Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

Visitors seeking a break from the all-inclusive resorts of Varadero find refuge in the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. This small but significant protected area has a glimpse into what the peninsula looked like before modern tourism development. It is an excellent destination for short nature walks and discovering local history. The reserve is home to several fascinating caves, most notably the Cueva de Ambrosio, which features impressive pre-Columbian pictographs and a large resident bat population. The Cueva de los Musulmanes contains the skeletal remains of prehistoric animals and early humans. A massive, centuries-old cactus known as El Patriarca is another major landmark within the park. There are no dining facilities inside the reserve, but it is conveniently located near the many restaurants of Varadero. It is easily accessible by foot, bicycle, or the local hop-on-hop-off bus from nearby hotels. The reserve can be visited year-round, making it a great morning activity before hitting the beach.

Nearby cities

Havana

The capital of Cuba, known for its colonial architecture and vintage cars.

Santiago de Cuba

The second largest city in Cuba with rich Afro-Caribbean culture.

Camaguey

City known for the labyrinthine streets of its historic center.

Holguin

Known as the 'City of Parks', surrounded by hills and mountains.

Cienfuegos

Known as the 'Pearl of the South', featuring French colonial architecture.

Trinidad

A well-preserved colonial town and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Viñales

A small town in the west known for its tobacco plantations.

Varadero

Popular resort town on the Hicacos Peninsula with beautiful sandy beaches.

Playa Ancón

Playa Ancón is widely considered the best beach on Cuba's southern coast, offering pristine white sands just a short distance from Trinidad.

María la Gorda

An internationally acclaimed diving center situated at the westernmost tip of Cuba, offering rich biodiversity.

History & landmarks

El Cobre

El Cobre is a small mountain town known for its historic copper mines and the revered minor basilica housing Cuba's patron saint.

Playa Paraíso

Beautiful beach on Cayo Largo del Sur with white sand.

Zapata Swamp

A large wetland area on the Zapata Peninsula, home to crocodiles.

Topes de Collantes

A nature reserve park in the Escambray Mountains with waterfalls and trails.

Havana Club Rum Museum

A museum in Havana showcasing the history of Cuban rum.

Plaza de la Revolución

A huge public square in Havana known for political rallies.

Isle of Youth

The second largest Cuban island, known for its pine forests and beaches.

Baconao Park

A large biosphere reserve featuring a prehistoric valley and museums.

Nature

Leche Lagoon

The largest natural lake in Cuba, known for its milky appearance.

Cauto River

The longest river in Cuba, flowing through the eastern provinces.

More places

Strait of Florida

The strait that separates Cuba from Florida and connects the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.

Hemingway House

The former residence of the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway.

Escambray Mountains

A major mountain range in central Cuba with diverse plant life.

Che Guevara Mausoleum

Resting place of revolutionary leader Che Guevara in Santa Clara.

Gulf of Batabanó

A shallow gulf on the southwestern coast of Cuba, known for sponge fishing and lobster catching.

Viñales Valley

A lush valley featuring unique limestone karst formations called mogotes.

Cayo Coco

An idyllic island known for its all-inclusive resorts.

Gulf of Guacanayabo

The largest bay on the southern coast of Cuba, where the country's longest river, the Cauto River, flows.