Iguanas everywhere….
After a few frustrating weeks of not being able to go anywhere, and coping with rain and wind, things looked up when our fun and outgoing landlord came for a few weeks stay in Nicaro, Cuba. He took us on a few outings. It was impossible to rent a car. Taxis are terribly expensive because there is no gasoline, only on the black market. Nicaro is quite an isolated town so, when our landlord offered to show us around, we were glad to get to see different parts of Cuba.
Orchid
We made a wonderful day trip to a beach on the open Atlantic Ocean at Cayo Saetia. Near the home of Fidel’s brother, Raoul Castro, is a military area with access to a beautiful beach. We visited the restaurant here and strolled the white sand beach. I loved swimming in the blue water until I was stung by a jellyfish! What else could go wrong? Thank goodness the resort had a nurse on duty who was able to give me a cortisone shot but it was a painful experience. A great lunch buffet made up for it!
The most bizarre thing, in this country with so much need and poverty, was coming across an African wildlife safari park. We drove, en route to the beach, past herds of zebra and gazelles. The Castro’s wanted a wildlife park.
We also made a great day trip, via the town of Mayari, to Parque Nacional de Mensura - with Cuba’s tallest waterfall and an abundance of plant and bird life. From 546 meters above sea level, the Guayabo Fall consists of two waterfalls, with vertical drops of 85 and 127 meters. Kees braved an incredible hike, in 30º heat, to the bottom of the tallest waterfall, Salto del Guayabo. And back up! The elderly guide made this trip twice a day. It almost killed Kees who is quite a hiker! I chose to stay at the top and strolled around the lush jungle, watching exotic birds and butterflies, and lots of gorgeous flowers.
As far as nature is concerned, Cuba is a beautiful country. Lush countryside and white sand beaches with clean, blue waters. If the infrastructure, the economy and the food situation improve it may become a great place to visit again. Until then, resorts are the most common way to stay in Cuba. Next time, we’ll take you inside one resort, so join us then.
Cocoa pod
Julia Butterfly
Hutias are large rodents found along Cuba’s beaches.
RESOURCES: https://www.cubatravel.cu/en/
https://www.holguincuba.net/cayosaetia.html
https://www.globalnationalparks.com/es/cuba/mensura-pilotos/