Boca de Canasi welcomes hikers all year round. Although there is a tourist facility nearby, people prefer to go deeper into the wild beyond the river, where it is easier to be in touch with nature. The locals are aware of this, and are very friendly to the adventurous outsiders.
A village was founded in Canasi four centuries ago, near the mouth of the river, between two high cliffs. There are records that around 1738 sea floods started to destroy the houses, killing dogs, chickens and goats in the ranches.
Many villagers ended up moving to higher grounds in the early 19th century, to found Arcos de Canasi, a town that currently has 2.000 inhabitants, south of the Via Blanca highway that connects Havana and Matanzas.
Approximately half a mile away to the east of the river there is a stone bed pierced by three caves filled with water. It’s called La Cazuela. Schools of garfish can be seen in the bottom of its crystal clear waters.
Deeper into the main cave there is a carpet of fine sand to rest the feet after the long walk. It’s easy to lose track of time in this place, protected from the hot tropical sun.
I think I’d like to see this place!