Topes de Collantes Overnight with 3 Cities
Price (2014): Adult 135 USD / Child 101 USD
This 2 days/1 night tour will take you to three beautiful cities of the south-central part of Cuba and to the mountains of the Sierra Escambray. In Cienfuegos (a.k.a. the Jewel of the South) you will do a city tour where you can admire its beautiful colonial architecture, many cultural and historical landmarks, and the largest bay in Cuba.
After lunch at the "El Cubano" you will reach the beautiful Trinidad (which is declared a UNESCO World heritage Site) where you will see the picturesque old colonial part of the city with its cobbled streets, handicraft markets, museums, monuments and colonial buildings, and visit the Palacio Cantero museum and the Alfaroro house. You will then go up to Topes de Collantes in the mountains of the Sierra Escambray where you will have dinner and spend the night at the Los Helechos Hotel inside the rainforest.
The next morning a Russian off-road truck will take you upwards into the mountains of the Guanayara Natural Park where you will continue on foot for a hike (~ 3 km) in the forest following a river and reaching the “El Rocio” waterfalls and have free time to swim in the “El Venado” natural lagoon before reaching the “La Galeta” restaurant for typical lunch. The more adventurous can get in the river and follow the trail through the drops and rapids, both options (wet or dry) are fun. On the way back to Varadero you will stop in the city of Santa Clara where you will visit the Memorial Monument and Mausoleum of Che Guevara, a national hero of the modern Cuban revolution.
Inclusions first day: Panoramic Tour of Cienfuegos, lunch, sightseeing tour of Trinidad, accommodation and dinner at hotel Los Helechos in Topes de Collantes.
Inclusions second day: Tour of the Guanayara Natural Park, lunch, visit of the Che Guevarra Musuem and Mausoleum in Santa Clara.
Departure: 7:00 - 08:00 am
Return: 7:30 pm next day
Suggestions on what to wear and bring:
• Comfortable wear, no flashy jewellery
• Swimwear & towel
• Water shoes and dry shoes (appropriate for hiking)
• Warmer clothes as the evening and night temperature in the mountains will be cooler
• Sunglasses and hat
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Camera
• Your passport for the hotel’s check-in
• Bottled water
• Cash in small denominations for souvenirs, drinks and tips
Note: This tour involves strenuous activities on the second day. Not recommended for the elderly, people in wheelchairs or physical disabilities.
Lily & Normand
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