Three major tourist complexes, each one a completely diferent option, make the western Matanzas province a special destination for international tourism.

Matanzas City has been distinctly called the Athenas of Cuba, in consideration of the many poets that were born and lived here, and also the Cuban Venice, due to its nuemrous bridges over the Yumurí and San Juan rivers that allow for the circulation of pedestrians and vehicles. This quiet city that stretches along the edge of a huge bay invites visitors to come and see its rich cultural wealth.

On the long and narrow Hicacos peninsula, east of the city Varadero, the most famous Cuban beach resort. To the south the Zapata Peninsula is a true paradise for those who love nature tourism, which can also be practiced at other Matanzas regions like the Yumurí Valley and the Canímar riverbank.

For more pleasant stay we recommend to visist:

The Bacunayagua Bridge: The highest bridge in

Cuba (one hundred and ten meters high), Bacunayagua is considered a true jewel of local engineering. From the bridge one can enjoy the most wonderful view of the Yumurí Valley, one of the most attractive landscapes in the Cuban contryside.

Plaza de la Vigía: The city's founding site and first urban core. Several important buildings, like Teatri Sauto, The Palacio del Junco Museum and the Fire Department surround the square.

Plaza de la Libertad: The city's second colonial arms square, surrounded by the Sala White, a concert hall built in honor famous Black violinist José White, the Triolet Pharmaceutical Museum; and the House of Goverment, the latter founded in 1853.

Ermita de Monserrat: Inspired after the temple of the same name in Catalonia, Spain. It comands a marvelous view of the city and the Yumurí Valley.

Castillo de San Severino : For its size it is one of the most remarkable Spanish fortresses in America. Located on the western side of the Matanzas bay, it was built in 1734.

The Bellamar Caves : On the outskirts of Matanzas City, its more than 28 explored galleries treasure giant mural paintings, fossil remains, and evidences of the communities that inhabited the place about 1600 years ago.

Triunvirato Ruins: The place where the biggest uprising by African slaves that ever occurred in Cuba took place, in 1843. The ruins of a sugar mill and those of the houses where the mill's owners lived have been preserved here.

The Zapata Peninsula: The largest and most well-preserved marsh in the Caribbean. Seventy percent of the total area has been classified as a National Park and a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO. The Guamá Taíno Village (Taínos were one of the Indian tribes that inhabited Cuba before the conquistadors arrived), Laguna del Tesoro (Treasure Lake), the Santo Tomás and La Salina fauna reserve, and the History Museum at Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs) are some of the most interesting places to visit here.

Cárdenas City: Founded on March 8th, 1828 and also known as the Flag City for it was here, exactly atop the Dominica Hotel, still standing today, here the national flag was hoisted for the first time on May 19th, 1850.