Description

One of the most important natural ecosystems in Latin America is the Peninsula de Zapata. Considered the largest wetland in the Caribbean, this swamp is part of the province of Matanzas. Just two hours from Havana, many tourists miss the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the island. Something that has a very easy solution with our Peninsula de Zapata guided tour

Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, the Península de Zapata is home to an endemic life that makes it vital in maintaining the country’s natural balance and is one of its main freshwater reservoirs. The swamp is characterized by its low plains, its swamps and its limestone rock reserves and among its main sites are Playa Larga and Playa Girón.

A bit of history

The first settlements in the area during the colonial period suffered a lot from the siege of the pirates, so a large community never developed. Already during the Republican stage the inhabitants of the Ciénaga de Zapata were coal workers and fishermen, the main trades of the area, and it was characterized as a high poverty zone.

Historically, the swamp is recognized for the Bay of Pigs invasion (also called “batalla Girón”) in 1961, an event that took place mainly on Girón beach.

Surrounded by nature

The huge mangroves typical of this area, essential for the protection of the coasts, are home to an enormous amount of animals that reach the figures of 258 species of birds, 43 types of reptiles and 15 of mammals. Among this high number are 5 endemic species of the area and 16 in danger of extinction, so the maintenance of this reserve is crucial.

Our Zapata Peninsula tour is a must-do for bird lovers. You can make excursions in the area that will allow them to observe endemic species such as the ferminia and the chicken hen of Santo Tomás and other well-known birds such as the zunzún, the hawk colilargo, the catey, the cabrerito of the swamp and the partridge dove.

Due to its position and natural resources, the swamp is a key point in the migration of hundreds of birds from North America and has a seawater population, including herons, flamingos and cranes.

One of the main bird observation points are the Brito salt flats, a perfect natural site for the refuge and feeding of around 65 bird species, during their migration.

The lagoons of the Zapata Peninsula are home to the manatee and the manjuarí, endangered and highly protected species in the area. A visit to the swamp is, without a doubt, the encounter with a unique fauna on the island of Cuba.

Activities

Known as one of the main places of visit for nature tourism in the region, the Ciénaga de Zapata has beaches full of coral reefs and underwater caverns, ideal for diving and snorkeling.

The area has been conditioned in recent decades to receive visitors so it is very easy to find places to rent the necessary equipment for these activities.

The cenotes that characterize this natural zone are ideal for hiking, boating, cycling and horseback riding. In addition, due to their natural characteristics they are perfect to learn how to dive and practice fish watching. Among the most famous is the so-called Fish Cave, with a depth of 70 meters and an extensive marine life.

From its beaches and cenotes, to its swamps full of animals, the Zapata area is an essential natural visiting site. Its main river is the Hatiguanico, flanked by forests and mangroves, with an extension of 29 kilometers. In this river you can practice sport fishing, with techniques that guarantee that the species captured and then released do not suffer damages in the process. Fishes such as bass and tarpon are of the main species found here.

Another important point in the Zapata peninsula tour is the exquisite food of the area. Futher the typical Cuban food, Ciénaga de Zapata provides a great variety of seafood as well as the opportunity to taste crocodile meat. All food in this area is fresh and meets the necessary regulations for fishing and animal husbandry in a protected natural reserve.

Booking

As this is a tailor-made service, please use the following contact form to submit your tour's request.

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