The Landscape of Cuba: Topes de Collantes

Vegas Grande is the second-highest waterfall in Cuba and perhaps the most beautiful. Its waters flow between the rocks covered with abundant moss and vegetation, feeding the marine blue pond below. Behind the waterfall is an easily accessible cavity, where you can relax beneath a curtain of water for a totally centered experience.

The trail that leads to Vegas Grandes has a medium difficulty level due to its highly inclined slopes, and the nearly 8-kilometer trek to get there. The reason why travelers are so eager to jump in the water for a much-deserved energetic splash. And because of the complexity of the forest's trail, endemic Cuban birds can thrive in this area, whose calls you'll hear everywhere along the way.

Apart from the beautiful cascades, Topes de Collantes has additional natural wonders to enjoy. One of its intricate routes leads to Gruta La Batata, an intriguing cave with an interior river, with natural pools that are supposed to have curative properties. Regardless of the season, you can explore Gruta La Batata in its entirety when the river swell is at its lowest point.

As an interesting aspect of this adventure, don't forget to add Casa Museo del Cafe (House of Coffee) to your list. Here you'll have an excellent cup of locally grown coffee and demonstrations of rural life in Cuba.

The arts also have a space at Collantes, thanks to the Museo de Arte Cubano, where works from Cuban artists like Zaida del Río, Pedro Pablo Oliva, Manuel Mendive, Flora Fong, and Nelson Dominguez are displayed for your pleasure.

The options are many if you plan on spending a few days at the national park, like Hotel Los Helechos - which aside from basic amenities - also comes with a game hall and nightclub.

One of the most attractive hotels in Cuba is the Kurhotel Escambray. It was built in the 1950s as a rehabilitation center for revitalizing people with severe or debilitating illnesses.

Also, there's Villa Caburní - a more economical hotel-villa stay made up of independent cabins with essential services, and full buffet service.

Written by Javier Montenegro.

Published October 2022.