| Whilst many visitors on their Cuba holidays are more | | | | located in Cuba's Matanzas Province, which is best |
| than content to lie on the warm, sandy beaches of | | | | known as the region where The Bay of Pigs Invasion |
| Varadero and make the most of the various | | | | took place. The Cienaga De Zapata nature reserve, |
| all-inclusive cocktail bars offered at their luxury Cuban | | | | located in this area, is the only place in the world that |
| hotels, there is also plenty to explore in the | | | | you can spot the rare bee hummingbird. On your |
| surrounding area for the more active tourist. | | | | Cuba holiday, joining a bird-watching tour is your best |
| One of the main attractions of Varadero is the | | | | bet of spotting one of these elusive birds. This is |
| stunning caves that make up the region, of which the | | | | because the qualified guides, that lead the tours, not |
| most popular are the Bellamar Caves, featuring | | | | only know all the signs to watch out for, but also the |
| stalagmite formations and carsick crystals. But whilst | | | | most popular nesting areas in the national park. As |
| these natural elements may both be considered | | | | well as bee hummingbirds, a tour of the Cienaga De |
| breathtaking, what really sets the Bellamar Caves | | | | Zapata National Park will give you the opportunity to |
| apart from any other are the painted frescoes on | | | | spot native birds, such as the Cuban crow and the |
| the cave walls. These, along with the fossilised | | | | Neotropical Cormorant. This National Park is |
| remains, show evidence that they were inhabited | | | | considered by many avid ornithologists to be the |
| many years ago. | | | | best place in the world for bird-watching, and as such |
| The Delfinario is definitely worth visiting on your Cuba | | | | the guides who work in the area are passionate |
| holidays, particularly if you plan on travelling with | | | | about what they do. Many of them can even |
| young children. This venue is both the place to go to | | | | emulate the cries and catcalls of numerous Cuban |
| swim with dolphins and to attend one of the | | | | birds, which is definitely worth seeing on your |
| world-famous dolphin shows. The dolphins are kept in | | | | holidays in Cuba. |
| a natural fresh-water lagoon and approach their | | | | Located a short walk away from Cienaga De Zapata |
| keeper when they want to appear in the show, and | | | | is the Criadero Cocodrillo Centre; the largest crocodile |
| not vice-versa. Whilst adults can enjoy a couple of | | | | centre in Cuba. Criadero has been instrumental in the |
| hours swimming with these playful porpoises, smaller | | | | breeding of the Cuban crocodile, a crocodile, which is |
| children can be carried into the water in life-jackets | | | | currently only found in the wild at the Cienaga De |
| for photographs. | | | | Zapata Swamps. Holding one of the centre's baby |
| However, the highlight of Varadero is definitely the | | | | crocodiles is both a rare and thrilling privilege, which |
| native flora and fauna of the area. Varadero is | | | | will provide the perfect ending to your Cuba holiday. |