Giron could well be understood simply as the perfect combination of history and nature.

Playa Larga

In the area are Playa Larga, located north of the Bay of Pigs, site of the famous victory of Cuba over the Yankee invaders in 1961. This, in addition to hosting the best beaches on the peninsula, boasts some of the best caves, intended for diving all over the Caribbean.

Guama

The Crocodile Farm, where visitors, in a controlled environment, you can stroll among excellent specimens of Crocodylus acutus Crocodylus rhombifer and, best known by the names of Cuban crocodile and alligator, is one of the main attractions of the area.

Laguna del Tesoro "Treasure Lagoon"

In Boca de Guamá area, another captivating place is the Laguna del Tesoro, not only by therigines who lived nearby, feeling threatened by the Spanish conquistadors, threw it their most precious wealth. To the east of the lagoon we can find a replica of a Taino village-former residents of Cuba, formed by a group of 25 sculptures, sculpted by the renowned Cuban sculptor Rita Longa, which represents the life of this extinct people in each of its facets. Right next door is Villa Guama, the main choice of accommodation in the area. Consisting of 50 cottages split into 6 islands, this installation allows you to enjoy a pleasant stay in extreme contact with nature.

Cárdenas

Located in the northern part of the province of Matanzas, has, despite its late founding in 1828, a very rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times. While it was not a place of immediate interest to European settlers during the eighteenth century it was considered vital for their economic potential, which generated an accelerated development that led to the definitive establishment on that date.



Since then its inhabitants have been immersed in all the historical vicissitudes of importance in Cuba, which not only placed in a top place in Cuban historiography, but has placed as one of the key destinations in the region.



Called "City of Flag" and "Capital of Firsts", the city has witnessed many historical events and some notable events no history in the country:
- in 1847 the first natural history museum is founded;
- in 1850 it is raised for the first time the Cuban flag;
- in 1889 the first public lighting service was inaugurated.
These, and many more firsts, according to some historians’ date back a hundred, have made each of the spaces Cardenas catching the visitor with the proudest Cuban tradition.


Walking the streets, under the benevolent matancero climate, it is to find every little place where the memory of the nation is exposed, really affordable prices, to the curious eye of the tourist. These highlight the Museum Maximo Gomez, a former cavalry barracks of the Spanish army, built between 1853 and 1856, showing, with parts and documents, Cardenenses participation in the different stages of struggle of the Cuban people; the Museum of the Battle of Ideas, inaugurated by Fidel Castro in 2001, which, inspired by the case of Elian Gonzalez, collects the difficult circumstances of US-Cuba relations; and finally, the Municipal Museum Oscar Maria de Rojas, that in its thirteen exhibition halls, covering a broad spectrum of Cuban and world history, with great presence of numismatics and natural history.

To distract himself from the overwhelming historical presence that fills every crevice of the city, without losing touch with the implicit cubanía in it, the best option is renting private homes that abound. Thus, tradition and memory are the two essential components of the fascinating attraction of Cardenas in its visitors, making it a must for anyone who wants to learn about the past and the identity of the Cuban people place.

Varadero Beach

Located on the Hicacos peninsula, known for its magnificent natural landscapes and its rich diversity, it’s located Varadero Beach, a true tropical paradise 130 km away from Havana. Considered one of the main tourist destinations in Cuba, captivates its visitors with fine white sand of its beaches, which stretch along some 22 km. Its waters of a blue, warm and clear all year, they have won many admirers, who say with full conviction, which is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world delicate.

Xanadu Mansion

Among the unmissable sites of Varadero is the Xanadu Mansion, located in the crag of San Bernardino, one of the most idyllic spots on the peninsula. The cost of this residence, to be released in 1931, was $ 710,000 -in full collapse of the world economy, an indicator of exquisite luxury of this property, to which it would add a golf course of 18 holes.

Josone Park

Full of colorful gardens dating from 1940 and crowned with a majestic neo-classical mansion, is another option most in demand by tourists and nationals; it is usual witness "quinceañeras" -15 young cubanas- birthday.

Ambrosio´s Cave

Finally, we must mention the Ambrosio Cave, discovered in 1941, which, with its 47 pre-Columbian drawings, is one of the main repositories of Aboriginal art in Cuba.




In this territory it is one of the largest tourist infrastructure across the country, which has a considerable number of restaurants specializing in local and international cuisine, snack-bars, shops and malls. In addition, four excellent dive centers that facilitate access to 21 sites destined for it, offer an unforgettable opportunity to lovers of this practice, to enjoy the heady seascapes of the area.

Barracuda Diving Center

Among these centers stands the Barracuda Diving Center, which, together with its specialized and beginner courses wonder all visitors to delight your Barracuda Grill, one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the area.




Tourists, for accommodation, has a wide range of accommodation on offer, given the more than 60 hotels located on the beach or in the surrounding avenues, allow lost in the exotic pleasures of the area.

Matanzas city

Matanzas is a port city in uniform rectilinear layout, whose colonial charm and eminently neoclassical architecture externalize a unique personality of its kind. In addition, the city is proud to be the birthplace of the most defining rhythms, although disparate, Cuban musical identity: the danzón and rumba.



In 1693 came the first families with the charge given by Carlos III to found the town of San Carlos and Severino de Matanzas, facing the Bay to testify in 1898 the first naval battle of the Spanish-Cuban-American War. The founding act took place in the Vigia´s Square "Plaza de la Vigia", which in turn is surrounded by many of the most important buildings in the city due to its historical and architectural values: The Provincial Historical Museum, the Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo, the Palace of Justice and the legendary Teatro Sauto, completed in 1863, would become a symbol of the city.



Matanzas quickly prospered and became one of the richest cities in Cuba during the eighteenth century, partly because of its many sugar mills, fertile land and important water resources. The territory is bathed by Yumurí, San Juan and Canímar rivers. For this reason, the bridge construction was necessary, up to a total of 21.




During the XIXth century Matanzas City consolidated its role as a cultural center of importance in the country, earning him the name of Athens of Cuba. In the same nineteenth century, specifically in 1879, it was first exhibited a danzón, while in the neighborhood of Versailles freed slaves, associated in town halls, sat with their drums the rhythmic beats of the rumba. Even today celebrated the Festival of Rumba in Matanzas, in what constitutes one of the most colorful and important popular festivities in the city, and carnivals.




Also in the neighborhood of Versailles terminal historic Hershey Electric Railway, unique of its kind in Cuba it is located. Built during 1918-1921 by the American magnate Milton S. Hershey, the electric train, popularly known as "The Hershey´s Train", he was initially with 135 km of track, and fulfilled the important role of connecting your sugar mill with the cities of Havana and Matanzas. It is still active, and runs a dazzling route comprising 47 stops through Yumurí Valley, passing through the province of Mayabeque, and to the terminal of Casablanca, in Havana: a real time travel.

Bellamar´s Caves

The Caves of Bellamar is one of the many tourist attractions of the province of Matanzas.
You will be delighted by the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, the crystalline formations of transparent and shiny appearance uncommon in the world of caves.
The caves are located at the top of a hill about five kilometers from the historic center of the city, famous throughout the world for its special formations, marine remains estimated in more than 25 million years, its characteristic flora and its legends.
This jewel of the Cuban cave system (National Monument) was discovered by chance in February 1861 south of the Bay of Matanzas.It has about 23 kilometers of tunnels and more than 780 hectares of extension.