At the heart of Cuban Escambray

To live an exciting experience with nature, the invitation is destined for the mountainous area of ​​Tope de Collantes in the Sierra del Escambray, one of the three main mountain ranges of Cuba, which belongs to the province of Sancti Spiritus. This picturesque mountain, located 800 meters above sea level and about 20 km from the city of Trinidad, has become a privileged place for developing ecotourism in Cuba, and health tourism.

With the spectacular color of the vegetation, the richness of its flora and fauna, the beauty of its waterfalls and caves, and exciting family outings organized by local guides, this place is a favorite of lovers Cuban wildlife.

No doubt any visitor will be captivated by this scene of breathtaking natural beauty, home to several endemic species of flora and fauna. Due to wet weather there are many species of orchids, mosses, lichens, ferns and forests of pine and eucalyptus. The fauna is rich in bird and invertebrate populations. The observation of abundant populations of parrots is fascinating, a constant invitation to photograph. It is also possible to observe an extraordinary variety of plants and flowers, among which the color of the Butterflies, the national flower of Cuba.

By the caprices of benefits and relief, Topes de Collantes is a true paradise for lovers of trekking and caving, as well as for those who enjoy swimming in natural pools and waterfalls. Leisure in the Cuban Escambray natural park caters mainly offers group tours. Among the most popular trails are those of yam, the Caburní, Garden of Giants, to name a few. Also available are trips to Parque El Cubano, Codina, Guanayara and Los Almendros. During excursions vacationers can find along the way-marked maps indicating the main places to visit, either cafes, hotels, other trails or any other target of interest.

A proposal is seductive tour de La Batata trail, which makes a stop at the Coffee House, shows the faithful of old brewing. Here the visitor can see how coffee is made the traditional way, resulting in a pure coffee, worthy of every palate. In addition, the letter is well stocked, has more than a dozen varieties of coffee from different regions of the world: Brazilian coffees, Colombians, Arabs, Cubans and Ethiopians are some options that the customer can select. It also has a wide and varied in presentation and prepared coffee that will please all types of clientele.

Also, the trail ride Sweet Potato is one of the main attractions of the cave that bears the same name, where tourists can climb or take a dip in the underground river, but beware the darkness and depth of these waters, as its cold temperature. The variety of climbing opportunities ranging from simple trail for the average visitor to paths of some difficulty, for which it is advisable to have a minimum experience and fitness. Throughout the tour you can enjoy the gardens of ferns and wild nature able to please any fan of photography.

Similarly, the path of Caburní very interesting. Its main goal is to bring visitors to see the impressive waterfall of Caburní, with 62 feet fall, a natural show negligible. Also as part of the tour will visit the Gallo House, home of the former owners of the land, where he still lives one of his descendants. Of note, the monument has been erected for the family, represented by a fountain shaped like a rooster. A curiosity is that it is said that the water that flows from that source medicinal or curative properties, and its sign is invite travelers to try to alleviate their fatigue and experience the benefits of their properties. In this house there is a cafe that offers soft drinks and fast food, with seating in the form of swings reflect a very original rustic design. It also forms part of the route a rock formation that mimics the trunk of an elephant, which attracted the attention of many visitors. From the same you can get a spectacular view of the entire area of ​​Tope de Collantes.

It is quite common along the promenade, the observation of black orchids in the heights of trees and find species like tocororo, national bird of Cuba, and the guinea pig, animal characteristic of the Cuban countryside. Both species are protected by local rangers, who are responsible for implementing a series of measures to conserve both flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Likewise are attractive walks Park El Cubano, which is surrounded by waterfalls and crystal clear waters pocetas, recommended for its medicinal properties. I notice that the water is too cold for a swim and there are different depths, so care is advised funds are also muddy. In the same you can visit the ruins of a hut slave, peasant huts, jump Javira, Javira reserve, among other attractions.

For lunch we recommend the Creole cuisine restaurant Mi Retiro, and if you want to enjoy a sunset bar is an outdoor cafe in the Mirador. From the highest point of the latter can be seen the city of Trinidad and Ancon beach. The villas are to stay high category, but are quite comfortable.