Rent a car in Ciénaga de Zapata Cuba

The Zapata Swamp is a swampy ecosystem, located on the homonymous peninsula, belonging to the province of Matanzas in Cuba. It is the largest wetland in the insular Caribbean with an approximate area of 300 thousand hectares. Landscapes of low, marshy and semi-swampy plains predominate there, on peaty deposits and limestone rocks, with hydromorphic soils and natural savanna vegetation of high aesthetic and landscape value, such as Laguna del Tesoro and the Hatiguanico River basin, the main river artery of the area, as well as Playa Larga and Playa Girón. ​As a whole, the vegetation of the Zapata Swamp constitutes one of the most important green areas in Cuba and, due to the species of flora and fauna it houses, it represents a place of global interest. Altogether, more than one hundred species of birds endemic to Cuba have been observed, including the zunzuncito, marsh goat, long-tailed hawk, catey, parrots and the partridge dove, of which large concentrations form throughout the year.2 The area is a natural refuge for thousands of migratory birds from North America. Considered one of the most important areas of Cuba as a bird greenhouse, it has the Salinas de Brito, an important refuge with high concentrations of aquatic birds, such as sevilles, herons, flamingos and cranes. During the winter months more than 65 species of birds coincide. There are sixteen species of reptiles, among which the Cuban and American crocodiles, iguanas, lizards, majaes and several types of frogs stand out.

Matanzas

Matanzas is located bordering the bay of the same name, located about 100 km east of Havana and 40 km west of Varadero. It is located in an eminently flat region. Due to its cultural and literary development, Matanzas is also known as the Athens of Cuba. Matanzas is the second largest province in Cuba behind Havana and one of the provinces that has contributed the most to the economic development of the island. It is located in the western region of Cuba and, except for the highlands in the northwest and center of the province, the entire surface of Matanzas is flat. With a tropical climate almost all year round, it attracts many tourists who come in search of sun and beach, since Matanzas contains one of the most precious pearls of Cuba, Varadero. The jewel of Matanzas, the one that brings the most fame to the province, is the sparkling city of Varadero, with its endless stretch of beaches, its overwhelming hotel chains and its luxurious lifestyle. However, Matanzas has many beautiful places that do not detract from its side.