L'essentiel de Matanzas

Matanzas Essentials

Matanzas province spans from the Caribbean wetlands of the Zapata Peninsula to the northern Atlantic coast. This selection highlights the region's geological diversity, featuring the Bellamar and Ambrosio cave systems and the deep waters of Saturn’s Cave. Cultural sites include the Tropicana Matanzas cabaret and the 500-year-old El Patriarca cactus. Coastal landmarks range from the Yumurí Valley views at Bacunayagua to the 18-hole Varadero Golf Club and the botanical gardens of Josone Park.

Thomas Brown / CC BY 2.0

Peninsula de Zapata National Park

The Zapata Swamp is located on the Zapata Peninsula in the southern Matanzas Province of Cuba, in the municipality of Ciénaga de Zapata.

paul (dex) bica / CC BY 2.0

Bellamar Caves

This cave system was discovered in 1861 and now provides terrific spectacle with its stalactites and stalagmites and crystallized domes.

Emmanuel Huybrechts / CC BY 2.0

Josone Park

Lush oasis of palm trees, parrots and other creatures and artificial lake in the middle of the city. Good dining options too.

Emmanuel Huybrechts / CC BY 2.0

Saturn's cave

Cave with limited access, unless you're an experienced cave diver. Water is incredible, though.

Mirador de Bacunayagua

Overlooks the Yumurí Valley and the Bacunayagua Bridge, Cuba’s highest bridge standing 110 meters above the canyon floor.

Dolphinarium of Varadero

Watch the captivating show and spend 15 minutes in the water with dolphins. Must be a highlight of any vacation!

Allen McGregor / CC BY 2.0

Ambrosio Cave

5 interconnected galleries, floor covered in guano and the largest collection of aboriginal pictographs in the Caribbean.

Tropicana Matanzas

Open-air cabaret and theater featuring large-scale musical productions and choreography, modeled after the original Tropicana in Havana.

monica benitez / CC-BY-SA

Varadero Street Market

Friendly vendors, fairly good prices and plenty to buy. Morning visits here are the best.

Varadero Golf Club

When you play golf at least a bit, you must visit this course while on the island. This is with no exaggeration a treat!

Cactus Patriarch

More than 500 years old cactus is located on the grounds of Arenas Blancas resort. Surprisingly huge!