The Best Travel Guide to Varadero (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Varadero

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Caribbean Cuba Varadero

Overview

Varadero The guide was updated: 2024-09-11

Cuba's quintessential holiday destination is steadily regaining former glory, striding forward to the future where it will once again rank among the finest beach resorts in the Caribbean. Varadero is far from a synthetic vacationer theme park some hold it for - the town is home to nearly 20,000 Cubans and exudes local flavour despite being primarily known for its first-class luxury hotels.

Facts

Population:	27,170 (2010 — latest estimate)
Currency:	For many years, there were two currencies in simultaneous circulation. The Cuban Peso (CUP, or MN — moneda nacional) was used exclusively by Cubans, while the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was used by foreigners. In 2020, the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was eliminated. Only the Cuban Peso (CUP) remains in use.
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police 106 Ambulance 104 Fire 105
Newspapers:	Granma (also in English) Juventud Rebelde Trabajadores (also in English)
Opening hours:	Opening hours for many Cuban businesses vary and may not be strictly enforced. As a general rule, most locations operate Monday through Saturday, from around 9am to 5pm (shorter hours on Saturday).
Tourist information:	Infotur Calle 13, Varadero (next to Hotel Acuazul)

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Section in Varadero

Although crisp white-sand beaches are Varadero's main draw, the resort town's appeal extends far beyond those alone. Underneath the cerulean waters lie endless marine treasures, from natural sea fauna to an artificially created underwater marine park of sorts (Cayo Piedras del Norte), with (intentionally) sunken vessels and aircraft waiting to be explored by divers and/or glass-bottom boat passengers. There are a few attractive golf courses in the area, along with several small-town attractions. Some 20km out of town lies the so-called Saturn Cave - a natural grotto filled with water, where diving descents are possible.

Diving & Snorkeling

Diving & Snorkeling

Some of the best snorkeling in the area is to be had at Coral Beach (some 20km west of Varadero), where the underwater world stuns with color and variety. Diving would require you to take about an hour-long boat trip out to one of the many sites around the peninsula. Some reputable local dive centers include: Barracuda Dive Center Retiro Josone, calle 59 y Playa in Varadero (near Arenas Blancas Hotel) +53 45 613481 Acua Diving Center Ave. Kawama 201 (between 2 and 3 Street from Varadero, near Kawama Hotel) +53 45 668063

Ambrosio Cave

Ambrosio Cave

Perhaps the area's most important archaeological site, the Ambrosio Cave contains drawings that date back two millennia, and is a curious attraction for those not threatened by its murky insides (inhabited by dozens of bats and various eerie cavernous creatures).

Museo Municipal de Varadero

Museo Municipal de Varadero

Housed inside a traditional Cuban wood villa, Varadero's Museo Municipal contains period furniture, old home decor items and various exhibits offering visitors insight into the resort town's pre-revolution history and ways of living. Guided tours available.

Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

Varahicacos Ecological Reserve

Сonsider hiking one of the three trails at the rather compact Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, whose major attractions include the Musulmanes Cave (with human remains dating back over 2500 years on display) and the famous 600-year-old cactus (el Patriarca).

Josone Park

Josone Park

A green oasis in Varadero, Josone is a public park with multiple entertainment facilities, such as rental row boats and water bikes, a tourist train circulating around premises, multiple cafes and restaurants, as well as the on-site villa Retiro Josone, which once belonged to a couple of a local rum distillery owners and was expropriated after the revolution.

Parque Central & Iglesia de Santa Elvira

Parque Central & Iglesia de Santa Elvira

One of the areas central to Varadero's town life, the recently re-discovered Parque Central (bordering on another park - Parque de las Taquilas) is perfectly fit for a refreshing stroll through the greenery in the peak of tropical Cuban heat. Nearby lies the small colonial-era church Iglesia de Santa Elvira.

House of Rum

House of Rum

Those interested in learning more about the production process of Cuba's iconic liquor are more than welcome to join a tour of Varadero's House of Rum, during which visitors will get the chance to savour the iconic drink in its many varieties - from the classic dark and light to chocolate and vanilla-flavoured types.

Mansion Xanadu

Mansion Xanadu

Mansion Xanadu is a refined hotel that sits next to a vast, 18-hole golf course. The building itself was once commissioned by a moneyed American entrepreneur, who ordered it be built with the use of top-notch quality materials, such as marble. The mansion was later expropriated by the government, only to become known as the single lavish, Spanish colonial-style hotel in the area.

Marina Gaviota

Marina Gaviota

Marina Gaviota, at the eastern tip of Hicacos Peninsula - reportedly the largest marina in the Caribbean - is now resting in anticipation of the expected influx of American vacationers. It's Plaza Las Morlas shopping mall, waterside cafes and eateries are all set for the grand welcome.

Delfinario

Delfinario

Set on a natural cove, the Varadero Delfinario invites visitors to see the graceful marine mammals up close and even - if they so desire - go for a swim in their company, all at a rather moderate fee. Dolphins are kept in a favourable natural environment of a sea inlet.

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