The Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve covers 628,171 hectares and defines Cienaga De Zapata’s connection to nature. The reserve combines many habitat types with a refuge for the Cuban crocodile; Laguna del Tesoro adds a lake with specific measurements to this picture.

Landscape and Wildlife

The biosphere reserve includes grasslands, mangrove forests, Ciénaga forest, semi-evergreen forests, and evergreen coastal and near-coastal forests. It also includes coastal and near-coastal scrub vegetation, coral reefs, and coastal lagoons. Its range thus extends from forest and grassland types to coastal and marine habitats. The Ciénaga de Zapata is considered a refuge for the Cuban crocodile. In the Matanzas destination, the Ciénaga de Zapata is considered the largest wetland in the island Caribbean; it is a nature park, biosphere reserve, and Ramsar site.

One specific natural feature is Laguna del Tesoro: it is a natural lake with an area of 9.0 km² and an average depth of 4 m. Vegetation considered untouched surrounds the lake, and its waters are home to numerous trout. While the biosphere reserve encompasses many habitat types, Laguna del Tesoro places a particular focus on a specific body of water.

Also associated with the Ciénaga de Zapata are the Salinas de Brito, the natural basin of Caleta Buena, cenotes between Playa Larga and Playa Girón, and the Santo Tomás International Wildlife Refuge.

Guamá and Cultural Connections

At the tourist center of Guamá on Laguna del Tesoro is a replica of a Taíno village. Numerous life-size sculptures by artist Rita Longa depict Indigenous people going about everyday activities. The wider Matanzas destination is home to 30 archaeological sites attributed to the Ciénaga de Zapata. Rita Longa designed the entire Taíno village of Guamá.

Trails, River Excursion, and Conservation History

Among the many trails in the Ciénaga de Zapata, El Enigma de las Rocas is particularly noteworthy. A 14-kilometer motorboat excursion is associated with the Río Hatiguanico, during which an initial series of photographs is taken. If you would like to plan a motorboat trip, check its availability before your trip.

The Criadero de Cocodrilos was established in 1962 to protect the species; visitors can photograph crocodiles of different sizes there. Before visiting El Enigma de las Rocas, check the current access conditions in advance.

If you are looking for a vacation rental in Cienaga De Zapata, choosing a focus can help you assess the destination in light of your interests: are wetlands and wildlife your main priorities, or are you also interested in cultural and archaeological connections? This way, you can first decide which themes you want to shape your stay, and then review a specific accommodation offer.

Discover more destinations: Playa Girón, Varadero.

For the overview of the wider destination: Matanzas.