CubaPLUS Magazine

Some call it Isla de las Iguanas but the majority seem to prefer to call it Cayo Iguana, always making mention of the original and friendly “residents” of that paradisiacal place lost in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, near the historic and beautiful city of Trinidad, south of Cuba.

A very small territory that also apparently floats in the area neighboring the fabulous dream sands of Cayo Largo del Sur, famous Cuban spa with many years of service with a comfortable tourist offer. Because Cayo Iguana is a tiny islet located approximately about two hours of travel if you sail there from the populous Playa Ancón de Trinidad. Blue-green waters, the famous turquoise tone admired by Cubans.

They surround that almost tiny portion of land where there is a coastline, or better said, beautiful white sand beach, a general coastal strip very serene without human settlement, the iguanas seem to have taken over that magical environment, because although they also live in other keys, their presence is more abundant. According to science, they are reptiles that come from prehistory, they are distantly related to dinosaurs, and although they are considered ugly and unfairly aggressive, in reality they are very charismatic and sociable, used to being around people with astonishing tranquility.

They are quite a sight with their corrugated parchment appearance and armored on all sides, as an attribute of its slow evolution to present, and that gives them an attraction that escapes no one when they are near. They usually open their mouths as if they were going to bite, but nothing, no. They don't attack, unless they are damaged. And that is prohibited by the strict laws that protect the native fauna and flora here.

By the way, the flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem has native zoological species such as the Cuban hutía, a rodent with Squirrel-like appearance if you see it from a distance, although smaller. Among the most striking animals on the seabed are the stars of the sea, crabs and very colorful little fish, easily detectable in dives close to the prodigious coral barrier. In this environment, travel agents promote the practice of snorkeling and hiking, and of course, beach bathing, dosing exposure to the hot sun of the Caribbean.

That little corner is so in demand that in the high season it is advisable to book the excursion in advance, since the conservative laws do not allow overcrowding and the offer is limited. The excursion to Cayo Iguana usually lasts a full day and on the little island you will find a rustic restaurant or ranch that sells food and drinks.