Five Fascinating Places to Visit in Cuba

    1
    Head to Hicacos
    This strip of land on Cuba’s north coast is connected to the mainland with a drawbridge. It is home to over 50 hotels that cater to visitors coming to enjoy the white-sand beaches. In addition to the resort town of Varadero, the area features Hicacos Point Natural Park, bird-watching paradise Mangon Lake, and the ruins of La Calavera Salt Works, one of the first to be built by Spain in the New World.

    Beach in Hicacos (Photo Courtesy | Instagram @binamanuela81)

     

    2
    Explore Saturno Cave
    Take the path through scrub brush to Cueva Saturno, one of the major features in an extensive cave system. Located here is an underground swimming hole that offers a cooling contrast to the sun-drenched beach above. Crowded with stalactites descending from its ceiling and stalagmites, which rise from the depths of the pool, the cave displays crystallized columns and unique rock formations. The pool offers a perfect place for snorkeling.

    Saturno Cave (Photo Courtesy | Instagram @wanderers_stills)

    3
    Enjoy the Oasis of Parque Josone
    Parque Josone is located at the center of Varadero. The property originally belonged to Jose Uturrio, a factory owner who is believed to have built a mansion here at one time for his wife. There are many paths meandering through flower gardens with gurgling fountains and an ornamental bridge to a small lake populated by ducks. Visitors can paddle around the lack in rowboats or just take in the palm trees and jacaranda. There is a restaurant housed in the former residence, and there is a swimming pool on the property as well.

    Parque Josone (Photo Courtesy | Instagram @living_daylight)

    4
    For Nature Lovers: The Varadero Ecological Park
    Situated at the far end of the Hicacos peninsula, this protect area features a good beach and a wide variety of native cactus and orchids. The lagoon is home to many birds insects and lizards. A series of narrow and rocky hiking paths provide a challenge for adventure travelers. There are also two limestone caves – inhabited by bats – with rock paintings and fossils. Tour guides are on hand to answer questions about the pictographs on display.

    Florwers in Varadero Ecological Park (Photo Courtesy | Instagram @miamaymai)

    5
    Diving into Cayo Piedra Underwater Park
    This site is popular with snorkelers and divers. The underwater “exhibits” include military equipment, yachts, a missile-launching boat, and a plane, all of which were sunk here deliberately in the 1990s to create an artificial reef. On view are many large schools of colorful tropical fish that dart in and out of the rusting ship hulls. Visitors may also see turtles, sharks, and a variety of crustaceans during their time underwater.

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