Valle del Yumurí
A limestone gorge and palm-lined valley northwest of Matanzas, which Humboldt praised as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. Visitors can ride horses, hike, or take a boat trip on the river.
The Yumurí Valley lies northwest of Matanzas. The Yumurí River has cut a gorge through limestone hills before opening into a wide valley. The valley is dotted with royal palms, sugar cane fields, and small farmhouses. In the 19th century, the explorer Alexander von Humboldt praised it as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. You can ride horses and hike at farms in the valley, or take a small boat into the gorge from the river mouth. The valley can be seen from the Monserrate lookout and from the Bacunayagua Bridge. Note: the valley roads are narrow, so consider hiring a car or joining a farm tour. Roads turn muddy in the rainy season.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- Ermita de Monserrate (Matanzas)
- Matanzas Historic Centre
- Museo Farmacéutico de Matanzas
- Teatro Sauto
- Castillo de San Severino
- Bacunayagua Bridge Viewpoint
- Cuevas de Bellamar
- Río Canímar