Cienaga De Zapata: Nature, Lagoons and Taíno Culture

In the Ciénaga de Zapata, lagoons, forests and coastal habitats come together. The biosphere reserve covers 628,171 hectares and encompasses a wide variety of landscapes. Grasslands and mangrove forests are joined by Ciénaga forest, semi-evergreen forests, and evergreen coastal and near-coastal forests. There is also matorral vegetation, coral reefs and coastal lagoons. Those interested in the region’s nature will find not just one type of landscape, but a diverse mosaic.

Laguna del Tesoro and the landscape

Laguna del Tesoro is a natural lake covering 9.0 square kilometers, with an average depth of four meters. Vegetation considered pristine surrounds the lake, and its waters are home to numerous trout. These dimensions and features give the name Laguna del Tesoro a concrete sense of place: the focus is on the water and the surrounding nature, rather than on a single attraction. The Salinas de Brito, the natural basin of Caleta Buena, the cenotes between Playa Larga and Playa Girón, and the Santo Tomás International Wildlife Refuge are also associated with the Ciénaga de Zapata.

Within the wider destination of Matanzas, the Ciénaga de Zapata is classified as a nature park, biosphere reserve and Ramsar site; it is considered the largest wetland in the insular Caribbean. The Ciénaga is also a refuge for the Cuban crocodile. The manjuarí also lives in its freshwater, while manatees are found in its marine waters. Within the wider destination of Matanzas, the Ciénaga de Zapata is considered the largest wetland in the insular Caribbean and is classified as a nature park, biosphere reserve and Ramsar site.

Experience wildlife and culture

A replica Taíno village is located at the tourist center of Guamá on Laguna del Tesoro. Numerous life-size sculptures by artist Rita Longa depict Indigenous people engaged in everyday activities. Alongside the waterways and habitats, this offers a cultural perspective: the sculptures focus on scenes from daily life and add another dimension to discovering the nature region.

The Criadero de Cocodrilos was established in 1962 to protect the species. Visitors can photograph crocodiles of different sizes; check in advance whether visits are currently possible. A motorboat trip on the Río Hatiguanico covers 14 kilometers and includes a first photo session. If you are planning this experience, check current availability. Of the many trails in the Ciénaga de Zapata, El Enigma de las Rocas is particularly notable.

Choose the right vacation rental for your trip

When choosing a vacation rental, it is worth deciding on your priorities in advance: are you especially interested in the lagoon and its landscape, in wildlife and protected areas, or in the culture around Guamá? You may also want to plan a motorboat trip. Compare your accommodation’s exact location with the places and experiences you want to visit. This will help you weigh your interests in nature and culture and choose accommodation that suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Playa Girón, Varadero.

Return to the main travel overview: Matanzas.