Cuba’s Wilderness In Zapata Peninsula

Nature lovers trying to spot some exotic wildlife will travel to the rich Zapata peninsula, a haven for many birds and animal species, and also home to the tragically famous Bay of Pigs. The main access town for this area is Jagüey Grande, home to the world’s largest citrus production facilities, covering over 40,000ha.

The peninsula, named for its shoe-shape (zapato means shoe in Spanish), is an enormous swamp which has served as a refuge for years, forst to the indigenous Taino people, then for buccanners and charcoal makers, before being declared a UNESCO Bioshpere Reserve. It is now known as the Gran Parque Natural Montemar.

Only slightly above sea level, the peninsula is regularly flooded, and its narrow canals are better seen from the air, connecting various lagoons with the sea. This destination is a true paradise for bird lovers, who will revel in the plethora and variety of birds. Over 190 species call the Zapata peninsula home, ranging from Cuba’s most famous species such as the bee hummingbird or Cuban parakeet, to species unique to the swamp, among which the Zapata wren and rail.

The best place to organize your bird watching trip is from Santo Tomas village, where you will find local guides that will take you along the trails of the reserve. From October to April, the peninsula also houses numerous migrating species from North America. To witness spectacular scenery, make the journey to Las Salinas, where you will be able to observe flamingos swooping across lagoons and crocodiles meandering out across the dirt roads.

For water birds and tropical fish, head out to Playa Larga, and take the road that leads to the Bahia de los Cochinos, one of Cuba’s most famous beaches, where wide canals houses an incredible variety of species of water birds including coots, gallinules, ducks, herons, ospreys, jacanas, peregrine falcons and many more.

By: Hortense Soulier

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This guide to Zapata peninsula was written by a Cuba travel expert at Cuba For Less available to help you custom design your exciting and adventurous Cuba vacations.