Page 26 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

24 ❯❯ Top 10 Cuba Highlights

Jardines del Rey

Rising from the Atlantic along the north shore of Ciego de Ávila and
Camagüey provinces, this 280-mile- (450-km-) long archipelago,
known as the King’s Gardens, contains hundreds of islands. Three of
the major cays are linked to the mainland by pedraplenes (cause-
ways), although only Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo have tourist
facilities. These twin isles are popular with
package vacationers. Flamingos wander the
inshore lagoons, while other birds inhabit a
nature preserve. Unfortunately, the cause way
to Cayo Coco blocks ocean currents, much to
the detriment of marine ecology.

Playa de los
Flamingos
1 2
Flamencos
Graceful flamingos
This lovely strip of white (above) flock to the
sand, stretching for Laguna de los Flamencos
3 miles (5 km), is one from April to November.
of Cuba’s most beautiful Parador La Silla is the
beaches. The crystal- best place to spot them
clear turquoise waters flying overhead at
are shallow enough sunrise and dusk.
for wading up to 650 ft
Cayo Coco
(200 m) from the shore. 3
With miles of
sandy beaches, Cayo
Coco is a haven for
marine birds and a
popular destination
for families, divers, and
water sports enthusiasts.
Cayo
4 Water Sports
Guillermo
Resort hotels offer
Connected to Cayo Coco 5
by a raised highway, this a wide range of beach
island (left) is lined with and ocean activities,
beautiful, gently shelving including banana-boat
beaches. Man groves rides and catama rans.
grow in the channel Crystal-clear visibility
that separates the two reveals an exciting under-
islands. Dunes reach water world (above) for
59 ft (18 m) at Playa Pilar. snorkelers and divers.

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