Attractions Nearby Varadero, Day Trips and Excursions

(Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba)

One of Varadero's strong points is its relative closeness to Havana, along with several other smaller historic attractions and towns suitable for day trips. Its offshore islands and the Zapata Peninsula offer days out in natural surroundings and for those who intend to travel farther away, excursions to places of beauty such as Cayo Largo and even isolated Baracoa - at the opposite end of Cuba, are easily arranged by air, rental car or long-distance bus.

Cuba's colonial history is well represented in towns such as Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba, and Baracoa is a delightful trip back in time. Attractions especially close to Varadero include the charming town of Matanzas, the spa town of San Miguel de los Banyos, and the harbour town of Cardenas.

Matanzas

Matanzas, set in the valley of the River Yumuri (Rio Yumuri), is known as the Cuban Venice due to its numerous picturesque bridges, and this charming town is close to many natural sites of interest around the Zapata Peninsula. Amongst the main attractions in Matanzas is the Teatro Sauto, the Plaza de la Vigia, the Palacio de Justica and the Museo Historico Provincial. Located on the northern side of the Rio Yumuri, the Versailles quarter is steeped in history and is actually where the region's freed slaves chose to settle.

Havana

A comfortable drive from Varadero is the capital, Havana, with its breathtaking Old Quarter, which is home to stunning architecture, museums, cultural sites and events, as well as great shopping and dining opportunities. The list of attractions in Havana is certainly a lengthy one and there are a huge number of museums alone, with some of the best including the Museo de Arte Colonial (Museum of Colonial Art), the Museo de la Ciudad (Museum of the City), the Museo de la Revolucion (Museum of the Revolution) and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts). Many of the most impressive and historic sights line the main squares, such as the Plaza de la Catedral, the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza de San Francisco de Asis, the Plaza Vieja and the Plaza del Cristo.

Zapata Wetlands

Address: Zapata Peninsula, Near Matanzas, Cuba, CU
The almost uninhabited Zapata Wetlands are a nature-lovers' paradise, with some 230 different bird species and diverse species of mammals and reptiles including crocodiles. Over 900 different flora bloom amid vast rain forests, while a series of cave systems line the coastal areas. The Zapata Wetlands are a UNESCO listed biosphere reserve.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for guide and transport

Cardenas

This historic harbour town lies just 20 km / 12 miles from Varadero and was founded in 1828. Its picturesque streets and squares are home to local markets and grand buildings, and the town is also known for its fascinating cemetery. This is the real Cuba, with friendly people and a quiet, laid-back charm. Visitors should look out for the Plaza Molocoff, the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion and the Museo Casa Natal de Jose Antonio Echeverria.

Ernest Hemingway House

Address: San Francisco de Paula, Havana, Cuba, CU
The most celebrated foreign resident in Cuba was undoubtedly the famous writer Ernest Hemingway, who lived on a small estate in the San Francisco de Paula suburbs of Havana for 20 years, writing many of his well-received novels here. The great man's former home is just as he left it on his final journey back to the US, and was gifted to Cuba by his widow. Now serving as something of a museum attraction, the Ernest Hemingway House contains the author's personal library, original pieces of work and various trophies.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge

San Miguel de los Banyos

If you've overdone the Cuban rum and cigars since your arrival, this is the place for a relaxing therapeutic break. This tiny town of only 3,000 inhabitants, around 40 km / 25 miles to the south of Varadero, is the most famous natural spa in all Cuba. San Miguel de los Banyos comes with medicinal spring water guaranteed to cure all ills, as well as therapeutic mud reputed to be great for most osteo-muscular ailments, including arthritis.