Did you know that there is a lagoon with submerged treasures and unique species that dignify its marshy environment?
Well yes friends, I present to you the Ciénaga de Zapata , the main wetland of the Caribbean islands, located in Cuba . One of my favorite places to feel the heartbeat of nature at its best.
The site has several areas to visit, the Boca with its pier, its crocodile farm, and areas to taste snacks.
There, as a family, we usually travel by boat to tour the large channel that leads to a wide lagoon that ends in a group of islands and cabins, which add to the scenic beauty of the landscape.
The water exhibits an ochre color, due to the presence of tannins from the plants and their aquatic branching roots. Peat is added to this: organic material with a high amount of carbon and a brownish color.
Once you cross the canal, you will be greeted by the well-known Laguna del Tesoro (Treasure Lagoon), a name that dates back to ancient history. According to tradition, the Indians of the area, to prevent the Spanish conquistadors who invaded the country from appropriating its resources, threw their most precious riches to the bottom of the lagoon.
A diversity of species coexist in harmony in its ecosystem; being relevant the presence of endemic birds, such as the Ferminia (Zapata wren) and an aquatic species: the Gallinuela de Santo Tomás (Zapata rail).
It is beautiful to arrive at the islands, surrounded by coconut trees, royal palm trees and wooden structures recreating in the digital era, a natural image that takes our minds back to the time of our aborigines and indigenous communities.
In those places, I could enjoy the presence of some animals: birds, freshwater turtles , catfish, oxen, snakes, hutias,
the Manjuarí cubano (Cuban gar) which is a prehistoric fish, and the crocodiles, those reptiles that are still enjoying their great lagoon.
The Cuban gar : considered a biological relic, because many of the animals that evolved with it no longer exist.
For my family and me, to visit Guamá, the name given to this jewel in the middle of a vast swamp, is to kiss a historic past, enjoy unique species and breathe in a natural environment that has cemented our memories.
Thanks to those who read me to the end.
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Text by Andrés Brunet
@abrunet
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Infinite greetings!
I visited Cuba twice, but whle I was in the military at the US base. I never really thought of the country in wet, tropical terms, as it was so hot when we arrived. It's nice to know that there are natural treasures of nature to be found in special little pockets like these. I hope you enjoyed your trip there, and thanks for sharing! :)
Thank you for commenting. The Treasure Lagoon and its surroundings are one of the most precious places in our country. Its flora, fauna and history are very attractive for those who visit it and even for the lens of a camera. Greetings
Hi my friend @abrunet I really enjoyed reading this article, the photos are all beautiful, this place is really one of our treasures. Best regards 💐🤗
Hi, nice to know that you liked the post, and that you appreciate as I do, one of the jewels we have in Cuba and worth knowing not only for photos. Thanks