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Excursion to Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth)
 Isla de la Juventud is located 140 km West of Cayo Largo (see photo), it's the largest island of the Canarreos Archipelago. It's a nice excursion to get a touch of the Cuban country side and to learn more about the fascinating and particular history of this island which changed name many times. This non-tourists place gives us the opportunity to see the "real" Cuba. It's capital Nueva Gerona seems to be a small and pleasant city to live in.
Unfortunately, in August 2008 the hurricane Ike hit badly this small island causing millions of dollars in damage. At Cuba, the government takes the hurricanes seriously and help came for its inhabitant. Helps also came from Canada through the Dubois Charitable Foundation organization which many users of our forumcayolargo.net bulletin board contribute.
In 2000-2001, this excursion was being sold as "Treasure Island" because it used to be a hideout for many notorious pirates. We did also this excursion in April 2004 to see a famous event the « Fiesta de la Toronja » (Grapefruit fiesta).
Here was the program of the day :
Flight in aerotaxi (40-45 minutes) towards Nueva Gerona (during our flight we can see the Cayo Largo #2 which is Cayo Rosario. So many Cayos!!!!).
A little stroll on Nueva Gerona main street. Visit of 2 art galleries (paintings, sculptures & ceramics).
A little break for a drink on a nice shaded terrace with traditional musicians playing the typical Sucu Sucu music.
We continue the visit of Nueva Gerona (by foot): Central Park (Parque Guerrillo Heroico Ernesto Che Guevara). Visit of the church.
Visit of the city museum. History of the island.
Visit of a small artisan ceramic factory. We take our bus towards south.
Visit of the famous Presidio Modelo, a huge prison now disused. Fidel Castro has been held prisoner there.
Visit of the ecological reserve Jungla de Jones (many species of trees).
Lunch in the Bamboo cathedral, a small clearing surrounded by bamboo trees which almost form a roof over our heads!
Visit of a small crocodile farm.
Return to Cayo Largo at 17H30-18H00.
Please note this excursion is not offered throughout the year and requires a minimum of persons. Check with your local tour operator representative.
 Click HERE to access the site of our photo albums of Cayo Largo.
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