Cienaga De Zapata – Natural Area and Taíno Village

Cienaga De Zapata has a strong connection to nature and landscape. The Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve covers 628,171 ha. If you are looking for hotels for a trip here, this focus offers a thematic guide. Consider which natural sites or activities you would like to include in your trip; the examples differ considerably in character.

A biosphere reserve with diverse habitats

The reserve includes grassland, mangrove forests, cienaga forest, semi-evergreen forests, and evergreen coastal and subcoastal forests. Coastal and subcoastal matorral vegetation, coral reefs, and coastal lagoons are also represented. This natural area therefore encompasses open spaces, several types of forest, and coastal habitats. For orientation, the themes can be broadly distinguished: grassland and forests sit alongside matorral, reefs, and lagoons, so both inland and coastal areas shape the character of the region.

Laguna del Tesoro

Laguna del Tesoro is a natural lake with an area of 9.0 km² and an average depth of 4 m. These figures describe different characteristics: the area indicates its extent, while the average depth is an average, not a depth that is the same everywhere. The surrounding vegetation is considered untouched, and the lake is home to numerous trout. Both the lake’s surroundings and its trout are among the lagoon’s features.

Cuban crocodile and Taíno village

The Ciénaga de Zapata is considered a refuge for the Cuban crocodile. The Criadero de Cocodrilos is also connected with species protection: it was established in 1962 to protect the species. Crocodiles of various sizes can be photographed there. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Next to the tourist center of Guamá, on Laguna del Tesoro, is a replica of a Taíno village. It includes numerous life-size sculptures by Rita Longa depicting Indigenous people engaged in everyday activities. The village and figures add a cultural dimension alongside the natural and wildlife attractions. The everyday scenes depicted give this place its own distinct focus within the destination.

More nature-related highlights and activities

Other places associated with the Ciénaga de Zapata include the Salinas de Brito, the natural pool of Caleta Buena, cenotes between Playa Larga and Playa Girón, and the Santo Tomás International Wildlife Refuge. These names represent different nature-related themes: salt flats, a pool, and cenotes, as well as a wildlife refuge. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you are especially interested in landforms or wildlife protection.

El Enigma de las Rocas is particularly notable among the many trails of the Ciénaga de Zapata. A 14-kilometer motorboat trip on the Río Hatiguanico is accompanied by an initial photo session. A named trail and a river trip thus offer different nature experiences. If you plan to take the motorboat trip, check in advance whether it is currently available.

Discover more destinations: Playa Girón, Varadero.

Go to the main travel overview: Matanzas.