Topes de Collantes: The Cuban oasis

A journey to the geographical heart of the island takes us to the Escambray Mountains, a mountain range that guards, at around 800 meters above sea level, one of the country’s most fascinating natural secrets: Topes de Collantes Natural Park.

Here, where Pico San Juan rises imposingly as the highest peak at 1,140 meters, the air becomes fresh, the vegetation lush, and the bustle of the colonial cities dissolves amidst forests of pine, bamboo and eucalyptus. This protected natural landscape possesses incalculable value for botany and ecology, harboring countless endemic species of flora and fauna in their purest state.

Healing trails and dreamy waterfalls

Topes de Collantes is the ultimate destination for hiking and wellness tourism enthusiasts. Its mountains are crisscrossed by trails that combine physical challenge with unparalleled natural rewards.

Vegas Grandes Trail: This is the most popular hike in the area. It’s an approximately 2.5 kilometer (1.5 mile) route that winds through lush coffee plantations, past traditional mountain homes, and along vertiginous cliffs. The final reward of this trail is the spectacular Salto del Caburní waterfall, an imposing cascade whose waters invite a refreshing and comforting swim.

La Batata Cave Trail: A trail where the flora and fauna will leave you speechless. The biggest surprise awaits at the end of the trail: a cave that hides several natural pools where you can immerse yourself and benefit from the healing properties attributed to its waters.

Hacienda Codina: A wonderful ranch that surprises travelers with its unique medicinal mud baths. To get there, you’ll cross magical bamboo forests, the mysterious Altar Cave, and Lovers’ Island, culminating your journey at a natural viewpoint with panoramic views of the majestic Valley of the Sugar Mills, the historic sugar-producing region.

The wellness haven: The healing properties of this area are no accident. One of its most popular attractions is its spa, a renowned health and relaxation center in the heart of the Escambray Mountains, ideal for those seeking stress relief, massages, and rehabilitation in an environment of absolute peace.

Art, coffee and the traces of time

History and culture are deeply intertwined in these hills. Urbanization of the area began in 1937 when Fulgencio Batista founded the settlement and ordered the construction of the road from Trinidad. Decades later, these rugged mountains became the stage for intense struggles: they served as a refuge for the rebel troops commanded by Che Guevara during the fight against Batista, and later became the epicenter of uprisings by opponents of Fidel Castro’s government.

Between hikes, the park offers two unmissable cultural stops:

The Coffee Museum: A space dedicated to the history and tradition of coffee cultivation in the region, where you can also sample exquisite local specialties.

The Museum of Contemporary Cuban Art: An unexpected cultural oasis that houses a valuable collection of more than 60 works of art from the Cuban avant-garde of the 1980s.

How to get there?

The ideal access to this natural paradise is from the beautiful colonial city of Trinidad, located just under 30 kilometers away. If you decide to travel by private car, the recommended route is via the Southern Circuit.

However, the most convenient alternative to avoid the hassle of the journey and the steep inclines is to hire a local taxi to take you there and pick you up at the end of your day of exploration. Topes de Collantes awaits you to show you that Cuba is also green, fresha and healing.