During our trip to Varadero, Cuba, we took an excursion in Matanzas (the province) via Air Canada Vacations, with whom we had booked our all-inclusive resort trip.
We had breakfast and waited outside the resort by the doors for the bus to come to pick us up. The bus came to pick us up late, but let me tell you, I thought I had missed it (or something of the sort).
The tour leader was the same man who was on the bus that brought us from the airport to the resort that same day.
For 85 USD a person, we had a day Jeep Safari Yumuri day planned. Our itinerary was going to be as follows: pick up the jeeps, head off to snorkel around a coral reef, drive speed boats on Yumuri river, go eat lunch at a farm and try sugar cane juice, and finally swim in a cave!
Picking Up The Jeeps
We were paired in groups of four per jeep. The Jeep was a manual car, and neither my partner nor I knew how to drive one. We were paired with two women from Ontario, one of whom loved to drive stick. The drive through the Cuban landscape was amazing to see and since we weren’t visiting La Havana, we got to see the rural side of the country.
Snorkeling Around A Coral Reef
A ways away from the hotels in Varadero, we went swimming around corals. We had brought our own snorkeling kit with us from Canada and used it. For those who didn’t have their own, they could easily borrow ones from there. We were given life jackets and off we swam, not touching anything yellow, as per the instructions. We saw bright blue fish, jellyfish, and some of the most beautiful underwater views.
Driving Speed Boats
Still, in our group of four, we were given a speed boat to drive. My partner started the drive and we alternated. I’m almost certain I spotted an alligator in the waters by the shore. We sped and slowed, admired the waters, and enjoyed the wind in our faces as we sped fast across the water. Back on shore, the locals treated us to a stellar dance performance.
Eating Lunch At A Farm
Don Juan, the owner of the farm, showed us how sugar cane juice is squeezed. The sticks are passed through a massive press that squeezes the juices out of ‘em. I was a skeptic, but I’m definitely an avid fan of sugar cane juice now. Mixed in with lemon juice and mint, the drink is refreshing, sweet and just the right amount of sweet.
We were given a delicious meal from the farm and had the chance to speak to Don Juan himself. He showed us immense avocado trees.
After lunch, we got to ride horses (or a bull, for the braver people in the group). The horse I got on was particularly excited and I definitely feared for my life when it excitedly approached a bunch of cacti. We made friends with the goats and dogs and left feeling satisfied, yet longing to spend more time at the farm.
Swimming In A Cave in Matanzas
Last but not least, we arrived at a cave filled with stalactites. The icy cold water, not warmed by the Cuban sun, was still so fun to swim in. We felt like we were in another world. Someone in the group lost their glasses at the bottom of the cave and a local man gladly swam down and retrieved them for her.
All in all, I would do this again in a heartbeat! The excursion was one of a kind! It allowed me and my partner to have small “bites” of the different courses Cuba has to offer.
For more reading about our trip to Varadero, Cuba, take a look at my other articles.
Leave a Reply