Speleolacustrine Trail, Zapata Swamp. Cuba

• Zapata Swamp, Matanzas. Cuba
• Daily
• Destination: Zapata Swamp

Rating Speleolacustrine Trail

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This system—which contains many different geographic features and kinds of vegetation—is a natural environment of singular beauty and great scenic interest. It consists of karst lakes and dozens of flooded caves which extend for more than 18.6 miles (30 kilometers), from Playa Larga to Caleta El Toro. These caves include some of the deepest ones in the country, with depths of as much as 230 feet (70 meters). Various species of flora and fauna are associated with this system: Woodpeckers, Parrots (Amazona leucocephala), Cuban Parakeets (Aratinga euops), Hawks, Cuban Trogons (Priotelus temnurus), Emerald Hummingbirds (Chlorostilbon recordii) and many other species. One of the trails goes from Cueva de los Peces to Punta Perdiz; another goes from Caleta Buena to Bermeja. INCLUDES Visit to the speleolacustrine system Observation of flora and fauna, including species of birds that are endemic to this area Specialized guide, snack and lunch in a restaurant in the area General Information Capacity:24 people Duration:3 hours Category: Hiking and swimming in flooded caves Recommendations: Bring comfortable shoes (boots for hikings, and sandals) and a swinsuite

Speleolacustrine Trail Map

Speleolacustrine Trail is located in Zapata Swamp

The Zapata Peninsula, one of the most important ecosystems in Cuba and the largest swamp reserve in the Caribbean, is situated in southern Matanzas. It features exceptional species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic.

The Montemar Great Natural Park is located in the peninsula. Here, you will find beaches, woods, mangrove swamps, rivers, lakes, flooded caves that open on the sea, natural pools and a seabed of particular beauty. In short, it is an ideal place for day and night scuba diving by both beginners and experienced divers, including the exploration of marine caves., One of the park's main attractions is its cave system, which extends along the coast for 70 km (over 43 miles). The roof of some of these caverns has caved in, turning them into semicircular lakes called "cenotes". The park is also an excellent place to go hiking, horseback riding and boating. In addition, many animals live here, and the international flyways of several kinds of birds go over the park, so you can see both native and migratory species. While in you are in the area, Guamá -a restored Taino Indian village on Laguna del Tesoro (Treasure Lake)-, the crocodile-breeding center and the Playa Girón (Bay of Pigs) Museum are musts.