Matanzas

Cárdenas

Colón

Jagüey Grande

Jovellanos

Unión de Reyes

Pedro Betancourt

Limonar

Perico

Calimete

Martí

Los Arabos

Varadero

Campo Florido

Bolondrón

Alacranes

Australia

Stretching along the Hicacos Peninsula on Cuba’s northern coast, Playa Varadero is the country’s most famous beach and one of the Caribbean’s premier seaside destinations. With 20 kilometers of powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s a postcard-perfect paradise that attracts visitors from around the world.

Varadero began as a small fishing village in the 19th century. By the early 20th century, it was discovered by wealthy Cuban and international elites, who built elegant villas along the coast. Over the decades, Varadero transformed into Cuba’s top resort hub, offering a mix of luxury hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and eco-friendly areas, while still retaining pockets of natural beauty.

Interesting Facts
- The beach is part of the Hicacos Peninsula Natural Reserve, home to mangroves, caves, and the ruins of a saltworks once used by pre-Columbian indigenous peoples.
- The sand is incredibly fine and soft due to natural coral erosion over thousands of years.
- Varadero is sometimes called “Blue Beach” (Playa Azul) for its dazzling waters.
- Beyond the beach, Varadero is famous for scuba diving and snorkeling, with more than 30 dive sites nearby, including coral reefs and shipwrecks.
- Celebrities and historic figures such as Al Capone once vacationed in Varadero, adding a touch of intrigue to its past.

Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: November to April offers the sunniest weather and lower humidity.
- Activities: Swim, snorkel, dive, go sailing, or take a catamaran tour to nearby Cayo Blanco. For adventure, explore Saturno Cave, with its underground pools.
- Culture & Excursions: Take a day trip to Matanzas city, known as the “Athens of Cuba,” or explore Havana, just two hours away.
- Family Friendly: Calm, shallow waters and soft sands make it ideal for families with children.
- Local Flavor: Enjoy fresh seafood and Cuban specialties in Varadero town, away from the resorts.

El Nicho waterfalls are located near the town of Cienfuegos, in the province of Matanzas, Cuba. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy its natural beauty and take a dip in its crystal-clear pools. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush vegetation, including palm trees and tropical plants, and offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains.

El Nicho is actually a series of waterfalls and pools, cascading down the hillside into a series of pools. The largest waterfall is approximately 20 meters high, while the smaller ones range from 4 to 8 meters. The water is fed by a spring located higher up on the mountain, and is pure and clean, making it an ideal place for swimming and exploring.

There are several trails leading to the waterfalls, some of which are easy to navigate, while others are more challenging. The trails offer great opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, as well as for exploring the surrounding flora and fauna.

Visitors to El Nicho are advised to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat, as well as to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails. There are also several picnic areas and restaurants located nearby, providing a perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal after a day of exploring the waterfalls.

El nicho waterfalls

Cuba