Localization

The Escambray Mountains (Sierra del Escambray) are a mountain range in the south-central region of Cuba, extending about 80 km between the provinces of Sancti Spíritus, Cienfuegos and Villa Clara. The Agabama River divides the Escambray range into two sections, of which the western part is called the Guamuhaya Mountains. Topes de Collantes (Collantes Highs), a nature reserve park established in the south-eastern ranges of Guamuhaya Mountains, is a wonder of nature with dozens of waterfalls and natural ponds, rivers, canyons and numerous caves that are waiting for to be discovered. The highest peak of the region, Pico San Juan rises to 960 m above sea level. The practically virgin area, hidden between the mountains, is an exceptional place, which has unique species in the country. The weather here is always cool and humid.

Although generally referred to as a single entity, the reserve is actually made up five separate, but interlinked parks, namely Parque Altiplano, Parque Codina, Parque Guanayara, Parque el Cubano and El Nicho. Particularly, El Nicho is the top touristic attraction in Topes de Collantes that covers a fairly large area. Super green El Nicho is famous worldwide with its waterfalls and natural ponds with crystal clear water. The waterfalls at El Nicho are actually fed by two rivers, Rio El Nicho and Rio El Mamey. Rio El Mamey, which extends about 10 km long and has a higher flow than Rio El Nicho, empties into the Hanabanilla Lake.

Although it is possible to reach El Nicho from Trinidad, most people come from Cienfuegos, as it is closer. You can take either the taxi or the bus, or you can prefer your own hire car to reach the beautiful place. After leaving the Cienfuegos-Manicaragua road, the road up the mountain is not very winding, but it is extremely rough. You have to drive slowly to avoid falling into the potholes. The lack of signage should not discourage those who want to come here without a guide, because after crossing the bridge over Rio El Mamey, all you have to do is to park your car in any empty space that you find at the entrance and to follow the path that runs along the river on the right. There is a big carpark with plenty of guides around which make sure that your belongings are safe.

It is recommended to bring water-shoes with, as you have to walk on the slippery stones, when you enter the natural pools. Of course, towel and swimsuit should be not forgotten. Even though, you can hide yourself under the intense vegetation, to bring any sun cream is advisable, if you plan to rest there for a long time. In fact, the place is a jungle area with a lot of humidity and vegetation that facilitate the breeding of the mosquitos. Even though, mosquito population is not at such degree like in some other places of Cuba, it is recommended to take an anti-mosquito spray with. Finally, don't forget to take water with you. As El Nicho is sometimes flooded with visitors that it can't handle, only up to 140 visitors are allowed daily for excursions in the park, according to the new regulation. So go early.

The tour along the waterfalls will take 10-15 minutes, if you are not going to enter the water and to take photos. If you are not going to do these, you should give a reasonable answer to the question of why you came here. It normally takes up to 2 hours to enjoy the water, to capture beautiful snapshots and to have a snack at the paladar. But remember, this is a great place to spend also the whole day.