But sometimes the road to paradise is as beautiful as the destination itself, so let's start with what happened before reaching the white sand and turquoise waters that identify Varadero. The trip is usually fairly short from Havana, but buses make mandatory stops so passengers can stretch a bit. Fortunately, my stop was at one of the places with the most history in Cuba and that also offers impressive views.
The Bacunayagua Bridge is considered one of the seven wonders of Cuban engineering, so I dared to do some research on its history. The bridge was built over the Bacunayagua River valley, marking the border between the Cuban provinces of Matanzas and Mayabeque. Its construction began in 1956 and was completed in 1959, representing a milestone in the country's engineering. It is 100 meters high and 314 meters long, not only facilitating transit between Havana and Varadero, but also offering an unparalleled visual spectacle, with incredible biodiversity.
From the top, the panoramic view is simply delightful, as I was able to appreciate the lush vegetation of the valley, with its endless royal palms and the infinite blue of the sea in the distance. Taking some time to admire this landscape, while enjoying a piña colada at the restaurant located at one end, is an experience that I recommend to anyone who visits the area.
After this beautiful stop, we continued on our way. When we arrived in Varadero, reality far exceeded our expectations. I went with a group of friends with the idea of enjoying a relaxing vacation, but when we found that paradise we realized that it would be much more than that. From the first moment, we were completely stunned by the beauty that surrounded us. The fine white sand extended as far as the eye could see, contrasting with the intense turquoise blue of the sea. It really was like entering a dreamlike atmosphere when we perceived that warm air and the sound of the small waves that reached the shore.
The days that followed were a succession of magical moments. We dedicated ourselves to exploring every corner of the Hicacos peninsula, where Varadero is located. One of the most beautiful experiences was riding a water bike and going into that beautiful blue sea. There was something that the locals call bad waters that are like a kind of jellyfish. Maybe it is a little difficult to distinguish it in the photo, but it was simply beautiful. Although those who know the area claim that it causes a horrible rash and itching, thank God we were not so unlucky.
But Varadero is much more than its beaches. We also delved into its culture, walking its streets. Looking for a place to enjoy the evenings, we had been told by chance about a bar that pays homage to one of the most famous rock bands of all time, The Beatles. It was impressive to see that life-size statue of the four members of the band and spend the night listening to interpretations of the most emblematic rock hits of that time. It really is a super cozy place to spend a night, of course if you are a rock and roll lover like me. It is without a doubt a place to unite souls who love good music.
On the third day of being in Varadero we decided to move around the area a bit and we didn't stop until we reached Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. It is a port city on the southern coast of Cuba, with a rich history and charming architecture that distinguishes it from other cities on the island, but we actually went for something specific, we were dying to visit the Palacio del Valle. We had heard about its majesty and the rich history and eclectic architecture it contained, as one of the most emblematic and fascinating buildings in the city. We truly fell short of our expectations, that combination of elements of neo-Gothic, Moorish, Baroque and Venetian architecture gave it a wonderful appearance demonstrating a unique and striking aesthetic that differentiates it from other buildings of the time.
Well guys, I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed this tour of Varadero and Cienfuegos. I invite you to discover these paradises for yourselves! Thank you so much for taking the time to read.