Peninsula de Zapata (Cienega de Zapata)
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The Peninsula de Zapata is a remote, sparsely populated area of Cuba with a varied landscape. Much of the region is a large low lying swampy area not suitable for human habitation called the Cienaga de Zapata. But, it is a great habitat for wildlife. The Cienega de Zapata, or the Zapata Swamp as it is affectionately known, is a UNESCO Biosphere Resever, home to approximately 150 different species of birds, including rare baldicoots, waterhens, parrots, and heron. The Crocodiles can also be found here. One part of the peninsula is a designated park, the Gran Parque Natural de Montemar, where visitors often go to view wildlife.The coastal regions of the Peninsula e Zapata attract scuba divers and manatees can sometimes be seen here.
Related Attractions
Playa Giron - Giron Museum
At the mouth of the Bay of Pigs (Bahia de Conchinos) is Playa Giron, named for the pirate, Gilbert Giron who landed here in the 17th Century. Playa Giron is most famous for being the site of the 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion, led by US backed counter revolutionary Cuban exile forces. The American backed forces suffered serious loses here. A sign at the beach reads "Here North American imperialism suffered its first major defeat".Also at Playa Giron is the small Museo Giron, documenting the Bay of Pigs Invasion through displays of photos, weapons, documents, and recordings of the event.
Playa Larga
Playa Larga is located at the top end of the Bay of Pigs (Bahia de Cochinos), south of Boca de Guama. The long sand beach here is beautiful and backed by lush vegetation; it is one of the nicest beaches along this stretch of coast. The area is also popular with scuba divers, with numerous dive sites along the offshore reef.There is a monument near here commemorating the "Bay of Pigs Invasion" where an American led counter revolutionary Cuban exile force landed in 1961. Northeast of Playa Larga is a large bird sanctuary and the International Bird Center (Centro Internacional de Aves).
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Havana
Varadero
Holguin
Trinidad
Cayo Coco
