The major attractions are well away from the population centres, the majority situated in and around the green slopes of the Cordillera de Guaniguanico, the low mountain range that runs like a backbone down the length of the landscape. Life here unfolds at a subdued pace, and its hillside and seaside resorts are well suited to unfettered escapism. Continue reading to find out more about Besides the road ploughing through the middle of the low-lying thicket that covers most of the cay, the only signs of construction are a wooden restaurant at the start of the 3km of beach on the north side, and an old metal lighthouse built in The boat moors on a rickety wooden jetty, a two-minute walk from the only accommodation on the island, Hotel Cayo Levisa, sprawled untidily along the gleaming white beach.
Behind the beach, thick woodland reaches across the island to the opposite shore, forming a natural screen that encourages a sense of escape and privacy. The area had a brief moment of infamy thanks to Mariel on the northern coast. The nearest port to the US, it was from here that some , Cubans left the island in in what was known as the Mariel Boatlift. On the other hand, countless casas particulares are spread all over the city. Contact Infotur for dates.
As a result, levels of pestering and prostitution are surprisingly high. With this in mind, be careful if asking directions, particularly from young men who offer to take you to the address. Many house owners have complained of touts demanding commission even when the guests have actually arrived independently. If you got there on your own, make it clear to the house owner that you did not get their address from a tout; it can also help to let the tout know you will be doing this.
West of Soroa along the autopista lie a number of relatively entertaining detours, all within a forty-minute drive of the main road. The box-like exterior of the spa contrasts strikingly with the flourishing forests on the other side of the river. You could also wander around the village to the leafy little square, with its creaking seesaws and swings and church; or spend a few hours in the cinema, next door to the Hotel Mirador.
Nowadays most visitors are tourists, or Cubans on a prescribed course of treatment, as well as for beauty therapy, though you can just take a wallow in the waters. Popular treatments include acupuncture, medicinal mud and apitherapy the therapeutic use of bee products , a field in which Cuba is reportedly a pioneer. These are by far the best bases from which to explore the densely packed forest slopes of the protected Sierra del Rosario, but only Las Terrazas can uphold the claim popularized in tourist literature of connecting tourism with conservation and the local community.
