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General
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Marea del
Portillo: Tourism in Eastern Cuba
The development of Cuba's leisure industry, which has become the fastest-growing sector in the national economy over the past few years, is based on the unique sun and beach offers of the largest Antillean Island. Hundreds of kilometers of white-sanded beaches and crystal-clear waters are complemented by the richness of Cuban nature, a centuries-hold history and cultural traditions that characterize every region in the country. In addition to Cuba's main tourist destinations, eastern Cuba boasts unique sites where travelers can spend their leisure time and enjoy the island's exuberant nature. That is the case of the Hotel Club Amigo Marea del Portillo, in eastern Granma province. The three-star facility run by Cubanacán S.A. has 130 air-conditioned rooms equipped with all modern amenities necessary for good rest, in addition to a swimming pool and a bar at the beach. Precisely, the main characteristics of the beach are its brown thin sand and its location in a cove, protected by the Sierra Maestra mountain range and surrounded by coconut and palm groves. Very close to Marea del Portillo lies the Desembarco del Granma (Granma Landing) National Park, which was declared a World's Natural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Pico Turquino National Park, where Cuba's highest mountain, the Turquino Peak, stands 1974 meters high.
Among Marea del Portillo's many options for vacationers are horse riding, walks on ecological paths that lead to the rivers Cilantro and Las Yaguas, boat excursions, visits to nearby keys, and even the possibility of practicing nautical sports. Two of the most tempting offers are diving in a beautiful coral reef that is very close to shore and excursions to two breathtaking sunken ships in Santiago de Cuba's waters. One of them is the ship Colón (Columbus), the most important ship in Admiral Cervera's Fleet, which is included in the list of 17 major diving sites and which can be accessed from the Albacora International Diving Center, in the hotel. In addition, just 500 meters away from the beach is Cayo Blanco, a small islet considered an ideal place for romantic people and boasting exceptional sea bottoms. Tourist options from the Marea del Portillo Hotel also include excursions to several destinations in eastern Cuba, such as a plane trip to Santiago de Cuba, where vacationers can visit museums, a cigar factory and the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery. Tourist programs also include visits to Cayo Kaguama, Manzanillo, Bayamo, which was declared a National Monument, and the Turquino and Desembarco del Granma national parks. Marea del Portillo is also a stronghold for nature tourism, hosting the 3rd TURNAT International Fair in 2003, aimed at promoting the natural attractions of the largest Antillean Island, especially that region of unique characteristics in eastern Cuba. Diving zone: Marea del PortilloMarea del Portillo is one of the farthest tourist resorts in Cuba. It is located in the southeastern corner of Cuba’s eastern region, where green mountains give way to the blue Caribbean Sea. It is a place with very original contrasts, such as black sandy beaches and white sandy keys, high coastal cliffs, mangrove and coconut forests and a virgin and endemic fauna. The diving zone forms part of Santiago de Cuba, with the same characteristics and fauna, big hillocks, coral ridges and walls falling into big ocean trenches. Cabo Cruz, in its westernmost part, is a typical coral reef with elkhorn corals, gorgonians, sea fans and many fish. Grunts, yellowtail snappers, schoolmasters, surgeonfish and some barracudas swim around the remains of an old shipwreck where 36 cannons with their ammunition, four anchors with their chains and other objects from the ship and its crew can be seen. The sunken ship Colón, from the Spanish Fleet commanded by Admiral Cervera is a site frequently visited. The Albacora Diving Center and two modern hotels are located in a wide and protected inlet near the coast. Marea del Portillo is a site for divers who love great adventures, since, in addition to exciting diving sessions, visitors can do other activities that will keep them in direct contact with nature, such as hiking, fauna and flora watching and mountain climbing. Marea del Portillo can be reached from the city of Manzanillo, 103 km. (64 miles) away, where there is an international airport, and from Santiago de Cuba, 160 km. (100 miles) away, through a road that zigzags through the mountains, one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Cuba. |
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