The Cuban archipelago, which has a strategic location in the Caribbean region, offers a wide range of tourist options to national and foreign vacationers.

Dozens of kilometers of white-sanded beaches of warm crystal-clear waters in pristine areas are major attractions for tourists.

The country's cultural wealth and traditions are complemented by architectural treasures from the Spanish colonial period and a unique natural environment.

Cuba has many natural, ecological and biosphere reserves, protected areas and national parks.

Cuban fauna is very diverse and consists of more than 350 species birds that live on islets and keys throughout the country, many of which are endemic.

In addition, the archipelago's geographic location turns Cuba into a corridor for migratory birds that travel long distances from North America to South America and vice versa.

Cuba's ecological diversity is huge, especially in the central provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus, which have a huge potential for ecotourism.

In the southern part of that province is the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve, a stronghold for nature tourism, an ideal place for marine spelunking and the largest swamp in the Caribbean region.

Excellent beaches, exotic forests, rivers, lakes, flooded caverns, natural pools, pristine areas and typical swamp savannas are save havens for 30 percent of Cuba's autochthonous fauna.

The swamp shelters 171 species of birds, 18 of which are native to the region, which is one of Cuba's richest zones for ecological tourism.

The zone is the natural habitat of a variety of crocodile that is native to Cuba, in addition to manatees, which are considered the crown jewels of the national fauna.

Cayo Saetía, in eastern Cuba, is at the entrance of the Bay of Nipe. It is considered the largest game preserve in the country and is inhabited by a wide range of animal and plant species.

The key covers an area of 42 square kilometers, and more than 50 percent of it is covered by thick vegetation, which is a safe haven for several species, including whitetail deer, zebras and antelopes.