Topes de Collantes National Park Cuba
The Topes de Collantes national park is a maze of jungle-covered limestone mountains called “mogotes” featuring picturesque waterfalls and caves.
The highest mountain in the area is the Pico de San Juan which extends skyward to an impressive 1150 meters (3773 feet). There is no hiking permitted on this particular summit because it is part of a military zone but, don’t worry, there are numerous other surrounding peaks begging to be discovered.
Getting to Topes de Collantes
Most visitors to the area originate in Havana and usually Rent a car in Cuba. Getting to Topes de Collantes from Havana is rather simple. First you take the main Cuban highway called the Carretera Nacional (A-1) eastbound until you reach Km 270, at which point you will see signs for Carretera a Manicaragua. The park boundary starts approximately 50 Kms from the highway. The total distance from Old Havana to the Hotel Villa Caburni and Hotel Los Helechos is 322KM (200 miles) and the journey will take around 4 hours.
If you are located in Trinidad and wish to visit Topes de Collantes the distance is very short indeed, being just 18 km (11 miles). From Trinidad center, look for the Topes de Collante turn off from the coastal road which is approximately 7 Kms to the West of town center and just after the “punto de control”. Based upon the fact that you will starting at sea level and attaining +800 meters altitude in 18km, you will understand that these are steeply inclined mountain roads. Nevertheless, the roads are perfect, well paved and signposted. They are free of major traffic and a nice drive. There are several vantage points along the way so keep your camera prepared and, be ready to stop along the way for some excellent shots of the valley and rolling hills.
If you are located in Cienfuegos it is just 68 km (42 miles) to Topes de Collantes and well worth a visit. Take the coastal road east until you see the signs for Topes de Collantes and then head up through the final 11km of mountain roads.
The Topes de Collantes national park has several tourist areas to explore:
- Parque Altiplano
- Parque Codina
- Parque Guanayara
- Parque El Nicho
- Parque El Cubano
- Embalse Hanabanilla
- Villa Guajimico
- Cueva Martin Infierno
We hope we have convinced you to come and visit soon!
Hotel Villa Caburni Topes de Collantes Cuba
Hotel Villa Caburni is located right in the heart of the Topes de Collantes Touristic Complex, located in the Guamuhaya mountainous massif in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba’s Central Province. Just 20 km from Trinidad and the popular Playa Ancon, the Hotel Caburni makes an ideal accommodation for those preferring a cooler mountain setting but also wish to visit the major sights in the area. Just 68 km (42 miles) from Cienfuegos means that this important southern city is well within the reach of those staying at Topes de Collantes.
Perched at 800 meters above sea level, the extraordinary Topes de Collantes nature reserve is an beautiful rural setting for your eco type vacation. As part of the Sierra de Escambray mountain range in Sancti Spíritus province the Topes de Collantes is also home to numerous endemic flora and fauna species. With an average temperature of 21˚C, an abundance of fresh mountain air, freshwater rivers and streams, waterfalls and terrific hiking opportunities this is a surreal paradise for nature lovers.
Villa Caburní is a respectable 3-star property recommended for families and those preferring the privacy and the laid back sensation of a mountain retreat. Staying in one of these villas is equal to being in your very own Cuban community.
Topes de Collantes has various individual parks, of which these are divided into six parks: Guanayara, Codina, Altiplano Topes de Collantes, El Cubano, El Nicho and in the Trinitarian Caribbean, Cayo Las Iguanas. All these places guarantee spectacular beauty. The Caburni falls, is a very popular hike because it ends in Caburni River with a gigantic waterfall cascading down from 62 meters into a series of natural pools.
When you click “Reserve at Hotel Villa Caburni” you will be comparing rates and availability from all three possible sources:
- All major international suppliers of Hotel Villa Caburni
- The Cuban tourism ministry
- Direct with Hotel Villa Caburni itself
Our booking process is unique because it shows the best rate from all of these for Hotel Villa Caburni in Topes de Collantes Sancti Spiritus and the types of rooms available. Our Hotel Villa Caburni Topes de Collantes rate comparison is an industry first for Cuban Hotels.
Once you’ve compared the rates, finalizing the booking at Hotel Villa Caburni takes just seconds and an immediate confirmation is provided in real-time.
No Prepayment – No booking fees – No Charges
Hotel Topes de Collantes Los Helechos
Hotel Los Helechos which also goes by the name Complejo Topes De Collantes is a hotel located 800m above sea level in the province of Sancti Spiritus close to Trinidad in Cuba. The Hotel at Topes De Collantes is all about relaxation and offers saunas and large Olympic size indoor swimming pool allied to the outdoor pool next to the hotel. Continuing the theme of relaxation, the Complejo Topes De Collantes Hotel Trinidad offers an amazing massage service and spa service for guests. The hotel is a convenient base for visiting Topes de Collantes national park and the many wondrous ecotourism offers available. Those with a car can visit Trinidad easily and the hotel is a perfect mountain retreat for those looking to relax after days of wandering around the eclectic sights in Trinidad’s city center.
