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Matanzas Pages:

MATANZAS PROVINCE | MATANZAS CITY | VARADERO | CARDENAS | CAYO LARGO
Accommodation: Hotels Varadero | Hotels Matanzas | Casa Particulares
Info: Restaurants | Nightlife | Tours / Excursions
Maps: Matanzas Province | Matanzas City | Varadero | Cardenas | Peninsula Zapata
Photo Galleries: Matanzas | Coliseo | Cardenas | Varadero | Hotels| Jovellanos
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Destinations

-Havana
- Havana City
-Pinar del Rio
- Pinar del Rio City
- Viñales
-Matanzas
- Matanzas City
- Varadero
- Cardenas
Villa Clara
- Santa Clara
Cienfuegos
- Cienfuegos City
Sancti Spiritus
- Sancti Spiritus City
- Trinidad
Ciego de Avila
- Ciego de Avila City
- Jardines del Rey
- Cayo Coco
- Cayo Guillermo
Camaguey
- Camaguey City
Las Tunas
- Las Tunas City
Granma

- Bayamo
Santiago de Cuba
- Santiago de Cuba City
Guantanamo
- Guantanamo City
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Holguin
- Holguin City
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Isla Juventud
Cayo Largo


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Varadero

Click for Varadero, Cuba Forecast A place full of luxury Hotels and Resorts, white beaches, turquois sea. You can find a realy huge golf course in front of the hotel zone. Even a Shoppingmall "Place de las Americanas", which has some clothingshops, a supermarket, restaurants and of course souvenirshops.

The 19 km long Peninsula de Hicacos is connected to the main land with a lift bridge. At the end of the 19's some Cardenas families bought pieces of land and builded their summerhouses. The Varadero beach became the center of the rich and famous. After 1959 revolution this area opened again for all kind of people.

Usefull links:

- Hotels and resorts in Varadero >>
- Beaches around Cuba >>
- Cardenas >>



The Most Famous of Cuban Beach Resorts

Its more than 20 km of excellent beaches, white a broad strip of fine, white sand along the shoreline, and a continental shelf that softly sinks into a warm, crystalclear sea of the most varied of blues, are the chief tourist attractions of Varadero, a tourist city that is presently well-positioned in the International circuits.

These natural wonders are enriched and complemented by the existence of numerous caves, cliffs, and lagoons. Also, pristine, easy to reach keys and other interesting natural surroundings on the peninsula's easternmost tip, in addition to a set of cultural, historical, and environmental sites provided by the nearby cities of Matanzas and Cardenas and the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve.

Varadero Hotels

Click Here

Nice weather, little rain, and low humidity are among the conditions that make Varadero an ideal spot the year around.

The city of Varadero which extends over 14.4 square km and has a population of approximately 8.000, accounts for 55% of each hotel rooms in Cuba.

And because everywhere is within reach in the city and resort, the visitor feels constantly invited to move around, be it walking along any of the 5 Avenues that run the peninsula: Kawama, Primera, Playa, Las Americas, and Autopista del Sur, boarding a tourist train, or driving a car, a moped or a bicycle, or even taking one of these old, horse drawn coaches.


Overnight trip to Havana  

With our Man in Havana: Pototo

A trip to Havana without a tour bus and at least 30 other tourists, guided through Havana by a local Cuban, Having dinner in a paladar and a free mojito in a real Cuban home in Havana Centro ... that is what you want right?

Well here we go!

- Make a reservation for the reliable and comfertable Viazul bus the night before your departure at telephone number: 61 48 86, or go to the Viazul bus station and buy tickets for the next day (10 CUC pp)
- The next day, be at the Viazul bus station 1 hour before the bus departs, this is because otherwise they sell your tickets.
- Pototo or 1 of his crew will be waiting for you at the FIRST exit in Havana Vieja (after the tunnel) with a sign.
- A walking tour around Havana Vieja and Havana Centro
- A tour in a car around Havana Vedado and Miramar area
- Dinner
- Stay the night in a Casa Particular

 

Pototo: Your Guide in Havana
Check out Pototo's clip below

Usefull links:

- Email Pototo
- Pototo's page

- Havana City
- Viazul Bus
- Casa particular

- Paladar


Casas Particulares in Varadero
You'll won't find legal Casas Particular in the area of Varadero, it's not alowed by the government, for a Cuban, to start a Casa in this area. Although there are some "Red Triangle" casas, those casas are only for Cubans, tourists are not alowed to stay in these casas particulares ...

Of course you can do stuburn and search yourself an ilegal Casa Particular, and you will find them, but remember when they will find out you risk to get thrown out on the streets at night by the police, and the owner of the Casa will have a big problem ...

Usefull links:

- Varadero Hotels >>
- Casa particular in Cardenas >>
- Casa particulares in Matanzas >>

- General explanation about casa particulares >>

 


Scuba-Diving Sites

Cuba's privileged geographic position, it's broad continental shelf (70.000 square kilometers, with edges almost totally covered by carefully preserved coral reeves), and its crystal clear waters (underwater horizontal visibility of 30 meters, or 98 feet, and tempatures usually higher than 24 Centigrade) make the island an ideal site for diving and snorkling.

