Varadero is a popular tourist destination in Cuba. Cueva de Saturno is on the way to Varadero . It’s about a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from Havana Vieja to the Cueva… Varadero is another 25 minutes after it, depending on where you go.
It’s crazy to me was how many local Cubanos did not even know what Cueva de Saturno was.
Cubans don’t have the capability of having the power of google knowledge in minutes like we do. Shit they were just allowed Wi-fi in their homes and hot spots in 2015. IMAGINE THAT?! They walk around in a precious little bubble from the world….
Okay, so asking to get to this place was interesting. Luckily, as a tourist I had the map downloaded and the address set and ready to go...but for our local Cubano taxi driver, he was just going to drive and ask for directions once we got closer to Varadero. You know, the old fashioned way without technology, when you get out of the car and ask people for directions ? That way. There’s no such thing as Google maps for the locals in Cuba because they don’t have WiFi every where. I never realized how lucky and privileged we are because of modern society and the use of the internet and technology.
The private taxi ride from Havana to Cueva de Saturno and Varadero was $90-100. Tip your taxi driver!
I bought mine a cafecito since he picked us up early.
You can also try to take a bus and taxi collectivo, but I recommend to travel with a local if you’re going to do that.
The entrance fee to Cueva de Saturno was $3 CUC.
We arrived early and got there around 9:30am. Google says the cave opens at 8am.
The sign at the park says they open at 9....we seemed to be the first ones there.
Walking down the steep steps was easy, walking back up kicked my ass. I needed water when I got to the top. Also, you need change to use the bathroom. I don’t know why, but most public bathrooms in Cuba makes you tip them to use it.
Walking back down to the cave, I wasn’t sure if they were bats or birds flying around...but I told myself they were birds.
It felt creepy because we were the only ones there, until one of the park maintenance workers popped up and assured us the water was safe and no animals lived in it.
It was cold as fuck...but after jumping in I got used to it.
20 minutes later a group of tourist showed up, and the cave seemed a lot less creepy. I’m glad I got there early to take some nice pictures without interruptions.
People started jumping off the rocks into the water, climbing different parts of the cave and taking pictures. It was fun! I wish they had lights to make it brighter, and prettier …but that’s just me being tourist.
It was nice to enjoy nature’s natural beauty.
It reminded me of swimming in the cenote at Xcaret in Mexico...except a mini Cuban version. It was quiet and peaceful, the water was crystal clear. It is a mini Cuban cenote.
I would totally go back with a group of friends and maybe some music.
My lifeproof case didn’t save my phone and it got wet while I tried to swim and take pics in the water.
I do recommend to bring whatever waterproof items you can, there isn’t much room to save your stuff from getting wet.
What I recommend to bring:
water shoes
a waterproof camera or case
waterproof bag to place your items in
A towel
change/small bills for the bathroom
and to buy water
After the caves we went to a nearby all inclusive hotel and enjoyed a day at the beach with some drinks.
The beach is beautiful. Varadero is where the Italian mafia invested in opening hotels and casinos. In fact, there are hotels everywhere along the strip of Varadero. The beach was calm and clear, the sand is silky and soft...it’s totally different than Havana.
It was very calm , clean , and quiet.
I’m glad to check Varadero off my list.
Varadero is not much different than other beaches in Cuba. I actually heard of other nice beaches in Cuba and to be honest this was very touristy... Jess doesn’t like being touristy, I like to immerse myself into the culture and I like going to untouched locations.
Varadero was a nice place to visit because it’s not as congested and dirty as Cancun or Punta Cana. If you want a nice all inclusive vibe, check it out!
