VaraderoOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Salt Mines to Resort Town

The Hicacos Peninsula, where Varadero is located, was first documented in 1555. The name "Varadero" derives from the Spanish word "varar," meaning "to beach or run aground," referencing its calm waters suitable for ship repair. For centuries, the peninsula was known for its salt mines; the "Las Salinas" salt works operated from the late 16th century, supplying salt to the Spanish Latin America Fleet.

Varadero's development as a settlement began on December 5, 1887, when ten families from the nearby city of Cárdenas received permission to build summer residences. These initial homes, often with red wooden roofs, are still visible along Avenida 1ra. In the early 20th century, Varadero transitioned from a salt-mining area to a tourist destination. A turning point was the rowing regatta of 1915, which drew attention to the area's beaches. The first hotel, named "Varadero," was built around this time.

The Mid-20th Century and Modern Development

Tourism expanded in the 1930s, attracting wealthy Cuban and foreign elites, including Americans. This period saw the construction of mansions and hotels. An example is the Xanadu Mansion, built in the 1930s by American millionaire Irénée du Pont de Nemours, who purchased a significant portion of the peninsula and invested in infrastructure like a power plant and roads. Figures such as Al Capone stayed in the area during this time.

After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, many of these mansions were nationalized and repurposed into public spaces, museums, or hotels, making the resort accessible to more visitors. While Varadero has become a major international tourist center with numerous large resort complexes, the older part of the city, with its grid of streets from 1st to 64th Street, retains an architectural character distinct from colonial Cuban cities like Havana.

• —Xanadu Mansion — This was the estate of American millionaire Irénée du Pont, built in the 1930s. It now functions as a hotel and restaurant, displaying its original architecture and ocean views.
• —Varadero Beach — This beach extends for over 20 kilometers along the Hicacos Peninsula. It features white sand and clear turquoise waters, providing space for relaxation and water activities.
• —Josone Park (Parque Josone) — Established in 1942 by José Fermín Iturrioz Llaguno, director of the Arechabala rum factory. The park contains gardens, a lake with boat rentals, and restaurants in former mansions.
• —Church of Santa Elvira — This Catholic church, built in 1938, is constructed from stone and wood. Its bell tower has a horseshoe-shaped half-arch topped with a cross.
• —Cueva de Ambrosio — Located within the Hicacos Point Natural Park, this cave contains pre-Columbian pictographs, among the largest collections of indigenous drawings in the Caribbean. It also served as a hiding place for runaway slaves during the colonial era.
• —Museo Municipal de Varadero — Housed in Leopoldo Abreu's former summer home from the 1920s, this museum displays furniture and artifacts related to Varadero's early development.

The dry season, from December to April, is the best time to visit Varadero. Temperatures average 24-27°C (75-81°F), with minimal rain and consistent sunshine, suitable for beach activities. Humidity levels are lower, making the climate more comfortable.

November and May offer good weather with some rain and warm temperatures, allowing enjoyment of the beaches with fewer crowds. The wet season, from May to October, has higher humidity, more frequent rain, and a risk of hurricanes, especially in September and October. While temperatures are higher, the increased precipitation can be less pleasant.

Varadero is served by Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport (VRA), 16 kilometers west of the peninsula. A taxi from the airport to hotels costs 25-40 USD and takes 20-40 minutes. The Viazul bus offers a daily service from the airport to Varadero's bus station for about 6 USD.

Within Varadero, taxis are available; negotiate the price before starting, as meters are rarely used. A ride within Varadero typically costs 5-10 USD. Classic American cars, known as "Maquinas" or "Yank Tanks," operate as private taxis. Other options include coco taxis (yellow, egg-shaped three-wheeled vehicles), horse-drawn carriages, and bici taxis (three-wheel bicycles). A hop-on hop-off double-decker bus runs along the peninsula with a day pass. Scooter rentals are also available.