Nature tourism, a product of growing demand in the International tourism market, has a promising site at the eastern end of the Hicacos Peninsula, with its rich natural diversity. A practical virginal zone, the area covers 31% of the total territory of the Peninsula and was declared an ecological reserve in 1974 in consideration of its exceptional natural botanical and fauna values. The area is home of the largest, most well preserved forest and coastal vating scenery.

Josone Park, Varadero's Tiny Green Lung
Extending 9 green hectares and located almost in the center of Varadero, this park offers a varried of dining and bar service. It was originally designed as a country retreat, with its huge stone mansion, fine woodwork and glasses, and an artificial lake, and was completed in 1942.Its name is formed from the first three letters of the names of its first owners: Jose and Onelia, his wife. The park has a sugar cane juice stand, and a bar, "La Gruta", right on the lake side. It also has a swimming pool, and a children party hall, and can be leased for banquets, business dinners, and feasts.

Varadero Caves
Most of them of great archeological value, some of them underwater, others turned into night clubs, the Varadero Caves and their surroundings deserve all attention of the visitor.

The Ambrosio (ceremonial site) and the Musulmanes (dwelling site) Caves
Two out of the 15 archeological sites discovered at the Peninsula that reveal the customs of the area's indigenous population are both located in the Varahicos natural Park. The first one is a 250-meter long cave with five interconnected galleries. Inside there are 72 rupestrian paintings, which constitute one of the largest sets of such drawings in the Caribbean islands. During the colonial period, it also served as safe heaven for maroons, or Black runaway slaves.

The Calero Funeral Cave
Remains of who was reportedly the most ancient inhabitanat off Cuba, dating back to some 8.000 years, were found in this cave, where an Indian cemetery was also disco vered in which 66 induviduals, and 1 skull showing Europoid features, were identified. The cave is located some 15 km from the town of Cantel, South of Varadero.

The Santa Catalina Cave
Proclaimed a National Monument, this cave has great archeological, scientific, and natural values. It is located in an area known as Predios de Camarioca, on the Matanzas-Varadero Highway. Aside from the evidences of pre-Colombian communities that were discovered in them, the cave's 8 km of galleries shelter several local fauna species and show secundary formations that turn it into a true natural wonder.

The Bellamar Caves
Located near Matanzas city, this cave system was discovered in 1861 and is considered the island's oldest tourist attraction of its kind. Its more than 28 explored cavities treasure large mural paintings, numerous fossils, and evidences of communities that inhabited the area some 1600 years ago. Proclaimed a National Monument in 1987, it is well-knwn for its capricious crystallized formations, among them the one called "El Manto de Colon" (Columbus' Cloak) an emble-matic 12 meter high column formed by a stalagmite and a stalacite that fused together. Programmed tours take the visitor down for a length of 1500 meters, half the caves' total extension.

You can book this half day excursion at the tourist desk in your Varadero hotel for about 30 cuc pp