Varadero has 32 wellestablished diving sites at Matanzas bay and on the western side of Sabana-Camaguey archipelago, home of a must for any experienced diver: the Ojos del Megano Blue Hole, and enormous under-water cave located between the Los Cabezotes and Mega-no Chico reefs, at the Bay of Cadiz.

Three International diving centers have branches in the Peninsula, all of them with coaches and dive masters certified by the World Federation of Under-water Activities and the American-Canadian Under-water Certification, and with modern equipment and transportation means.

Most hotels also offer diving courses for beginners, and some tourist packages include in their price a number of day- and night-time dives, in the open sea or at underwater caves.

A national network of specialized medical services and decompression chambers are available as well to guarentee maximum safety in this activity, which is highly in demand in these beautiful natural surroundings.

Scuba-Diving: The Cayo Piedras del Norte Sea Park
The only park of its kind in Cuba, and suited both for snorkling and diving, it is located some 8 nautical miles northeast of Varadero and extends over an area of 2 square nautical miles. The park combines beauty adventure, and security, and features among its attractions the sunken remains of a yacht, a rocket launcher boat, a 102-meter long frigate, an AN-2 passenger plane, and a towboat, deliberately disposed of to create this attactive sea.

Scuba-Diving: The Saturno Cave

One the way to the "Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport", the Saturno Cave provides lovers of underwater world with an option that is different: diving through the crystal-clear waters of this 150 meter long and 20 feet deep, cavern, ideal for speleological exploration.

Scuba-Diving: Bay of Pigs

Here again is a different proposition, also available for those staying at Varadero. Bay of Pigs, on the Zapata Swamp, and only 105 km from Varadero, features 2 diving centers and 14 open sea and underwater cave-diving sites, with superb conditions for the so-called wall diving.

Usefull links:

- Scuba diving around Cuba >>
- Diving Courses and trips >>

 


Nature Tourism in Varahicos

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
Parque Josone 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
Cueva de Bellamar 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.

 


To Do in Varadero

 

Cueva de los Musulmanes
Monument


Anfiteatro de Varadero
Teatro, Vía Blanca y Carretera de Cárdenas, Varadero

El Anfiteatro, near the Varadero bridge, offers a very popular cabaret and well-known Cuban bands sometimes stage concerts in the Parque Josone. The bar has the best Pina Coladas in Varadero.

 


Santa Elvira Church

It date back from 1938, with an irregular structure in which stones and wood are predominant. The church, whose local tile roof rests on thick beams, has double doors and windows. The upper front side features a suspended half arch that serves as the bell tower and ends in a cross

Parque Retiro Josone
Avenida 1ra. y 56, Varadero, Matanzas, 42200, +53 5 667228, Fax: +53 5 667778

A parque since 1942, with beautiful trees and tropical flowers, a little lake where birds love to stay, it's possible to row a boat at this lake.

This park's heavy gate opens onto a lush green oasis of palm trees, vibrant Guacamayos (Macaw Parrots) and a beautiful artificial lake. There are also four dining options available here: Dante offers Italian food, La Campana for authentic Creole, Antigüedades specialises in seafood, and El Retiro serves international cuisine.

The serenity and sheer beauty of the surroundings enhances the prospects for entertainment, which are found here. There is a bowling alley, shooting grounds, boating on the lake, camping facilities and a swimming pool. This attractive combination makes the park one of the most appealing sights in town. Admission: 1CUC Open 24 hours a day


Artistic Ceramics Workshop
An important intitution that specializes in the making of high quality, low supply ceramics.


Art Gallery

It exhibits paintings, sculptures, engravings, serigraphs, cloths, photographs, as well as original paintings and reproductions of renowned Matanzas artists. Exhibits also extend to works by contemporary Cuban painters, like Manuel Mendive, Flora Fong, and Zaida del Rio.

Museo Municipal (History Museum)
Calle 57 y Playa, tel:5-613189, Open Hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, Phone: +53 2 663189
A museum about the people of Varadero and tourism, they also have an Indian art collection. This museum is interesting because of its building, a beautiful blue-white chalet with earthenware tiles, is a good example of how popular the American style was in the beginning of the 20th century. The Museo Provincial de Matanzas has a more complete history of Varadero, as well as organizing cultural activities in its courtyard. On Saturdays it celebrates traditional Cuban music by presenting the Rincón Lírico band, and every third Saturday, hosts activities for children.


Restaurante Las Americas (Villa Xanadu)
Avenida Las Americas, Reparto Las Torres, tel:5-667750. Between 1920 and 1950

An American named Alfred Irenee Dupont de Nemours dared to buy the Hicacos peninsula from Spanisch decendents of a planters family. By this time on this peninsula only where a few houses. Dupont sold little pieces of ground to Cubans and Americans, and in a short time this area changed into a gambling and prostitution center of Cuba.

