Topes de Collantes

Discover the natural beauty of Topes de Collantes, a paradise in the midst of the Sierra del Escambray

Located in the central part of the Cuban archipelago within the mountainous group of the Sierra del Escambray, in an area known as Topes de Collantes is one of the most beautiful and known protected areas of the largest of the Antilles. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, the Natural Park is a tourist attraction for all those who enjoy direct interaction with nature. Its location, a few miles from the city of Trinidad and the valley of the mills, allows visitors to enjoy contact with the native population of the territory.

Given the protected area status of this area, the construction of hotels and buildings for tourist purposes has been limited and regulated by the Cuban State, and the inhabitants of the province of Sancti Spirits, and the stops of particle collators, offer their Rental houses to make possible the stay of hundreds of tourists from all over the world. The park also has several camping areas in territories near caves, rivers, waterfalls and water falls. Our villa with pool in Havana are the best lodging you could find in Cuba.

The weather in the natural park is different from the one that exists in the rest of the island. The wind and humidity are moderate and the temperature varies between 17 and 25 °c. Located about 800 meters above sea level, the place has gained a lot of fame as a place of rest and recovery of various illnesses, especially those that are mental and/or respiratory. After the excursion you could rest and chill in one of our villa with pool in Havana.

The microclimate of stops and its relative geographical isolation has made possible the conservation of much of the autochthonous fauna of Cuba. In fact, almost half of the country’s endemic bird species are found in this territory, including the Tocororo, the national bird whose plumage bears the colors of the flag; and the Cijú banana (Glaucidiumsiju), the smallest owl species in the entire insular Caribbean. Also in the park inhabits one of the smallest species of amphibians of the planet: the Frog tail.

Within the flora of the park stands out the Mariposa (Hedychiumcoronarium), National flower of Cuba, more than 27 species of pines and eucalyptus and an estimated 100 ornamental plants of different types.

Most famous tourist attractions of the park

Although the large Natural Park has a few constructive restrictions for obvious heritage conservation issues, it has many attractions for visitors from all over the world. Whether for those who stay in the region, and for those who visit one or a couple of days, the rent of private homes in Cuba is a phenomenon that has greatly favored the flow of visitors to the most intricate regions of the island, which have not had a notable development of its hotel architecture. Stay in one of our villa with pool in Havana and have a dream stay.

Among the main attractions of the natural park is the excursion to Salto del Caburní, a hike that takes place through the coffee plantations and traditional farmers ‘ houses, which ends in a cascade of 62 meters with several Natural ponds. The Hacienda Codina, a ranch with hot springs, mud baths, medicinal orchards and a collection of more than 40 species of local orchids, also stands out. You can also appreciate the small bamboo forest, with the corner of Yoga and a secret passage that culminates in a viewpoint from which you can enjoy a privileged view of the city of Trinidad, Ancon Beach and the The valley of the mills. Villa with pool in Havana, the be.st option for your trip to Cuba

Exploring Topes de Collantes

The Natural Protected Landscape Topes de Collantes Trinidad, is an immense protected area of Cuba, located in the central part of the island in an area known as Topes de Collantes, within the mountainous group Guamuahaya or Sierra del Escambray, in the Cuban province of Sancti Spiritus, a few miles from the city of Trinidad and the Valle de los Ingenios, both declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1988.

History

Only a few coffee growers lived in Topes de Collantes  best known by their last name gallo Mr. Manuel Gallo and his wife Julia Oliva who had seven children, when President Fulgencio Batista ordered the construction of a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients in 1954.

There are rumors that his wife Martha was fighting this disease and once there he fell in love with the place. As a result, she convinced Batista to build her a “cabin” in the area as well. After the Cuban Revolution the hospital became a school, and in the mid ’70s it was given back a similar use to a hotel specializing in rehabilitation and special therapies.

The Kurhotel is also famous for its vast collection of original pieces of Cuban art. Distributed in its 210 rooms, halls and corridors, almost 800 pieces of art from the most famous Cuban painters of all time can be found.

The Universidad de Montaña of Topes de Collantes, is a substation of the Universidad Central Marta Abreu de las Villas, was built in the 1980s. Due to its relatively easy connection with the city of Trinidad and the beaches of the Ancon peninsula, a couple of hotels and a tourist village have been built.

Places of interest

  • Museo de Arte Cubano Contemporáneo
  • Casa Museo del Café
  • Plaza de las Memorias

Museo de Arte Cubano Contemporáneo

Believe it or not, Topes de Collantes monstrous sanatorium once harbored a veritable Louvre of Cuban art, containing works by Cuban masters such as Tomás Sánchez and Rubén Torres Llorca.

Raiding the old collection in 2008 inspired provincial officials to open this infinitely more attractive museum, which displays more than 70 works in six salas (rooms) spread over three floors.

The museum is on the main approach road from Trinidad, just before the hotels.