When you click “Reserve at Hotel Topes De Collantes” you will be comparing rates and availability from all three possible sources:
- All major international suppliers of Hotel Topes De Collantes
- The Cuban tourism ministry
- Direct with Hotel Topes De Collantes itself
Our booking process is unique because it shows the best rate from all of these for Hotel Topes De Collantes in Sancti Spiritus and the types of rooms available. Our Hotel Topes De Collantes Sancti Spiritus rate comparison is an industry first for Cuban Hotels.
Once you’ve compared the rates, finalizing the booking at Hotel Topes De Collantes takes just seconds and an immediate confirmation is provided in real-time.
No Prepayment – No booking fees – No Charges
Parque Guanayara Topes de Collantes
Parque Guanayara in Topes de Collantes is 15km (9.3 miles) north of the Los Helechos hotel. From all walking routes available Parque Guanayara hosts probably the area’s most scenic ones. An easy to intermediate hike follows the Guanayara River for a few kilometers up to the Salto El Rocío, a beautiful waterfall, which concludes with the Poza del Venado, featuring a natural pool in which visitors can and do cool off. Along the trail you will be thrilled by the memorable views of Pico San Juan, one of Cuba’s highest mountains.
The longest hikes take around 3 hours and include stops for food, toilet breaks etc. Other shorter walks take no more than 30 minutes. The views you are just breathtaking showing visitors to Topes de Collantes the other side of Cuba’s vast tourism offerings. A popular separate tour offered by local guides to younger visitors is the conspicuously named “Rambo Tour”. As you can guess, courage is required as you’ll be jumping off of rocks into the waterfalls and swinging on vines across deep jungle ravines.
The daily transport from the Topes de Collantes Hotels is by way of open back Russian army trucks which take guests up to the 15km stretch where all the trails at Parque Guanayara both begin an end. You are then free to take whichever trails take your fancy from the numerous available. Most trails include one attraction or another however the Cascada El Rocio waterfall is particularly attractive.
Parque Altiplano Topes de Collantes Cuba
Parque Altiplano is the most developed tourist area in Topes de Collantes. As well as being the location of all the local hotels, Parque Altiplano also harbors the area’s most popular destination for avid hikers, the fantastically located 62m (203 feet) high Caburni waterfall. This breathtaking waterfall is surrounded by aged pine and eucalyptus trees and is easily accessible from the 2.5-km (1.5 miles) trail which in places extends down several steep (but not dangerous) inclines and through some dense forest. The trail is extremely popular so it’s regularly cleared for visitors. There is a second independent access is at the northernmost point of Topes de Collantes. There are several other relatively easy trails within the park, including the particularly beautiful Vegas Grandes, a longer but less inclined jaunt which also finishes at a waterfall.
Even though you are in a national park, Cubas tourism ministry has placed some more interesting things to see like the Museo de Arte Cubano Contemparano (“Cuban Museum of Contemporary Cuban Art”). You can also get a refreshing cup of coffee at the Casa de Café. All coffees are made with locally grown organic coffee beans. Finally, if all the walking has increased your appetite, the “Mi Retiro” restaurant offers some succulent meals along with simple snacks.
The 7-kilometer (roundtrip) hike to the 75-meter Salto de Caburní or in English “Caburní Falls” is well worth the effort and the 6.50 CUC gate fee is cheap considering the constant trail clearing and presence of park rangers along the way. What better prize after covering the 2.5-km (1.5 miles) trail than a can swim in the large freshwater pool below the falls? The trail starts east of the Kurhotel which is just 150 meters up the road from the Los Helechos Hotel.
Another great and moderately easy hike is the Sendero La Batata or Sweet Potato Trail, which is about 6km (3.7miles) roundtrip, taking visitors to an impressive prehistoric cave with a natural underground creek. Yet again your hike is compensated with a swim in the caves cool freshwater pool. We recommend bringing some sandals for climbing around in inner parts of the cave. This particular trail starts at the Casa de Café and the gate fee is 3.50 CUC. Other popular walks are to the Jardin de Gigantes or “Giants Garden” and a short mountain trail to to the impressive and panoramic Salto Vega Grande or “Vega Grande Falls”
Parque Codina Topes de Collantes
Parque Codina is close to the Parque Altiplano and features an excellent mountain restaurant serving both tour groups and individual visitors. The hiking trails are moderate to easy and feature waterfalls, caves, and some spectacular panoramic viewpoints. During your visit you will discover that the area is popular for both Bird watching and camping with numerous groups constantly staying in the area.
The heart of Parque Codina is of course the mountain retreat of Hacienda Codina. An old Spanish colonial coffee-growing ranch converted into a tourist haven, restaurant and stopover point for walkers and hikers in Topes de Collantes. The ranch is the starting point for several easily manageable walks, some no more than 1km, into the surrounding forest.
