Page 91 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Cuba

Western Cuba ❮❮ 89

Outdoor Activities

Climbing a steep limestone cliff, or mogote, in the Valle de Viñales
Hiking
Rock-Climbing
1 6
Scaling the mogotes of the
Las Terrazas and Soroa (see
p16) are perfect places for walking, Valle de Viñales requires skill; more
from short strolls to challenging than 100 established climbs have
hikes. The two hotels located here been pioneered by local enthusiasts.
can arrange guides (see p130). Bird-Watching
Horseback Riding
2 7
Estación Ecológica, Parque
Cubanacán: Calle Salvador
Nacional Guanahacabibes • (48) 75
Cisneros 63c • (48) 79 6393 0366 • Guide compulsory
Head for the Mural de la Prehistoria The Guanahacabibes Peninsula is
at Valle de Viñales (see p17), or ask at home to more than 170 bird species,
the Cubanacán office in the village. including a number of endemics best
seen on guided hikes through the
Caving
3 La Bajada preserve.
Sociedad Espeleológica: 7209
Swimming
2885 • Centro de Visitantes: (48) 68 8
1214 Cayo Levisa • (48) 75 6501
Gran Caverna de Santo Tomás is the The crystal-clear waters surrounding
place to go to explore Cuba’s hidden Cayo Levisa are ideal for swimming
depths. The Sociedad Espeleológica and snorkeling, and the lakes at Las
can arrange visits for serious cavers. Terrazas (see p16) are great for
refreshing dips.
Diving
4 Wildlife Viewing
Acclaimed for the finest diving
in Cuba, La Costa de los Piratas 9
View various types of fauna
(Pirate Coast) off Punta Francés including flamingos, iguanas, and
offers dozens of fantastic dive sites – monkeys that inhabit the remote
including the opportunity to explore cays west of Cayo Largo, from
the wrecks of several sunken where excursions are offered.
Spanish galleons. Fishing
Cycling
5 0
The waters off Cayo Largo
The dramatic scenery and
offer anglers plenty of thrills, from
peaceful, paved roads of the Valle de tiny but challenging bone-fish to
Viñales (see p50) guarantee cyclists marlin, which put up a rod-bending
an experience to remember. struggle to escape.
See map on pp84–5
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