Walking in Las Terrazas National Park
The Las Terrazas National Park having been declared Cuba’ first Biosphere Reserve in 1985, is one of the most important preserved areas in the Americas. The local guides here are so very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the ongoing diverse projects that are taking place as well as their fascinating rural lifestyle, albeit only an hour away from Havana.
There are a number of enlightening walking options here at Las Terrazas to suit everyone, from easy guided strolls where the emphasis in on light exercise and time with one of our local guides , to an exhilarating climb to the 1500ft El Taburete hill, in the footsteps of Che Guevara.
The Las Delicias Trail
A popular introductory guided walk through the National Park, suitable for those that might not be regular country walkers, however are interested to discover more about the history of Las Terrazas and the huge reforestation project created by Fidel Castro.
The trail ascends the Las Delicias Hill through dense forests and when the viewpoint is reached there are excellent views down to the valley of the San Juan river. You will then descend for approximately 1.5 km until you reach the restored Buenavista coffee plantation buildings. Here the guide can explain about Cuba’s close association with coffee production and the slave trade. before descending back to the small village.
The Santa Serafina Coffee Plantation Trail
A short drive heads along a small valley, from where this easier trail commences through the shade of the woods alongside the picturesque San Juan river. After approximately 3 km reach the somewhat ghostly ruins of the Santa Serafina coffee plantation, built in the 19th Century by French immigrants. Its now time for a subtle descent over a for a couple of kilometres to the end of the walk at the Curujey Ranch overlooking the lake that sits nextr to the small community here at Las Terrazas.
Hike to the ruins of the San Idelfonso and Contento Coffee Plantations
This walk is a longer meandering trail around the base of the El Taburete hill, passing through some dense tropical countryside and farming terraces. These were created by local farmers as part of Fidel Castro’s visionary idea for reforestation here at Las Terrazas. Our local guide will enlighten you on this fascinating and very ambitious project, which has transformed the area into rich farmland and natural habitats for an abundance of plants and animals.
Eventually the ruins of two former coffee plantations dating back to the early 19th Century appear through the dense forest. Both standing as ghostly reminders of Cuba’s links to the slave trade and a difficult but very interesting topic for discussion with the local guide.
After an inspiring and thought provoking walk, a cooling swim awaits at the San Juan river before heading back to the community.
Climb Che Guevara’s El Taburete Hill
A more challenging and exhilarating guided walk that follows in the footsteps of Che Guevara. Locals whisper that it was here on El Taburete that Che and his Revolutionaries trained before the Bay Of Pigs battles.
Following a trail from the community, a steep path zig zags through the forest, where birdsong from many endemic species accompanies your huffs and puffs, as the climb takes you to just under 1500ft and the summit. Rest awhile next to a very Soviet style monument dedicated to Che Guevara and enjoy the views across the rolling tropical countryside of the National Park.
The descent heads steeply down the south of the mountain where through the trees you will see the San Juan river. Arriving here the chance of a well earned cooling swim awaits, before heading back to the community partly along the river.