Hacienda Codina is also popular for its several other attractions such as; medicinal mud baths, medicinal and ornamental gardens, a collection of orchids with over 40 local species, a bamboo grove and the Island of Love found in the corner of the cave where yoga is practiced at an altar. Continue through the forest and vines along the trail to a secret passage that ends at a viewpoint from which you can see the Valley of the Mills, Trinidad and Playa Ancon. Several other trails lead to La Batata, a subterranean river at the foot of a lush green valley where you can bathe in the cool waters inside the cave.
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Topes de Collantes Casa Particular Cuba
A Casa Particular or home stay in the tourism area of Topes de Collantes in Sancti Spiritus such as; Escambray, Playa Ancon, Trinidad, La Boca or, even just outside Topes de Collantes, will ensure you experience both the wonders of Sancti Spiritus’s amazing culture, immersed in one-on-one contact with your Cuban hosts in the UNESCO acclaimed province. Learn about Sancti Spiritus’s rich history, together with true Cuban hospitality. The owners of your casa particular in Sancti Spiritus speak fluent English and have a profound knowledge of the city and its many sights. Any questions you wish to ask will be answered instantly by the Cuban family you are staying with. Some of our casa particulares also offer meals and drinks, meaning you’ll get to try some authentic Cuban food also.
Here is a list of just a few Casa Particulares near Topes de Collantes which can be reserved online through us.
- Hostal Dr Suarez & Addys
- Hostal Roca Verde
- Casa Particular Zenia
- Bed & Breakfast Tayaba
- Hostal La Familia
- Hostal La Boca
See all 47 Casa Particulares in Sancti Spiritus
Car Rental Topes de Collantes Cuba | Rent a Car in Cuba
Most visitors to Topes de Collantes in Cuba visit the area with their Cuban rent a car. There is no better way to see this region of Sancti Spiritus with its winding mountain roads, impressive views and coastal cities of Trinidad and Playa Ancon. To help you visit Topes de Collantes we have some incredible Car rental offers from economic cars to the latest sport convertible models. We also offer 7 and 9 seat minivans for trips to Topes de Collantes Cuba, perfect for larger groups or families. Booking your Cuba Car Hire in advance is crucial to your trip and, by checking our rates and availability you’ll be able to find the car to suit your budget and ensure it is ready and waiting on the exact day and time you choose.
Book your car in Topes de Collantes with Havanautos, CubaCAR, REX or Via Rent a Car now to avoid setbacks or unnecessary unplanned costs while you’re in Cuba.
Our exclusive Cuba-One-Way® program also caters for those of you who wish to collect your Cuban rent a car in say Topes de Collantes and return it in another city, ensuring that your exact itinerary starting from Topes de Collantes is organized in advance.
If you’d prefer a “one-price” offer, we have our FlexiDrive® Road Trip program. It includes both a rental car and hotel voucher to visit any hotel across Cuba within the program, drive at your own pace, without making forward bookings of more than 24 hours in advance and ensuring absolute freedom to discover our beautiful country. The FlexiDrive® package is available from 7 to 30 days, you decide the duration!
Topes de Collantes Viazul Bus Service
Viazul Cuba Bus Service is the perfect option to visit Topes de Collantes in Sancti Spiritus. For those of you who don’t wish to Rent a Car in Cuba to visit Topes de Collantes the Viazul bus service will take you across Cuba and to Sancti Spiritus in comfort. Then from Sancti Spiritus Bus Station the short 88 km (55 miles) trip to Topes de Collantes can be made in a local taxi for less than 60 CUC. Buses are new air-conditioned models with onboard WC, central TV and lower suitcase compartment. Unless you intend to take the bus the moment you arrive, in most cases there is no need to book in advance as extra buses are added to routes when a particular route becomes overbooked. Simply visit the offices listed below, buy your ticket and travel either that day or any day in the future. The Viazul ticketing service is quick and efficient so usually you can collect a ticket in minutes. Departure times are clearly shown outside each booth.
There is another bus service called Astro bus which visits Sancti Spiritus, however although cheaper because it’s charged in Cuban pesos (approx 24 pesos to 1$), the buses are less comfortable and are used by Cubans so they tend to be full on most journeys.
It’s worth noting that if the Viazul bus service does not take you to your exact location, there are a plethora of Cuban peso and normal CUC taxis waiting at the bus stations to take you to your final destination in Sancti Spiritus.
Viazul Bus Station Santi Spiritus – Carretera Central km 388 Esq. B, Maso – Viazul Phone +53 (041) 26513 ext. 113
Main Viazul Routes Across Cuba
Habana – Guantanamo
Trinidad – Varadero
Varadero – Trinidad
Viñales – Trinidad
Santiago de Cuba – Varadero
Santiago de Cuba – Trinidad
Santiago de Cuba – Habana
Varadero – Santiago de Cuba
Trinidad – Santiago de Cuba
Stopover cities at which Viazul passengers can disembark or embark
Varadero, Cárdenas, Santa Clara, Placetas, Cabaiguan, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Avila, Camagüey, Las Tunas, Holguín, Bayamo, Santiago de Cuba, Colón
