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Home > Travel Central America > Central America Destinations > Cardenas
Cardenas
Central America is the central geographic region of the Americas. It is variably defined either as being a region of the Americas in its own right or as the southern portion of North America. Physiographically, Central America is a tropical isthmus that connects North and South America. It includes 7 countries and many small offshore islands. Overall, the land is fertile and rugged, and dominated through its heart by a string of volcanic mountain ranges with a few active volcanos.
Cardenas is a town in the Matanzas Province of Cuba, about 150 kilometers east of Havana. The municipality of Cardenas extends over 320 square kilometers and includes the town of Cardenas and the communities of Cantel, Fundicion, Guasimas, Marina, Mendez Capote, Pueblo Nuevo and Santa Marta.
Cardenas is a maritime port town on the level and somewhat marshy shore of a spacious bay of the northern coast of the island, sheltered by a long promontory. The city lies between the sea and hills. A large quantity of asphalt has been taken from the bed of the harbour. A flow of fresh water from the bed of the harbour is another peculiar feature; it presumably comes from the outlets of subterranean rivers.
There are mostly narrow streets, various squares and substantial business buildings. Varadero, on the peninsula at the northern side of the bay, has a long beach, with many hotels, all-inclusive resorts and vacation villas.
Cardenas was founded in 1828, and in 1861 already had 12,910 inhabitants. The completion of the railroad in 1841 led to further development. In 1850 General Narciso Lopez landed here on a filibustering expedition, and held the town for a few hours, abandoning it when he saw that the people would not rise to support him in his efforts to secure Cuban independence. In the early 20th Century, Cardenas was one of the main sugar-exporting towns of Cuba. By 1907 the population was 24,280. The shallowness of the harbour necessitated lighterage and repeated loading of cargoes. The surrounding region is farmed for its fertility.
One of the better preserved buildings in Cardenas is the Museum of Battles of Ideas, dedicated to modern history. Casa Natal de Jose Echeverria is another exhibition displaying the history of anti-Batista fights between 1952 and 1958.
Cardenas is said the place of best geographical environment and can trace its origins back to prehistoric times. It enjoys a very positive reputation with worldwide travelers.
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