See the best Free Tours of Matanzas offered by local tour guides
Things to Do in Matanzas
Matanzas is a vibrant Cuban city with a lot to offer. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or prefer experiencing the culture and heritage, there's something for everyone. Start your journey in Matanzas by exploring its rich cultural history by visiting museums such as the Pharmaceutical Museum and Slave Route Museum at San Severino Castle. Once you are hungry make sure to savor the amazing local cuisine that combines Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors in dishes such as fried plantains (tostones), and roast pork (lechon asado). Wash it all down with classic Cuban drinks like mojitos or Cuba Libres. Once you've had your fill of culture and cuisine, head outdoors to experience the natural beauty surrounding Matanzas. Enjoy sunbathing on warm beaches such as Varadero Beach or Playa Coral; take a hike in nature reserves like Zapata Swamp or Yumuri Valley; or go on boat tours along the Canimar River or Bay of Matanzas. If you're looking for souvenirs from your trip, visit Artisan Market for handmade jewelry, pottery, and other traditional crafts; local markets are also great places to buy fresh produce, spices, and other food items. Whatever it is that brings you to beautiful Matanzas, we guarantee one thing: you won't forget this captivating city!
Matanzas is an idyllic Cuban paradise that draws visitors from around the world, who come to explore this one-of-a-kind destination and gain insight into its past. Luckily, there are many ways to do so, such as joining one of the many free walking tours in Matanzas offered by friendly local guides. One of the most popular is the Essential City Tour Matanzas, an excellent option for discovering the top attractions and learning about local customs. On the Matanzas Afro-Cuban Tour, visitors uncover the African influences seen in Cuban music, dance and religion while exploring sites like Tumba Francesa - a traditional Afro-Cuban dance and music ensemble. If nature is more your cup of tea, join the Matanzas Rio Canimar Tour where participants hike along the immense Canimar River - appreciating both flora and fauna specific to this region. Each tour provides an immersive experience that allows guests to appreciate Matanzas' unique charm while learning about its history and culture. To make sure you get the most out of your visit to Matanzas, take advantage of these free walking tours in Matanzas that are available all year round!
Matanzas Walking Tours Highlights
Matanzas is a city full of culture and history and joining a Matanzas free tour will give you the opportunity to experience both from a variety of perspectives. From the Monserrat Hermitage, a small chapel with neo-Gothic style that offers breathtaking views of the city and the bay, to the San Carlos Cathedral - an 18th century architecture masterpiece with baroque and neoclassical styles - Matanzas is truly a destination for those who appreciate beauty. The Sauto Theater is another one of its gems; built in the 19th century, it is renowned for its excellent acoustics and captivating neoclassical design. To top it off, tourists will visit other historic sites such as the Pharmaceutical Museum with its colonial-era building, the Velasco Theater and not forgetting the Slave Route Museum at San Severino Castle that honors enslaved Africans brought to Cuba. You even catch a traditional Tumba Francesa performance, a music and dance that originated from African slaves in the 19th century but that still has an immense influence within Cuban music culture today. With so much to see and learn about this fascinating city, it’s no wonder why visitors flock to witness Matanzas’s rich history firsthand.