Laguna Guanaroca is a mangrove-rimmed saline lake southeast of Cienfuegos. It's second only to Las Salinas on the PenÃnsula de Zapata as a bird magnet, and is Cienfuegos Province's only area protegida (natural protected area). Trails lead to a viewing platform where flamingos, pelicans and tocororos (trogons; Cuba's national bird) are regular visitors.
Plant life includes pear, lemon and avocado trees, as well as the ²µÃ¼¾±°ù²¹, the fruit used to make maracas. Tours take around two hours and include a short hike and a boat trip to the far side of the lake. Arrive early to maximize your chances of seeing a variety of birds.
The reserve entrance is 12km from Cienfuegos, off the Rancho Luna road on the cut-through to Pepito Tey. A taxi there and back with a wait costs around CUC$15.