CubaPLUS Magazine

The Victoria de Girón camping base in the Zapata Swamp in the western part of the island is today a very attractive place for travelers looking for active rest.

Operated by Cubanacan Hotels, it is located on a bend in the road of this wetland, declared by scientists as the most important in Cuba and the Caribbean.

There, sea, beach, and a perfect environment to explore from this point, represent a great formula, as recognized by its director Justo García Bacallao.

A man of few words and a lot of action, he told Prensa Latina that he has been in the region for more than 30 years in charge of management that satisfies many people who pass through this place.

Initially, a simple space to set up tents, it is currently a stage with comfortable cabins and plans to develop them.

The base has received more than two thousand vacationers at times, especially Cubans from Havana, the capital of the country, and the province of Matanzas, where it is located, but it is already a point on the map for travelers from other countries who appreciate its geographic location, perfect for connecting them with the natural spots of the region.

This accommodation also offers gastronomy, recreation and day trips, especially for the enjoyment of families from the municipalities of Colón, Jagüey Grande and Jovellanos.

This space has 134 capacities in its 29 cabins, which were renovated for the summer season in order to improve the interior comfort by changing the furniture, and other tasks.

This seems to be only the beginning of its recovery, as the quality and variety of gastronomic offerings with typical dishes of Creole cuisine has increased, in addition to diversifying the participation activities for recreation.

Rental of watercraft such as water bikes and kayaks, restaurant services, cafeteria, a games room and a dance floor are other key attractions.

The establishment has a beautiful beach that has been highly coveted since its inauguration on July 17, 1983, at that time with accommodation in tents and from 1984, 70 rustic wooden cabins were built, which together with the tents completed 800 capacities. In 1986, 14 cabins made of durable materials were prepared, and in the summer of 1995 there were 22, all of four capacities.

The wooden cabins were maintained, although their number dropped to 50 (after the passage of Hurricane Lily in October 1996, the facility remained closed).

The facility was restored in 2004-2005, completing the 29 cabins with indoor bathrooms for a capacity of 134 campers, including restaurant services, cafeteria, kitchen, kiosk, a dance floor, games room, workers' hostel and infirmary.

Its name comes from one of the most relevant historical events of the place, the victory over the invasion supported by the United States government in April, 1961 to overthrow the Cuban Revolution.

Located on the south coast of Matanzas province and on the east bank of the Bay of Pigs, this small space already attracts many travelers.

The predominant landscape is that of the abrasive-accumulative coastal plain, where reefs and small sandy coves alternate.

The local geology is eminently calcareous, which promotes coastal sinkholes and a large number of nearby tectonic lagoons.

And the surrounding fauna is rich, with abundant birds such as the tocororo (national bird), parrot, mule-eater, mayito, jabado woodpecker, green woodpecker and churroso, among many other species.

Other animals perfect for photographing in the place are the hutia conga, carabalí, deer, majá, iguana, lizard, moro crab, white crab and macao. In the seabed you can see corals, gorgonians and fish such as the grunt, sardine, barracuda or picúa, manjúa, moray eel and others, for snorkeling fans.

Perfect base from there to go hiking, sailing, cycling and kayaking, in short, living in a very natural and adventurous environment.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)