Excursion to Isla de la Juventud (Island of Youth or Treasure island)
Isla de la Juventud is located 140 km west of Cayo Largo, it is the largest island of the Canarreos Archipelago. It isa 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 ». Its capital Nueva Gerona seems to be a small and pleasant city to live in.
This excursion is 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).
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Transfer hotels-airport (10 mins) and to the island by plane (20 mins).
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 and transfer airport-hotels.
The program of the day may vary and requiert a minimum of persons.
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Unfortunately, in August 2008 the hurricane Gustav 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.
Jungle of Jones (bamboo)
Presidio Modelo
 Click HERE to access our photo albums of Cayo Largo.
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