Top Things to do in Matanzas Province
What to do and see in Matanzas Province, Matanzas Province: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
Discover the best top things to do in Matanzas Province, Cuba including Casa Ana Birding, Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, Zapata Swamp, Finca Fiesta Campesina, Criadero De Cocodrilos.
Restaurants in Matanzas Province
1. Casa Ana Birding
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
2. Varahicacos Ecological Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By compositor1 - Toronto, Canada
This reserve was an unexpected treat to visit. At 5 CUC per person, it's a bargain. It is not commercially developed, and has an authentic camp/nature preserve vibe. It's walkable distance from the Royalton Hicacos. The whole route takes about 45min to walk through. The map you get at the entrance also has info about to 15 or so marked points of interest on the trail. e.g 500 year old cactus, sacred burial ground (visible bones), smugglers caves...with spooky (and harmless) bats and more. The trail terrain is "dogs tooth" stone in many parts so wear shoes..flip flops/sandals are not recommended. The forest/jungle portion of the trail is mostly shaded due to the height of the trees, but it's still quite hot. Bring water and maybe bug spray if you have it. Water, soda pop, campground quality washroom, are available near entrance.
3. Zapata Swamp
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Trollydolly747 - Sydney, Australia
Alejandro, the host at Hostal Nuevo Vida, introduced us to a wonderful guide at Zapata national wild life park. We were guided through this historic area which aided the victory at the Bay of Pigs fiasco, and were provided with the opportunity to swim in the natural rock pools with waterfalls along the route.
4. Finca Fiesta Campesina
5. Criadero De Cocodrilos
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By dianedinky
Thought this would be a bit of a wasted morning, and we actually only went because our boat trip through the mangroves was cancelled due to a lack of diesel - how wrong I was! It was a fantastic place. The fact that you can pay a small fee and feed the crocodiles - or watch others - made this visit standout. You can get really close to the creatures and their mighty jaws but you are safely behind the fence (or up on the viewing bridge). You can also stroll around the park and watch the crocodile behaviour, such as when one male took exception to another and suddenly pounced on it in a flurry of huge splashes. Great stuff. There are also tree rats and iguanas to see and the park itself is very picturesque fr just a stroll around for the trees and flowers. There are, of course, also many shops and stalls for souvenirs, but you only need to look if you want to, nobody hassles you. I'm so glad there was no diesel that day and we got to see this place instead :-)
