varahicacos ecological reserve

the ecological reserve is nice to see but it is not something that is a must. you go on a path and see the other varadero. entrance is 5cuc.

The Varahicacos Ecological Reserve is a nice way to spend a couple of hours away from the normal Varadero vacation activities. If you enjoy hikes or nature trails back home this is a must see. Be warned though the trails are not for those with mobility issues. The ground is uneven and covered in sharp rock in places. In certain places the there are deep holes one needs to step over. All that said when we were there a group including a visually impaired gentleman managed just fine. You are given a map when you pay the 5CUC entry fee. I found the map a little confusing and the English translations weren't very good. This would be fine if the signs placed along the trail were clear. Unfortunately these trail signs aren't great either but between them and the map we managed. We brought along some bug spray but found it unnecessary. The reserve features caves, termite mounds, a swamp and lots of lizards and birds. There is a small interpretive display just before you go in as well but the real highlight of a visit is the trail itself. The kiosk at the start of the trail sells beer and soft drinks. There appears to have been a souvenir shop building here at one point but as of March 2015 it is closed. You can exit t he trail onto the highway if you wish but we found it just as easy to go back to the start and catch the beach bus that stops right in front. The Cueva Ambrosio is 700-900 metres further down the highway towards Varadero. It is worth a visit as well.

Worth a walk around this park, looking at ancient caves and cacti. Underfoot there are many sharp rocks and holes in the ground, so be watchful.

Not as good as last time we visited 3 years ago as there seemed to be fewer lizards and birds (perhaps over-visited over the last few years)Not suitable for anyone who has walking difficulties or wearing flip flops as the path has big holes in it and the rock underfoot is very uneven and sharp in places.

Walked from our hotel, it is very low key, but if you like nature worth the trip. The full walk takes up to one and a half hours, but fairly easy. Bird life, rock formations, caves, iguana, mangrove. Only negative, the exit is straight onto the auto pista and difficult to get back to the hotel, a couple of Cubans kindly gave us a lift!

For 5 CUC/person you will get an access to the nature path and a rough map to follow it. There is some nice educational text and the map explaining some flora and fauna action :) There are caves on the way which were very interesting! We selected to get there, because it was too windy to stay at the pool/beach and it was a refreshing choice. We really enjoy hiking so this was a good choice for us to spend few hours By seeing the Cuban "woods".

We enjoyed the walk and the cave. It is only a 10 minutes walk from the Paradisus Resort & Spa we stayed at. Kids will enjoy it.

The nature is nice, the walk takes maybe around 1,5 - 2 hours, but some information could be better. They gave us small piece of paper where the tour was described in very strange english and many things which should have been there we didn´t see. So the entrance 5 CUC should be lower.

First off, the guy at the front was GREAT! Happy and upbeat, excited about the park. Had a couple beers and then set off on the walk.Bring a camera for sure, some awesome pictures to be had in and around the cavesAlso, BRING A FLASHLIGHT if you have one. It makes crawling through the caves much more enjoyable as you get to see the formations much more clearly.The $5CUC per person cover charge was steep though. There is a pretty big disconnect in the price/value in all of Varadero though. For 2 people, this attraction was almost $14 Canadian, which is a very expensive 1-2 hour walk, and certainly not on par with the value. All of Varadero was out-of-equilibrium on the cost/value compared to other places we have visited. In any other 3rd world nation this somewhat off-the-tourist-books place would be a few bucks for a walk in the woods.It was a great tour, perhaps not worth $14 Canadian, but if you're expecting a cheap Caribbean vacation I would definitely not advise Cuba anyway.

Lots of natural vegetation, caves, limestone formations and even some honeycombs dripping with wild honey. Take a water bottle, bug spray and good walking shoes. A nice break from the resort. When you finish the walk, you come out on the highway, nowhere near anywhere, so you will have to wait for the bus. There is a restaurant and bar, washroom, etc. on the way in, but nothing on the way out! I enjoyed the walk.

This was one of the most breathtaking experience I have had. To see the crocodiles and to hold a baby...amazing

Quite well organised ecological tour with sample of natural facts like salty ground and many plants.

We went here one afternoon for a break from the hustle and bustle of Varadero. It was a pleasant stroll through some interesting terrain and vegetation. The trail has signage in English and Spanish to inform walkers of interesting observations. Be sure to wear good walking shoes or runners as the ground, in places, gives way to sharp and jagged rock with holes interspersed. Also, take some water as the walk will take an hour or so in warm weather.

Doesn't look like much from the outside but glad we went for a hike. (need running shoes, I wore flipflops, big mistake) really neat to see, worth the $$, glad we went.

This is an unadvertised beautiful hike. You can take the tourist double decker bus there. It is a close walk to the Ambrosio caves so worth doing both in the same afternoon. Wear good shoes as the ground is very uneven and sharp. We did the hike with our 13 year old and 8 year old. They enjoyed it as much as we did. We were able to buy a few drinks prior to hiking if you need refreshments. Cost is 5 cuc's per person. This will give you a map that is clearly marked at each thing to see, all numbered. Bring a flash light to see in the caves. If you go further in you will see some bats but only with a flash light is it possible. We did have to laugh as the trail does not loop around it comes to a definite stop when it leads you out through the bushes onto the highway and side walk. Great excursion !!