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Here is much to interest and much to charm, the city itself, its harbor, its two rivers, the famous valley of the Yumuri, and the caves of Bellamar. The city, founded in 1693, lies along the shore of the bay and rises to the higher ground of the hills behind it. It lies about sixty miles from Havana, and is easily reached by rail or by automobile.
There are many other caves in the island, like Cotilla, in the Guines region not far from Havana, others in the Cubitas Mountains in Camaguey Province, and still others in Oriente, but in comparison with Bellamar they are little else than holes in the ground. The trip through these remarkable aisles and chambers occupies some three or four hours. Cuba is not big enough for rivers of size.
The second object of note which the visitor will not willingly miss is a sight of the famous caves of Bellamar, situated about two leagues from the city proper. It is customary to make this trip in a volante, and it is quite the thing to ride, at least once, in this unique vehicle, the only article ever invented in Cuba.
A Delightful Climate Grand Scenic Surprises The Caves of Bellamar The Valley of the Yumuri Under Nature's Dome Gorgeous Sunsets The Palm Tree Groves The Home of Fruits and Flowers The Zodiacal Light. When the little island of Cuba, "The Pearl of the Antilles," was assigned a place upon the terrestrial globe, Nature must have been in her most generous mood.
In some of the mountains are extensive caves, not unlike the caves of Bellamar near the city of Matanzas, in which are still to be found the bones of an unknown race, while several of these elevations are so precipitous as to be nearly inaccessible.
Fine Harbors. Historic Memories of the Caribbean Sea. Sentinel of the Gulf. Importance of the Position. Climate. Hints for Invalids. Matanzas. Execution of a Patriot. Valley of Yumuri; Caves of Bellamar; Puerto Principe; Cardenas.
Hey! presto! what a change! One of the most interesting trips that can be made is to the "Caves of Bellamar," which may be found about two and a half miles southeast of the city of Matanzas.
Others are known as "Columbus Mantle," "The Altar," and "The Guardian Spirit." "Who has not seen the Caves of Bellamar has not seen Cuba." One of the most vivid pieces of descriptive writing, referring to the beauties of Cuban skies, is from the pen of James M. Phillippo: "The splendor of the early dawn in Cuba, as in the tropical islands in its vicinity, has been referred to.
Somewhat more than fifty years ago, an accident revealed the beautiful caves of Bellamar, two or three miles from the city, and easily reached by carriage. Caves ought to be cool. These are not, but they are well worth all the perspiration it costs to see them. They are a show place, and guides are always available.
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