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Cienaga de Zapata - Las Salinas

Matanzas  >  Cuba

The southeast part of the Zapata swamps is dominated by shallow lagoons and stripes of mangrove thickets in between.

Added* by Paul Poletajew
Most recent update 14 March 2023

Description

Maybe together with Cayo Coco the best place to enjoy shore birds in Cuba. The shallow water attracts thousands of flamingos, herons but also many different waders and migrating birds. It is also very good accessible and easy to bird, due to a gravel road and five surveillance platforms along the 20 km road.

Details

Access

Best to visit by car due to the long distances and the gravel road that is not reliably in good condition, especially during wet season and during dry season the exposure to the direct sunlight. During dry season accessible by any car and also bikes, but during wet season you may need an offroad vehicle.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Plain , Mud flats , Scattered trees and bushes , Sea

Conditions

Flat , Sandy , Wet , No shadow , High water possible

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

Winter

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Strenuous

Accessible by

Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

Every single inlet and lagoon is worth a look, it may surpirse you with rough numbers of Black-necked Stilt, American Flamingo, etc. or with a surprise.

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

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