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Zapata Swamp

Discover our Flora and Fauna!

It is the biggest swamp of the Caribbean located to the South of Matanzas City. It mostly consists of a huge swamp, partly covered by forest. Zapata is one of the most complete wildlife reserves in the Caribbean, rich in birds and animals. This site was declared a Biosphere Reserve and the area around the Treasure Lagoon, has been designated a national park, the Gran Parque Natural de Montemar. The Caribbean coast, with its sandy beaches, attracts scuba divers and fans of other water sports.

PROGRAM

Departing from Havana: 08:00-17:30 (2'30 hrs drive to the swamp).
Departing from Varadero: 08:00-17:00 (2 hrs drive to the swamp).

  • Drive through our colorful countryside and numerous farmers' villages and plantations.
  • Visit to the Farm “Fiesta Campesina” (get to know some of our endemic flora and fauna).
  • Visit to Museo de la Comandancia (Castro's operation headquarters during the Bay of Pigs conflict.).
  • Optional visit on a speed boat to Guamá (a replica of a typical pre-Columbian Indian village and to a Crocodile breeding.
  • Visit to Playa Larga (a beach at the Bay of Pigs).
  • Visit to the fascinating Fish Cave (a 70 m deep and crystalline water pool). The Cave and the Caribbean Sea are ideal sites for scuba diving and snorkeling.
  • Lunch at a local private restaurant: “Paladar” (price varies depending on your choice).
  • Drive back to your accommodation.

Book this Tour

Important notes:

  • Quality: Experienced, Reliable, English speaking local guides.
  • Convenient: Pick-up with private air-conditioned and insured transportation
  • Personalized: Fully customizable tour itineraries.
  • Service: 24/7 Customer Support.
  • Payment in USD cash is required at the end of the tour. Keep in mind that we don’t accept local currency. Moreover all the places you will go such as restaurants/shops/flea market will only accept international currencies (EUR, GBP, CAD) but preferably USD.
  • In case of American citizens, this cultural exchange includes a full-time schedule of activities intended to enhance contact and support for Cubans. All our tours fall under the Support for the Cuban People Category.



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Tour Highlights

  • Zapata Swamp Located to the South of Matanzas, it´s one of Cuba´s most unique spots where several ecosystems can be found. Named after the landowner who was granted the land by the Spanish crown in 1636, it is one of the least populated areas of the island and mostly consists of a huge swamp, one of the most complete wildlife reserves in the Caribbean, rich in birds and animals, and the area around the Treasure Lake has been designated a national park.
  • GuamáLocated at the Zapata Peninsula, declared by UNESCO a Reserve of the Biosphere, Guamá features a replica of a pre Columbian Taino Village which shows aboriginal´s lifestyle through 25 amazing sculptures by the Cuban artist Rita Longa. It is also home to a holiday resort built on ten islands on the Treasure Lake. This village is named after Guamá, a native warrior who resisted the Spanish conquistadors and the only way to get there is by boat.
  • Fish Cave It is a natural pool (cenote), 70 m deep, lying along a fault line. It is an ideal spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
  • Crocodile BreedingFounded in 1962 to safeguard 16 endangered species of reptiles, this is the largest crocodile farm in Cuba and includes thousands of animals kept in separate pools according to size and age. Visitors can watch and photograph crocodiles from an observation point overlooking one of the ponds.

Highlights