A young Cuban shared on TikTok her first visit to the Bellamar Caves in the province of Matanzas, where she showcased not only the beauty of this iconic location but also the challenges she faced due to the lack of electricity.
“Join me, my love, for the first time at the Bellamar Caves. This tourist spot is located in the province of Matanzas and it's a super beautiful place,” begins content creator @anita.cubanita64 in the video, which quickly garnered positive and nostalgic reactions on TikTok.
During her visit, Anita documented everything she could see with her mobile phone: the entrance, the small museum, the rocks, the history of the place, and even what they sold at a food stand. “I was recording the entrance area; as you can see, it was completely dark because there was no electricity, as usual. You know this is nothing new,” she recounted, explaining that they could only access the upper part of the cave “because that was the only place with electricity, thanks to a solar panel they had installed there.”
Despite this limitation, the young woman expressed her admiration for the place: "I honestly liked it a lot because it's something very new for me. I had never come here before, I had never visited a cave. Everything was really beautiful," she said with enthusiasm.
The video also showcases other attractions of the site, such as a museum with geological information, a playground, and a café where traditional food is sold. “If you come, my love, I recommend that you stop by this place,” he advised his followers.
The Bellamar Caves, declared a National Monument, are the oldest tourist attraction in Cuba. They span over 23 kilometers of underground passageways formed approximately 300,000 years ago. They were discovered in 1861 accidentally during agricultural work and quickly began to receive visitors, thanks to the efforts of the landowner Manuel Santos Parga.
Today, the tour available to the public includes approximately 700 meters of galleries, guided by specialists, where visitors can see impressive formations of calcium carbonate and rooms such as the Gothic Hall. Remains of prehistoric animals have also been found, suggesting that the caves served as a refuge for Quaternary fauna.
Anita's followers reacted with enthusiasm to her post. "I used to go there as a child; I love that place," wrote one user. Another commented, "I was there many years ago, and I loved it. Thank you for those memories." There were also messages from abroad and humorous comments about what the place was like decades ago.
"I hope that the next time I can come, there will be electricity so I can enjoy it a little bit more," concluded Anita, leaving the invitation open to rediscover this historical, natural, and charming site in Matanzas.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bellamar Caves and Tourism in Cuba
What are the Bellamar Caves and what is their significance?
The Bellamar Caves are a cave system located in the province of Matanzas, Cuba, and are the oldest tourist center on the island. They have over 23 kilometers of underground passages formed about 300 thousand years ago. They were discovered in 1861 and quickly became a tourist attraction due to their stunning calcium carbonate formations and remains of prehistoric fauna.
What problems are the Bellamar Caves currently facing?
Currently, the Bellamar Caves are facing issues with electrical supply, which limits access to certain areas of the caves. Access to the upper part of the caves is only possible thanks to a solar panel that provides electricity. The lack of electricity not only affects the tourist experience, but also reflects the widespread energy crisis in Cuba.
How has the lack of electricity impacted Cuban tourism?
The lack of electricity in Cuba has significantly impacted the tourist experience, limiting access to attractions and reducing the quality of services. The problem of constant blackouts has resulted in even iconic places like the Bellamar Caves not being fully enjoyed. This situation exacerbates the tourism crisis on the island, which is already facing issues with infrastructure and services.
What do visitors say about the Bellamar Caves despite the limitations?
Despite the limitations, visitors like content creator @anita.cubanita64 have expressed their admiration for the Bellamar Caves. They describe the place as "super super beautiful" and highlight the natural beauty and history of the site. However, they hope that in future visits, they will be able to enjoy a complete tour without the current restrictions caused by the lack of electricity.
Filed under:
