Matanzas	Thanks a lot to Petra Barth for the translation!
	Armando Machado Vega Santa Teresa (Calle 290) #6701 esquina Santa Isabel Matanzas Phone +53 (45) 242 761 Mobile +53 (5) 290 21 68 Price: 20 - 25 CUC Description: Armando lets an independent and spacious apartment within his house. It disposes of two beds, bathroom (hot and cold water), fridge and air conditioning. In addition the sunny terrace can be used. There you can have your meals (e.g. breakfast) if wanted. Of course you can also use the big living room. Armando is able to sweeten your stay with small details – whether it ist he nice decoration of the set table or the low traditional music in the background – here you really feel on vacation! Reservation: by phone or also by e-Mail (Spanish, English, German)   Cubataxi Tel.: 24 43 50 Useful phone numbers : Bus Astro and Viazul Tel.: 29 14 73 Railwaystation FC Tel.: 29 24 09 Railwaystation Hershey Tel.: 24 48 05

Matanzas is called little Venice in Cuba. Although there are no Gondolieri and the streets are bituminized, three rivers flowing into the sea make for much water and many bridges… The inhabitants of Matanzas love comparison – e.g. they proudly name Matanzas also Athens of Cuba – this is based on Matanzas ‘ wide spread cultural activities. Additionally, the gods aren't far away either due to the afrocuban religion Santería…
But apart from those comparisons, Matanzas is certainly a good place to start the adventure of Cuba . You can get there easily with one of the numerous airlines flying to Varadero. From the airport of Varadero you can visit the famous beaches (at about 30 km distance) as well as less touristic highlights. Also Havanna is not far from Matanzas.

In the city

• Besides a lengthy stroll across the big town I recommend to sit down in one of the parks and to get involved with the Cuban day to day life.

• Although the beach of Matanzas is not comparable to Varadero, there are some inviting sections of the bay, even though the busy street in the back bothers. In short, the beach is okay for swimming, for a longer stay it is worth to go to Varadero.

• In the afternoon and above all in the evening you should investigate whether the cultural life of Matanzas deserves the comparison with Athens . It is mandatory to check the excellent theatre or the UNEAC, a local association of artists, for this purpose.

Excursions

• Varadero The probably best known resort and longest beach of Cuba are at only 30 km from Matanzas . 24 km of white sand, cristal clear water and further highlights such as caves attract you. By a visit of Varadero you get to know Cuba as most tourists know it: beach, sea, and hotels.

• The Yumurí valley life is smoother in this wonderful valley at only 3 km from Matanzas than in Varadero. The beautiful landscape invites you to do some hiking, biking or riding without forgetting to contact the very friendly population. You reach this oasis best by bicycle, by foot, or by taxi. Furthermore you can combine train – one station with the Hershey line - and hiking back to Matanzas.

• Matanzas BusTour. It's running a (Tourist)-bus, with a fixed timetable. The bus circuit give you the possibility to visit the most famous places between Varadero and Matanzas in a not so expensive way. You pay 10 CUC a day and can hop on and off as often you want to. Have a look at the promotion!

Arrival and Departure

• ASTRO offers daily connections from Havanna and Varadero. Every second day there are in addition buses between Matanzas and Cienfuegos , Santa Clara , Camaguey , and Santiago de Cuba.

• VIAZUL the “tourist bus company” offers connections in time between Matanzas and Varadero, Havanna, Trinidad, and Santiago de Cuba . Please refer to the current timetable!

• Railway Matanzas lies on the main route Havanna - Santiago de Cuba . Practically all trains from Oriente (Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo) and the stations in between (Camaguey, Santa Clara, etc.) aiming to Havanna also stop in Matanzas, therefore the connection both to Havanna and the east is very good.
  If you go to/from Havanna the best choice for this passage through a wonderful landscape is the only electric railroad line of Cuba, the "Hershey" train. It operates between Havanna and Matanzas about four times a day and the trip only is 3 CUC. For further information please refer to the page Cubaentren and especially the route Habana - Matanzas.

• Plane Numerous charter airlines fly to Varadero airport (Matanzas). For national flights however the starting point is Havanna – inland flights to/from Matanzas are only available together with tourist trips from Varadero.