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Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, preserves relaxation, music, history and entertainment countless natural beauties, from the white beaches of soft sand lapped by the crystalline sea, to the splendid coral reefs up to the lush forests of inland mangroves.
In the heart of the Topes de Collantes Natural Park, a surprising UNESCO Heritage reserve designed by rivers, caves, valleys, waterfalls and cliffs in the Sierra del Escambray, then lies one of the most fascinating places in the country, a paradise on earth, a spectacle that leaves you speechless: these are the bombastic El Nicho waterfall, an oasis where you can enjoy deep contact with Caribbean nature and refresh yourself in the clear waters.
A place of extraordinary nature
The wooded area ofEscambray, mountain range between the provinces of Sancti Spiritus, Villa Clara e Casas Particulares Cienfuegos, in an uncontaminated landscape, houses El Nicho, a fairytale Eden made up of various transparent waterfalls and magnificent natural pools in which it is possible to swim.
Ecological symbol of Cienfuegos, the "Pearl of the South of Cuba" with the typical French colonial architecture, a World Heritage Site, it is an unmissable destination where you can cool off on the hottest days and see the power and spectacle of nature everytime.
Once you arrive in his presence, it seems to be in "another world", isolated from the frenzy of the city, an isolated place that exudes infinite peace and inspiration and captivates with the roar of the waters that rapidly descend from the waterfalls and flood the already pure air with millions of drops.
El Nicho is a must for tourists who love nature and excursions, for photographers and for all enthusiasts who will be able to admire with their own eyes themarveling at the water which falls into the inviting pools as well as the colors of the Tococoro, the Cuban national bird, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and the Cuban Todo.
But not only that: they are well 65 endemic plants that populate the 60 kilometer biological corridor of the Guanaroca-Yaguanabo-El Nicho Lagoon Wildlife Refuge.
Flagship of Cuban ecotourism
The El Nicho Natural Park, the flagship of ecotourism in Cuba, owes its name to the main waterfall which can be reached by following the 1500 meter path called "Kingdom of Waters“, where the native fauna and flora will inebriate the senses in a riot of unforgettable sensations.
Along the way, the wonderful natural pools such as, for example, the Lovers' Pot, offer precious moments of relaxation while the numerous caves wait to be explored: in this regard, write down the Grotta Martin Inferno, guardian of larger stalagmite throughout Latin America.
Once you reach the El Nicho waterfall, you can continue to climb further up to belvedere from which you can enjoy a unique view of nature all around with the Hanabanilla waterfall to act as a backdrop.
To recover your energy, there is a ranch-style restaurant where you can taste the delicious local specialties.
How to get to El Nicho
Although El Nicho can be reached from both Trinidad and Casas Particulares Cienfuegos, the best and advisable route starts from the latter, about fifty kilometers away.
It is possible to take part in organized trips, travel by shared car, by taxi or by private car to be left at the entrance in the designated parking area.
The protected area is open from 8.30am to 18.30pm
