📷
About Matanzas
Matanzas Province, often called the 'Athens of Cuba' for its cultural heritage and 'City of Bridges' for its 17 picturesque river crossings, offers travelers a captivating blend of history, nature, and vibrant culture. The province is home to the world-famous Varadero, a 20-kilometer stretch of pristine white-sand beach with turquoise waters, consistently ranked among the Caribbean's best. Beyond the resorts, discover the provincial capital, also named Matanzas, with its rich Afro-Cuban roots, birthplace of the rumba and danzón musical styles. Explore the stunning Bellamar Caves, one of Cuba's oldest tourist attractions, and the ecological wonder of the Zapata Peninsula—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with wildlife, including the endemic Cuban crocodile and countless bird species. History buffs can visit the Triunvirato Sugar Mill, site of a pivotal slave rebellion. From the colonial architecture of Cárdenas to the tranquil Laguna del Tesoro, Matanzas provides a diverse Cuban experience far beyond the beach.
Places to visit in Matanzas
casa de rentas
casa de rentas, Acceso al Aeropuerto de Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba
Hotel Canimao
Hotel Canimao, 92, Matanzas, 41100, Cuba
Mercedes Rent Room
Mercedes Rent Room, Carretera a Punta Maya (Vieja de Varadero) numero 64, Matanzas, 44170, Cuba
Тамара Новикова приглашает!
Тамара Новикова приглашает!, Carretera Aeropuerto de Varadero, Matanzas, Cuba
Mirador de Bacunayagua
Mirador de Bacunayagua, Bacunayagua bridge, Matanzas, Cuba
Hotel Casa del Valle
Hotel Casa del Valle, Carretera del Valle de Yumurí, Matanzas, Cuba
Valle de Yumurí
Carretera del Valle de Yumurí, Matanzas, Cuba
Funcionalmente Disfuncional
Funcionalmente Disfuncional, Viaducto Matanzas-Varadero, Matanzas, 40100, Cuba
Piet Heyn
Piet Heyn, Viaducto Matanzas-Varadero, Matanzas, 40100, Cuba
Una Perla en el Mar
Una Perla en el Mar, General Betancourt (129), Matanzas, 40100, Cuba
casa de rentas
casa de rentas, Cerrada (Calle 224), Matanzas, 40100, Cuba
Casa en venta
Property for sale, 133 22812, Matanzas, 40100, Cuba
Casa de Marla
Casa de Marla, Muelle (Calle 214), Matanzas, 40100, Cuba
Hotelito Babalu
Hotelito Babalu, Calzada General Betancourt 20810, Matanzas, 40100, Cuba
Villa Costa Azul
Villa Costa Azul, Primera (Calle 127) 20817, Matanzas, 40100, Cuba
Travel Tips for Matanzas
Getting Around
In cities like Matanzas and Cárdenas, public buses (guaguas) are cheap but crowded and unreliable. Official tourist taxis (marked, often modern) are available in Varadero and cities; agree on fares beforehand. Classic car taxis are a popular tourist experience. For flexibility, rent a car from state agencies (like Cubacar, Via Rent a Car) in Varadero or at airports, but book well in advance as supply is limited. Bicycles are a good option in Varadero. For intercity travel, Viazul buses connect Varadero, Matanzas city, and Havana. Horse-drawn carriages (coches) are common for short trips in smaller towns. Ride-hailing apps are not available.
Best Time To Visit
December to April is the dry season, offering sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rain—ideal for beach and outdoor activities. This is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds, especially in Varadero. May and June are good shoulder months with warm weather and fewer tourists, though brief afternoon showers increase. July to November is the wet season and hurricane season, with higher humidity, frequent rain, and risk of storms; prices are lowest, but some activities may be disrupted.
Local Customs
Cubans are warm and sociable; a friendly greeting is appreciated. Dress is generally casual but modest when not at the beach; cover up when visiting towns or churches. Tipping is not mandatory but is expected and appreciated in the tourism economy (e.g., 10% in restaurants if service charge not included, small amounts for hotel maids, guides, and musicians). Always ask before photographing people. Respect local music and dance culture—rumba has deep Afro-Cuban roots. Be patient with slower service and bureaucratic processes. It's polite to use 'por favor' and 'gracias' frequently.
Safety Information
Matanzas is generally safe for tourists, with violent crime being rare. Exercise normal precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) can occur in tourist hubs like Varadero and bus stations. Avoid isolated areas after dark. Be cautious of 'jineteros' (hustlers) offering overly friendly assistance, guided tours, or black-market cigars, which are often scams. Only use official taxis. Keep valuables in hotel safes. The Zapata Peninsula's remote areas require guided tours for safety. Police are generally helpful to tourists.
Health Information
Travel health insurance is mandatory for entry into Cuba. Public hospitals in major cities like Matanzas and Varadero provide basic care, but facilities may lack advanced equipment and medications. Private clinics (clínicas internacionales) in Varadero offer higher standards for tourists. Bring a comprehensive supply of any prescription medications. Common concerns include traveler's diarrhea, sunburn, and dehydration. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue are present; use repellent. Recommended routine vaccinations are up-to-date (MMR, DTaP) plus Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Tap water is not safe to drink; consume bottled water only.
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Quick Facts
Currency
Cuban Peso (CUP)
$
$
Timezone
America/Havana -05:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+53
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
Approximately 715,000
Area
11524 km²
Government
Provincial Government (Provincial Assembly of People's Power)