Cuban nature, which is rich in unique plant and animal species due to the region's tropical climate, holds many treasures in eastern Cuba that ratify the Caribbean Island's attractions for thousands of foreign tourists who visit the country every year.

In addition to sun, beach, historic and cultural options, access to unique natural places is an additional element in the effort to foster the tourist industry in Cuba.

One of those regions is the eastern province of Holguín, which has become a fast-growing tourist destination.

Travelers to Holguín can visit Cayo Naranjo, which has an aquarium in the middle of the sea.

Located in the bay of the same name, the key can only be accessed on speedboats that carry tourists from mainland. Once there, vacationers can watch a wide range of marine species and even take a swim with some of them.

Three dozen kilometers of coastline and five natural beaches, archeological sites, caves and pristine keys are part of Holguín's tourist offers, which are complemented by a six-kilometer-long coral reef, an excellent option for scuba divers.

Another option is Cayo Saetía, which is located in the mouth of the Bay of Nipe and is considered the largest hunting preserve in Cuba.

Cayo Saetía covers an area of 42 square kilometers, and more than 50 percent of it is covered by thick vegetation, which is a safe haven for several species, including white-tail deer, zebras and antelopes.

Hunting is carried out under strict national and international regulations to prevent damaging the habitat and to preserve the natural environment.

Under the conception of a Natural Park, Cayo Saetía remains a pristine key where the original flora and fauna are intact.

Visitors can travel on the islet on special vehicles and during their tour they meet face to face with wild boars, buffaloes, ostriches, peacocks, zebras, tocororos (Cuban trogons), antelopes, hutias and wild bulls.

In Holguín is Guardalavaca beach, a perfect combination of fine sand and blue sea, surrounded by mountains and green vegetation.

Ecotourism lovers can tour the areas near Sierra Cristal, where unique specimens of Cuban flora, like palms, coconuts, tropical fruit, ferns and precious timber trees grow.

Diving enthusiasts can enjoy a one-of-a-kind option in Tanque Azul de Caletones, an underwater cavern that is in the region's most important route of migratory birds.