Known as the Creole Venice for the high number of bridges that set it apart, the City of Matanzas is located on a beautiful bay, beside the Yumuri and San Juan Rivers. Matanzas, a prosperous city, was founded in 1693 and which some call the Athens of Cuba, in reference to its many poets. Monumental buildings of neoclassical features are a proof of the boom that this quiet city has experienced beginning in late 18th century. Matanzas grew around a large bay, well protected by a solid network of fortresses the most important of which can still be visited and admired today. Parque Libertad is the main town square which is home to some valuable historic buildings. 

Canimar River is a Natural Park and a river, one of the deepest in Cuba, where you can sail and enjoy the exuberant vegetation and the rich fauna of the cliffs around it. The park invites visitors to enjoy its peaceful natural beauty with horse or boat rides or fishing and snorkeling excursions. The river flows into the bay of Matanzas next to the Morrillo Castle, built in 1720.

This exquisite, neoclassical concert hall is named after a 19th-century violinist/composer who was exiled for his nationalist leanings. It was the first place that danzón, Cuba's national dance, was performed.

Located in the outskirts of the city of Matanzas, The Yumurí valley offers one of the most spellbinding views in Cuba. The best perspective of the Valley can be seen from the viewpoint at the Bacunayagua Bridge from where the splendor of the valley can be fully appreciated. There are ecotourism trails in the valley.