I never imagined myself saying that Varadero is worth visiting. All-inclusive beach resorts don’t appeal to me, even if the beaches are pristine. However, on a recent trip, I discovered that Varadero should be known for something other than fun-in-the-sun experiences. Limestone caves dot the region’s landscape. Of the two caves I visited, Ambrosio cave created a lifelong memory for me. I stood alone, deep in the cave, with my tiny pocket flashlight turned off. I remained still and just listened to sounds of bats’ echolocation and the fluttering of their wings as they deftly darted past me, providing a gentle breeze. Peaceful. Magical. I lingered in the cave, treasuring rare minutes of true silence. I was free from all the noise that is such a constant throughout daily life that I often don’t even recognize that it is there. What a treat to have the Ambrosio cave to myself—and my unforgettable 1,000 bat friends.
