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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
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.
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The
Bellamar Caves
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.
You
can book this half day excursion at the tourist desk in your
Varadero hotel for about 30 cuc pp |
