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”