“TO CIENAGA DE ZAPATA“ Tour

“TO CIENAGA DE ZAPATA“ Tour

The Zapata Swamp is a vast wetland located in southwestern Cuba, known for its unique natural beauty and rich biodiversity. With an extension of more than 6,000 square kilometers, it constitutes one of the most important and best preserved ecosystems on the island. This unique landscape, formed by a series of lagoons, rivers, swamps and flooded forests, is home to an enormous variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic and endangered. Within the Zapata Swamp are important conservation areas, such as the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, which is home to both terrestrial and aquatic species. Birds such as the zapata rail, an endemic and rare type of bird, and the Cuban crocodile, one of the most emblematic species of the place, stand out. This ecosystem is also vital for diverse migratory species that stop over in its waters and wetlands.

In addition to its ecological value, the Zapata Swamp has great historical and cultural relevance. It was in its territories that the failed invasion by Cuban exiles took place in 1961, an event that is remembered as the “Bay of Pigs Invasion”. The region has also been the scene of a rich tradition of fishing, agriculture and ways of life that have remained unchanged over time. The Zapata Swamp remains a symbol of resilience and conservation. As environmental threats and climate change endanger its fragile ecosystems, preservation efforts have intensified, seeking to ensure that this wonderful landscape continues to be a refuge for Cuban biodiversity and a legacy for future generations.

Services included in the tour:

• Pick up at the client's hotel or rental house at the indicated time.
• Round trip transfer service by car, classic car or microbus (all with air conditioning) on the route from Havana to Ciénaga de Zapata with time available to customers for a total of up to 10 hours.
• The clients can choose according to their own interests, the places of tourist, social and local interest in Ciénaga de Zapata.
• Professional driver with general information service in Spanish, with the possibility of basic communication in English.
• Fuel service for the whole program.
• Clients can transport up to one 50-pound suitcase and one personal item.
• At the end of the afternoon, return trip to Havana (Note: at the clients' choice, they can do the whole excursion and finish in the area of Ciénaga de Zapata if they plan to stay in that destination for several days).

Services not included in the tour:

• Entrance fees to sites of tourist interest to be visited by clients.
• Lunch services (meals, drinks and snacks) in local restaurants.
• Local tour guide service at the sites of interest.
• Other services such as souvenir sales, excursions and local tours, etc.
• Gratuities and tips.
• General travel and health insurance, always in charge of the clients, which must be contracted with international insurance companies before arrival in Cuba.

Important information:

• Departure days of the tour: DAILY.
• Types of cars available for the tour: Cars: 1-3 pax / Classic American cars: 1-3 pax / Minibus: 4-15 pax.
• Distance traveled by car on the tour (round trip): Approximately 425 kms.
• Approximate duration of the tour by car (round trip): 5.55 hours approx.
• Time of end of the tour and beginning of the return trip to Havana: 16.00 hrs.
• Pick up point: Client's place of lodging (rental house or hotel).
• Important note: Entrance fees to museums, sites of interest and tourist attractions, restaurants (meals), bars (drinks) and tips, among others, are not included in the price of the tour and require an extra charge to be decided by the clients.