Varadero, Cuba is known as a beach resort, but there’s so much more to this Caribbean country than tanning and sitting by the pool. Instead of doing the typical tourist stuff, you should explore the mysterious caves, check out the ancient rock art, and walk on the empty beaches. It’s the perfect place to honeymoon and here are just four of the many things you can do in Varadero.
See History on the Beaches
One of the main reasons people decide to vacation in Varadero is for the beaches as it’s the largest resort in the Caribbean. But, there are areas of the coast where you can relax in the white sands and blue waters without tons of people around you. You can even look at the abandoned mansions that date back before the revolution.
Explore Reserva Ecológica Varahicacos
The small reserve is situated on the eastern tip of the Hicacos Peninsula and you’ll get a glimpse of what Varadero was like before developers took over. Be sure to check out the plant species as well as the giant 500-year-old cactus called El Patriarca. You’ll get to choose between three trails where you can see the remains of a 2500-year-old human remains that were found in 1985 as well as drawings by the ancient Siboney culture found in the caves.
Enter Cuevas de Bellamar (Bellamar Caves)
The oldest tourist attraction in Cuba, made over 300,000 years ago, the caves are two-miles and feature crystalline domes and stalagmites and stalactites. Be aware that it’s really humid, as there’s constant dripping of water that seeps from the caves’ inner walls.
Visit the Cayes
If you’re looking to get away from tourists, but still experience the sea and tropical weather, the cayes to the east of the peninsula allows you to do so. The Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Ensenachos, and Cayo Las Brujas are home to bird nesting sites and the Cayo Guillermo has the largest flamingo population.
