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Las Terrazas Complex is a good example of sustainable development of a rural area. It is located within the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, in the Candelaria Municipality of the Artemisa province.

In 1968, a project was initiated with the main purpose of reforesting the area of 5 thousand hectares, bringing together the scattered population to improve their living conditions, and building roads to connect to the national highway network. Subsequently, 1,500 km of terraces were built on the surrounding hills and 6 million trees were planted to prevent the erosion. Las Terrazas takes its name from these terraces. Thus, in 1971, the Community of Las Terrazas emerged which actively participated in all the initiatives undertaken to achieve the self-managed development of the territory and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. Since 1994, due its geographical and natural attractions, the area became a tourist complex with high demand also from international tourism. Thus, Las Terrazas Community became a sustainable development zone dedicated to the development of tourism. Both residents and visitors take care to preserve, protect, and control this site.

The Area

The numerous narrow valleys among the mountain ranges and streams with beautiful waterfalls in the territory are intertwined with lush forests reminiscent of tropical rainforests. Crystal-clear waters of San Juan and Bayate rivers, flowing from small waterfalls, collect in natural pools of various sizes, the largest of which is Lake San Juan. The community, with a total population of around one thousand, lives in 253 housholds arranged in a circle on the hill overlooking the lake, so that each house can see the lake, even partially.


The emblematic hotel, Hotel Moka, which was inaugurated in 1994, is built under slender teaks and royal palms at the foot of the hill called Loma El Salón overlooking the shores of Lake San Juan, which fascinates the visitors with its unforgetable view at sunset. The colonial style hotel offers the opportunity to enjoy an unique experience blending with nature.

The Casa del Lago, located on the shores of Lake San Juan, is another place to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere that permeates the area. Here you will have the opportunity to go boating, canoeing and also enjoy a variety of culinary delights.

There are many restaurants scattered throughout the area where you can enjoy dfifferent tastes, such as Casa del Campesino (Creole food), El Romero (Cuban ecological cuisine), Fonda de Mercedes (typical Cuban food), Casa de Botes (seafood), El Bambú (grilled pork), El Balcón de las Tecas (a la carte), Rancho Curujey (Cuban food) and Buenavista (Cuban food).

Buenavista restaurant takes its name from the historical coffee plantation that was in the same location. During the Haitian revolution (1791-1804) all shores of Cuba, particularly the eastern coasts, were flown by hundreds of dread French settlers that were trying to save not only their lives, but also their economic power. Drawing on their unique experience in Haiti, they established coffee plantations where they felt safe and inaccessible in the mountainous region, and developed the coffee culture. The Buenovista plantation was one of these French plantations. Leaving the restaurant behind and continuing on the road, you will reach the coffee bean drying areas (secaderos) and the mill (tahona). This place, which especially attracts the foreign tourists, has a unique view of the San Juan valley, as it is one of the highest points of the field and is an ideal place for bird watching.

There are also many coffee plantations in ruins. Cafetal El Contento, Cafetal San Idelfonso, Cafetal Unión, Cafetal San Pedro and Cafetal Santa Catalina are those which survived partially among these.