Matanzas

The first thing one should mention about second largest Matanzas province of Cuba is simply Varadero. Everything about this province evolves in between few main cities, Matanzas (the capital), Cárdenas and of course Varadero, a 24 kilometers of excellent beaches linked to caves, virgin keys and transparent waters. Because of the best and most popular beaches and hotels concentrated in this province, it is by far the most visited Cuban province of all and the most attractive and known to tourists all over the world. Matanzas is so well known because of one of the world's best, whitest sandy Varadero Beach , located on the Hicacos Peninsula , and the Bay of Pigs , located on southern coast and known for US planned invasion in 1961 to overthrow Communist regime of Fidel Castro that turned out unsuccessful since Cuban armed forces ended it in only 72 hours.

Matanzas province is also best industrialized of all Cuban provinces with sugarcane and henequen as major crops. Is is mainly flat with highest point (Pan de Matanzas) of 380 meters above sea level. The population of Matanzas province is about 650,000 people most of who are in the tourism industry. Another important factor for Matanzas being so popular location for just about any tourist is distance of only 100 kilometers from Cuba 's capital, Havana . The other popular name for Matanzas is Venice of Cuba because of its many bridges and bays. All the national attractions helped the tourism industry in having produces many night clubs, golf courses, restaurants and scuba diving areas mostly located around Varadero area.

Cárdenas , another well known Matanza's city is called ‘the city of carriages and horses'.

To the south of the province, in the Zapata Peninsula , is located the Montemar Grand Natural Park , one of the continent best preserved ecosystems with a huge variety of bird species, reptiles, mammals etc. The most southern area of Matanzas province is covered with flooded caves and one of the largest in the country, Los Peces, is here.

Photo of Matanzas:

Matanzas

Matanzas , the capital of province, with about 250,000 people is a home to lots of famous Cuban artists and musicians and is Cuba 's very important cultural center. Matanzas city reflects the African culture with many music groups and cabildos. It has many museums and galleries just like any other bigger Cuban city. Playa Girón museum is a journey through the last forty years of the Revolution. The Pharmaceutical museum is a special one because it is the only pharmacy (founded in 1882) that preserved the original instruments, furniture and recipes.

The city itself was the site of a vicious US biowar attack in 1997 which had long lasting effects on the output of crops grown. Matanzas has a port with deep harbor and is a huge exporter of sugar, fruits and sisal. The tourists usually stop over in Matanzas to explore the picturesque Yumurí River valley and the caves of Bellamar, famous for their calcite crystal formations.

Chances are, if you are first time visitor to Cuba , you will definitely be recommended by any tourist agent to go to Matanzas province, simply because of Varadero beaches, idyllic places, fish, corals, exotic birds, landscapes, palm trees and lots of sun, rum and fun.

Photo of Matanzas Catedral:

PINAR DEL RIO
HAVANA
ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD
MATANZAS
CIENFUEGOS
VILLA CLARA
SANCTI SPIRITUS
CIEGO DE AVILA
CAMAGUEY
LAS TUNAS
GRANMA
HOLGUIN
SANTIAGO DE CUBA
GUANTANAMO

Photo of Matanzas Cuba: