Mayabeque
It is one of the new provinces established in 2010. More than ten centers, institutes and scientific research stations related to agriculture are located here, in addition to the Agrarian College of Havana. For this reason, it is considered a scientific power in the country. The main touristic attractions are concentrated on the northern coast along the Vía Blanca road that leads to Varadero, where Jibacoa and Arroyo Bermejo beaches are located.
Capital: San José de las Lajas Extension: 3 732.73 sq. km
Municipalities: Bejucal, San Jose de las Lajas, Jaruco, Santa Cruz del Norte, Madruga, Nueva Paz, San Nicolás de Bari, Güines, Melena del Sur, Batabanó and Qivicán.
Denonym: It is not defined yet, but mayabequense or mayabequino are suggested.
Limits: it limits to the north with the province of La Habana and the Straits of Florida; to the east with the province of Matanzas, to the south with the Gulf of Batabanó; and to the west with the province of Artemisa.
Access: Its main access road is the Carretera Central (National Central Road) and the Autopista Nacional (National Highway,) although there is a network of secondary roads that links this province with La Habana and the rest of the provinces. It can also be accessed through the national and local railroad system.
PLACES OF INTEREST
BATABANÓ It was the original site of San Cristóbal de La Habana. It is characterized by being a picturesque fishing port that is also home to the ferry terminal from where ferries depart to the Isla de la Juventud, known as Surgidero de Batabanó.
CENTRO TURÍSTICO ESCALERAS DE JARUCO (RESORT) Located 40 km from Havana, it stands out because of the beauty of its surroundings marked by dense vegetation and hills that do not surpass 350 m of height. Numerous caves are located in this place, allowing the visitor to practice speleology. Its impressive flora and fauna make it a fine place for hiking, bird watching and horseback riding. Among other
attractions is El Árabe restaurant (Tel 047 873266) and a small hotel, as well as a recreational park and a lookout.
SANTA CRUZ DEL NORTE Located to the north of the Mayabeque province, this municipality is characterized by its beaches along which are located Playa Amarilla, Los Cocos, Peñas Blancas and Las Caletas camping sites. It is the seat of the largest rum factory in the country, Ronera de Santa Cruz, which was opened in 1919 and which has been producing and bottling, since 1975, the light range of the world-famous Havana Club rum.
BEACHES The main tourist attractions of this province are concentrated on the northern coast along the Vía Blanca road, where the beaches Jibacoa and Arroyo Bermejo are located. Jibacoa attracts for its rich marine bottoms, beautiful landscapes and lush vegetation. Particularly in the areas of Puerto Escondido and Peñòn del Fraile, there are seascapes unique for their beauty and preservation that invite to scuba diving and deepsea fishing.
The most important lodging facilities of the province are Villa Tropicoco (Via Blanca km 60/Tel 047 295205), located between the sea and the mountains, and the Hotel Breezes Jibacoa (Via Blanca km 60/Tel 047 29 5122) located on the beachfront, both in Arroyo Bermejo.
MIRADOR Y PUENTE DE BACUNAYAGUA (VIEWPOINT AND BRIDGE) Considered one of the seven wonders of Cuban civil engineering, the Puentedebacunayagua (Bacunayagua Bridge) constitutes a landmark from where you can admire the Cuban landscape located halfway between Mayabeque and Matanzas provinces. With 314 m long, 16 m wide and 110 m high, it is suspended over the Bacunayagua river and offers a beautiful view of the Yumurí Valley. It is a favorite stop for those who love nature photography since it provides unique views and has a restaurant and a lookout.