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Caribbean Cuba Varadero Do & See Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

Overview

Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

The guide was updated: 2024-09-11

Сonsider hiking one of the three trails at the rather compact Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, whose major attractions include the Musulmanes Cave (with human remains dating back over 2500 years on display) and the famous 600-year-old cactus (el Patriarca).

Useful Information

Address: Autopista Sur, Varadero

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Diving & Snorkeling

Diving & Snorkeling

Some of the best snorkeling in the area is to be had at Coral Beach (some 20km west of Varadero), where the underwater world stuns with color and variety. Diving would require you to take about an hour-long boat trip out to one of the many sites around the peninsula. Some reputable local dive centers include: Barracuda Dive Center Retiro Josone, calle 59 y Playa in Varadero (near Arenas Blancas Hotel) +53 45 613481 Acua Diving Center Ave. Kawama 201 (between 2 and 3 Street from Varadero, near Kawama Hotel) +53 45 668063

Ambrosio Cave

Ambrosio Cave

Perhaps the area's most important archaeological site, the Ambrosio Cave contains drawings that date back two millennia, and is a curious attraction for those not threatened by its murky insides (inhabited by dozens of bats and various eerie cavernous creatures).

Museo Municipal de Varadero

Museo Municipal de Varadero

Housed inside a traditional Cuban wood villa, Varadero's Museo Municipal contains period furniture, old home decor items and various exhibits offering visitors insight into the resort town's pre-revolution history and ways of living. Guided tours available.

Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

Сonsider hiking one of the three trails at the rather compact Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, whose major attractions include the Musulmanes Cave (with human remains dating back over 2500 years on display) and the famous 600-year-old cactus (el Patriarca).

Josone Park

Josone Park

A green oasis in Varadero, Josone is a public park with multiple entertainment facilities, such as rental row boats and water bikes, a tourist train circulating around premises, multiple cafes and restaurants, as well as the on-site villa Retiro Josone, which once belonged to a couple of a local rum distillery owners and was expropriated after the revolution.

Parque Central & Iglesia de Santa Elvira

Parque Central & Iglesia de Santa Elvira

One of the areas central to Varadero's town life, the recently re-discovered Parque Central (bordering on another park - Parque de las Taquilas) is perfectly fit for a refreshing stroll through the greenery in the peak of tropical Cuban heat. Nearby lies the small colonial-era church Iglesia de Santa Elvira.

House of Rum

House of Rum

Those interested in learning more about the production process of Cuba's iconic liquor are more than welcome to join a tour of Varadero's House of Rum, during which visitors will get the chance to savour the iconic drink in its many varieties - from the classic dark and light to chocolate and vanilla-flavoured types.

Mansion Xanadu

Mansion Xanadu

Mansion Xanadu is a refined hotel that sits next to a vast, 18-hole golf course. The building itself was once commissioned by a moneyed American entrepreneur, who ordered it be built with the use of top-notch quality materials, such as marble. The mansion was later expropriated by the government, only to become known as the single lavish, Spanish colonial-style hotel in the area.

Marina Gaviota

Marina Gaviota

Marina Gaviota, at the eastern tip of Hicacos Peninsula - reportedly the largest marina in the Caribbean - is now resting in anticipation of the expected influx of American vacationers. It's Plaza Las Morlas shopping mall, waterside cafes and eateries are all set for the grand welcome.

Delfinario

Delfinario

Set on a natural cove, the Varadero Delfinario invites visitors to see the graceful marine mammals up close and even - if they so desire - go for a swim in their company, all at a rather moderate fee. Dolphins are kept in a favourable natural environment of a sea inlet.

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