The Cuban archipelago, a tourist destination par excellence in the Caribbean region, opens its tourist season in winter, when thousands of foreign vacationers come to the island nation to enjoy its nature, history and culture.

Generally, the pleasant drop in temperature is accompanied by an increase in tourist arrivals from all over the world, especially from those regions where winter is severe.

During the winter season, Cuba's traditional sun and beach options, complemented by 600 kilometers of excellent beaches, continue to be a great attraction for foreign vacationers.

In western Cuba, the world-famous Varadero Beach, in the Hicacos Peninsula, offers sea lovers its 22 kilometers of excellent beaches of crystal-clear water and white fine sand.

The fast development of tourism in Cuba over the past few years has resulted in the construction of hotels, villas and inns all over the country.

In addition, thousands of hotel rooms are complemented by a broad network of facilities for leisure, cultural events, sports, shops and restaurants, where gastronomy plays a major role.

Culture and history are complemented by traditions from the Spanish-colonial period and unique sites for nautical activities, ecotourism and trekking.

Cuba's fauna is made up of 16,900 described species, including some zoological groups that show an endemism of more than 90 percent. The island's autochthonous flora consists of more than 6,300 species.

Well-preserved nature and biosphere reserves, natural landscapes and protected areas make up a broad network of offers.

In addition, diving enthusiasts can enjoy more than 70,000 kilometers of insular platform and 5,000 kilometers of coasts bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

Nearly 6,500 varieties of fish, crustaceans, sponges and mollusks, in addition to several species of coral, turn the Cuba into one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the Caribbean region.

Over 30 diving centers operate throughout the country, offering initiation courses and diving excursions in coral reefs and caverns, under international standards for that activity.

Other centers combine knowledge about the marine environment and recreation for tourists of all ages.