Varadero Attractions

Bay of Pigs Museum
Located in Playa Girón, Ciénaga de Zapata, it gives a general background about the well-known battle of the Bay of Pigs that started during the first hours on April 17, 1961, when the invaders landed and parachuteras landed deep into the Cuban territory. It includes, documents, testimonies, photos and weapons.

Bellamar Caves
Located in Matanzas city, they were discovered in February 1861. Such caves are made of crystalline formations and great amount of stalagmites and stalactites. The interior passages descend looking for the aquifer, ending up in lakes with crystal waters. They are located in a region of loamy limestone marine terraces and are 3,1 kilometers long. Tours cover only 1500 meters and include some of the 17 galleries, 6 halls and a corridor.


Ciénaga de Zapata
Located in Península de Zapata, this swamp covers an area of 70 277 hectares and is located to the south of the Province of Matanzas in the peninsula known under the same name. It is recognized as the largest and most important humid soil of Cuba and the Caribbean islands. Its vegetation is made up of forests, great extensions of mangroves, swamp weed and coastal bushes, which is why it is considered the most important ecosystem of the country; serving as the habitat of numerous species of sea birds, mammals, amphibious and invertebrates; among them, the Crocodilus Rhombifer, endemic crocodile of Cuba; the manatí, the mottled woodpecker, the fermina, the parrot and the cabrerito of the swamp. This is also a place for some migratory birds to rest during the winter and offers options of great interest, including eco pathways and the observation of birds.
 
Guama
Located in Ciénaga de Zapata, represents the Tainos (group of Indians that lived in the area)  and how they engaged in their routine activities: fishing, fixing their nets and playing. It was made by the sculptor Rita Longa. There is a crocodile farm, which is considered the largest of the Americas.

Yumurí Valley
Located near Matanzas city, it is a landscape in which nature and architecture are mixed. It still preserves archaeological remains and the endemic vegetable species melocactus matanzanus.