3 Unique Attractions In Fascinating Cuba

Officially known as the Republic of Cuba, this island country is surrounded by several archipelagos as well as the Isla de la Juventud. Cuba nestles in the northern Caribbean at the spot where the Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico meet. Known for its famous cigars, Cuba also has a number of unique and fascinating attractions to explore.

1. Parque Prehistórico, Viñales, Cuba

Image: Parque Prehistórico, Viñales by Cuba Mini Videos/YouTube

For those with a love for dinosaurs, the Parque Prehistórico in Viñales is a fun visit. The small, outdoor museum is run by a local man, Jesus Arencibia Coro. The museum is full of dinosaur specimens, donated from all over the world and encased in concrete. Located at Adela Azcuy No. 6 Norte, the park is marked by a small sign, reading “Parque Prehistórico de Referencia Nacional. Paleontology. Biology. Anthropology. Natural Medicine.”

As can be gathered from the sign, the park isn’t just about its prehistoric residents, as it is also full of plants and specimens collected by Coro and donors from all over the world. Among these are medicinal, endemic and prehistoric plants and Coro can offer details of each. As for the dinosaur specimens, Coro knows the history of each one.

Should he come across visitors exploring the park, he will offer a fascinating tour, full of his own philosophical musings. Throughout the park, visitors can also explore the development of ancient man via a series of rough stone figures. While there is no admission fee to enter the park, Coro will ask for a small donation for his personal tour. He also welcomes any specimens visitors wish to donate to his collection in lieu of an entry fee.

2. Discoteca Ayala, Trinidad, Cuba

Image: Discoteca Ayala by Cuba Lifestyle TV/YouTube

Trinidad is a great and lively place to stay in Cuba. After checking into your casa particular in Cuba, have a fun night out at a unique nightspot. Discoteca Ayala is located 100 ft under the ground in a cave. Also known as La Cueva, the dance club allows its guests to party to the top 40 dance hits, while surrounded by stalactites. The cavernous disco is a favorite place for locals and visitors alike and is located on the northern outskirts of the city, a ten-minute walk from the center of Trinidad.

As you approach the disco, the first thing you will notice is the lack of noise. It is only once you pass through the gated entrance and head down a long flight of stairs that you come across a tunnel into the club. Once there, the dance floor opens up and the music blares. Visitors are entertained to a mixture of techno and salsa music with videos playing on suspended screens above the dance floor, showing spring breakers and Cuban dancers doing their thing. The room is literally surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated with colored lights.

As if the location isn’t unusual enough, the cave was also once the home of an infamous serial killer. Carlos “Coco” Ayala was said to have abducted children and murdered them in the cave. However, don’t let that put you off. On admission to the disco you will get a free drink from the bar, which is carved from solid stone.

3. The World’s Longest Cuban Cigar, Havana, Cuba

Of course, it wouldn’t be Cuba if we didn’t mention at least one cigar! And this one is a doozy. The special cigar holds a Guinness World Record for its enormous size. The huge cigar is hidden inside the Morro Castle Historic Park and is the work of master cigar roller, Jose Castelar Cairo. Cueto, as he is called, has beaten his own world record several times, with the largest measuring an amazing 268 feet.

Cueto dedicated the cigar to famed leader, Fidel Castro. The exhibit isn’t always open, but visitors can head to the cigar shop close to the exhibit and ask to see it. The best way to get a chance to view the famous cigar is to head there with a local tour guide, who can persuade the cigar shop management to open the exhibit so you can take a photo or two.

Enjoy visiting the unique side of Cuba! There are many more fascinating and unusual locations to explore in this Caribbean island.