Dupont asked the 2 architectures who desined the Capitolio to build a Villa in front of San Bernardino, the highest point of Varadero. They succeed in 1929 with this 4 story building Villa Xanadu, by that time it costs $338.000. In 1959 after the revolution Dupont fled and left the Villa. The Cuban government changed the place into a chique restaurant in 1963, Las Americas. Next to this restaurant you can play some golf at the largest golf court of Cuba.

- Book Xanadu Hotel >>


A Destination for Ruenion and Rewarding
With its conveniently located, modern, well equipped, and functional Plaza America Convention Center, in addition to several other hotel conference facilities, Varadero beach is an ideal destination for conference tourism and incentive trips.

All of these facilities meet the standards of the International Association of Congress Palaces, and have the neccessary qualified personnel for all kinds of meeting projects.

The diversity of cultural, sports, and recreational options, together with the many natural sites at varadero and the nearby cities of matanzas and Havana; the solid hotel infrastructure of more than 1.600 five-star and some 7.600 four-star rooms; the guarantee of quality services, and sea transportation facilities that exist, all make Varadero a great place for an unforgettable incentive trip.


Cultural Cultural Centers

Casa de la Cultura
Centro Cultural Los Corales, Ave 1ra e/34 y 351ra. Varadero, Matanzas 42200, Tel: +53 5 612562

La Casa de la Cultura, on Avenida Primera, is home to Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, a rumba group of nationally and internationally renowned musicians. Here, also, you can attend cultural events, poetry readings, folk groups, concerts of local trovadores (troubadors) and, every Saturday, the Sábado de la Rumba (Rumba Saturday) with Afro-Cuban dances inspired by santería (religion of African origin) rites.
Admission: Free; dance classes: USD2.
Open Hours: 9am-6pm Mon-Sat


Artex S.A.
60 # 208 esq Tercera. Tel: 667415


Feria de la Artesania
Parque de las Ocho Mil Taquillas 


Theaters

Cine Varadero, Movie Theatre
Ave Playa Tel: 612440



General Information

 

Banks

Euros: Cuba Accept Euros for Tourist Operations in Varadero Cuban authorities will accept euros for operations at tourist facilities in Varadero

Cuban Tourism Minister Ibrahim Ferradáz said that commercial transactions will begin in an experimental manner, but this experience may expand to the rest of the country. Transactions in euros will be accepted in Varadero, since 40 percent of tourists concentrate in that region. If the project works out, it will be expanded to the rest of the country.

Banco de Credito y Comercio
Av 1 Calle 36
Open Mo/Fri 9am to 5pm
Banco Financiero Internacional
Ave 1 Calle 32
Open Mo/Fri 9am to 3pm
Banco Financiero Internacional
Plaza America
Open Mo/Fri 9am to 6pm
Sat/Sun 9am to 8pm
Banco Ahorros
Calle 36
Open Mo/Fri 8.30 to 4pm
Cadeca (Casas de Cambio, Pesos convertibles only)
Av de la Playa y Calle 41
Open Mo/Sat 8.30 to 6pm
Sunday 8.30 to 12.30pm
Postoffice
Post office
Av 1 Calle 36
Open Mo/Sat 8am to 6pm
Centro de Llamadas
Av 1 Calle 30
DHL
Av 1 Calle 54
 
Medical
Clinica Internacional Servimed
Av 1 Calle 60
Policlinico Dr Mario Munoz Monroy
Calle 27 (open 24 hours)
Clinica Estomatologico
Av1 y Calle 49 (dentist)
Farmacia
Calle 28 y 29
Farmacia
Av de la Playa y Calle 44
 
Emergency

Asistur
Calle 31 #101

Travel Agencies & Tour Operators
Asistur, 31#101 Tel: 667277 CubaTur S.A. Ave.1ra esq 33 Tel:667216/17 Fax: 667048
Gaviota Tours Varadero, Hotel Caracol, Calle K, Rpto.La Torre Tel: 668448 / 611895 / 667864 FTI, Tel: 668445
HavanaTur S.A. Ave Playa e/36 y 37 Tel: 667027 LTI Ave de las Americas, Tel: 667560 Fax: 667475
LTU, Hotel LTI BellaCosta Bungalow 709, Tel: 667066 Fax: 667150 Paradiso, 26 e/ 1ra y 2da, Rumbos Cuba, Ave 1ra y 13 Tel: 612384 Fax: 667060
Sol y Son los Viajes, Casa 48, Punta Blanca Tel: 667386 Viajes Cubanacan, Agencia, 24 y Playa Tel: 667059 Fax: 667062
Viajes Horizontes, Horizontes Caribe, Ave, 1ra y 30 Apartemento G19 Tel: 614795/96 Fax: 614842
 

Sources:


Domestic Flights

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