Venture into the Sierra del Escambray, Cuba’s second-largest mountain range, to experience the abounding natural beauty of the Topes de Collantes National Park. Rare and exotic flora and fauna live among the lush vegetation while waterfalls cascade into warm natural pools.
Climb 2,624 feet (800 meters) above sea level into the jungle-clad mountains to begin exploring this off-the-beaten-path natural wonderland. The vast area covers some 77 square miles (200 square kilometers) and encompasses eight smaller parks including Parque Altiplano, Parque Codina and Parque el Cubano. Walk among the towering mahogany, pine and wild banana trees and inhale the scents of begonias, ginger, jasmine and eucalyptus. Brightly colored orchids and butterfly lilies grow here, as do more than 40 species of coffee.
Choose between a range of available outdoor activities in Topes de Collantes National Park. Hike the large network of trails, horse ride, swim in natural pools, climb waterfalls, enjoy a picnic and look for endemic wildlife. The region enjoys an annual average temperature of around 70 F (21 C), which is the perfect climate for enjoying the range of eco-tourism opportunities.
Ponder the fascinating history of this serene and tranquil place as you explore. In 1958, Che Guevara set up camp here amid the thick foliage on his way to Santa Clara and it has been the scene of guerilla campaigns by counterrevolutionaries.
Visit the settlement of Topes de Collantes, the largest urban area in the Escambray Mountains and the namesake of the park. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Cuban Art, dine in the plethora of restaurants and sip locally grown coffee in one the many cafés.
Topes de Collantes National Park is easily accessible and can be found just 11 miles (18 kilometers) from Trinidad. Visit by rental car and appreciate the stunning driving roads. Climb up the well-signposted winding mountain road and be sure to look back towards the Ancon Peninsula to admire its magnificent beaches.
