CubaPLUS Magazine

Nestled in the Escambray mountain range in the municipality of Trinidad (Sancti Spíritus province), Topes de Collantes is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, mountainous landscapes, lush vegetation, and crisp climate—making it an idyllic destination for ecotourism and hiking.

Situated at approximately 800 meters above sea level, the area lies within a nature reserve that harbors a vast array of flora and fauna characterized by a high rate of endemism. 

Notable wildlife includes the Cuban trogon (tocororo / Priotelus temnurus), whose plumage proudly displays the red, white, and blue of the national flag; the Cuban pygmy owl (sijú platanero / Glaucidium siju), the smallest owl in the insular Caribbean; the Bare-legged screech owl (sijú cotunto / Gymnoglaux lawrencii); and the bee hummingbird (zunzuncito / Mellisuga helenae). The region is also home to the Cuban parrot, the Cuban bullfinch (negrito), the Gundlach's hawk (gavilán), the Fernandina's flicker (carpintero churroso / Colaptes fernandinae), and region-specific species like the Colín frog (ranita Colín), recognized as one of the smallest amphibians in the world.

Visitors to Topes de Collantes can explore numerous hiking trails that wind toward cascading waterfalls, pristine rivers, and panoramic viewpoints, such as the famous El Nicho waterfall—one of the region's most popular attractions.

The resort complex is home to the Kurhotel Escambray, as well as the Museum of Cuban Art—which features a collection of paintings by the nation's avant-garde artists—and the House of Coffee and Chocolate, among other recreational options.

The Kurhotel Escambray is a charming wellness retreat in the heart of the Escambray Mountains, celebrated for its serene natural setting and therapeutic programs. The hotel offers a range of services and amenities tailored to ensure a relaxing and restorative stay.

For those seeking to pair a love of nature with a wellness getaway, the Kurhotel Escambray in Topes de Collantes is the ultimate choice.