On a small plot of land located in the northwest province of Matanzas, hiding just beyond the famous white sandy beaches and luxurious hotels of the city of Varaderois the captivating Varahicacos Ecological Reserve.
A protected site since 1974 due to its unforgettable natural beauty, this ecological masterpiece provides an opportunity to encounter scrub forests, ancient burial plots, an ancient cave with pictographs and squeaking bats, as well as the lands oldest resident; a 600-year-old cactus.
The 20-foot tall El Patriarca Cactus, thought to be Cuba’s oldest living organism dating back to the arrival of Christoper Columbus, is not the only marvel proving to have stood the test of time, with 2000-year-old paintings and pictographs on the walls of the Cueva de Ambrosia cave located at the site, ready to be discovered. You will share the space with much of Cuba’s vibrant range of wildlife as you explore all the beauty on offer when taking the trek through time to discover ancient archaeological sites and gaze upon the beauty of the past.
Cuban Curly Tail Lizard
The reserve maintains a warm subtropical temperature with the added coastal breeze bringing a fresh touch to the environment. This subtropical climate found within the reserve allows for an endemic animal and plant species not seen elsewhere on the island, such as tall El Patriarca and the curious Lagartija de las Arenas – better known as the Cuban Curly Tail Lizard. The stunning and subtropical environment creating a world of its own within the reserve has allowed for specific wildlife to inhabit its grounds. Extraordinary wildlife both up high, such as the Frailecillo Silbador (Piping Plover) birds, and down low, such as the Majá de Santa Maria boas, inhabit the area. If you are able to spot them, however, be careful as these animals are marked as endangered!
Piping Plover
Feeling adventurous? Take shelter from the warm Cuban sun as you step inside the historical Cueva de Ambrosio cave. Take your time as you make your way through the cave taking in the natural structure within, where the sunlight pierces through the ceiling to create a magical scene. Look closely at the walls to discover history right before your eyes. Look back through time at the cave drawings left behind by Indigenous cultures of years past, depicting geometric shapes and figures of humans, animals, and stories of their time. A popular hiding spot for pirates for hundreds of years, the tales that occurred within these walls live on through the wall pictographs and magical ambiance still there today. You won’t be alone during your discoveries as the cave, however, as it is still inhabited by hundreds of harmless fruit bags, providing more opportunities to seek out Cuban wildlife.
Cueva de Ambrosio cave
If adventure is on your holiday bucket list, with a side of natural beauty standing for hundreds of years, captivating diverse habitats, colourful and exotic wildlife and pieces of untouched history, then exploring the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve is a must. It’s no wonder this plot of land has been a preserved area for almost 50 years with its undeniable and unforgettable beauty, and so close to the famous city of Varadero, your adventure starts here!
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Click here for more info on Cuba holidays, Multi Centre Cuba Holidays, or Tailor Made Cuba Holidays – please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of Cuba holiday specialists on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com.
